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Sorokin Bratva #1
Ruined Prince
A wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of a girl's life.
For me, it was a nightmare.
Because the man I'm promised to isn't exactly Prince Charming.
And the way I ended up on this altar isn't exactly the stuff of fairy tales.
You see, my family isn't like yours.
My father and brother do... things... that should never see the light of day.
Things like wagering me at a poker game to be the wife and baby momma of a dark-eyed devil.
One hand of cards.
One terrified girl at stake.
If I win, I'm going to run, not walk, to the nearest exit, the nearest taxi, the nearest airplane out of Chicago.
But if I lose...
Well, let's just say Roman Sorokin has some very specific plans for his new bride.
For me, it was a nightmare.
Because the man I'm promised to isn't exactly Prince Charming.
And the way I ended up on this altar isn't exactly the stuff of fairy tales.
You see, my family isn't like yours.
My father and brother do... things... that should never see the light of day.
Things like wagering me at a poker game to be the wife and baby momma of a dark-eyed devil.
One hand of cards.
One terrified girl at stake.
If I win, I'm going to run, not walk, to the nearest exit, the nearest taxi, the nearest airplane out of Chicago.
But if I lose...
Well, let's just say Roman Sorokin has some very specific plans for his new bride.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2022
2137 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 8, 2022
Some Spoilers
I don’t much like duologies. I’ve probably read 10 and have rarely found the story warranted two books. I guess it’s more profitable, but editing the story and removing the chaff would usually suffice.
The FMC comes across as bratty, as intended, and unrealistic. As a beautiful mafia princess, surely she would know that she’d be sold off in some way - pretty crappy to have to watch it happen in a card game, but still. She came off a little ignorant of things, despite having been raised in the family. I found her annoying.
The MMC was appropriately dark, I suppose. I would have told you I’m not a big fan of the dark mafia stories, but I seem to be turning to them more and more lately. Either way, he’s crass and dismissive and incompassionate. This is what we expect. As expected in a story like this, he grows to love her.
I just found that the story dragged out where it didn’t need to and things that should have been better detailed weren’t. Like the length of story spent on the wedding events vs later in the story where suddenly he’s smitten and no one can touch her and she should have every luxury. The long honeymoon where they grow closer vs how the heck a bratva boss’s wife is kidnapped from their house despite the fact that he must be on high alert since he’s picking fights with other families. How he flies off the handle that she protects her father, despite showing loyalty to the MMC rather than saving herself vs showing us how she’s ingraining herself in the new family.
Anyway, I scrolled thru some of the sections with long paragraphs of exposition. I mean, luckily the story wasn’t too redundant, but I was ready for it to be over by about 60%. I stupidly forgot it was a duology and was determined to finish it to see them get their HEA. Alas, I won’t be seeing that. I’ll be passing on the second book.
I don’t much like duologies. I’ve probably read 10 and have rarely found the story warranted two books. I guess it’s more profitable, but editing the story and removing the chaff would usually suffice.
The FMC comes across as bratty, as intended, and unrealistic. As a beautiful mafia princess, surely she would know that she’d be sold off in some way - pretty crappy to have to watch it happen in a card game, but still. She came off a little ignorant of things, despite having been raised in the family. I found her annoying.
The MMC was appropriately dark, I suppose. I would have told you I’m not a big fan of the dark mafia stories, but I seem to be turning to them more and more lately. Either way, he’s crass and dismissive and incompassionate. This is what we expect. As expected in a story like this, he grows to love her.
I just found that the story dragged out where it didn’t need to and things that should have been better detailed weren’t. Like the length of story spent on the wedding events vs later in the story where suddenly he’s smitten and no one can touch her and she should have every luxury. The long honeymoon where they grow closer vs how the heck a bratva boss’s wife is kidnapped from their house despite the fact that he must be on high alert since he’s picking fights with other families. How he flies off the handle that she protects her father, despite showing loyalty to the MMC rather than saving herself vs showing us how she’s ingraining herself in the new family.
Anyway, I scrolled thru some of the sections with long paragraphs of exposition. I mean, luckily the story wasn’t too redundant, but I was ready for it to be over by about 60%. I stupidly forgot it was a duology and was determined to finish it to see them get their HEA. Alas, I won’t be seeing that. I’ll be passing on the second book.
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars.
I wish the 'don' had just been written Italian. It's like the author wanted Bratva but just replaced word Italian for Russian. He is called 'don'. He eats Italian food. There is no reference to Russian culture... It was distracting I guess. Why make him Russian?
He is also super over the top. Fun for an action novel but ya, he single handedly fights, he stands up and walks through the flying bullets to take out whole groups of assailants.
The book kept my attention which is why I gave it 3.5. I was interested enough to get to the second.
I wish the 'don' had just been written Italian. It's like the author wanted Bratva but just replaced word Italian for Russian. He is called 'don'. He eats Italian food. There is no reference to Russian culture... It was distracting I guess. Why make him Russian?
He is also super over the top. Fun for an action novel but ya, he single handedly fights, he stands up and walks through the flying bullets to take out whole groups of assailants.
The book kept my attention which is why I gave it 3.5. I was interested enough to get to the second.
August 4, 2024
Todo lo oscuro y mafioso que puede haber en un hombre de la Bratva. 🖤✨️
April 7, 2022
Not terrible, but not great either. Neither character has any depth and the world building was extremely light. The MC was supposedly Russian but you would never have known it other than being told a few times by the author.
Lily's story began well and I liked the angle of her Julliard ambitions, it would have been cool to see her try to fight for this dream instead of so easily accepting her new situation.
The smut was decent, but I wasn't a fan of the total 180 on the honeymoon. The insta-love wasn't believable and made it hard to take them seriously as a couple.
Lily's story began well and I liked the angle of her Julliard ambitions, it would have been cool to see her try to fight for this dream instead of so easily accepting her new situation.
The smut was decent, but I wasn't a fan of the total 180 on the honeymoon. The insta-love wasn't believable and made it hard to take them seriously as a couple.
May 7, 2022
I had high hopes for this one. When I did not feel the chemistry between the Hero and heroine in the very beginning, I let that one slide, hoping the story would compensate later on.
Then Hero married heroine - after "winning her" from a gambling table after her father gambled her - against her will.
She vowed never to sleep with the Hero and "hated" him for forcing her hand.
But mere days after being married, she couldn't control her lust for her hot and handsome husband. She literally begged him to f*** her.
Gosh.
What a doormat.
I couldn't stand weak heroines.
That was the beginning of the book's deterioration - in my eyes.
Then the heroine behaved stupidly ... so many times, like not informing her husband that a lecherous man grabbed her boobs and force-kissed her at their home - afraid her husband would kill the man. I mean, by not telling her husband, she was giving leverage to the awful man who sexually assaulted her, right? And then when her cruel father tried to get her to marry another man, she begged her bodyguard not to tell her husband.
That was when I decided I have had enough.
This was an unfinished read.
Such a disappointment.
Then Hero married heroine - after "winning her" from a gambling table after her father gambled her - against her will.
She vowed never to sleep with the Hero and "hated" him for forcing her hand.
But mere days after being married, she couldn't control her lust for her hot and handsome husband. She literally begged him to f*** her.
Gosh.
What a doormat.
I couldn't stand weak heroines.
That was the beginning of the book's deterioration - in my eyes.
Then the heroine behaved stupidly ... so many times, like not informing her husband that a lecherous man grabbed her boobs and force-kissed her at their home - afraid her husband would kill the man. I mean, by not telling her husband, she was giving leverage to the awful man who sexually assaulted her, right? And then when her cruel father tried to get her to marry another man, she begged her bodyguard not to tell her husband.
That was when I decided I have had enough.
This was an unfinished read.
Such a disappointment.
March 9, 2022
Awful!
Where to begin? Hate the main characters. They’re not likable and the dialogue is ridiculous. I could only make it to 50% of this book before I skipped ahead to the ending only to see they’re trying to do more of this awful mess in a second part. No one needs more of this garbage. The heroine went from having dreams of Juilliard to being nothing but the supposed hero’s doormat. Worst thing I ever tried to read and they want a book two? Wow. Just skip it
Where to begin? Hate the main characters. They’re not likable and the dialogue is ridiculous. I could only make it to 50% of this book before I skipped ahead to the ending only to see they’re trying to do more of this awful mess in a second part. No one needs more of this garbage. The heroine went from having dreams of Juilliard to being nothing but the supposed hero’s doormat. Worst thing I ever tried to read and they want a book two? Wow. Just skip it
March 12, 2022
Elementary
Beginning sets stage for an interesting book as brother takes sister to father to use as a human poker chip. Jump to teen age behavior and mouth of girl when talking to Roman who quickly weds her. Story hits wall of nothingness as far as interesting plot is concerned. Book finally gets interesting again when reach chapter 30. Put book down pick up then down again after skipping quite a bit.
Beginning sets stage for an interesting book as brother takes sister to father to use as a human poker chip. Jump to teen age behavior and mouth of girl when talking to Roman who quickly weds her. Story hits wall of nothingness as far as interesting plot is concerned. Book finally gets interesting again when reach chapter 30. Put book down pick up then down again after skipping quite a bit.
February 13, 2022
Just give it some time, it’s not too bad. I’m looking forward to the authors growth in the incoming years.
December 23, 2022
Lily is a sassy brat, and I love her. Loved the way Roman was with her after she stopped fighting him.
November 17, 2022
This is a book to read if you are a fan of mafia marriage genre....... it’s not an amazing read but a must read if you are into this genre....... for some reason I was not able to emotionally connect to this book...... there were all the necessary ingredients for this genre in this book but still the story lacked emotions...... but as I said you can definitely read it once if you are looking for a quick read in this genre
January 10, 2023
All of these genre of books are really starting just to read and bleed all together.
Mafia/Bratva romance. Dark. Marriage won by a game of poker. Steamy steam.
At this point I’m sort of just reading to try and find the four star books, the ones that go the extra mile with plot.
This sort of has moments that could have been promising but there was no satisfying follow through.
It was good and average for me. I’ve already started on its sequel to see what that brings.
Mafia/Bratva romance. Dark. Marriage won by a game of poker. Steamy steam.
At this point I’m sort of just reading to try and find the four star books, the ones that go the extra mile with plot.
This sort of has moments that could have been promising but there was no satisfying follow through.
It was good and average for me. I’ve already started on its sequel to see what that brings.
March 16, 2022
Loved it. Now gotta dive into book two!
August 1, 2024
La trama da vibras de historias de mafia Wattpad de mala calidad. El argumento es absurdo y da vueltas en círculos sin ir a ninguna parte. No es el tipo de libro y personajes que me interesan.
June 26, 2022
1.5 DNF - returned to KU. 1.5 rating was due to the writing. It was decent even if the plot wasn't anything knew or original. I really wanted to find a duet in this genre that was notable and really wanted to like this book; that was not the case. I have read many authors and books in the genre and expect much more from authors who write in this genre. I think this author writes well, but, when a plot lacks originality and depth during the first half of a book, you lose me.
Reason's for rating:
Strike One: 18 year old heroine.... When are authors going to stop using "girls" in what should be a woman's character. H is TWICE her age.
Strike Two: Father and brother Leo are pigs and yet she refers to her father as Papa. Papa dearest just sold you like a piece of meat to a Bratva Don in a card game. Get a clue Lily; you've been had by Papa and brother dearest. The author just dumbed down Lily's character, but why?
Strike 2.5: Lilly is already dreaming about Roman's cock....ugh...18 going on 12. Such a childish and degrading description of our heroine, painting her as nothing more than a horny teenager in a book that could use some notable characters.
Roman's character is what it is; an arrogant, egotistical self-righteous Bratva Don. Nothing new here since this is a text book description of most of these guys.
Strike 3: This book lacks originality in it's plot and in it's characters. It's a storyline that has been written about allot and needs something different to make this story unique and intriguing that differs from previous releases. The author needs to "own it by making the story her own" and not a rewrite of previous novels.
I've reached 50% of this book and am returning it. This story is so much like prior books I have read with the "spankings, in order to get complete submission and the usual plot that goes along with this kind of "forced marriage/brood mare" scenario. I had hoped it would take a different path but unfortunately it's just a "read and repeat" theme. The supposed love story between these two characters isn't believable. Lust does not equal love. Even though I didn't get to the end I see Lily getting kidnapped while she is knocked up with Roman's baby by one of Roman's enemies or daddy dearest. Most of these books have one or more kidnappings, tortures etc., of the h before the series is done.
Reason's for rating:
Strike One: 18 year old heroine.... When are authors going to stop using "girls" in what should be a woman's character. H is TWICE her age.
Strike Two: Father and brother Leo are pigs and yet she refers to her father as Papa. Papa dearest just sold you like a piece of meat to a Bratva Don in a card game. Get a clue Lily; you've been had by Papa and brother dearest. The author just dumbed down Lily's character, but why?
Strike 2.5: Lilly is already dreaming about Roman's cock....ugh...18 going on 12. Such a childish and degrading description of our heroine, painting her as nothing more than a horny teenager in a book that could use some notable characters.
Roman's character is what it is; an arrogant, egotistical self-righteous Bratva Don. Nothing new here since this is a text book description of most of these guys.
Strike 3: This book lacks originality in it's plot and in it's characters. It's a storyline that has been written about allot and needs something different to make this story unique and intriguing that differs from previous releases. The author needs to "own it by making the story her own" and not a rewrite of previous novels.
I've reached 50% of this book and am returning it. This story is so much like prior books I have read with the "spankings, in order to get complete submission and the usual plot that goes along with this kind of "forced marriage/brood mare" scenario. I had hoped it would take a different path but unfortunately it's just a "read and repeat" theme. The supposed love story between these two characters isn't believable. Lust does not equal love. Even though I didn't get to the end I see Lily getting kidnapped while she is knocked up with Roman's baby by one of Roman's enemies or daddy dearest. Most of these books have one or more kidnappings, tortures etc., of the h before the series is done.
February 5, 2022
Buckle up a wild ride, suspense, dangerous man, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously dark Mafia story (they write dark well). Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Lily extremely talented just accepted into Julliard (do you know how hard it is to get into Julliard) so happy but she is a Benedetti and we all know that women or just a bargaining chip (more or less a business deal) in any Mafia family and the night before she was to leave for NY her brother (extremely a mean jerk) comes into her bedroom at midnight demanding she get dressed in club attire to have a meeting with their father …we already know where this is headed right ….unhuh she is gambled away in a poker game as a possession. Roman Sorokin sexy as all get out Don with a reputation of being a tyrant, savage, murderous and so much more proceeding him. But he doesn’t like the idea that a man will gamble his daughter away while her brother slaps her around all for a game, but she does her best to run only to be caught we know this story. Her father was once one of the most powerful men until he gambled everything including her away and what kind of brother allows his sister to be sold to a monster, but truth be told Roman is a monster but a monster who cares and isn’t going to let anything happen to her in fact she belongs to him, and he will care for her with her submission of course. Lily does she make to Julliard, will she be kept in a beautiful prison …yet a prison, will Roman learn to love her or just use her as everyone else, where does this leave her family, and can Lily have something more than her current unhappy situation?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Lily extremely talented just accepted into Julliard (do you know how hard it is to get into Julliard) so happy but she is a Benedetti and we all know that women or just a bargaining chip (more or less a business deal) in any Mafia family and the night before she was to leave for NY her brother (extremely a mean jerk) comes into her bedroom at midnight demanding she get dressed in club attire to have a meeting with their father …we already know where this is headed right ….unhuh she is gambled away in a poker game as a possession. Roman Sorokin sexy as all get out Don with a reputation of being a tyrant, savage, murderous and so much more proceeding him. But he doesn’t like the idea that a man will gamble his daughter away while her brother slaps her around all for a game, but she does her best to run only to be caught we know this story. Her father was once one of the most powerful men until he gambled everything including her away and what kind of brother allows his sister to be sold to a monster, but truth be told Roman is a monster but a monster who cares and isn’t going to let anything happen to her in fact she belongs to him, and he will care for her with her submission of course. Lily does she make to Julliard, will she be kept in a beautiful prison …yet a prison, will Roman learn to love her or just use her as everyone else, where does this leave her family, and can Lily have something more than her current unhappy situation?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2022
I have a lot to say about this book, get ready.
Firstly, I saw similarities of the films ‘Pretty Woman’ which I love, with the shopping experiences they had, the jewellery etc. and also ‘Fifty Shades’, where he spoils her, surprises her, takes her on trips etc.
I was 90% into this book, and so confused because in my mind there was a lot left unanswered and not enough time to explain, so I was thinking “oh great, another rushed ending to explain everything”.
But then I realised it has a part 2, so that was fine.
I loved the fact the arc of the book happened quickly, so they’ve had the entire film to develop that relationship, and most mafia books I’ve read, he’s a beast to her right until the end and then suddenly he thaws out at the end? And it’s not convincing enough. Where as this read, he thaws out early on, hasn’t managed those 3 little words yet, but can tell he’s thinking them really.
I liked the fact that there wasn’t too much time wasted on business talk & plotting against the ‘enemies’, I like to read some of that, it adds to the plot, but so often they’re just what I call ‘page fillers’
Lastly, the only con I had was I didn’t think it’s as kinky as other books, nor with the dirty talk.
Oh, and I have suspicions (I could be very much barking up the wrong tree) that one of his brothers or something is the mole in his Bratva. But I will find out soon enough.
Firstly, I saw similarities of the films ‘Pretty Woman’ which I love, with the shopping experiences they had, the jewellery etc. and also ‘Fifty Shades’, where he spoils her, surprises her, takes her on trips etc.
I was 90% into this book, and so confused because in my mind there was a lot left unanswered and not enough time to explain, so I was thinking “oh great, another rushed ending to explain everything”.
But then I realised it has a part 2, so that was fine.
I loved the fact the arc of the book happened quickly, so they’ve had the entire film to develop that relationship, and most mafia books I’ve read, he’s a beast to her right until the end and then suddenly he thaws out at the end? And it’s not convincing enough. Where as this read, he thaws out early on, hasn’t managed those 3 little words yet, but can tell he’s thinking them really.
I liked the fact that there wasn’t too much time wasted on business talk & plotting against the ‘enemies’, I like to read some of that, it adds to the plot, but so often they’re just what I call ‘page fillers’
Lastly, the only con I had was I didn’t think it’s as kinky as other books, nor with the dirty talk.
Oh, and I have suspicions (I could be very much barking up the wrong tree) that one of his brothers or something is the mole in his Bratva. But I will find out soon enough.
February 28, 2022
Loved this book
Wow I loved this book so much I’m about to devour book two now.
Lily has her life planned in her mind as she is the daughter of an Italian Don her life has been driven by her father, she is 18 and just received a letter of acceptance from Juilliard as a singer and she is imagining her life away from her mafia family.
Then her brother drags her from bed makes her dress and takes her to a card game where her father has bet her virginity and lost.
The man who wins her is a dirty old Italian Don but Roman the bratva Don wants her so he bets with him for her and some properties and Roman wins.
Lily is not happy about any of this and acts like an utter brat at times and she tries to escape but Roman ensures she understands what her role is and she will be his wife and give him an heir and he treats her like property.
However Roman starts to realise he isn’t looking at Lily as property anymore and he is sure she doesn’t hate him as much as she did when he won her, this story is about them but also the other mobsters who are trying to take down Roman and that ending was fab but it’s just as well the second book is out or I wouldn’t have been happy to wait for this sequel.
Wow I loved this book so much I’m about to devour book two now.
Lily has her life planned in her mind as she is the daughter of an Italian Don her life has been driven by her father, she is 18 and just received a letter of acceptance from Juilliard as a singer and she is imagining her life away from her mafia family.
Then her brother drags her from bed makes her dress and takes her to a card game where her father has bet her virginity and lost.
The man who wins her is a dirty old Italian Don but Roman the bratva Don wants her so he bets with him for her and some properties and Roman wins.
Lily is not happy about any of this and acts like an utter brat at times and she tries to escape but Roman ensures she understands what her role is and she will be his wife and give him an heir and he treats her like property.
However Roman starts to realise he isn’t looking at Lily as property anymore and he is sure she doesn’t hate him as much as she did when he won her, this story is about them but also the other mobsters who are trying to take down Roman and that ending was fab but it’s just as well the second book is out or I wouldn’t have been happy to wait for this sequel.
February 13, 2022
Lily had just received a letter informing her that she had been accepted to Juilliard. At 18, she couldn’t wait to get to New York.
Just after she’d gone to bed, her brute of a brother made he get up and get dressed as if she were going on a night out. She was driven to the warehouse district where she discovered a poker game taking place. It was quite clear that her father had lost everything. That’s when she realised that she was being put on the table. All the men in attendance were from different mob families and old. Bar one…Roman Solvenac. Known as a brutal killer she didn’t want to be there and tried in vain to escape.
But Roman needs a wife. He wants an heir, and Lily will do nicely. He can’t wait to break her.
This was an excellent, well written and thoroughly enjoyable start to their story. Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just after she’d gone to bed, her brute of a brother made he get up and get dressed as if she were going on a night out. She was driven to the warehouse district where she discovered a poker game taking place. It was quite clear that her father had lost everything. That’s when she realised that she was being put on the table. All the men in attendance were from different mob families and old. Bar one…Roman Solvenac. Known as a brutal killer she didn’t want to be there and tried in vain to escape.
But Roman needs a wife. He wants an heir, and Lily will do nicely. He can’t wait to break her.
This was an excellent, well written and thoroughly enjoyable start to their story. Absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2022
Dragged on and then a cliffhanger!
There were good parts to the book but it just dragged on too long. Then it ends on a totally unnecessary cliffhanger. Nothing set you up to expect it and I feel it’s just to sell a second book. Story is also fairly predictable so I may not bother getting the second one.
There were good parts to the book but it just dragged on too long. Then it ends on a totally unnecessary cliffhanger. Nothing set you up to expect it and I feel it’s just to sell a second book. Story is also fairly predictable so I may not bother getting the second one.
June 4, 2022
2.5 stars.
I'm an absolute sucker for mafia romances. I fall for it every time and come away thinking the same thing: brilliant premise, the sex became the plot and went downhill from there.
I did like how Lily came to be married to Roman, that particular plot was a favourite of mine from a long ago historical romance. In a modern day context, it was actually better.
it didn't make sense how the morning after Lily is won, Roman's mother has a room full of wedding dresses for her to try on right down in the basement ready for her. it raised the question has Roman and his family been expecting to just pick a girl and be ready to have her married within a few days? Nothing was said about it. The same goes for Lily's wardrobes and drawers of new clothes, all perfectly in her size. This was not just the morning after, but less than 10 hours after she's been won. I think a little explanation would have solved this.
I think my biggest problem, though, was the love/ hate/ attraction element. it was badly done to the point where it was unbelievable. Lily's strong-armed down the aisle, she's practically sobbing for most of her wedding day and then two days later she's begging for Roman to have sex with her. Roll eyes. Probably not going to get the second book in the series.
I'm an absolute sucker for mafia romances. I fall for it every time and come away thinking the same thing: brilliant premise, the sex became the plot and went downhill from there.
I did like how Lily came to be married to Roman, that particular plot was a favourite of mine from a long ago historical romance. In a modern day context, it was actually better.
it didn't make sense how the morning after Lily is won, Roman's mother has a room full of wedding dresses for her to try on right down in the basement ready for her. it raised the question has Roman and his family been expecting to just pick a girl and be ready to have her married within a few days? Nothing was said about it. The same goes for Lily's wardrobes and drawers of new clothes, all perfectly in her size. This was not just the morning after, but less than 10 hours after she's been won. I think a little explanation would have solved this.
I think my biggest problem, though, was the love/ hate/ attraction element. it was badly done to the point where it was unbelievable. Lily's strong-armed down the aisle, she's practically sobbing for most of her wedding day and then two days later she's begging for Roman to have sex with her. Roll eyes. Probably not going to get the second book in the series.
June 18, 2022
A great mafia read!
I'm loving this book! There's a couple of things that made me raise my eyebrow a bit, for example, Lily and Roman are both still iffy with each other, Lily for the most part hates Roman after their wedding. Suddenly, it flashes forward 6 weeks, and she's better than she was and their dynamic is better. I mean, it isn't unreasonable by any means, time together can change a lot. I just feel there should have been something in there to MAKE their connection closer, rather than just going forward in time and making it so. Also, I could have misread, but it said at the beginning that Kaz was the older brother but because of his temperament, the reigns of the Bratva were passed down to Roman instead. A bit later, it sounded like Kaz called ROMAN the older brother? (He was joking about Roman being an old man.) Then Roman I think said they were both his younger brothers? So, I'm not sure if it was an error in writing, unclear, or if I just totally misunderstood something there.
All the same, the story is FANTASTIC! I'm going to start the second book right away!
I'm loving this book! There's a couple of things that made me raise my eyebrow a bit, for example, Lily and Roman are both still iffy with each other, Lily for the most part hates Roman after their wedding. Suddenly, it flashes forward 6 weeks, and she's better than she was and their dynamic is better. I mean, it isn't unreasonable by any means, time together can change a lot. I just feel there should have been something in there to MAKE their connection closer, rather than just going forward in time and making it so. Also, I could have misread, but it said at the beginning that Kaz was the older brother but because of his temperament, the reigns of the Bratva were passed down to Roman instead. A bit later, it sounded like Kaz called ROMAN the older brother? (He was joking about Roman being an old man.) Then Roman I think said they were both his younger brothers? So, I'm not sure if it was an error in writing, unclear, or if I just totally misunderstood something there.
All the same, the story is FANTASTIC! I'm going to start the second book right away!
February 23, 2022
The main characters Roman and Lily were exceptionally written. Roman exuded strength and command. Lily exuded all she could to hide her fear and exuded her stubbornness in rebelling to what her father had done. This grabbed my attention from page one. The theme and plot were so exciting that I could not put the book down. We had an up front observation of a mafia don's business and personal life. The man who thought he could never love and the woman who thought she could not fall in love with the man she now called husband. It was the way the author blended in the small tender moments between Roman and Lily that really got me. Lily was so innocent, naive and full of life that made Roman begin to fall in love before he even realized it. I was on the edge of my seat every time the danger of the mafia life touched Lily. On to book two. I look forward to it.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Page-turner
Scary
Steamy
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
February 5, 2022
From the beginning you're drawn into this action packed story waiting to see what's going to happen next. Poor Lily she really had the worst family who offers up their daughter as a form of payment at a poker game like she's a prize to be won. After the game takes some interesting turns Lily winds up with Roman who really is the best option out of all her options. Lily starts to come into her strength while she's with Roman she grows a backbone. Roman and Lily develop feelings for each other which puts Lily in danger she's now a target. Which is proven when she's kidnapped by someone who you least expect. You really need to read this action packed story to see what happens .I would definitely recommend reading this book.
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.
February 5, 2022
If I could I would rate Ruined Prince more than 5 STARS as this book was amazing! This is book one in the Sorokin Bratva Duet and does end with a cliffhanger. I was hooked after the very first Chapter.
Advanced reader copy received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Can I just say Ms West really writes amazing mafia genre !
There is so much to love about this book :
Awesome cover and blurb
Mafia genre
Arranged marriage
Suspense and danger
Great storyline and plot
Loving the characters Roman Sorokin and Lily Benedetti
Slow burn
Great chemistry
Can’t wait to read Book 2 Ruined Bride !
Highly recommend this book , series and author !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Advanced reader copy received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Can I just say Ms West really writes amazing mafia genre !
There is so much to love about this book :
Awesome cover and blurb
Mafia genre
Arranged marriage
Suspense and danger
Great storyline and plot
Loving the characters Roman Sorokin and Lily Benedetti
Slow burn
Great chemistry
Can’t wait to read Book 2 Ruined Bride !
Highly recommend this book , series and author !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2022
This is an amazing book that captivates you from the first chapter, right up until you reach the cliffhanger on the last page !!🥲🥲
It’s beautifully written and flows effortlessly, the plot is awesome with something exciting happening all the time. Roman Sorokin head of the Sorokin Russian Mafia wants Lily for his Queen, he usually gets want he wants !!! They appear to be perfect match (not), Lily pure and innocent quiet (ish) with a fierce fire in her veins and Roman cruel, ruthless, vicious and powerful. It was brilliant to see the fire burn more throughout the book.
A chaotic journey with a whirlwind of events, an intense, exciting and fierce relationship, in all an awesome story, can’t wait for book two Ruined Bride.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
It’s beautifully written and flows effortlessly, the plot is awesome with something exciting happening all the time. Roman Sorokin head of the Sorokin Russian Mafia wants Lily for his Queen, he usually gets want he wants !!! They appear to be perfect match (not), Lily pure and innocent quiet (ish) with a fierce fire in her veins and Roman cruel, ruthless, vicious and powerful. It was brilliant to see the fire burn more throughout the book.
A chaotic journey with a whirlwind of events, an intense, exciting and fierce relationship, in all an awesome story, can’t wait for book two Ruined Bride.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
Read
June 10, 2024Okay what the hell have I just read !! . This is soo wrong on many levels . Her father selling her , Roman buying her, his weird as fuck mother’s reaction . I understand the love and hate relationship they had at first but I feel like he realized that this won’t make her his little obedient wife , so instead he gave her what any women wants ,tenderness and attention and to make it complete lots of expensive gifts and money . He doesn’t see her as a person more like a possession something to obsess over , he gave her the money to change their furniture just to make her feel like she has an input in their life ,decision . Her naivety and possible daddy issues made her more compliant to all his acts. Overall this is fucked up ,but I will be reading the second part nonetheless Because I have got nothing to do + I want to see where this will end . 4.5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
DNF 54%
Ugh! I’m tired of adding books to my DNF pile! I thought this one was going to be different. There were a few lines that made me roll my eyes, but I thought I’d be able to push it through to the end.
And if it was just cheesy pick-up lines or inaccurate details, I probably could have. However, I can’t get over the constant changes to the characters’ personalities. One minute Lily hates Roman and wants nothing to do with him, then after one kiss, she’s suddenly upset that he’s not having sex with her (as if she hasn’t been telling him non-stop that it’ll never happen).
And Roman! The man tells her that they won’t have sex until she’s begging him for it, and then when she’s practically BEGGING FOR IT, he pulls away.
Then Lily turns into some cringy wannabe seductress… and that’s when I bounced.
Ugh! I’m tired of adding books to my DNF pile! I thought this one was going to be different. There were a few lines that made me roll my eyes, but I thought I’d be able to push it through to the end.
And if it was just cheesy pick-up lines or inaccurate details, I probably could have. However, I can’t get over the constant changes to the characters’ personalities. One minute Lily hates Roman and wants nothing to do with him, then after one kiss, she’s suddenly upset that he’s not having sex with her (as if she hasn’t been telling him non-stop that it’ll never happen).
And Roman! The man tells her that they won’t have sex until she’s begging him for it, and then when she’s practically BEGGING FOR IT, he pulls away.
Then Lily turns into some cringy wannabe seductress… and that’s when I bounced.
February 5, 2022
This is the first book in the Sorokin Bratva Duet which features the dark romance between Lily, who was planning on going to Juilliard but instead is given away as part of a poker pot, and Roman, the Don of the Sorokin Bratva who wins her through the card games. Instead of following her dreams Lily finds she is to marry Roman and bear his heirs. Their relationship intensifies as the couple find strong feelings for each other but this places them in increasing danger. Lily and Roman’s dark story has banter, twists, danger, kidnapping, revenge, steamy passion, and a major cliffhanger. Their story will be completed in Ruined Bride.
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.
July 5, 2022
It has a cliffhanger and it kind of drags on but it gets better
In the beginning I got the impression this was going to be another typical bratva forced marriage book. It was a little.. Although usually the bratva doesn't play poker with other mob bosses like they're friends. It took awhile for things to change from them bickering too getting romantic all of a sudden. Then it gets confusing because it kind of skips ahead and they're suddenly both totally different than before..and it's really weird at first after all the arguing and him being the biggest a$$h0le to her. But I started to like them together and of course just in time for it to end with a cliffhanger! Hoping book 2 will be good because I now it's going to bug me wondering about what happened.
In the beginning I got the impression this was going to be another typical bratva forced marriage book. It was a little.. Although usually the bratva doesn't play poker with other mob bosses like they're friends. It took awhile for things to change from them bickering too getting romantic all of a sudden. Then it gets confusing because it kind of skips ahead and they're suddenly both totally different than before..and it's really weird at first after all the arguing and him being the biggest a$$h0le to her. But I started to like them together and of course just in time for it to end with a cliffhanger! Hoping book 2 will be good because I now it's going to bug me wondering about what happened.
September 21, 2022
No No No
So I DNF’d this book on page 54… I just couldn’t continue on…. The blurb on the back of the book really interested me and I had no issue with it being a duet, however the entire scenario of the first few chapters had me shaking my head.
*spoiler alert * Firstly, if your no good brother comes into your room late at night and makes you get into a short dress… wouldn’t you be worried! Secondly if you have been sold to a ’dangerous mafia man’ would you really be so lippy when he takes you back to his house, when you know no one, not even the police will help you and lastly, of course she has just met him and she is already ‘getting herself off’ dreaming about him…. !
Life is just too short..
So I DNF’d this book on page 54… I just couldn’t continue on…. The blurb on the back of the book really interested me and I had no issue with it being a duet, however the entire scenario of the first few chapters had me shaking my head.
*spoiler alert * Firstly, if your no good brother comes into your room late at night and makes you get into a short dress… wouldn’t you be worried! Secondly if you have been sold to a ’dangerous mafia man’ would you really be so lippy when he takes you back to his house, when you know no one, not even the police will help you and lastly, of course she has just met him and she is already ‘getting herself off’ dreaming about him…. !
Life is just too short..
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