Possessive

by Alexis Abbott

I don't use his safeword, until he kidnaps me...




The lure of his dominance is intoxicating. Submitting to him is addictive.




But I've seen the toll a bad boy can take on a woman. One-night of explosive pleasure, and then I flee.




I'm unaware of the deadly power he wields outside the bedroom. The mafia family he belongs to would put my parent's criminal empire to shame. Lurking behind his captivating smile is the seething snarl of an assassin.




I thought I'd escaped.




Instead, I wake up in a room surrounded by one-way mirrors. His triumphant growl twists my soul into knots and makes my heart race with desire. He says he knows what's good for me, but the ropes around my wrist beg to differ.




He promises he'll protect me from the wrath of my family.




All I have to do is vow to be his.




Forever.

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Romance, Dark

254 pages, Unknown Binding

Published April 29, 2022

About the author

Alexis Abbott is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author who writes about dangerous men and the women who love them. If you can't resist a bad boy who is a good man, you just found your next addiction. With heart-stopping action, mouth watering sex, and passionate romances that will leave you breathless, Alexis Abbott writes romantic thrillers like no one else can.

When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, you'll find her living a real life romance novel with her own bad boy soulmate in Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada.

http://alexisabbott.com/newsletter

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Are you excited to hear about what I'm up to next? There's lots of ways to connect with me!

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Series

Alexis Abbott's Hitmen Series:


Bound to the Bad Boy Series:


Standalones
[bc:Rock Hard Bodyguard|37327685|Rock Hard Bodyguard|Alexis Abbott|https://i.gr-assets

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I don't use his safe word, until he kidnaps me. The lure of his dominance is intoxicating. Submitting to him is addictive. But I've seen the toll a bad boy can take on a woman. One night of explosive pleasure, and then I flee. I'm aware of the deadly power he wilds outside the bedroom. The mafia family he belongs to would put my parent's criminal empire to shame. Lurking behind his captivating smile is the seething snarl of an assassin. I thought I'd escaped. Instead, I wake up in a room surrounded by one-way mirrors. His triumphant growl twists my soul in to knots and makes my heart race with desire. He says he knows what's good for me, but the ropes around my wrist beg to differ. He promises he'll protect me from the wrath of my family. All I have to do is vow to be his. Forever.

This is a dark romance but I will say that it is not super dark at all. But it still might hold a trigger for some readers so you need to heed the warning that are with the book. This is also a Bratva/age gap romance. So there is a lot to love about this book before you have even opened it up. I fell like it has been the longest time since I have read and Alexis Abbott book and I was so excited to open this book and get going. You will be hooked from the first chapter and are going to fall so in love with Zak and Hartley. These two are beyond perfect for each other and they certainly heat up your kindle in a hurry.
Zak is a Russian mafia man and one night is about to change his entire life in way he never even imagined. All he wants to do is go out, relax and have a great time at a secret club. Hartley is at this club to and using a fake name and becomes the target of some frat boys and he is not about to let that happen. He is going to keep this girl safe and maybe even keep her for a night. Zak is definitely a man who is super protective and gets what he wants. While Hartley is a girl who refuses to stay in the corner and be ignore. Sometimes that is not the best thing for her but Zak knows what she needs even if she doesn't. I don't really want to go in to anymore of this story because I do not want there to be any spoilers for anyone. I loved this book so much. I didn't put it down and I could have read about this couple for forever. You just need to go and get this book and love it as much as I do. Now I have a book hangover and need my next Alexis Abbott fix right now!!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a dark alpha Russian Mafia man, Zakhar who finds himself out one night looking for some peace and a chance to relax at a secret club. When he sees a beautiful woman, Hartley using a fake name of Maggie almost become prey to some frat boys he sets out to keep her safe and then decides he’ll keep her for the night as his plaything. Hartley sees the darkness in his eyes so with her past she knows a bit about that darkness. Zakhar gives Hartley his rules and she agrees to total submission for the night and then she sneaks out early the next morning to Zakhar disappointment. When he finds Hartley he has her drugged and takes her as his captive and does so with control of her soul, body and mind. Zakhar is an older man who believes Hartley is a woman who could become a partner for his life and makes decisions to allow it. Hartley has her doubts and struggles with her hidden past and once she makes a decision to be with Zakhar they become a force to be reckoned with. When others try to bring Zakhar down through Hartley does he really show his enemies what she really means to him and what they’ll do for one another. Zakhar keeps his promise to take possession of what he wants when he wants it! Hartley prides herself on all her new knowledge and becomes a beautiful partner that will face her past with a chance at a new future. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Innie | Kindledallnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Possessive' is a stand-alone Bratva Mafia romance.
We follow Hartley and Zakhar on this adventure into the darker world of New York's underworld.

As romances go and as the mafia goes, this was not very dark for me, it was instead on the lighter side of Bratva.
We didn't get to see Zakhar much in action outside of protecting Hartley, which was a shame, because I would have loved seeing more of his work.

I liked Zakhar, but he was rather too light for me. The light BDSM made it better, but I still felt like I got more darkness and sexiness out of him there than when he was actually fighting, hehe.

Hartley is on the run and has changed her name and everything about her life, trying to stay far under the radar so as not to be found.

I really liked her, and her personality did make a lot of sense considering her whole childhood trauma. Her need to find a protector in Zakhar and how easily she slipped right into her role to fit into his life and his personal needs were well done and understandable.

All in all, I did like the book, but it's not on the top shelf of what Alexis has written before, hence the 3 stars. Her Heartseekers MC series & her Hitman series outshine this book for me. I feel like there was more to be had here and that the book didn't delve deep enough for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book mentioned BDSM and it definitely brought it. There is something extremely satisfying about reading about an endearing Dom/Sub relationship. While the relationship between the two MC’s felt a little rushed/further along than I thought felt plausible at times, I remember that I fell in love with my now husband after a few weeks.

What I loved: how much the MMC and FMC grew to care for each other. That makes it sound like it was off to a rocky start. It wasn’t by any means, I meant the depth. I also loved when they defended each other to the best of their ability.

What I didn’t love as much: how weak the FMC came across as at times. Without giving away spoilers, she got herself to where she was before meeting the MMC on her own and so I was a little disappointed when she seemed to revert back when faced with terrifying things. I also didn’t enjoy a part of the story towards the end. It felt like filler and could have been handled/explained in a better way.

Overall, I was sucked into this book and couldn’t put it down. So even with the minor things I didn’t enjoy, this was a 4 star read for me. Thank you!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zakhar and Hartley meet on the dance floor of an exclusive club. Zakhar was looking for relaxation and Hartley, escaping reality. Zakhar is a man in complete control of his life, personally and professionally. One hot, sinful night with Hartley brings him to his knees and he wants more. In the early morning hours, before he can make another move, Hartley is gone. Zakhar takes pride in his self control as well as his control of everything in his life. When Hartley flees, he vows to find her and make her his. Zakhar lives a dangerous life. He knows that if he chooses someone to be a part of it, he must choose wisely. Someone strong and capable. He believes Hartley may be the one to handle him and his lifestyle. He knows little about the life Hartley has led and eventually fled from. He knows she needs protection from something or someone. He feels it. Zakhar is prepared to break all his rules to find and capture Hartley, as well as her heart, and ultimately make her his.
NO ONE WRITES MAFIA/BRATVA LIKE ALEXIS...NO ONE!!! AMAZING STORYLINE WITH WELL WRITTEN CHARACTERS AND TONS OF ACTION, A FULL ON ADVENTURE! SMOKING HOT AND HARD TO PUT DOWN!!! I. WANT. MORE!!! AN ABSOLUTE ONE-CLICK!

[Arabella Auberon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Mob romance, but it has some subtle but significant differences from some other Mob books. Yes, there are some standard tropes, but they are done pretty well. Since the description mentions the kidnapping I will use it as my example of Mob troupes used well. Yes, the MFC is kidnapped, but she was never betrayed by anyone for it to be done, and she was never treated poorly, humiliated, or in any way hurt or disrespected while with the MMC.

It’s quite clear the MMC is smitten, but he’s old enough and strong enough as a character that he is not scared of how he feels for her, he accepts it and integrates her into his life almost immediately.

I think one of the things I like best about this book is that the author was able to show genuine romance between the two
main characters in a way that came off as realistic and believable. Not every mob book does that well.

The only reason I’m not giving 5⭐️s is because there were some minor issues I had with timing and some confusing wording, that I just skipped over and moved on.

If you like Mob romance, grab this one, it’s worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to Ms. Alexis Abbott for this superb creation.

I have to say, I was 100% completely enthralled throughout Zak and Hartley's storyline. This was the type of dramatic and suspenseful romance that keeps you flipping those pages at a high rate of speed, and yet, at the same time, you don't want to have their journey come to an end. Delicious!

I enjoy a wonderfully written Mafia romance and Possessive is exactly what rivets me. Imagine running from one horrid life, and falling into an even more dangerous situation, upon finding the man of your dreams, only to question everything you thought you knew. Zak has long given up on his own HEA, however, meeting this blonde beauty inspires new hope and a weakness he can not afford. When fate steps in and pushes both of these characters out of their comfort zone and into each other's arms.

There is everything to adore about this release. Drama/Intrigue and super hot temptations come included inside.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Possessive in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.

I couldn't recommend reading this release, as well as anything else published by Ms. Alexis Abbott, more.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't a bad story but it also was not a great one. This book was written by two POVs. That is not one my favorite formats to read in a book. The other issue was that I did find some discrepancies . At the end of one Chapter the female character was wearing a blindfold in her POV. Then it went to the next chapter that was from the male POV and she wasn't wearing it. Little things like that - for me that takes away from the story. I enjoyed the storyline for the most part. I would like to have read more about Harley's back story as the author kept hinting about it thru Harley's version of the story. The author seemed to gloss over it and not really explaining it when it came to the story. As a reader, I kept expecting to find out more about it, but when it came to it, it really did not explain it. There was something missing. It was a not bad story but I feel it could have been much more. I realize that is the decision of the writer, but as the reader, I found those things to bother me. That is why I did not give it 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a safe but dark romantic suspense standalone novel. You'll love it if you read books with age gap romances, where safe words are respected, kidnapping is a healthy sign of obsession, and sexy Bratva men take possession of what—and who they want.

In this book we have Zakhar and Hartley. Zakhar see's Hartley one night out with some friends at a nightclub. Zakhar protects her from some ogling men, and instead takes her back to his place. Zakhar is very dominating but very kind at the same time. Zakhar is in the Russian mob, and tries to do as he is told, but he finds something that is now distracting him, Hartley.

Hartley is in college but not totally sure she's on the right track with her studies. when she meets Zakhar she knows she's in trouble. He can totally consume her. Hartley is cautious about where she goes / what she does, like she's on the run from something or someone. Will Zakhar be able to pick up on that?

Will Hartley be able to give into Zakhar? Will Zakhar be able to see his troubles coming for him while he has Hartley? Or will she just cause more distractions?

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hartley was running from something, trying to rebuild her life and be independent. Her skills were not lacking and although she was afraid of making mistakes, she was giving herself the task of facing her fears and not backing down. The least she expected was to find safety in a situation beyond her control. Within his position in the Bratva, Zakhar had access to many things and when fate offered him what he longed for but doubted he could get, he didn't hesitate for a second. One of the things I like most about these stories is the intensity of the characters' feelings and how they deal with the difficult situations that arise. The author did not disappoint me and although I would have liked a little more action and suspense at the beginning, it must be recognized that the internal struggle between Hartley and Zakhar was interesting and made me think about the alternatives that both had. I love that! Many things to consider and enjoy. The story kept me following the action closely on the lookout for possible plot twists. Strong characters, Russian mafia, action, drama, suspense, violence, a hard-to-kill villain, and a lot of heated passion. I missed these stories.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced BDSM read, with suspense, action and plenty of steam. Zakhar is high on the totem pole in the mafia and takes his position seriously, he is feared and respected within his circle. Hartley is a young woman running from her past and collides with Z at a club, only to run away after their one night. Z doesn’t give up, he stalks Hartley and when the timing is right, takes her captive. He tests her loyalty and when she surrenders to him, he knows she’s the one…unfortunately there are others within his organization that want to take him down and will use Hartley to get to him, along with her past catching up to her…will they both survive the onslaught.
A good read with plenty of steam, action and suspense with good characters. Lots of BDSM and some rough scenes between them but both are willing participants. I would have liked a tender loving scene between these two, not just the rough acts to forge the bond and a few more conversations between them outside of the bedroom….more heart and less cold to feel their bond.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow what a whirlwind of romance, passion, action and many more. Hartley went to her best friends wedding she decided to stay a couple of days and fly home on her own and meet up with her family, but that did not happen. Zakhar is a Dominant Dom and also with the Bratva wanted Hartley. When she was at the airport trying to board the plane she lost her ticket, she thought that she was heading to the baggage claims manager only to find out she was getting kidnapped during daylight to be his toy. She was held captive he was rude, crude and disgusting but she was turned on and after some weeks he took her for a walk in the park she left him. He was devastated she was gone he had to talk to her. Would he take her again or will she go back to him. There were some trigger points so if you don't like dark themes, voyeurism, knife play, bondage, mild humiliation, Mafia violence, family abuse and age gap.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This book could contain some triggers which would look dark to some. The darkness that comes from the crime syndicate and BDSM aspect didn't seem extremely dark to me. It is a mafia romance so it did have its moments. Zakhar is an older man who is part the Bratva. Hartley is a younger woman with secrets and troubles. These two meet and spend an amazing night together. His dominance pushes every button that she has. One night isn't going to be enough for either and Zakhar's going to do something about it. These two might have their obvious differences, but work well together. I thought that their growing relationship and trust developed quickly. He held a certain respect for her, what she could be and fell hard. He was still her Dom though and tried to give her what she needed. They have a tangled, drama and danger filled story involving kidnapping, suspense, family, danger, lust and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I am hooked. This is a dark, mafia, age gap book with light BDSM so please check the trigger warnings. Abbot didn’t waste time at all and started this book out with a punch.

Hartley (aka Maggie) is trying to build a better life for herself. Though she has her secrets and a dark past as well. One night drinking at a bar, a group of frat guys hit in her and an older man steps in to help. Zakhar is second in command of the Pakhan in his Bratva. When he decides he wants something, he wont stop until he gets it. And he wants her. She agrees or complete submission to Zakhar for one night but sneaks away in the morning. He finds her, drugs her and takes her. When she finally accepts him, they are so powerful together.

This book is full of action, violence, steam, suspense, twists and turns, drama and so much more. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zakhar has not been to the club in a while, he never expected what he would find this night. He sees her across the room, she is trying to stay away from four frat boys. It is time to stake his claim. He gets her to go home with him. After they are both worn out, he falls asleep, the next morning she is gone. He is determined to find her.

Hartley is living as Maggie, hiding out from her family but she gave the man in the bar her real first name. It has been three months and she still is missing him. She picks up coffee in a coffee shop, as she is drinking it, she realized she has been drugged.

She is back with him, Master, she does not now his real name, and he keeps her locked in the bedroom. Can she really be safe with him in a cage? She is drawn to him like a month to flame, craving what he provides.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. This is an author that I never heistate to pick up. I know what I'm in for a story that I will read in one sitting. This is a mafia romance story that heats up the pages. A story that is dark and worth the pick up. This is a well written story where the author brought the story to life by her writing style as well as her attention to details. I enjoyed how the characters are realistic and bring the story to life. A story that has some twists and turns that had me coming back for more. The characters pulled me into their story from the beginning. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching their growth. The growth of the plot made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is one of my favorites author's as she never lets me down in her stories. I really enjoyed reading this story and it made my afternoon warmer for sure. This is a must read. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know my feelings on this book.
The intimate scenes were hot but I found that the novel was half in the bedroom and half action. I love Ms. Abbotts work but this book didn't quite wow me like her other works.
What I did like is Hartley and the way she changed throughout her experiences. I just didn't really get how she just accepted Zakhar's dominance when he kidnapped her after only being with him one time. That's why I give this book a 3star....
The rest of the book was entertaining, there was action, betrayal within the ranks of the Bratva....
What I also liked was that Zahkar was not a cruel Master as I've read in other books like this.
Even though I gave this a 3star doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable. Also won't stop me from reading another one of Ms. Abbotts novels.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and very thought out about where this book was going and what the characters are like. I loved Hartley's character, she had lived a hard life before she was able to escape. Even though she lived her own life she was still living looking over her shoulder. Then she meets Zakhar at his night club and the attraction is instant. After one night together he is hooked but Hartley feels like she is already getting too close. She leaves before he wakes up. Making him confused and not liking her doing it to him. He has to find her as he now cannot stop thinking about her. Hartley can't stop thinking about that night either. What a ride they go through to be together. I enjoyed watching Hartey coming into her own and starts standing up for herself, all thanks to Zakhar. Loved it Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review. Read the blurb and had expectations of mafia action and dark romance. Unfortunately I wasn't as satisfied with the story. Whilst the story tried to portray the dark underbelly of the mafia/bratva world, some parts just didn't add up or make sense. I also found it difficult to reconcile that Hartley escaped one prison and was supposedly keeping her head down to suddenly being so reckless and was happy to be in another (unknown) prison. Just doesn't make sense and was too unbelievable! There was also way too much "bedroom" scenes and it just felt forced into the plot at some points. Would have been a better read if more focus was spent on the danger they were facing and having the BDSM scenes come in more subtly and after the danger. But that's my preference and you should read and decide on your own.

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zakhar and Hartley's story is incredibly gripping from the first page to the last. You can't put their story down until you've turned the last page.
Fast-paced and suspenseful, but also heartwarming and so steamy I'm at a loss for words, this book continues the work of this talented author. I missed her books during her sabbatical and happily dived into this new release, only to appreciate her storytelling even more. And once again, I was not disappointed. No one writes like Ms. Abbott, and she is the undefeated queen of Bratva stories.
If you are into exciting and gritty mafia stories, with one hell of an alpha male hero and one badass and sassy heroine, you will find your reading pleasure here. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Abbott's exciting and deliciously sexy books, that's for sure.

[Kathyjacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled with this story. It's supposed to be Mafia but mostly concentrated on Hartley and Zahkar's romance and Zahkar running around doing errands for the Bratva. The sex scenes made me cringe because the author used the word c*nny multiple times. Overused it! The word alone was bad but it wasn't just used a time or two. That and his parts were a member which was okay but then every now and then we got flower. You are writing EROTIC romance. Why are you afraid to use the words? Also the story was a disconnect for me. Why would Hartley run from her family for freedom only to lay down and take being Zahkar's slave. I mean kneel in the floor and call him master slave. This one just didn't work for me. The reason I gave it 3 stars was because it kept me wanting to read and find out what happened to them so that was worth something.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I wasn't as satisfied with the story as I should have been. I couldn't find any connections to the characters. While the story portrayed the mafia/bratva world, it just didn't have much of a storyline.
Hartley tired escaping from a family holding her prison hiding in the shadows. Suddenly happy to be kidnapped and locked in another (unknown) prison. Just doesn't make sense and was too unbelievable! There was instant love between characters after kidnapped. And the plot felt forced some points, improbable scene of injuries casing extreme blood loss leading into passionate love scene, without medical care. I like BDSM scenes but this falls flat. Maybe it was just my mood at the time of reading this book and apologize to the writer that I know that this is hard work but this book was not a favorite for me.

[Keza Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is alot I could say so her goes.
This is my first book by this author and it was from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review so we know how these things work and I can't give things away even so I wouldn't because I don't like doing that.
Hartley and Zahkar met in a club/Bar.
Zahkar helps Hartley out of a bad situation and then instantly invites her home to have sex. I immediately cringed at this only because the word C*nny has never ever been used to describe that part of my body and nor have I heard that before either. it sounds like something an adolescent boy would say. Please excuse me. But sadly I could imagine this.
I am no prude, I have read more books with filthy dirty hot sex scenes than I have had hours of sleep lately but Through this I pushed on because I never like to leave a book DNF.
But The ending was great.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books where the MMC is tough, possessive and pure alpha.
Add to that he’s a Dominant and you’ve got Zakhar.
Second in command in the Bratva he is dangerous and always in control.
That control and also stems to the bedroom.
Zakher is his own man and when h wants something he gets it.
Hartley has led a tough life which she escapes from.
She is trying to find her way in life.
One chance meeting between these to is about to changed their lives.
Zakher is out at a club trying to unwind and relax when he spots a damsel in distress.
Hartley finds herself saved by the sexy Russian and is taken with him.
The sexy D/s night they spend together rocks their world.
I loved that Zakher saw something in Hartley she didn’t recognize in herself.
He saw her strength and capability.
This book is action packed, suspenseful and passion filled.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there to say but wow. This was a dark yummy cup of tea, it had all the beautiful parts of making a bdsm/mafia/age gap romance story which I had the pleasure of reading. Yes, check your trigger warnings before hand then dive right in and enjoy the ride. The storyline was played out well, both MCs were written well. Zakhar being the Dom, possessive, mafia, and older type which you just eat right up. Then we have Hartley who is the sub, strong, also mafia, and intelligent woman which you can't help but love. Their relationship pulls you in right from the beginning, the entire story a hot and steamy page-turner, Abbott does not disappoint us with the spiciness in this story, and just when we think we can't take more we reach the ending....hehehe. You'll have to grab it because it's worth a read!

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking what's his...

A dark romance with a twisted bratva hero, and a brave woman who is running from her own past. The story opens with a steamy one-night stand between our couple that turns out to lead to so much more. Neither can quite forget the other, and as the bratva often does, our hero takes what he believes belongs to him. Of course, there are plenty of steamy moments between the couple as they both come to realize they cannot be without each other. Realizing that the other makes them stronger. In true Alexis Abbott fashion, she doesn’t shy away from hot steamy sex, very bloody battles, or a head-fake… and I love that!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark mafia romance follows Zakhar, the second in command to the Bratva mafia and a Dom, who encounters Hartley, a woman on the run from her past who goes by the name Maggie. After waking up following their passionate encounter to find Hartley gone, Zakhar goes on a mission to track her down and find her. From there, their story unfolds and their possessive dom/sub relationship is tested while they encounter obstacles and danger from Zakhar's Bratva status. Overall I enjoyed this story, there were some parts that I skimmed as they were lengthy internal monologue/thoughts but otherwise, if you like BDSM dark romances with a strong female lead and possessive male lead, you will enjoy this!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CS · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!
Fast paced, insta bond with BDSM Master/Pet themes as Zakhar captured and mesmerized Hartley almost instantly.
Their connection was quick and (on Hartley's part, Zakhar seemed pretty removed and controlled) was pretty unconvincing.
Her easy transition into thinking of him and calling him Master had minimal buildup.
That being said, the second half exposed Hartley's past history of abuse and provided a partial explanation of her reaction and responses to Zakhar, which oddly deepened her character. Kudos to the author for making this storyline a bit more believable.
Lots of graphic and raw scenes between this steamy couple that focused on Zakhar's control and dominance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!! There is Zakhar, who is second in command of his Bratva in New York. When he sees Hartley, he decides he has to have her. They have one explosive night, but she gives him the slip and he wakes up alone. This is a surprise to him as it normally would not happen. He is intrigued and needs to find her again. It takes him a bit to find her, she has secrets of her own. There are a bunch of twists and turns in this book that keep you reading to the end. Good character development and a story line that keeps the book moving along. Also some really good BDSM steam thrown in as well. Good dark mafia read. Will they find there HEA or will it all go to hell?

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout.

[Arin Baur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it and it me on the end of my sit the whole time! There is so much in this book like crazy parents and a lot of action throughout the book. It’s a lot fun with a very strong will characters and a happy ending thank goodness 😅 I hope there is more books like this the author did a wonderful job and I look forward to reading more by her. I really enjoyed this book and the characters the main guy character seems so wrong and evil but a lot can change and happen when you find yourself a perfect Mach find out what happens for yourself and this awesome book! :).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.