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Club V #1
Marked by Him
His ink on my skin. His ring on my finger. His protection for life. My heart as payment.
Nikolai:
She came to my territory to spy on me. No one does that and lives. But this girl, she’s a rare beauty, beyond any I’ve seen.
I want her under me, not under the ground. She’s a temptation I have to conquer, and so I make her an offer.
My mark, on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world she’s mine, and she earns my protection.
It starts out as a game but becomes an obsession so fierce it might burn the world down.
Trouble is, I can’t tell who is winning the game.
The stakes have never been higher, and we’re both playing for keeps.
Sienna:
As a low-level street informant, I thought I’d finally gotten out and could resume my life, but I was mistaken. My handler had one last job for me.
He wanted me to worm my way into the world of Nikolai Volkov, Slovakian arms dealer and all-round a very bad person.
The first day of working at his mysterious Club V, I knew I was in over my head. Powerful, beautiful, and full of charismatic energy, he enticed me … and terrified me.
So here I am. A girl out of her depth, being dragged under by the kind of man she most certainly shouldn’t be messing with.
He says he will protect me, so long as I wear his mark and become his.
At first, I try to tell myself I can play his twisted games, but as time goes on, he takes over my body, my heart, and now he wants my very soul.
Nikolai Volkov is either going to be my downfall, or my savior, and I don’t know which.
NB: This can be read entirely as a standalone novel. It is a dark romance. For a list of what that entails, please visit my website.
Nikolai:
She came to my territory to spy on me. No one does that and lives. But this girl, she’s a rare beauty, beyond any I’ve seen.
I want her under me, not under the ground. She’s a temptation I have to conquer, and so I make her an offer.
My mark, on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world she’s mine, and she earns my protection.
It starts out as a game but becomes an obsession so fierce it might burn the world down.
Trouble is, I can’t tell who is winning the game.
The stakes have never been higher, and we’re both playing for keeps.
Sienna:
As a low-level street informant, I thought I’d finally gotten out and could resume my life, but I was mistaken. My handler had one last job for me.
He wanted me to worm my way into the world of Nikolai Volkov, Slovakian arms dealer and all-round a very bad person.
The first day of working at his mysterious Club V, I knew I was in over my head. Powerful, beautiful, and full of charismatic energy, he enticed me … and terrified me.
So here I am. A girl out of her depth, being dragged under by the kind of man she most certainly shouldn’t be messing with.
He says he will protect me, so long as I wear his mark and become his.
At first, I try to tell myself I can play his twisted games, but as time goes on, he takes over my body, my heart, and now he wants my very soul.
Nikolai Volkov is either going to be my downfall, or my savior, and I don’t know which.
NB: This can be read entirely as a standalone novel. It is a dark romance. For a list of what that entails, please visit my website.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2022
1862 people are currently reading
4568 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Jones
79 books741 followersRedeeming dark and dangerous heroes one book at a time.
Skye Jones is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author.
She writes dark mafia and contemporary romance as SR Jones, and angsty paranormal romance as Skye.
When not writing Skye can be found reading, dog herding, or watching gritty dramas on Netflix with her husband. She lives in the grey, windswept north of England, which fuels her taste for the dramatic and the gothic.
For a free read sign up for her reader club here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ca20ewxx71
Skye Jones is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author.
She writes dark mafia and contemporary romance as SR Jones, and angsty paranormal romance as Skye.
When not writing Skye can be found reading, dog herding, or watching gritty dramas on Netflix with her husband. She lives in the grey, windswept north of England, which fuels her taste for the dramatic and the gothic.
For a free read sign up for her reader club here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ca20ewxx71
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
June 26, 2022
I was bored. It was pitched to me as a mafia arranged marriage romance type. I thought they would be married for most of the book. It was not until the last 25%. Even the smut was mediocre.
I'm super bummed out now. These books are getting me into a slump, dammit.
I'm super bummed out now. These books are getting me into a slump, dammit.
June 1, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: undercover/deception
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved this book! Sienna is an informant being used by a crooked cop to get information on someone who patron's Nikolai's club. Nikolai is immediately drawn to the new waitress at his club, but when he finds out why she's there, he has to take drastic measures to protect her.
This was my first book by SR Jones andI can’t believe I’ve never read her before! She's definitely going to be added to my list and I'll be on the lookout for the next books in the series. Despite being a bit of a slow burn, Marked by Him was an instalove with Nikolai being all in right from the get go. This book was super fast paced and had tons of action that easily kept my attention to the end. Cannot wait to read Sasha and Leah's story next!!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: undercover/deception
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely loved this book! Sienna is an informant being used by a crooked cop to get information on someone who patron's Nikolai's club. Nikolai is immediately drawn to the new waitress at his club, but when he finds out why she's there, he has to take drastic measures to protect her.
This was my first book by SR Jones andI can’t believe I’ve never read her before! She's definitely going to be added to my list and I'll be on the lookout for the next books in the series. Despite being a bit of a slow burn, Marked by Him was an instalove with Nikolai being all in right from the get go. This book was super fast paced and had tons of action that easily kept my attention to the end. Cannot wait to read Sasha and Leah's story next!!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
May 13, 2025
Sienna is blackmailed by the cops who have her brother in jail. She’s to be a server at a gentleman’s club -owned by Nikolai- to spy on a Russian guy. Nikolai is a mafia boss and catches on to her game fast. He also pretty much falls for her as soon as he sees her. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world. He marks her with his tattoo so other mafia type guys won’t murder her for being an informant. Forced proximity, slow burn.
May 25, 2022
A desperate Sienna is willing to do anything to help her brother get out of jail on early release for drug charges She makes a deal by becoming an informant for the seedy Simon Barlow. She is caught early on by a very intriguing and enigmatic, Nikolai Volkov.
Nikolai is the owner of Club V and Sienna is hired as a waitress, only to perform double duties as a server and to be a fly on the wall, listening in on conversations that center around a secondary character, Peter. We are not given many details on what dirty deeds he's into.
What happens is a twisted tale, in which Nikolai becomes almost obsessed with Sienna. With rumors of her betrayal being whispered in the underworld, Sienna is in imminent danger. Nikolai basically offers her help under the guise of protection, but really he just wants to sink his claws into her.
The chemistry between them is palatable, but is slow burning throughout the entire book. Nikolai has eyes only for Sienna.
In his world, his "mark," a small tattoo should keep her safe, along with a gold bracelet that is etched with his family's insignia. However, the whispers of her betrayal go far and wide. Nikolai couldn't bear for Sienna to meet her demise, so he marries her quickly. Sending the message that all the rumors are lies. Eventually, he brings Simon into the fold to squash the rumors.
However, Sienna develops genuine feelings for Nikolai and she just wants him to reciprocate the feelings. Sadly, he thinks it's a sign of weakness. She gives him the ultimatum to love her or set her free.
This is where the push and pull is most prevalent. It's an intense ride with tons of tension between them.
I enjoyed the slow burning tension between the two main characters, but what I really enjoyed was the surprise chapter with Nikolai's brother, Sasha. This chapter is a lead in for the author's next book and this little teaser was a sure-fire hit.
Written in dual 1st POV
Nikolai is the owner of Club V and Sienna is hired as a waitress, only to perform double duties as a server and to be a fly on the wall, listening in on conversations that center around a secondary character, Peter. We are not given many details on what dirty deeds he's into.
What happens is a twisted tale, in which Nikolai becomes almost obsessed with Sienna. With rumors of her betrayal being whispered in the underworld, Sienna is in imminent danger. Nikolai basically offers her help under the guise of protection, but really he just wants to sink his claws into her.
The chemistry between them is palatable, but is slow burning throughout the entire book. Nikolai has eyes only for Sienna.
In his world, his "mark," a small tattoo should keep her safe, along with a gold bracelet that is etched with his family's insignia. However, the whispers of her betrayal go far and wide. Nikolai couldn't bear for Sienna to meet her demise, so he marries her quickly. Sending the message that all the rumors are lies. Eventually, he brings Simon into the fold to squash the rumors.
However, Sienna develops genuine feelings for Nikolai and she just wants him to reciprocate the feelings. Sadly, he thinks it's a sign of weakness. She gives him the ultimatum to love her or set her free.
This is where the push and pull is most prevalent. It's an intense ride with tons of tension between them.
I enjoyed the slow burning tension between the two main characters, but what I really enjoyed was the surprise chapter with Nikolai's brother, Sasha. This chapter is a lead in for the author's next book and this little teaser was a sure-fire hit.
Written in dual 1st POV
August 2, 2022
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars
WHYYYYYYY????¿ Sienna was annoying as fuck. So much repetition. Bitch was giving me fucking whiplash with her back and forth "I want to be free" "I want you to love me" "you took away my choice" and the whole "make me make me game". Honestly she was lowkey ungrateful. I don't think she knew what she actually fucking wanted. Also the whole didn't know/believe how actually gorgeous she was and the constant description of her and how she was basically every mans wet dream was off putting. Like we get it she's got big boobs, tiny waist and a fat ass, no need to keep shoving it down our face in every chapter.
Nikolai wasn't even that bad like bitch chill he's not forcing you to do anything you don't want and he's literally keeping you from being dead. As far as mafia bosses go Nikolai was pretty fucking soft and mild.
The smut was pretty mild too -although there was a sprinkle of kink. Overall the book was pretty mid.
And is it really a mafia arranged marriage if they're only married in like the last 3 chapters?
WHYYYYYYY????¿ Sienna was annoying as fuck. So much repetition. Bitch was giving me fucking whiplash with her back and forth "I want to be free" "I want you to love me" "you took away my choice" and the whole "make me make me game". Honestly she was lowkey ungrateful. I don't think she knew what she actually fucking wanted. Also the whole didn't know/believe how actually gorgeous she was and the constant description of her and how she was basically every mans wet dream was off putting. Like we get it she's got big boobs, tiny waist and a fat ass, no need to keep shoving it down our face in every chapter.
Nikolai wasn't even that bad like bitch chill he's not forcing you to do anything you don't want and he's literally keeping you from being dead. As far as mafia bosses go Nikolai was pretty fucking soft and mild.
The smut was pretty mild too -although there was a sprinkle of kink. Overall the book was pretty mid.
And is it really a mafia arranged marriage if they're only married in like the last 3 chapters?
June 30, 2022
This is a mafia arranged marriage kind of book. And for that reason I was expecting to be darker than what it was and that they were actually married for the most part of the book. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that they actually got married. I think they were married for the last two chapters…
This book was pretty tame considering my expectations. And I think this is the reason I found the book boring. The mmc didn’t come across as some big scary mafia dude which was hoping for. I actually found him to be too soft.
I wasn’t a fan of the fmc either. I found it annoying that she so badly wanted him to say “I love you” to her. She came across as desperate and it wasn’t a good look. I know this is probably weird but I also hated that she was apparently every man’s wet dream - perfect body and face and a total virgin. And of course she isn’t aware that she is gorgeous…
The chemistry between the two main character was okay, but the sex wasn’t as spicy as I would have liked.
This book was pretty tame considering my expectations. And I think this is the reason I found the book boring. The mmc didn’t come across as some big scary mafia dude which was hoping for. I actually found him to be too soft.
I wasn’t a fan of the fmc either. I found it annoying that she so badly wanted him to say “I love you” to her. She came across as desperate and it wasn’t a good look. I know this is probably weird but I also hated that she was apparently every man’s wet dream - perfect body and face and a total virgin. And of course she isn’t aware that she is gorgeous…
The chemistry between the two main character was okay, but the sex wasn’t as spicy as I would have liked.
May 25, 2022
I knew I was going to love Nikolai after meeting him in the Darkly Ever After Anthology, but I wasn't quite prepared for how MUCH I actually love him!
He said a few things to Vadim which I knew were going to come and bite him in the butt, and boy did they 😈
He feels a pull to Sienna from the moment he sets his eyes on her, and then when he finds out she has hidden motives it just spurs him on even more - he's seen what he wants, and now he has a game plan to get what he wants! And this is what I love the most about Skye's MMCs - they don't hold any punches when it comes to getting what they want!
Sienna, was her heart, she's trying to keep her head above water but she's in way deeper than she can deal with, so when she's offered an opportunity of safety and protection she should be snapping it up, but she knows in order to survive in this world she's going to have to play her own games. But when the rules get blurred will she be able to protect her heart? Will protection and safety be enough?
I say this every time, but Skye just nails it, the angst, the chemistry, the page turning tension! I can't wait for Sasha's book 😍
He said a few things to Vadim which I knew were going to come and bite him in the butt, and boy did they 😈
He feels a pull to Sienna from the moment he sets his eyes on her, and then when he finds out she has hidden motives it just spurs him on even more - he's seen what he wants, and now he has a game plan to get what he wants! And this is what I love the most about Skye's MMCs - they don't hold any punches when it comes to getting what they want!
Sienna, was her heart, she's trying to keep her head above water but she's in way deeper than she can deal with, so when she's offered an opportunity of safety and protection she should be snapping it up, but she knows in order to survive in this world she's going to have to play her own games. But when the rules get blurred will she be able to protect her heart? Will protection and safety be enough?
I say this every time, but Skye just nails it, the angst, the chemistry, the page turning tension! I can't wait for Sasha's book 😍
February 1, 2025
Nikolai & Sienna
May 26, 2022
When Siennas brother is thrown in prison for drug charges she’s approached by an agent to become an informant in exchange for less time served for her brother. She is assigned to work at Club V which is owned by Nikolai. When she lays eyes on him and vice versa they both feel a strong connection. Unbeknownst to Sienna her cover is blown that first night which is when Nikolai comes up with a plan to keep her from being killed. He wants her and wants to put his mark on her.
These two were sparking all over the pages! Their chemistry was combustible and once they finally give in that slow burn was worth the wait.
These two were sparking all over the pages! Their chemistry was combustible and once they finally give in that slow burn was worth the wait.
March 22, 2025
Book Tok got me. While I love mafia stories this one just fell flat for me.
May 26, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Nikolai:
She came to my territory to spy one me. No one does that and lives. But this girl, she's a rare beauty beyond any I've seen. I want her under me, not under the ground. She's a temptation I have to conquer, and so I make her an offer. My mark on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world she's mine, and she earns my protection. It starts out as a game but becomes an obsession so fierce it might burn the world down. Trouble is, I can't tell who is winning the game. The stares have never been higher, and we're both playing for keeps.
Sienna
As a love-level street informant, I thought I'd finally gotten out and could resume my life, but i was mistake. My handler had one last job for me. He wanted me to worm my way inot the world of Nikolai Volkow, Slovaklan arms dealer and all-round a very bad person. The first day of working at his mysterious Club V, I know I was in over my head. Powerful, beautiful, and full of charismatic energy, he enticed me....and terrified me. So, here I am. A girl out of her depth, being dragged under by the kind of man she most certainly shouldn't be messing with. He says he will protect me, so long as I wear his mark and become his. At first, I try to tell myself I can play his twisted games, but as time goes on, he takes over my body, my heart, and now he wants my very soul. Nikolai Volkov is either going to be my downfall, or my savior, and I don't know which.
This is a dark romance. You need to head the warnings in the front of the book because this book will contain triggers from some readers. This is the story of Nikolia and Sienna. If you have read SR Jones story in the Darkly Ever Anthology then you have met Nikolai in that story.
Nikolai is a businessman, club owner and bratva boss. Sienna is a low level street informant for police officer Simon who is really a pieces of trash. He shouldn't even be called a police officer and Sienna thinks that she has gotten out from under him. But he has other plans and send her to Club V to spy on arms dealer and bratva boss Nikolia. She is in so way over her head but the second that Nikolia sees her he wants her. He thinks she would be better off as his than six feet in the ground where he actually should put her. She is equally attracted to him and when he offers her protection with strings attached to it she really should take the offer because she really is in quiet the mess. This book is so good it will hook you from the first page and have you reading as fast as you can to the very end. I loved these characters and the story they had to tell. This is the first book in a duet so you should be ready for that. The next book isn't very far away though and that's a good thing because I need it right now.
Nikolai:
She came to my territory to spy one me. No one does that and lives. But this girl, she's a rare beauty beyond any I've seen. I want her under me, not under the ground. She's a temptation I have to conquer, and so I make her an offer. My mark on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world she's mine, and she earns my protection. It starts out as a game but becomes an obsession so fierce it might burn the world down. Trouble is, I can't tell who is winning the game. The stares have never been higher, and we're both playing for keeps.
Sienna
As a love-level street informant, I thought I'd finally gotten out and could resume my life, but i was mistake. My handler had one last job for me. He wanted me to worm my way inot the world of Nikolai Volkow, Slovaklan arms dealer and all-round a very bad person. The first day of working at his mysterious Club V, I know I was in over my head. Powerful, beautiful, and full of charismatic energy, he enticed me....and terrified me. So, here I am. A girl out of her depth, being dragged under by the kind of man she most certainly shouldn't be messing with. He says he will protect me, so long as I wear his mark and become his. At first, I try to tell myself I can play his twisted games, but as time goes on, he takes over my body, my heart, and now he wants my very soul. Nikolai Volkov is either going to be my downfall, or my savior, and I don't know which.
This is a dark romance. You need to head the warnings in the front of the book because this book will contain triggers from some readers. This is the story of Nikolia and Sienna. If you have read SR Jones story in the Darkly Ever Anthology then you have met Nikolai in that story.
Nikolai is a businessman, club owner and bratva boss. Sienna is a low level street informant for police officer Simon who is really a pieces of trash. He shouldn't even be called a police officer and Sienna thinks that she has gotten out from under him. But he has other plans and send her to Club V to spy on arms dealer and bratva boss Nikolia. She is in so way over her head but the second that Nikolia sees her he wants her. He thinks she would be better off as his than six feet in the ground where he actually should put her. She is equally attracted to him and when he offers her protection with strings attached to it she really should take the offer because she really is in quiet the mess. This book is so good it will hook you from the first page and have you reading as fast as you can to the very end. I loved these characters and the story they had to tell. This is the first book in a duet so you should be ready for that. The next book isn't very far away though and that's a good thing because I need it right now.
May 27, 2022
A wonderful read that is a riveting read and full of great characters and great storyline
Nikolai Volkov is well known in London he is of Slovakian Descent and his family have become part of the Bratva via the Gulag, the prisons and fighting for the ir family name and crest through situations that would cause other competitors to shake in their boots from fear of what he will do if he is crossed.
Sienna had been working as a low-level informant for the police so that her younger brother would receive a greatly reduced sentence However, after completing the agreed mission where she was under cover she and her brother are being blackmailed, she has been placed in at Bar V where she is employed as a waitress serving drinks and seeing to club members.
As much as Sienna wants to escape from the police that have forced her into this undercover position, she approaches the officer in charge but is threatened by him and his cronies along with her brother who is up for release within a couple of months. Sienna is between a rock and a hard place and Nikolai is determined he is going to make her his own so that no one else will dare to harm her or kill her know she has been identified as an informer.
As Nikolai and Sienna agree to live under his roof and to do everything that he asks so that she remains safe, she also has a tattoo on her that proves that she is the property on Nikolai Volkov and that should anyone dare to harm her full retribution will be taken.
This is a simply wonderful story and I guarantee that you will be totally blown away by this story, the characters have been written wonderfully and it is impossible to put this book down until you reach the end of the book and discover the outcome of this story,
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nikolai Volkov is well known in London he is of Slovakian Descent and his family have become part of the Bratva via the Gulag, the prisons and fighting for the ir family name and crest through situations that would cause other competitors to shake in their boots from fear of what he will do if he is crossed.
Sienna had been working as a low-level informant for the police so that her younger brother would receive a greatly reduced sentence However, after completing the agreed mission where she was under cover she and her brother are being blackmailed, she has been placed in at Bar V where she is employed as a waitress serving drinks and seeing to club members.
As much as Sienna wants to escape from the police that have forced her into this undercover position, she approaches the officer in charge but is threatened by him and his cronies along with her brother who is up for release within a couple of months. Sienna is between a rock and a hard place and Nikolai is determined he is going to make her his own so that no one else will dare to harm her or kill her know she has been identified as an informer.
As Nikolai and Sienna agree to live under his roof and to do everything that he asks so that she remains safe, she also has a tattoo on her that proves that she is the property on Nikolai Volkov and that should anyone dare to harm her full retribution will be taken.
This is a simply wonderful story and I guarantee that you will be totally blown away by this story, the characters have been written wonderfully and it is impossible to put this book down until you reach the end of the book and discover the outcome of this story,
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2022
Talk about intense, this book had we wanting to wrap a blanket around me for protection. Sienna and Nikoli will take you on a fast paced emotional journey with lots of danger. Mafia, drugs, informants and more. This story will grab your attention right at the beginning and keep you page turning as fast as you can. Drama and danger are intertwined. The characters are well formed and strong. The story line is engaging/ I read a free copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2022
so good!!
This was so good. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I wanted them both to bend and see what they were doing to each other. They wanted each other and loved each other but couldn’t admit what they wanted or needed. How they end up coming together is super satisfying.
This was so good. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I wanted them both to bend and see what they were doing to each other. They wanted each other and loved each other but couldn’t admit what they wanted or needed. How they end up coming together is super satisfying.
May 20, 2022
An action packed, thrilling and amazing read
January 1, 2023
Started with a bang!
October 27, 2024
it is so bad i wanna give you a zero, but that’s not possible, so i give you a one
i’m convinced anyone that rated this higher than a one is being bribed or is purely lacking brain cells
i’m convinced anyone that rated this higher than a one is being bribed or is purely lacking brain cells
September 4, 2025
disappointing, boring and inconsistent. Not the worst thing I've read though, hence the 2 stars instead of one.
July 22, 2022
My Rating: 3.75 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This first book in the Club V series was my introduction to new-to-me author S.R. Jones and the devious, angst-ridden underworld she has created. The premise was intriguing to say the least; I liked the idea of an undercover spy/ crime boss romance storyline.
The storytelling is well-paced, told from multiple POVs, and a constant emotional rollercoaster. I had expected a dark, suspenseful romance read, but found it to be less dark and gritty and more contemporary and angsty (which isn’t a bad thing). Although Nikolai’s world is set in a criminal syndicate backdrop, you don’t actually get an in-depth view into his world as his volatile relationship with Sienna is the focal point for the majority of the story. I haven’t looked into Jones’ backlist of books yet, so I’m unsure if this world already exists in other books but if like me and this is your first, just know the underworld element is not as vivid as it might seem.
But please note, it does contain sensitive subject matter that may still be triggering for some readers such as, sexual harassment/ assault and violence. This book is intended for readers 18+ only.
I love seeing witty, light-hearted banter here and there and occasional game-playing between leading characters. The first half of the book really sucks you in as Sienna and Nikolai begin their bargain. But as the story progresses and Sienna starts finding her groove, I did find her one-upmanship a little excessive at times. For the most part she’s a likable character and heroine, but some of her motives and actions were questionable (surprisingly more so than Nikolai’s). 🤔 Nikolai has a couple of different sides to him. He’s a possessive alpha but he’s also an acquired taste that I think plenty will find enticing regardless of his way of thinking at times.
The chemistry between the two is without a doubt hot; never knowing which direction their interactions end up—getting their mack-on or completely butting heads. Either way, these two have some serious addictive exchange throughout that kept me turning the pages.
However, their relationship and their individual characters could’ve used deeper, genuine developments. Not as much growth as I was hoping for, especially considering the complex situation Sienna and Nikolai have put themselves in. I was anticipating intensity and edge-of-your-seat moments that unfortunately never really occurred, and ultimately felt like something was missing from the overall ambience of the story that would’ve given it the oomph it so greatly needed.
But in saying that, it does have great bones, and as mentioned earlier the premise was what initially caught my attention. Despite lacking darkness and grit, as a whole it’s still an enjoyably sweet romance story with two leading characters who have quite a zingy coupling. As well as secondary characters who played pivotal roles in not only adding dimension and a third-party perspective to Sienna and Nikolai’s relationship, but also in displaying the structure, hierarchy, and loyalty to Nikolai and his expanding enterprise. It also teases you with Nikolai’s family dynamics and what the future holds for the Volkov brothers. I found them all to be such interesting characters that I’m curious to know more about their own life stories.
The conclusion to Nikolai and Sienna’s story kicks-off the continuation of the series with the next Volkov brother in Given to Him. From Sasha’s appearances in this book, I’m looking forward to reading his story next!
It’s a little tamer than the usual dark, mafia-type romance books I read, but I would still recommend it to fellow dark romance readers who enjoy reading about bossy alpha-heroes and defiant heroines. I think it’s a great read for those who are looking into dark romances but not quite ready to go gritty as of yet.
🚨 Full review on my blog:
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This first book in the Club V series was my introduction to new-to-me author S.R. Jones and the devious, angst-ridden underworld she has created. The premise was intriguing to say the least; I liked the idea of an undercover spy/ crime boss romance storyline.
The storytelling is well-paced, told from multiple POVs, and a constant emotional rollercoaster. I had expected a dark, suspenseful romance read, but found it to be less dark and gritty and more contemporary and angsty (which isn’t a bad thing). Although Nikolai’s world is set in a criminal syndicate backdrop, you don’t actually get an in-depth view into his world as his volatile relationship with Sienna is the focal point for the majority of the story. I haven’t looked into Jones’ backlist of books yet, so I’m unsure if this world already exists in other books but if like me and this is your first, just know the underworld element is not as vivid as it might seem.
But please note, it does contain sensitive subject matter that may still be triggering for some readers such as, sexual harassment/ assault and violence. This book is intended for readers 18+ only.
I love seeing witty, light-hearted banter here and there and occasional game-playing between leading characters. The first half of the book really sucks you in as Sienna and Nikolai begin their bargain. But as the story progresses and Sienna starts finding her groove, I did find her one-upmanship a little excessive at times. For the most part she’s a likable character and heroine, but some of her motives and actions were questionable (surprisingly more so than Nikolai’s). 🤔 Nikolai has a couple of different sides to him. He’s a possessive alpha but he’s also an acquired taste that I think plenty will find enticing regardless of his way of thinking at times.
The chemistry between the two is without a doubt hot; never knowing which direction their interactions end up—getting their mack-on or completely butting heads. Either way, these two have some serious addictive exchange throughout that kept me turning the pages.
However, their relationship and their individual characters could’ve used deeper, genuine developments. Not as much growth as I was hoping for, especially considering the complex situation Sienna and Nikolai have put themselves in. I was anticipating intensity and edge-of-your-seat moments that unfortunately never really occurred, and ultimately felt like something was missing from the overall ambience of the story that would’ve given it the oomph it so greatly needed.
But in saying that, it does have great bones, and as mentioned earlier the premise was what initially caught my attention. Despite lacking darkness and grit, as a whole it’s still an enjoyably sweet romance story with two leading characters who have quite a zingy coupling. As well as secondary characters who played pivotal roles in not only adding dimension and a third-party perspective to Sienna and Nikolai’s relationship, but also in displaying the structure, hierarchy, and loyalty to Nikolai and his expanding enterprise. It also teases you with Nikolai’s family dynamics and what the future holds for the Volkov brothers. I found them all to be such interesting characters that I’m curious to know more about their own life stories.
The conclusion to Nikolai and Sienna’s story kicks-off the continuation of the series with the next Volkov brother in Given to Him. From Sasha’s appearances in this book, I’m looking forward to reading his story next!
It’s a little tamer than the usual dark, mafia-type romance books I read, but I would still recommend it to fellow dark romance readers who enjoy reading about bossy alpha-heroes and defiant heroines. I think it’s a great read for those who are looking into dark romances but not quite ready to go gritty as of yet.
🚨 Full review on my blog:
May 25, 2022
Amazing start to a new series. Sienna is only trying to help her brother by being an informant, she ends up being caught spying on Nikolai and he plans on making her his. This is a fast-paced dark mafia read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. I loved the characters and the story has lots of action and plenty of twists and turns. The scenes are scorching hot and the story draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it.
April 11, 2023
This was hella disappointing hoenslty. The whole "oh my gosh, you're beautiful- let me tell you constantly because you don't believe it" was excruciatingly annoying & most definitely ruined the story for me.
July 22, 2022
DNF 36% UGH! The MFC was too immature, whiny and clingy. It takes five pages just to describe a room or a rug or how someone is dressed. Too boring. SR Jones has always been hit or miss with me.
March 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW / CW - mention of attempted rape, groping, death of a (grand)parent mentioned (cancer), sexual harassment (not by the H), CNC
Tropes - dark, age gap, crime, obsessed / possessive, forced proximity, , rich, MMC only likes her
As soon as I read this was set in London I was sold. Despite the fact that them being in Ldn isn't really a plot point, I still felt: 🤩🤩🤩 because of it
I really liked this book. Like I really did. I loved Nikolai (MMC). Like literally loved him. He's a brutal man but also, I thought, he treated Sienna (FMC) really well - essentially saved her life. Didn't harm her, didn't treat her like shit. Literally gave her everything and anything she could possibly need and honestly, it was cute to see him experience all these feelings for the first time.
However, this wasn't enough for Sienna and I didn't agree with her at all. Sienna wanted things from Nikolai that he did not yet know how to give, she thought she could change him and, realistically, when we're talking about a MMC like Nikolai, you cannot change him. She kept saying she felt like his captive and honestly, I wasn't getting that vibe whatsoever. For me, he was doing whatever he could in his power to make sure she didn't end up dead, idk how she could really demand more than that when he didn't even have to do it in the first place 🤷🏽♀️. I agreed with Nikolai sentiment that she just wanted more more more. She ended up coming across as one of those: omg, I can change him, I know I can! girls and I wasn't here for it. She made it seem like he wasn't enough for her and I felt it was kinda shitty. I get she was explaining what she needs to be able to thrive but, I felt like she didn't have to hammer it home the way she did.
The smut was good, ofc 😅, the sex %age is at a slow burn mark but don't worry, this is not slow burn in any shape of form and (to my knowledge) is not advertised as one. You won't be left wanting but I did think the pace of events and how they happened was really good for this book.
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
TW / CW - mention of attempted rape, groping, death of a (grand)parent mentioned (cancer), sexual harassment (not by the H), CNC
Tropes - dark, age gap, crime, obsessed / possessive, forced proximity, , rich, MMC only likes her
As soon as I read this was set in London I was sold. Despite the fact that them being in Ldn isn't really a plot point, I still felt: 🤩🤩🤩 because of it
I really liked this book. Like I really did. I loved Nikolai (MMC). Like literally loved him. He's a brutal man but also, I thought, he treated Sienna (FMC) really well - essentially saved her life. Didn't harm her, didn't treat her like shit. Literally gave her everything and anything she could possibly need and honestly, it was cute to see him experience all these feelings for the first time.
However, this wasn't enough for Sienna and I didn't agree with her at all. Sienna wanted things from Nikolai that he did not yet know how to give, she thought she could change him and, realistically, when we're talking about a MMC like Nikolai, you cannot change him. She kept saying she felt like his captive and honestly, I wasn't getting that vibe whatsoever. For me, he was doing whatever he could in his power to make sure she didn't end up dead, idk how she could really demand more than that when he didn't even have to do it in the first place 🤷🏽♀️. I agreed with Nikolai sentiment that she just wanted more more more. She ended up coming across as one of those: omg, I can change him, I know I can! girls and I wasn't here for it. She made it seem like he wasn't enough for her and I felt it was kinda shitty. I get she was explaining what she needs to be able to thrive but, I felt like she didn't have to hammer it home the way she did.
The smut was good, ofc 😅, the sex %age is at a slow burn mark but don't worry, this is not slow burn in any shape of form and (to my knowledge) is not advertised as one. You won't be left wanting but I did think the pace of events and how they happened was really good for this book.
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
June 14, 2022
Marked by Him is book one in Club V series. It's dark, twist, and delicious. A fast paced action packed intense romance. It's well written with developed characters. Nikolai Volkov is head of the Volkov family. He's considered a very powerful, dangerous, ruthless and brutal man. He's a Slovakian, Italian, Russian arms dealer and owner of Club V. Club V is a private gentleman's club that caters to criminals, powerful men, corrupted politicians, and mobsters.
Sienna is a low level street informant. She thought she was done being an informant and could get on with her life but she was poorly mistaken. Because her handler Simon, who is dirty cop told her that he had one last job for her. He wanted her to worm her way into Nikolai Volkov world to spy on the Russians at Club V. He knows that the men often conduct business at the club at thought that Sienna could possibly get him some information. Information is a key in Nikolai line of business and he uses it gain power over his patron. He's manipulating Sienna into being compliant by using her brother's safety in jail to get her to whatever he wants. He knows that her only living relative and she would do anything to keep her brother safe even if put her life in danger.
Sienna got a job at Club V as a waitress to on the Russians. Sienna didn't stand a chance of making it out of club V alive but her handler didn't seem to car. When Nikolai heard that there was a undercover spy in their mist he had to take care of it. But it turned into a cat and mouse chase. Because from the moment Nikolai laid on Sienna he knew that she was the one. Lena cover was blown and she was in danger but Nikolai wanted to protect her. Although her action will normally result in death. She was a rare beauty that he had ever seen and he wanted her under him instead of in the ground.
She's a temptation that he had to conquer unless he's going to lose his mind, so he make her an offer. His mark on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world that she belongs to him, and she earns his protection. They started out playing Nikolai twisted games but they both catch feelings and they are both playing for keeps. He's obsessed and takes over her body, heart, and he wants her soul. He loves her but he never actually say the words and that's all she wants to hear. He treats her like queen and makes sure that she's respected. Mark by Him is swoon worthy, steamy, dark, addictive, erotic and unputdownable with manipulations, danger, lies, deception, secrets, possessiveness, obsession, blackmail, threats, lust, passion, drama, mystery and love.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sienna is a low level street informant. She thought she was done being an informant and could get on with her life but she was poorly mistaken. Because her handler Simon, who is dirty cop told her that he had one last job for her. He wanted her to worm her way into Nikolai Volkov world to spy on the Russians at Club V. He knows that the men often conduct business at the club at thought that Sienna could possibly get him some information. Information is a key in Nikolai line of business and he uses it gain power over his patron. He's manipulating Sienna into being compliant by using her brother's safety in jail to get her to whatever he wants. He knows that her only living relative and she would do anything to keep her brother safe even if put her life in danger.
Sienna got a job at Club V as a waitress to on the Russians. Sienna didn't stand a chance of making it out of club V alive but her handler didn't seem to car. When Nikolai heard that there was a undercover spy in their mist he had to take care of it. But it turned into a cat and mouse chase. Because from the moment Nikolai laid on Sienna he knew that she was the one. Lena cover was blown and she was in danger but Nikolai wanted to protect her. Although her action will normally result in death. She was a rare beauty that he had ever seen and he wanted her under him instead of in the ground.
She's a temptation that he had to conquer unless he's going to lose his mind, so he make her an offer. His mark on her skin. The Volkov family insignia tattooed on her shoulder, to tell the world that she belongs to him, and she earns his protection. They started out playing Nikolai twisted games but they both catch feelings and they are both playing for keeps. He's obsessed and takes over her body, heart, and he wants her soul. He loves her but he never actually say the words and that's all she wants to hear. He treats her like queen and makes sure that she's respected. Mark by Him is swoon worthy, steamy, dark, addictive, erotic and unputdownable with manipulations, danger, lies, deception, secrets, possessiveness, obsession, blackmail, threats, lust, passion, drama, mystery and love.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2022
Loved it! And the guy on the cover is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Loved it! Loved the story, loved the characters, even got a little emotional. This one definitely goes on my re-read list!
What I loved about the characters -
The h, Sienna, is a little innocent, but not totally. She's not ignorant about sex, she just hasn't done the final deed. Part of what holds her back is her dark desires which she's ashamed of. She's intelligent, but a little naive and insecure having been abandoned by a father who made her feel like she was never enough. With a mother she lost to cancer at a young age, a grandmother who raised her deceased and a yonger brother in jail, she's pretty much alone in the world and an easy target for sleaze bags.
The H, Nikolai, a mix of Slovakian, Russian and Italian, is head of his Mafia family. He handles their European interests from Great Britain, while his brother who answers to him, handles their Chicago based U.S. interests. He also owns an exclusive men's club (Club V) frequented by other crime lords, corrupt politicians and influential men. Because people talk and conduct business at the club, it provides a great source of information that he can use to gain power over them.
What I love about the story -
The way events unfold is believable. No stupid decisions made to get in predicaments. Sienna's beliefs, doubts, insecurities and needs are understandable considering her upbringing and her situation.
Nikolai's never had a "relationship" with a woman. He uses them for mutual pleasure and the women understand that's all it is. He's shut himself off from emotion. Yet he has strong feelings for Sienna; he wants to protect her and take care of her, but refuses to give her "the words" she wants because he prides himself on being honest and believes he is incapable of love.
I loved that he could read her so well, understand her dark desires and was willing to give her anything she wanted to keep her happy (except her freedom and "the words" she wanted to hear). I loved that he treated her with respect and didn't allow anyone else to disrespect her.
I loved that even when he finally gives her her freedom, he still protects her and watches over her. I love that although neither Nikolai nor Sienna realize he loves her, we the reader understand it from almost the very beginning. He shows it in so many ways. And yes they do figure it out. (Absense, short though it was, does make him realize and accept things denied. Same for her because she had to work through some issues too.)
Yes, there were a few typos, but I loved the story so much it was easy to overlook. (Picturing the H as the guy on the book cover helped too...I buy anything with him on the cover lol!). This was a five star for me.
Loved it! Loved the story, loved the characters, even got a little emotional. This one definitely goes on my re-read list!
What I loved about the characters -
The h, Sienna, is a little innocent, but not totally. She's not ignorant about sex, she just hasn't done the final deed. Part of what holds her back is her dark desires which she's ashamed of. She's intelligent, but a little naive and insecure having been abandoned by a father who made her feel like she was never enough. With a mother she lost to cancer at a young age, a grandmother who raised her deceased and a yonger brother in jail, she's pretty much alone in the world and an easy target for sleaze bags.
The H, Nikolai, a mix of Slovakian, Russian and Italian, is head of his Mafia family. He handles their European interests from Great Britain, while his brother who answers to him, handles their Chicago based U.S. interests. He also owns an exclusive men's club (Club V) frequented by other crime lords, corrupt politicians and influential men. Because people talk and conduct business at the club, it provides a great source of information that he can use to gain power over them.
What I love about the story -
The way events unfold is believable. No stupid decisions made to get in predicaments. Sienna's beliefs, doubts, insecurities and needs are understandable considering her upbringing and her situation.
Nikolai's never had a "relationship" with a woman. He uses them for mutual pleasure and the women understand that's all it is. He's shut himself off from emotion. Yet he has strong feelings for Sienna; he wants to protect her and take care of her, but refuses to give her "the words" she wants because he prides himself on being honest and believes he is incapable of love.
I loved that he could read her so well, understand her dark desires and was willing to give her anything she wanted to keep her happy (except her freedom and "the words" she wanted to hear). I loved that he treated her with respect and didn't allow anyone else to disrespect her.
I loved that even when he finally gives her her freedom, he still protects her and watches over her. I love that although neither Nikolai nor Sienna realize he loves her, we the reader understand it from almost the very beginning. He shows it in so many ways. And yes they do figure it out. (Absense, short though it was, does make him realize and accept things denied. Same for her because she had to work through some issues too.)
Yes, there were a few typos, but I loved the story so much it was easy to overlook. (Picturing the H as the guy on the book cover helped too...I buy anything with him on the cover lol!). This was a five star for me.
June 1, 2022
Buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously dark story 😊. The makings of a great mafia story there will be kidnapping, marriage, suspense (oh so much suspense), sleepless nights, bad judgement, plotting, betrayal, secrets, lies, more lies, violence, chemistry off the charts, forgiveness, hope, and maybe love.
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.
This is the first book in Club V series, and I will say buckle up again, a lot of push and pull and learning more about oneself. Nikolai sexy as all get out arms dealer amount other things, knows what’s going on around him, his business, and most times when he catches a spy usually it means death but the little spy, he caught is too beautiful to kill so keeping her it is now to keep her safe well that is another story. Sienna feisty trying to make a life for herself but when her brother ends up jail on drug charges and willing to go undercover for a sleezy man who wants her to gather information on Nikolai and his business deals by pretty much getting a job in his business and listening to all his conversations, but she never counted on being caught by the man himself. The moment Nikolai see her he knows she will be his in every way but his obsession is driving a wedge but also the need to ensure her safety since the world he lives in thinks she is a snitch meaning snitches die so he has her wear his mark, and he gives her a bracelet with the initials of his family’s insignia however, the word is out that she betrayed him and it is circulating in the wrong circles meaning someone or a lot of someone’s want her taken out. But under his protection isn’t enough so he marries her in hopes of keeping her safe and breathing while married the attraction is insanely intense and the magnetic pull is too strong to ignore and the more time he is around her his obsession grows but when she demands he love her will he be strong enough considering he feels like loving another is a sign of weakness, will the man she works for leave her alone, will he be able to keep her safe, will she be able to prove she isn’t a snitch or she didn’t betray him and where are they headed …so many questions and we have to wait ☹?.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
This is the first book in Club V series, and I will say buckle up again, a lot of push and pull and learning more about oneself. Nikolai sexy as all get out arms dealer amount other things, knows what’s going on around him, his business, and most times when he catches a spy usually it means death but the little spy, he caught is too beautiful to kill so keeping her it is now to keep her safe well that is another story. Sienna feisty trying to make a life for herself but when her brother ends up jail on drug charges and willing to go undercover for a sleezy man who wants her to gather information on Nikolai and his business deals by pretty much getting a job in his business and listening to all his conversations, but she never counted on being caught by the man himself. The moment Nikolai see her he knows she will be his in every way but his obsession is driving a wedge but also the need to ensure her safety since the world he lives in thinks she is a snitch meaning snitches die so he has her wear his mark, and he gives her a bracelet with the initials of his family’s insignia however, the word is out that she betrayed him and it is circulating in the wrong circles meaning someone or a lot of someone’s want her taken out. But under his protection isn’t enough so he marries her in hopes of keeping her safe and breathing while married the attraction is insanely intense and the magnetic pull is too strong to ignore and the more time he is around her his obsession grows but when she demands he love her will he be strong enough considering he feels like loving another is a sign of weakness, will the man she works for leave her alone, will he be able to keep her safe, will she be able to prove she isn’t a snitch or she didn’t betray him and where are they headed …so many questions and we have to wait ☹?.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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