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You Had One Job
Nikita Ravenov
It was supposed to be a simple job—tail the Italian for an evening, see if he was up to anything shady, and report back to the Bratva.
But I didn’t expect him to go into gay bars. Is someone trying to out me to the Bratva? Am I being set up?
And what the hell do I do now that my mark knows I’m following him?
Lorenzo Ferrari
It’s insulting, really. My organization wants to do business with the Russians, but they’re putting tails on me? That’s just bad manners.
But when that tail get a beating from his own for failing to tell them everything he knows about me, I know something is up.
Now we’re both in way over our heads. Our only hope is working together.
And even then, I’m not so sure we’re getting out of this.
CW: On-page drug use, active addiction, graphic violence, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse.
It was supposed to be a simple job—tail the Italian for an evening, see if he was up to anything shady, and report back to the Bratva.
But I didn’t expect him to go into gay bars. Is someone trying to out me to the Bratva? Am I being set up?
And what the hell do I do now that my mark knows I’m following him?
Lorenzo Ferrari
It’s insulting, really. My organization wants to do business with the Russians, but they’re putting tails on me? That’s just bad manners.
But when that tail get a beating from his own for failing to tell them everything he knows about me, I know something is up.
Now we’re both in way over our heads. Our only hope is working together.
And even then, I’m not so sure we’re getting out of this.
CW: On-page drug use, active addiction, graphic violence, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse.
7 pages, Audiobook
First published May 19, 2021
97 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
133 books535 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 6, 2025
3.75⭐
Its strange for me to see that two mafia men, fell in love in such a short short time. But I dont care, I enjoyed this a lot. Not a perfect book and you have to believe some of these schemes and people would act and do the things they would do but if you do put your mindset that this is just a romance book with some mafia type shit you could enjoy this a lot. I havent read many mm mafia romances but after this I feel like I really want to read more, that are a little longer. I loved Nikita and felt bad for him the entire time, being in a passion he never wanted to be in and Lorenzo was a decently nice person given he was raised in this shit. Either way, this is a short fast paced romance, things happen fast and they fall fast, which is a good one day read. Many books that have the main characters falling in love in a few days dont work for me, because I dont think the characters actually know one another or its more of a lust thing, and this is no different but for some reason I cant explain well , this works for me. I just think maybe I want Nikita to feel loved coming from the situation he is in, so I let it slide. There wasn't a lot of romance in this book, more of a lust filled drug filled hazed but thats okay, different types of romance for different types of books. Michael Ferraiuolo's narration really held this story together, he did a great job as always. Overall this would of been a great intro to a series about Nikita and Lorenzo but sadly it is a stand alone. I find both characters fascinating enough, seeing them on more "adventures" would of been fun, and would make an entertaining series. But for what we got, this was a super quick, fast easy read with some action, sex, and drugs.
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May 26, 2021DNF 5%
I’m just not feeling this. Maybe I’ll try again another time.
I’m just not feeling this. Maybe I’ll try again another time.
May 21, 2021
I don't care much for the cat and mouse game that's going on between the Bratva and Lorenzo. I can't wrapped my head around the fact that Lorenzo was at the Bratva's turf without any backup. He is basically alone!! His only backup is his brother who is so far away. Is a surprised he actually survive the entire ordeal.
I did enjoyed reading about Nikita and Lorenzo. Nikita is a junkie under the thumb of Yukov. His life was miserable before he met Lorenzo. Poor guy. And Lorenzo, he's not much of a gangsta and he had a soft spot for Nikita. They are kind of sweet together despite all the violence that threatened to kill them both.
I did enjoyed reading about Nikita and Lorenzo. Nikita is a junkie under the thumb of Yukov. His life was miserable before he met Lorenzo. Poor guy. And Lorenzo, he's not much of a gangsta and he had a soft spot for Nikita. They are kind of sweet together despite all the violence that threatened to kill them both.
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April 25, 2021Available May 19.
May 22, 2021
This was a delight to read.
"You Had One Job" is a romantic suspense with a touch of angst (and some trigger warnings for those of you who prefer to know these things in advance: ), gangester dynamics and power plays, a terrible ex (and yes, you will love to hate him), and two wonderful, reluctant-criminal MCs with a fantastic chemistry and a hopeful, lovely relationship that just squeezes your heart.
Plotwise, the story was full of twists and turns, life-or-death situations, betrayals and revenge, shootouts and hacking; it's got a romantic storyline that left me sighing, and a bittersweet, hopeful atmosphere that coloured all of the MCs interactions.
Speaking of which, I absolutely loved both of them. Nikita's chapters were sometimes very tough to read, but I adored him so much: he's broken and damaged, but not beyond repair, and he has a tough, snarky side that was endearing. Lorenzo was wonderful: I just loved how, five minutes after meeting Nikita, he said to himself "Yeah, this idiot will get himself killed, I know he's from a rival gang, but now I will protect him and feed him and bury his terrible ex and cuddle him because of reasons ", when he was already completely smitten. He was a giant protective softie, and the perfect match for Nikita.
I'll definitely read a few more of the authors novels: I really enjoyed every book I have read of L.A. Witt's, but now I think I need to add a few of Cari Z.'s too to my TBR.
"You Had One Job" is a romantic suspense with a touch of angst (and some trigger warnings for those of you who prefer to know these things in advance: ), gangester dynamics and power plays, a terrible ex (and yes, you will love to hate him), and two wonderful, reluctant-criminal MCs with a fantastic chemistry and a hopeful, lovely relationship that just squeezes your heart.
Plotwise, the story was full of twists and turns, life-or-death situations, betrayals and revenge, shootouts and hacking; it's got a romantic storyline that left me sighing, and a bittersweet, hopeful atmosphere that coloured all of the MCs interactions.
Speaking of which, I absolutely loved both of them. Nikita's chapters were sometimes very tough to read, but I adored him so much: he's broken and damaged, but not beyond repair, and he has a tough, snarky side that was endearing. Lorenzo was wonderful: I just loved how, five minutes after meeting Nikita, he said to himself "Yeah, this idiot will get himself killed, I know he's from a rival gang, but now I will protect him and feed him and bury his terrible ex and cuddle him because of reasons ", when he was already completely smitten. He was a giant protective softie, and the perfect match for Nikita.
I'll definitely read a few more of the authors novels: I really enjoyed every book I have read of L.A. Witt's, but now I think I need to add a few of Cari Z.'s too to my TBR.
February 8, 2022
I read this e-book in May last year and I have a blog review but never got around to putting one on here. It's a pretty good book. I liked that Cari Z and L A Witt didn't overdo the sex, gave the story some real bite, Nikita is a coke addict, and put a different spin on crime - both Lorenzo and Nikita are white collar within organised crime.
I'm currently listening to the audiobook version (Feb 2022) with the wonderful Michael Ferraiuolo narrating. I'm enjoying that so much. If there is one thing I've learned since leaning on audiobooks a bit more it's that the right narrator, and Ferraiuolo is definitely one of them, value-adds to a story.
I'm currently listening to the audiobook version (Feb 2022) with the wonderful Michael Ferraiuolo narrating. I'm enjoying that so much. If there is one thing I've learned since leaning on audiobooks a bit more it's that the right narrator, and Ferraiuolo is definitely one of them, value-adds to a story.
May 25, 2021
DNF @ 30%.
Lorenzo is in the mob and realises he's being followed (by Nikita). He also knows he will be murdered if it's discovered he's gay. So naturally after less than 5 minutes confrontation with the guy following him and despite the fact we're lead to believe mafia guys are usually overly cautious, paranoid and distrustful.. They are banging in the bathroom of a gay club.
Nikita is bratva, and a junkie. Like nearly every page he's on so far he's either taking drugs, purchasing drugs or thinking about drugs. How is he functioning day to day?
I actually prefer romances where the MCs aren't whiter than white (Sloane Kennedy, Avril Ashton, Lila Rose, Ashlynn Mills' latest etc). But these two are just not believable and TSTL. I gave up.
Lorenzo is in the mob and realises he's being followed (by Nikita). He also knows he will be murdered if it's discovered he's gay. So naturally after less than 5 minutes confrontation with the guy following him and despite the fact we're lead to believe mafia guys are usually overly cautious, paranoid and distrustful.. They are banging in the bathroom of a gay club.
Nikita is bratva, and a junkie. Like nearly every page he's on so far he's either taking drugs, purchasing drugs or thinking about drugs. How is he functioning day to day?
I actually prefer romances where the MCs aren't whiter than white (Sloane Kennedy, Avril Ashton, Lila Rose, Ashlynn Mills' latest etc). But these two are just not believable and TSTL. I gave up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
3.5 rounded down
Drugs, sex, and murder.
I didn't think I'd like it,
but it grew on me.
Drugs, sex, and murder.
I didn't think I'd like it,
but it grew on me.
May 22, 2021
4.5 stars!
I like Cari Z and L.A Witt. Even if their books don’t work hundred percent for me I’m usually very satisfied with the writing.
*shhhhh, don’t tell anyone* The number one reason I picked up from the get-go was I absolutely loved the title. I had to know, crazy right!?!?!! So I began reading, it had everything I don’t like - drug use, gangsters, more gangsters, everything I get bored with and most writers can’t pull off. Well call me happy, I absolutely devoured this book. Both of the protagonists were characters that I rooted for. The authors chose not to simplify things, if you’re going to have such a gritty situation we don’t have time for endless sex scenes and Yahoooo, they didn’t waste time. What we got was just right and I was a very, very happy camper.
I like Cari Z and L.A Witt. Even if their books don’t work hundred percent for me I’m usually very satisfied with the writing.
*shhhhh, don’t tell anyone* The number one reason I picked up from the get-go was I absolutely loved the title. I had to know, crazy right!?!?!! So I began reading, it had everything I don’t like - drug use, gangsters, more gangsters, everything I get bored with and most writers can’t pull off. Well call me happy, I absolutely devoured this book. Both of the protagonists were characters that I rooted for. The authors chose not to simplify things, if you’re going to have such a gritty situation we don’t have time for endless sex scenes and Yahoooo, they didn’t waste time. What we got was just right and I was a very, very happy camper.
May 22, 2021
Such a WONDERFUL read! Sometimes you need a time-out of life to relax. You'd think a suspense novel with the mob clashing one against the other would do the opposite hehe It was THE BEST escape from life into a world I would NOT want to be a part of, though what Nikita and Lorenzo found in each other WAS beautiful and heartfelt which is exactly the kind of novels I love the most.
Nikita Ravenov has been working for the Bratva for the past ten years. This is not what he aspired to be growing up but he got mixed up with them when he was young and getting out simply isn't an option especially since he literally has NO ONE. No one to help him, no one to share his daily agony in the horrible world he was thrown into. His only coping mechanism is using drugs. My heart broke for him for most of the book, maybe even more after Lorenzo and him started to have a connection and he saw that with the right person beside him - loneliness and isolation can be replaced by compassion, trust and partnership.
Lorenzo Ferrari has a very specific and hopefully short mission dealing with the Bratva, his own people - La Cosa Nostra - might not always like him that much (being openly gay might is part of the reason) but they know he is good at his job and also - he is family. His first night on the job he takes his best friends' son out to a few gay bars. He is surprised he is watched but when he confronts the guy things get kinda out of hand. So when he sees "Nick" the next day on his meeting with the Bratva and later that day catches him thrown out of a car beaten badly it's even more of a WTF.
At first being taken to the hospital by Lorenzo freaks Nikita and going with him to his hotel room doesn't sound that promising either but somehow even though Lorenzo is CLEARLY not his friend he is also in a way "the enemy of his enemy" - the enemy being the one who got him beaten AGAIN - his douche ex - Yakov Stepanovich - the same guy who put him Lorenzo as surveillance, knowing that Nikita is just a tech guy.
On a vulnerable moment Nikita confesses more than he ever had and certainly more than he should and from there they form a sort of partnership even if both aren't sure if it's the best idea. Okay they KNOW it's a bad idea. Lorenzo is a stranger why would he care about him when literally no one does in this world. Nikita is a drug addict who is highly afraid of his ex (and his boss) not exactly the best guy to have as your backup though it turns out he does have a few sweet tricks out his sleeve..
Lorenzo is understanding. The more he sees Nikita he starts to truly care for him. Nikita is surprised by each of Lorenzo's moves. The smallest act of kindness throws him off. He doesn't know how to react but he sure wants more, wants to hope Lorenzo will keep him if they survive this hell. It was suppose to be just an easy bargain but Yakov has his own ideas which puts EVERYONE in danger.
I won't say more about the plot because the way this book had me on the edge of my seat was half of the fun. The other half (granted, the bigger one) was the romance buildup. ~sigh~ Cari and L.A. did an AMAZING job with these two. Two guys coming from different branches of the mob getting to know each other and learning to trust each other? This could take YEARS! yet they had maybe a week to get it right. Lorenzo might play the tough guy but he is such a sweet and caring guy. Ultimately once he realized Nikita's situation he had so much compassion for him. He saw a broken man who can't see any future and did his best to offer with his kindness a promise of hope. Nikita has lost all hope. Most days he wasn't sure why being alive is better than being dead. But Lorenzo was somehow mending his soul a small gesture at a time.
It wasn't always an 'easy' read. It was VERY stressful for me (I mean them hehe), it was heartbreaking but also hopeful in the smallest details. I loved both characters and honestly couldn't think of a better paring for them.
This was a surprise release. I only realized it's going to be released a few days before it did but naturally Cari is an auto-buy and instant-read so here we are :)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
More Reviews HERE
Nikita Ravenov has been working for the Bratva for the past ten years. This is not what he aspired to be growing up but he got mixed up with them when he was young and getting out simply isn't an option especially since he literally has NO ONE. No one to help him, no one to share his daily agony in the horrible world he was thrown into. His only coping mechanism is using drugs. My heart broke for him for most of the book, maybe even more after Lorenzo and him started to have a connection and he saw that with the right person beside him - loneliness and isolation can be replaced by compassion, trust and partnership.
Lorenzo Ferrari has a very specific and hopefully short mission dealing with the Bratva, his own people - La Cosa Nostra - might not always like him that much (being openly gay might is part of the reason) but they know he is good at his job and also - he is family. His first night on the job he takes his best friends' son out to a few gay bars. He is surprised he is watched but when he confronts the guy things get kinda out of hand. So when he sees "Nick" the next day on his meeting with the Bratva and later that day catches him thrown out of a car beaten badly it's even more of a WTF.
At first being taken to the hospital by Lorenzo freaks Nikita and going with him to his hotel room doesn't sound that promising either but somehow even though Lorenzo is CLEARLY not his friend he is also in a way "the enemy of his enemy" - the enemy being the one who got him beaten AGAIN - his douche ex - Yakov Stepanovich - the same guy who put him Lorenzo as surveillance, knowing that Nikita is just a tech guy.
On a vulnerable moment Nikita confesses more than he ever had and certainly more than he should and from there they form a sort of partnership even if both aren't sure if it's the best idea. Okay they KNOW it's a bad idea. Lorenzo is a stranger why would he care about him when literally no one does in this world. Nikita is a drug addict who is highly afraid of his ex (and his boss) not exactly the best guy to have as your backup though it turns out he does have a few sweet tricks out his sleeve..
Lorenzo is understanding. The more he sees Nikita he starts to truly care for him. Nikita is surprised by each of Lorenzo's moves. The smallest act of kindness throws him off. He doesn't know how to react but he sure wants more, wants to hope Lorenzo will keep him if they survive this hell. It was suppose to be just an easy bargain but Yakov has his own ideas which puts EVERYONE in danger.
I won't say more about the plot because the way this book had me on the edge of my seat was half of the fun. The other half (granted, the bigger one) was the romance buildup. ~sigh~ Cari and L.A. did an AMAZING job with these two. Two guys coming from different branches of the mob getting to know each other and learning to trust each other? This could take YEARS! yet they had maybe a week to get it right. Lorenzo might play the tough guy but he is such a sweet and caring guy. Ultimately once he realized Nikita's situation he had so much compassion for him. He saw a broken man who can't see any future and did his best to offer with his kindness a promise of hope. Nikita has lost all hope. Most days he wasn't sure why being alive is better than being dead. But Lorenzo was somehow mending his soul a small gesture at a time.
It wasn't always an 'easy' read. It was VERY stressful for me (I mean them hehe), it was heartbreaking but also hopeful in the smallest details. I loved both characters and honestly couldn't think of a better paring for them.
This was a surprise release. I only realized it's going to be released a few days before it did but naturally Cari is an auto-buy and instant-read so here we are :)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
More Reviews HERE
June 18, 2021
I went into this one a little bit tentatively, as I knew one of the characters was an addict and that's a theme that I'm very particular about the handling of. But I thought that aspect was generally decently portrayed and overall I quite enjoyed this one. Obviously some suspension of belief is required for pretty much any MM mob book, but I thought this was fun and pretty much what I'm looking for with this trope. I will say, I found it a bit annoying that Nikita was forced into the mob with threats to his family, but he doesn't mention or interact with said family at all--I literally don't know if he has siblings, if both his parents are alive, what his relationship is like with them... Seemed like kind of a big gap to me.
In terms of a minor but mighty quibble, I encountered what is now becoming a common issue for me in LA Witt's book, which is that they really struggle not to force their personal feelings/opinions into the characters in a way that feels very inorganic and awkward. For example, Nikita was forced into the mob ten years ago by his gay lover so they wouldn't be outed. Said gay lover has basically made his life hell since then, and Nikita has become addicted to cocaine. As insurance for his life, he's got video of them fucking from when they were together that he's threatened to make public if anything happens to him. This all feels believable and fine, but then we have Nikita MULTIPLE TIMES saying something along the lines of "And yes, it really does make me feel disgusting, weaponizing another queer man’s sexuality with revenge porn." which is just... it doesn't fit! I agree with the sentiment, but I don't think Nikita, given he's practically suicidal and terrified all of the time of this man, would be at a point where he'd care about that at all. It feels far too self-aware and a bit... IDK, privileged and smug? Like the author needed to make sure that WE knew that she doesn't actually condone that behavior. IDK, it's starting to really bother me because it's a common issue in her books, and I pretty much always agree with the message, but it throws me out of the story each time because it doesn't feel authentic for the characters or for the scenes.
In terms of a minor but mighty quibble, I encountered what is now becoming a common issue for me in LA Witt's book, which is that they really struggle not to force their personal feelings/opinions into the characters in a way that feels very inorganic and awkward. For example, Nikita was forced into the mob ten years ago by his gay lover so they wouldn't be outed. Said gay lover has basically made his life hell since then, and Nikita has become addicted to cocaine. As insurance for his life, he's got video of them fucking from when they were together that he's threatened to make public if anything happens to him. This all feels believable and fine, but then we have Nikita MULTIPLE TIMES saying something along the lines of "And yes, it really does make me feel disgusting, weaponizing another queer man’s sexuality with revenge porn." which is just... it doesn't fit! I agree with the sentiment, but I don't think Nikita, given he's practically suicidal and terrified all of the time of this man, would be at a point where he'd care about that at all. It feels far too self-aware and a bit... IDK, privileged and smug? Like the author needed to make sure that WE knew that she doesn't actually condone that behavior. IDK, it's starting to really bother me because it's a common issue in her books, and I pretty much always agree with the message, but it throws me out of the story each time because it doesn't feel authentic for the characters or for the scenes.
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December 16, 2021When a not-so-deadly mafioso met a reluctant bratva soldier and the gun they pulled out was not what you expected. Heh. Not my favorite Z-Witt’s book, but I still enjoyed the tale. Lorenzo and Nikita were a charming pair with their far from perfect personalities and boy, am I glad the men got to actually end the blackguard who practically goaded and tortured them. I especially loved the closeness between the Ferrari brothers - among the highlight of the story. I did feel quite a number of interesting details were left unexplored here. To make way (possible) for a sequel starring secondary characters from this one, perhaps? Who knows.
July 13, 2025
4.5 stars (bumped up for the performance).
Entertaining. I'm not normally one for Mafia/Bratva stories, but I've enjoyed these authors' collaborations before, plus Michael Ferraiuolo is always worth listening to.
Entertaining. I'm not normally one for Mafia/Bratva stories, but I've enjoyed these authors' collaborations before, plus Michael Ferraiuolo is always worth listening to.
May 21, 2021
DNF @ 27%.
June 30, 2021
This had so much potential, but wasn’t quite what I was expecting. So, I honestly wasn’t planning on reading another Cari Z. and L.A. Witt collab book again. I both loved and hated their Bad Behavior series, and felt extremely bitter at being caught off guard surrounding a secondary character’s death in that series. Which, apparently, I still have very strong feelings about. Well. I did see that this one did NOT have anyone with terminal or otherwise devastating illnesses (besides drug addiction) in the warnings, and I was in the mood for a dark romance so I thought what the heck, it’s on KU, I’ll give them another shot.
Content notes are included in the blurb and I think they sum up everything pretty well.
Nikita Ravenov is a hacker for the Russian Bratva in California. He’s been in the organization for almost 10 years now, initially brought in by his boyfriend Yakov at the time. He’s become a cocaine addict since then and desperately wants to leave the Bratva but doesn’t see any way out. When Yakov puts Nikita on spy duties, something he’s very much not qualified for, on an Italian the Bratva wishes to do business with…things take a turn in Nikita’s life.
The Italian is Lorenzo Ferrari, a member of the New York mafia. He’s in California to make a business deal on behalf of the mafia but first has been convinced by his nephew to visit a few gay bars first. Which is where he meets the tail who’s been following him.
I think the story starts out fine. The plot between the Bratva and the mafia? Eh. It’s pretty much along the lines of most dark romance organized crime books. You just kind of go along with it. I liked the allure and danger between Nikita and Lorenzo at the beginning. It’s a forbidden relationship for sure when you consider they’re on completely opposite sides of the gang lines. I think the first-person alternating POVs is mostly fine here, but the relationship develops SO quickly that their thoughts about one another started to feel a bit too repetitive after awhile. There’s really no time for their relationship to develop because the situation is high stakes and they seem to fall for each other so fast. I liked the bits of the book more when Nikita and Lorenzo were suspicious of one another and not working together. The sexual tension between them all but evaporated once they were together so that’s sad. I want to say the plot could have saved this book when my interest in the relationship fizzled out, but sadly, it did not.
Do I need characters meeting one another a million times to hash out a deal? No. I just really, really don’t care about gang politics and whatever maneuvering and all these guys were doing to get the upper hand. It was BORING. The political strategizing was the worst part of this book for me because there was way too much of it, and way too much going back and forth and nobody really doing anything. The guy in charge of this particular Bratva was only ever referred to as the Pakhan, and his involvement is minimal at best. Everything was set in motion by Yakov and he’s not nearly as good as playing the mastermind as the story would like you to believe.
The Bratva also kept Nikita on their payroll for so many years because he’s apparently a good hacker. We’re told this repeatedly but I honestly see nothing in this book to convince me he’s ever been near a computer. If Nikita is such a valued asset (and he should be if he has access to all of the Bratva’s information and accounts), then WHY did Lorenzo never work that to his advantage or try to sell that back to his own mafia? All we read about in this book is that Nikita hacks into some phones to listen in on some conversations, and one unexplainable bit at the end of the book. That’s it. It’s a waste of Nikita’s supposed skills. There’s nothing here to tell me why he’s such a valued asset when he doesn’t really do anything. He spends more times wanting to get a high than anything else.
There’s also this weird thing about this book that makes you feel like you should already know all the side characters and their story. Like Lorenzo’s brother or the New York mafia. Do they have their own books (granted, Lorenzo’s brother is married to a woman but have these authors written a m/f book to cover that story?) because that would’ve been nice to know if there was another book floating out there about this supposed mighty East coast crime family. That, or the authors just never wrote down a clearer backstory. Lorenzo’s connections always feels vague and distant. How’d he get into the mafia? He’s apparently a big deal to go out and secure business deals with other crime members. What’s his own deal? We’re also told Nikita has a living family he’s trying to protect from the Bratva but we have zero idea who they are until the VERY end when they get a very small mention. It’s all just very strange and unsatisfying.
I think the book is dark romance in terms of the tone of the story, and that no one in the story is particularly likeable and they’re all doing questionable things. But the ending does too much to try to make it a happy and hopeful ending that separates the characters from their life of crime, and I don’t know. It feels like such a weird shift. Yes, I know this is theoretically the best ending for Nikita but it almost feels like it should’ve been it’s own happy short story because the epilogue really threw me off. I’m happy for him and Lorenzo, but the ending felt like it was trying to do TOO much to wrap up everything and give a HEA. It doesn’t vibe with the rest of the book and the dark romance feel of the story at all.
I wanted to like this book, and I really did up to a point. But then the whole story went downhill for me and the back half of the book just didn’t work for me at all.
Content notes are included in the blurb and I think they sum up everything pretty well.
Nikita Ravenov is a hacker for the Russian Bratva in California. He’s been in the organization for almost 10 years now, initially brought in by his boyfriend Yakov at the time. He’s become a cocaine addict since then and desperately wants to leave the Bratva but doesn’t see any way out. When Yakov puts Nikita on spy duties, something he’s very much not qualified for, on an Italian the Bratva wishes to do business with…things take a turn in Nikita’s life.
The Italian is Lorenzo Ferrari, a member of the New York mafia. He’s in California to make a business deal on behalf of the mafia but first has been convinced by his nephew to visit a few gay bars first. Which is where he meets the tail who’s been following him.
I think the story starts out fine. The plot between the Bratva and the mafia? Eh. It’s pretty much along the lines of most dark romance organized crime books. You just kind of go along with it. I liked the allure and danger between Nikita and Lorenzo at the beginning. It’s a forbidden relationship for sure when you consider they’re on completely opposite sides of the gang lines. I think the first-person alternating POVs is mostly fine here, but the relationship develops SO quickly that their thoughts about one another started to feel a bit too repetitive after awhile. There’s really no time for their relationship to develop because the situation is high stakes and they seem to fall for each other so fast. I liked the bits of the book more when Nikita and Lorenzo were suspicious of one another and not working together. The sexual tension between them all but evaporated once they were together so that’s sad. I want to say the plot could have saved this book when my interest in the relationship fizzled out, but sadly, it did not.
Do I need characters meeting one another a million times to hash out a deal? No. I just really, really don’t care about gang politics and whatever maneuvering and all these guys were doing to get the upper hand. It was BORING. The political strategizing was the worst part of this book for me because there was way too much of it, and way too much going back and forth and nobody really doing anything. The guy in charge of this particular Bratva was only ever referred to as the Pakhan, and his involvement is minimal at best. Everything was set in motion by Yakov and he’s not nearly as good as playing the mastermind as the story would like you to believe.
The Bratva also kept Nikita on their payroll for so many years because he’s apparently a good hacker. We’re told this repeatedly but I honestly see nothing in this book to convince me he’s ever been near a computer. If Nikita is such a valued asset (and he should be if he has access to all of the Bratva’s information and accounts), then WHY did Lorenzo never work that to his advantage or try to sell that back to his own mafia? All we read about in this book is that Nikita hacks into some phones to listen in on some conversations, and one unexplainable bit at the end of the book. That’s it. It’s a waste of Nikita’s supposed skills. There’s nothing here to tell me why he’s such a valued asset when he doesn’t really do anything. He spends more times wanting to get a high than anything else.
There’s also this weird thing about this book that makes you feel like you should already know all the side characters and their story. Like Lorenzo’s brother or the New York mafia. Do they have their own books (granted, Lorenzo’s brother is married to a woman but have these authors written a m/f book to cover that story?) because that would’ve been nice to know if there was another book floating out there about this supposed mighty East coast crime family. That, or the authors just never wrote down a clearer backstory. Lorenzo’s connections always feels vague and distant. How’d he get into the mafia? He’s apparently a big deal to go out and secure business deals with other crime members. What’s his own deal? We’re also told Nikita has a living family he’s trying to protect from the Bratva but we have zero idea who they are until the VERY end when they get a very small mention. It’s all just very strange and unsatisfying.
I think the book is dark romance in terms of the tone of the story, and that no one in the story is particularly likeable and they’re all doing questionable things. But the ending does too much to try to make it a happy and hopeful ending that separates the characters from their life of crime, and I don’t know. It feels like such a weird shift. Yes, I know this is theoretically the best ending for Nikita but it almost feels like it should’ve been it’s own happy short story because the epilogue really threw me off. I’m happy for him and Lorenzo, but the ending felt like it was trying to do TOO much to wrap up everything and give a HEA. It doesn’t vibe with the rest of the book and the dark romance feel of the story at all.
I wanted to like this book, and I really did up to a point. But then the whole story went downhill for me and the back half of the book just didn’t work for me at all.
March 22, 2024
An interesting little love story. Characters were developed enough for the story without going overboard and having one of the MCs being an active addict was a risky move on the part of the author. That risk was well worth it as they portrayed the MC honestly and had obviously done their research.
I always struggle with the world building in mafia novels as they are in that area that has been publicized through books and movies, yet the average citizen has no idea what the life is like. I didn't stumble on anything that felt off or unrealistic - so all is good.
I always struggle with the world building in mafia novels as they are in that area that has been publicized through books and movies, yet the average citizen has no idea what the life is like. I didn't stumble on anything that felt off or unrealistic - so all is good.
August 14, 2021
This is the book equivalent of being INADEQUATE. I'd call it pathetic, but then I'd have to feel something for this cheap unobjectionable fucking book. It's a fucking mafia book with Italians and Russians and yet, fucking Goldilocks from Goldilocks and the fucking Three Bears was a bigger goddamn badass than the MMC's. Fuck this shit
February 22, 2022
Thought and hoped I’ll love the book. Alas I kept waiting and waiting
March 9, 2022
If only had it had romance
May 30, 2021
3.5 rounded down
The premise was interesting, and I really liked both characters. I liked the way that Nikita's addiction was written -- it was accepted, and strategized around (e.g. acting fast before Nikita would go into withdrawal if he didn't get more cocaine), without shaming Nikita for it, and when all the shit was over, Nikita went into rehab with Lorenzo's support.
That being said, the first couple chapters were hard to get into and felt a bit disjointed. And the sex in the bathroom felt...gratuitously sudden. Like, they had to have that scene to set the rest of the story in motion, but realistically, would 2 closeted men involved in 2 very brutal, very homophobic gangs EVER hook up with randos in bathrooms? More specifically, would cool, calm, collected, and cunning Lorenzo REALLY let his nephew bring him to a bunch of gay bars while he's in town working on a very important negotiation that can't go wrong? I feel like he would at least wait until the deal had been finalized. And he was in a different state. We're literally told Lorenzo hasn't had sex in six months before the bathroom scene. So what made him have sex now, alone, in unfamiliar territory, with a stranger he saw following him?
Honestly, them having sex at all in the book felt sudden to me. I KNOW this is a romance book, and I KNOW my ace flag is flying, but there wasn't enough time to build enough trust for that, to me. I could understand them teaming up in desperation to save both their asses, then slowly coming to depend on each other more. And I could see them falling into bed together after the final fight, after risking themselves for each other. I could see them kissing in the hospital, trying to be gentle around each other's injuries but just so relieved to have made it through everything together.
But instead they start having sex a lot earlier and it just...once again it felt like it was put there for plot.
THAT BEING SAID, I know that's a me thing and people ARE capable of just hooking up with strangers and whatnot. So do with that what you will.
The other plot point that felt weak to me was Lorenzo truly being sent alone, without any backup. His brother wasn't even keeping an eye on him remotely! He didn't have routine check in times. He had literally nobody at his back before Nikita. And while it made for a great finale scene, watching him cobble together resources to take down the Bratva, it felt a bit unrealistic.
All that being said, it was a fun, quick read with a happy ending.
The premise was interesting, and I really liked both characters. I liked the way that Nikita's addiction was written -- it was accepted, and strategized around (e.g. acting fast before Nikita would go into withdrawal if he didn't get more cocaine), without shaming Nikita for it, and when all the shit was over, Nikita went into rehab with Lorenzo's support.
That being said, the first couple chapters were hard to get into and felt a bit disjointed. And the sex in the bathroom felt...gratuitously sudden. Like, they had to have that scene to set the rest of the story in motion, but realistically, would 2 closeted men involved in 2 very brutal, very homophobic gangs EVER hook up with randos in bathrooms? More specifically, would cool, calm, collected, and cunning Lorenzo REALLY let his nephew bring him to a bunch of gay bars while he's in town working on a very important negotiation that can't go wrong? I feel like he would at least wait until the deal had been finalized. And he was in a different state. We're literally told Lorenzo hasn't had sex in six months before the bathroom scene. So what made him have sex now, alone, in unfamiliar territory, with a stranger he saw following him?
Honestly, them having sex at all in the book felt sudden to me. I KNOW this is a romance book, and I KNOW my ace flag is flying, but there wasn't enough time to build enough trust for that, to me. I could understand them teaming up in desperation to save both their asses, then slowly coming to depend on each other more. And I could see them falling into bed together after the final fight, after risking themselves for each other. I could see them kissing in the hospital, trying to be gentle around each other's injuries but just so relieved to have made it through everything together.
But instead they start having sex a lot earlier and it just...once again it felt like it was put there for plot.
THAT BEING SAID, I know that's a me thing and people ARE capable of just hooking up with strangers and whatnot. So do with that what you will.
The other plot point that felt weak to me was Lorenzo truly being sent alone, without any backup. His brother wasn't even keeping an eye on him remotely! He didn't have routine check in times. He had literally nobody at his back before Nikita. And while it made for a great finale scene, watching him cobble together resources to take down the Bratva, it felt a bit unrealistic.
All that being said, it was a fun, quick read with a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
Nikita “Nick” Ravenov, did have one job to do and that was to follow Lorenzo Ferrari of the east coast Valentino’s of La Cosa Nostra crime family. This was not the job for him. His real job for the Russian Bratva was in computers. Unfortunately, he was volunteered by his ex, Yakov. Why? Nikita is trapped in the Bratva and there’s no way out. Yakov Stepanovich has threatened his family and him that someone would wind up dead. Just to survive Yakov and the Bratva, Nikita has turned to drugs.
Lorenzo Ferrari is club hoping with his nephew, which he’s not exactly thrilled about. He doesn’t do hook-ups or one-night-stands. He’s very cautious and picky about who he chooses to see. He’s on the west coast to make some business deals for the Valentino crime family. He has a meeting set-up with the Pakhan of the Bratva. Lorenzo catches on quick that he’s being watched.
With an incident in the men’s room, it has both Lorenzo and Nick rethinking their feelings.
When Nick doesn’t deliver the information that Yakov want’s things don’t go so well. Lucky for Nick, Lorenzo finds him. Will Nick and Lorenzo be able to work together or will drastic measures need to be taken? Either way things are about to get chaotic.
I really jump at the chance when L.A. Witt and Cari Z collaborate for a book. Especially, one that’s gritty, violent and involves the Italian and Russian crime families. The story is fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, crazy, steamy and the plot is a roller coaster ride.
I’m well aware that drug usage is a very serious subject, but it’s an important issue in the story. Drugs are a double edge sword for Nikita. It’s keeping him existing in the world of the threats of the Bratva but he never seems to overuse or use it recklessly. He has his reasons for using and he shares those with Lorenzo. But he want’s to get clean and Lorenzo is willing to support him. L.A. Witt and Cari Z give a different perspective on why, how much and how ofter Nikita uses.
There’s also the issue of sexuality that Nick and Lorenzo have to deal with, as some mafia have become lenient, some would sooner kill you.
In the arena of secondary characters: Roberto and George were good, solid, stand-up characters.
For me this was a fun, crazy read!
Lorenzo Ferrari is club hoping with his nephew, which he’s not exactly thrilled about. He doesn’t do hook-ups or one-night-stands. He’s very cautious and picky about who he chooses to see. He’s on the west coast to make some business deals for the Valentino crime family. He has a meeting set-up with the Pakhan of the Bratva. Lorenzo catches on quick that he’s being watched.
With an incident in the men’s room, it has both Lorenzo and Nick rethinking their feelings.
When Nick doesn’t deliver the information that Yakov want’s things don’t go so well. Lucky for Nick, Lorenzo finds him. Will Nick and Lorenzo be able to work together or will drastic measures need to be taken? Either way things are about to get chaotic.
I really jump at the chance when L.A. Witt and Cari Z collaborate for a book. Especially, one that’s gritty, violent and involves the Italian and Russian crime families. The story is fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, crazy, steamy and the plot is a roller coaster ride.
I’m well aware that drug usage is a very serious subject, but it’s an important issue in the story. Drugs are a double edge sword for Nikita. It’s keeping him existing in the world of the threats of the Bratva but he never seems to overuse or use it recklessly. He has his reasons for using and he shares those with Lorenzo. But he want’s to get clean and Lorenzo is willing to support him. L.A. Witt and Cari Z give a different perspective on why, how much and how ofter Nikita uses.
There’s also the issue of sexuality that Nick and Lorenzo have to deal with, as some mafia have become lenient, some would sooner kill you.
In the arena of secondary characters: Roberto and George were good, solid, stand-up characters.
For me this was a fun, crazy read!
June 2, 2021
Mob romance with a HEA
This title's (so far that we know of) a standalone MM Contemporary Romance. HEA. Closeted characters. Crime. Crime families. Mob. Forced proximity. Violence. Drug addiction, on page use.
2POV, 3rd person. Past tense. 250 pages. Kindle edition 19th 2021.
The story may contain descriptions some readers might find improper.
Here's a good example once again how this author can and will write successfully on different styles and varied subjects but still as well as the one before that. From sweet to dark and back. All the while succeeding in luring us all the way in into the plot and making us care about the characters no matter who and where they are doing what. Making us sit on the edge of our seat biting our nails while grasping the e-reader ;)
This story had suspense and action, hot moments and angst and that happy end. Typically well-written. This title's not like one of those assassin-titles where there's a flavour of humorous adventure but of a more serious and a bit darker tone. Though not too much in my opinion; not too heavy at all. Just perfectly balanced once again.
Recommended if it hits your parameters especially if you already like the author's capability for varied stories and perspectives. A good read - an exciting one.
This title's (so far that we know of) a standalone MM Contemporary Romance. HEA. Closeted characters. Crime. Crime families. Mob. Forced proximity. Violence. Drug addiction, on page use.
2POV, 3rd person. Past tense. 250 pages. Kindle edition 19th 2021.
The story may contain descriptions some readers might find improper.
Here's a good example once again how this author can and will write successfully on different styles and varied subjects but still as well as the one before that. From sweet to dark and back. All the while succeeding in luring us all the way in into the plot and making us care about the characters no matter who and where they are doing what. Making us sit on the edge of our seat biting our nails while grasping the e-reader ;)
This story had suspense and action, hot moments and angst and that happy end. Typically well-written. This title's not like one of those assassin-titles where there's a flavour of humorous adventure but of a more serious and a bit darker tone. Though not too much in my opinion; not too heavy at all. Just perfectly balanced once again.
Recommended if it hits your parameters especially if you already like the author's capability for varied stories and perspectives. A good read - an exciting one.
January 18, 2022
Nikita is a sweet, smart man who is great with computers, an expert hacker and who has really bad taste in boyfriends. When a past lover gets him mixed up in the Russian mob, he finds himself trapped doing work he hates for people he loathes. The only way he survives day to day is by constantly staying high and trying to stay out of the way.
Lorenzo is on the West Coast trying to broker a deal between his Italian family and the Russians. When a night out ends with an explosive encounter in the bathroom, his well laid plans fall apart as he finds himself trying desperately to keep himself and Nikita alive.
This book is well written and fast paced. Unfortunately the main characters aren't entirely fleshed out well enough to make their love story seem all that probable. The mafia story line really doesn't make a lick of sense - but it was a fun enough ride that I didn't care!
Lorenzo is on the West Coast trying to broker a deal between his Italian family and the Russians. When a night out ends with an explosive encounter in the bathroom, his well laid plans fall apart as he finds himself trying desperately to keep himself and Nikita alive.
This book is well written and fast paced. Unfortunately the main characters aren't entirely fleshed out well enough to make their love story seem all that probable. The mafia story line really doesn't make a lick of sense - but it was a fun enough ride that I didn't care!
June 25, 2021
Nikita & Lorenzo don’t know each other, but each is a part of the mafia world, on opposite sides of it, actually. They each must keep their personal lives private, or face dire consequences.
Nikita is set up to tail (or follow) Lorenzo, and ends up being meeting up with him in the restroom of a bar. The next day, after Nikita is beaten up by his ex for a job badly done, Lorenzo picks him up & brings him to the hospital in exchange for some useful information...
-“Whatever you need, just say the word.”
-What if what I need is you?
Though they end up having to rely on each other in order to survive, something more is going on between them.
<3 this book! Lots of action, some romance... <3
Nikita is set up to tail (or follow) Lorenzo, and ends up being meeting up with him in the restroom of a bar. The next day, after Nikita is beaten up by his ex for a job badly done, Lorenzo picks him up & brings him to the hospital in exchange for some useful information...
-“Whatever you need, just say the word.”
-What if what I need is you?
Though they end up having to rely on each other in order to survive, something more is going on between them.
<3 this book! Lots of action, some romance... <3
March 5, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this totally unrealistic and ridiculous adventure where our MCs are criminals but relatively disinterested in their roles within their respective and rival organisations.
MC Nikita was forced into the Bratva (Russian mob) in LA by his ex-boyfriend and handles the role by staying drugged up on cocaine. MC Lorenzo is trying to sort out a profitable drug deal for his NY mafia family and regain some level of reputation (along with his life).
Ensue the crazy mob manipulations, paranoia and murders whilst our heroes (?) try to stay alive and one step ahead!
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo - excellent!!
I really enjoyed this totally unrealistic and ridiculous adventure where our MCs are criminals but relatively disinterested in their roles within their respective and rival organisations.
MC Nikita was forced into the Bratva (Russian mob) in LA by his ex-boyfriend and handles the role by staying drugged up on cocaine. MC Lorenzo is trying to sort out a profitable drug deal for his NY mafia family and regain some level of reputation (along with his life).
Ensue the crazy mob manipulations, paranoia and murders whilst our heroes (?) try to stay alive and one step ahead!
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo - excellent!!
August 11, 2021
Mixed feelings about this one.
The quality of research and realism in MM crime is usually not great, so I guess the book isn't bad compared to others in the genre, but it isn't good.
Also there are some weird value judgements here. One of the main characters has watched someone cut someone's fingers of an feed them to dogs, and is deeply morally offended that someone would use someone's addiction against them. It just feels inconsistent..
But again, it's the same kind of issues that comes up in most mm books. They feel rushed.
The quality of research and realism in MM crime is usually not great, so I guess the book isn't bad compared to others in the genre, but it isn't good.
Also there are some weird value judgements here. One of the main characters has watched someone cut someone's fingers of an feed them to dogs, and is deeply morally offended that someone would use someone's addiction against them. It just feels inconsistent..
But again, it's the same kind of issues that comes up in most mm books. They feel rushed.
June 21, 2022
Michael Ferraiuolo could read me the dictionary and I'd be happy. His accents were on point as always. 5++++ Stars for Narration.
I picked this up because I loved Hitman vs Hitman and it's sequel by these authors. It has a much darker story, and has a lot of drug usage, so it's probably not for everyone. I do think the characters, especially Nikita were very well fleshed out. I read some of the reviews before starting, so I was prepared for the drug usage and aware that a several people stated it was a very unrealistic plot. I really enjoyed the story taking it at face value.
I picked this up because I loved Hitman vs Hitman and it's sequel by these authors. It has a much darker story, and has a lot of drug usage, so it's probably not for everyone. I do think the characters, especially Nikita were very well fleshed out. I read some of the reviews before starting, so I was prepared for the drug usage and aware that a several people stated it was a very unrealistic plot. I really enjoyed the story taking it at face value.
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down.
Written in dual first person POV. Decent amount of M/M sexy times. No real humor but I wasn’t expecting any. The premise is fine but it’s not executed well at times and I wasn’t sure how either MC could miss a couple of things (don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t elaborate). There was a lot of repetition that I could have done without. Overall, I’m glad I borrowed it from KU but I won’t read it again.
Written in dual first person POV. Decent amount of M/M sexy times. No real humor but I wasn’t expecting any. The premise is fine but it’s not executed well at times and I wasn’t sure how either MC could miss a couple of things (don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t elaborate). There was a lot of repetition that I could have done without. Overall, I’m glad I borrowed it from KU but I won’t read it again.
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