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The Tarkhanov Empire #2
Empress of Poisons
What is a Pakhan without an empress? Three years have passed since the end of Kingpin's Foxglove. Elena Falcone has left her new family and the man she loves, destroying her own heart in the process...the only thing she has left is the blond-haired, green-eyed boy who calls her 'mama'. When her son's life is jeopardized, Elena finds her way back into Konstantin's arms and is forced back into the world she once craved to be free from... Since the betrayal that left his family tearing at the seams, Konstantin Tarkhanov has been fiercely ensuring his rule over Staten Island. In the midst of his growing darkness, a light forms in the shape of the woman who broke his heart...and the child they share. However, Elena and Konstantin's reunion is darkened by the shadows of their enemies. Tensions are growing in New York City, families are ending and blood soaks the sidewalks...Will the Tarkhanov Bratva rise to glory or will this empire fall before it even begins?
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2021
187 people are currently reading
2850 people want to read
About the author
Bree Porter
13 books1,303 followersBree Porter came screaming into the world on Valentine’s Day, so she never had any choice but to be addicted to romance. Now she spends her day swooning over soulmate love and getting flagged by the government for her internet searches, all while conveniently ignoring her university assignment deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
May 16, 2021
#1 Kingpin's Foxglove –
3 stars
#2 Empress of Poisons – 1.5 stars
How come I can read a 850p fantasy book in a day, but struggle so much with this measly 250p mafia book for four days? 😪
When I think about this book I just think of one word: SLOPPY. Sloppy plotting, sloppy formatting, sloppy editing and sloppy characters. I didn't even recognize these characters anymore. The book starts with the three year time jump and from one chapter to the next Elena (h) and her son are hiding in the wild, climbing trees and hiding behind rocks and I'm like what the fuck is happening? While there is Konstantin (H) and his fam, who is afraid of him, because Konstantin turned manic when Elena left him and he's yanking out people's tongues left and right or doing worse and again what the fuck is happening???
But the question I asked myself the most was 'How did these dumb af mafia bosses' survive this long? There are five mafia bosses trying to find one woman for three years and couldn't do shit until Elena comes back and decides to infiltrate Tatiana's operation. What are these crusty men doing all day? Playing video games and braiding each others hair?
Then there is Elena Falcone, our genius, almighty heroine who was a doctor & a scientist in Kingpin's Foxglove and Tarzan and spy master in Empress of Poisons. She's also a mother. GASP. Is there literally anything this chameoleon can't do? What a superwoman. 🤩
Alright, Miss "I HaVE aNSeRs tO QEStIOns yOu hAvEn'T EVEn aSKeD yEt 🥴" you're not as smart as you think you are. Everything around you is just brain dead.
Lastly, the best villain to put all the other villains to shame: Tatiana.
Girl, managed to outrun five mafia bosses for years without a trace, but got taken down by Elena. Do y'all know how Elena gained Tatiana's trust? By showing Tatiana a freaking bruise on her cheekbone (she used a door for it btw lmao) and Tatiana made some assumptions about "Men". BWAHAHAHA. Please kill me. The most anticlimactic downfall of a villain.
1.5 stars rounded up, because I don't even care enough about this book to give it 1 star. Alexa play "thank you, next."
#2 Empress of Poisons – 1.5 stars
How come I can read a 850p fantasy book in a day, but struggle so much with this measly 250p mafia book for four days? 😪
When I think about this book I just think of one word: SLOPPY. Sloppy plotting, sloppy formatting, sloppy editing and sloppy characters. I didn't even recognize these characters anymore. The book starts with the three year time jump and from one chapter to the next Elena (h) and her son are hiding in the wild, climbing trees and hiding behind rocks and I'm like what the fuck is happening? While there is Konstantin (H) and his fam, who is afraid of him, because Konstantin turned manic when Elena left him and he's yanking out people's tongues left and right or doing worse and again what the fuck is happening???
But the question I asked myself the most was 'How did these dumb af mafia bosses' survive this long? There are five mafia bosses trying to find one woman for three years and couldn't do shit until Elena comes back and decides to infiltrate Tatiana's operation. What are these crusty men doing all day? Playing video games and braiding each others hair?
Then there is Elena Falcone, our genius, almighty heroine who was a doctor & a scientist in Kingpin's Foxglove and Tarzan and spy master in Empress of Poisons. She's also a mother. GASP. Is there literally anything this chameoleon can't do? What a superwoman. 🤩
"I have the best plan and you know it. You hate it but you know it." I tapped a finger to my temple. "Who else do you think weighed the pros and cons, the problems and solutions? I have the answers to question you haven't even asked yet."
Alright, Miss "I HaVE aNSeRs tO QEStIOns yOu hAvEn'T EVEn aSKeD yEt 🥴" you're not as smart as you think you are. Everything around you is just brain dead.
Lastly, the best villain to put all the other villains to shame: Tatiana.
Girl, managed to outrun five mafia bosses for years without a trace, but got taken down by Elena. Do y'all know how Elena gained Tatiana's trust? By showing Tatiana a freaking bruise on her cheekbone (she used a door for it btw lmao) and Tatiana made some assumptions about "Men". BWAHAHAHA. Please kill me. The most anticlimactic downfall of a villain.
1.5 stars rounded up, because I don't even care enough about this book to give it 1 star. Alexa play "thank you, next."
May 11, 2021
2 😔😔⭐️s
As much as I wanted to connect and be enamoured with the heroine, I did not succeed...
Elena had a cold demeanour and a detached personality that didn’t make her reachable. She was writing words on her hands, with pen, whereas they expressed her inner thoughts and feelings. She enjoyed walking barefoot out in the nature and climbing on the trees. She might have been smart, but she had a mind of her own.
The story could not keep my interest in high levels.
Elena left Konstantin and it surprised me that he never placed people looking after her, since he had been so much in love with her. Wasn’t he supposed to care for her well being, since there was an ‘intruder’ - Titus, who was out for blood?
When Elena returned three years later!! with Konstantin’s son!!, there were a couple of times that Elena while talking with her son Nikolai, she addressed to Konstantin as Niko’s father. There was no reaction from the boy, learning that Konstantin was his father. Nothing.
And Konstantin didn’t show the expected frustration since he was clueless of having a son!!
This part didn’t have a decent pace and felt slightly chaotic, the ending and Titus’ schemes and later downfall were rushed as if the author was in a hurry to wrap it up.
I am sorry to say I was disappointed by this series... 😔😔
As much as I wanted to connect and be enamoured with the heroine, I did not succeed...
Elena had a cold demeanour and a detached personality that didn’t make her reachable. She was writing words on her hands, with pen, whereas they expressed her inner thoughts and feelings. She enjoyed walking barefoot out in the nature and climbing on the trees. She might have been smart, but she had a mind of her own.
The story could not keep my interest in high levels.
Elena left Konstantin and it surprised me that he never placed people looking after her, since he had been so much in love with her. Wasn’t he supposed to care for her well being, since there was an ‘intruder’ - Titus, who was out for blood?
When Elena returned three years later!! with Konstantin’s son!!, there were a couple of times that Elena while talking with her son Nikolai, she addressed to Konstantin as Niko’s father. There was no reaction from the boy, learning that Konstantin was his father. Nothing.
And Konstantin didn’t show the expected frustration since he was clueless of having a son!!
This part didn’t have a decent pace and felt slightly chaotic, the ending and Titus’ schemes and later downfall were rushed as if the author was in a hurry to wrap it up.
I am sorry to say I was disappointed by this series... 😔😔
May 18, 2021
2 stars
for the story itself.
1 star for the Fattakhovs, RomanDanika and the kids.
I really don't have much to say about this book and I think my review and thoughts on Kingpin's Foxglove are pretty much the same here. But I'll stick with the first book in this duology because it was a bit more action-packed and entertaining for me, plus Tatiana's wasted potential as a villain here... I just feel like the plot could have been a little better instead of rushing it and solve ALL the problem of both books in just a few chapters at the end.
1 star for the Fattakhovs, RomanDanika and the kids.
I really don't have much to say about this book and I think my review and thoughts on Kingpin's Foxglove are pretty much the same here. But I'll stick with the first book in this duology because it was a bit more action-packed and entertaining for me, plus Tatiana's wasted potential as a villain here... I just feel like the plot could have been a little better instead of rushing it and solve ALL the problem of both books in just a few chapters at the end.
May 5, 2021
— ARC provided for an honest review —
Empress of Poisons is the second book of the Tarkhanov Empire series and the continuation of Konstantin and Elena’s story.
I have been anticipating this book since the ending of the previous one!! I needed to know more. Empress of Poisons really showed just how strong are the emotions each character carries within them. I enjoyed the family aspect and how they all truly cared for each other. It made it easier to connect with the characters and feel for them. Bree wrote pieces of their character that made them really interesting to keep reading about.
Konstantin and Elena have put me through a roller coaster of emotions. Their story has brought pain and heartache, but it also has so much love and growth between them. The way they each ended up handling things was one of my favorite things about the story. It showed the trust that was built between them and how it kept getting stronger throughout the good and the bad.
Bree Porter wrote this part of Konstantin and Elena’s story really well. Capturing the moments between them and as an entire family, in a whole different perspective. Where they all dealt with betrayal and broken pieces of heartbreak but managed to stay strong. I absolutely can’t wait for what’s to come in the series and the stories that still need to be told!
p.s. This series is filled with strong female characters and I absolutely love that.
Empress of Poisons is the second book of the Tarkhanov Empire series and the continuation of Konstantin and Elena’s story.
I have been anticipating this book since the ending of the previous one!! I needed to know more. Empress of Poisons really showed just how strong are the emotions each character carries within them. I enjoyed the family aspect and how they all truly cared for each other. It made it easier to connect with the characters and feel for them. Bree wrote pieces of their character that made them really interesting to keep reading about.
Konstantin and Elena have put me through a roller coaster of emotions. Their story has brought pain and heartache, but it also has so much love and growth between them. The way they each ended up handling things was one of my favorite things about the story. It showed the trust that was built between them and how it kept getting stronger throughout the good and the bad.
Bree Porter wrote this part of Konstantin and Elena’s story really well. Capturing the moments between them and as an entire family, in a whole different perspective. Where they all dealt with betrayal and broken pieces of heartbreak but managed to stay strong. I absolutely can’t wait for what’s to come in the series and the stories that still need to be told!
p.s. This series is filled with strong female characters and I absolutely love that.
May 8, 2021
the day i stop anticipating books will be the day where i’m anything, but disappointed.
this book felt so underwhelming and the only good thing about it were the little kids and romandanika, that’s it. this book felt more like a rough draft than an actual published material.
this book felt so underwhelming and the only good thing about it were the little kids and romandanika, that’s it. this book felt more like a rough draft than an actual published material.
May 9, 2021
5 stars!!!!!!
There is no other note that i could give to this book, that book was the book that i have been looking forward for months, and since the end of the previous book i thought every day about EoP, that book was just perfect. in all the details and aspects.
”My love, my heart, my soul, my Konstantin.”
Konstantin made me cry in the first pages, see how much he was broken because of everything that happened in the previous book and the fact that his lover left him, and to see how much more closed he was in this book also broke me, but his evolution over time going through the chapters, and seeing the Kon that i love and i fell in love with in KF coming back little by little made me very happy and moved.
“My mate, my opponent, my equal. My true love. My Elena.”
Elena is the strongest character i know, she sacrificed everything to make the people she loves safe and i admire her a lot, i loved seeing how she is more mature in this book, maybe because she became a mother and because having gone through it all alone for 3 years, but this is what i love most and that thing that i most appreciated in Bree's books, is that she makes strong female characters like nobody else.
Konstantin and Elena without a doubt became one of my favorite couples, this book was a roller coaster of emotions, i felt everything, their story is beautiful, and it served everything i wanted most in a book, the author knew how to write and to continue their relationship in a very good way, in this book you can see how vulnerable and broken they are, and the way she captured all these feelings and emotions so well left my mouth open.
What I love and admire the most in this series is the family relationship, different from other mafia series and even the previous one from Bree, the Tarkhanov are so united, and they have such a beautiful relationship and that leaves me with a warm heart, i will never get tired of saying how much i love them all, and i loved that the author gave more highlight to ArtyomRoksana since the next book will be them and has already made me very anxious, they are very cute.
I thought it was so beautiful of Kon not to be angry for lost so much of Nikolai's creation for the simple fact that he had Elena's love, and the relief that he felt for Elena to have someone who loves her for me just shows the how much he loves her. Kon's relationship with Niko was very beautiful and natural to see, i confess that i miss a scene from Elena introducing Kon as a father to Niko, but their moments together were so real and natural that it made up for this failure.
I loved and i was very surprised by the friendship of Elena and Artyom, he is very protective of her and made me very soft, and the Romandanika’s scenes i swear that melted my heart, i think i have never been so anxious for a couple like i am for them. I am very happy to finally have read this book, it was perfect for me, definitely 5 stars and i can say with all words that it is the best book that Bree has ever written.
”I love you, Konstantin. You are my equal and my soul, my opponent and my heart. There has never been another and there never will be.”
ps: I think i will never recover from Kon's wedding vows, he was all moved and crying was the most beautiful thing i have ever read, everything that this man says to Elena is beautiful, it seems like poetry and to feel the love, it’s not for nothing that i’m soooo in love with him and he’s my favorite. And i just can't believe that Natalia took over Russia, she is the moment and she is very powerful, i am already so anxious for her book.
There is no other note that i could give to this book, that book was the book that i have been looking forward for months, and since the end of the previous book i thought every day about EoP, that book was just perfect. in all the details and aspects.
”My love, my heart, my soul, my Konstantin.”
Konstantin made me cry in the first pages, see how much he was broken because of everything that happened in the previous book and the fact that his lover left him, and to see how much more closed he was in this book also broke me, but his evolution over time going through the chapters, and seeing the Kon that i love and i fell in love with in KF coming back little by little made me very happy and moved.
“My mate, my opponent, my equal. My true love. My Elena.”
Elena is the strongest character i know, she sacrificed everything to make the people she loves safe and i admire her a lot, i loved seeing how she is more mature in this book, maybe because she became a mother and because having gone through it all alone for 3 years, but this is what i love most and that thing that i most appreciated in Bree's books, is that she makes strong female characters like nobody else.
Konstantin and Elena without a doubt became one of my favorite couples, this book was a roller coaster of emotions, i felt everything, their story is beautiful, and it served everything i wanted most in a book, the author knew how to write and to continue their relationship in a very good way, in this book you can see how vulnerable and broken they are, and the way she captured all these feelings and emotions so well left my mouth open.
What I love and admire the most in this series is the family relationship, different from other mafia series and even the previous one from Bree, the Tarkhanov are so united, and they have such a beautiful relationship and that leaves me with a warm heart, i will never get tired of saying how much i love them all, and i loved that the author gave more highlight to ArtyomRoksana since the next book will be them and has already made me very anxious, they are very cute.
I thought it was so beautiful of Kon not to be angry for lost so much of Nikolai's creation for the simple fact that he had Elena's love, and the relief that he felt for Elena to have someone who loves her for me just shows the how much he loves her. Kon's relationship with Niko was very beautiful and natural to see, i confess that i miss a scene from Elena introducing Kon as a father to Niko, but their moments together were so real and natural that it made up for this failure.
I loved and i was very surprised by the friendship of Elena and Artyom, he is very protective of her and made me very soft, and the Romandanika’s scenes i swear that melted my heart, i think i have never been so anxious for a couple like i am for them. I am very happy to finally have read this book, it was perfect for me, definitely 5 stars and i can say with all words that it is the best book that Bree has ever written.
”I love you, Konstantin. You are my equal and my soul, my opponent and my heart. There has never been another and there never will be.”
ps: I think i will never recover from Kon's wedding vows, he was all moved and crying was the most beautiful thing i have ever read, everything that this man says to Elena is beautiful, it seems like poetry and to feel the love, it’s not for nothing that i’m soooo in love with him and he’s my favorite. And i just can't believe that Natalia took over Russia, she is the moment and she is very powerful, i am already so anxious for her book.
December 12, 2022
“My mate, my opponent, my equal.
My true love.
My Elena.”
I don't even know what to say, but seeing Kon and Elena having the happy ending they deserve not to mention they had built a beautiful family just makes me insanely happy.
This book didn't give a mind-blowing plot twist I was kinda expecting, but yet still, it gave me a great end for a beautiful love story and many family moments that I absolutely loved.
I loved how Elena was more mature in this book. It hurts me to see how she had to sacrifice what she wanted, but knowing she was not alone and that she’d done that to protect people she loved makes me a little happier. Yet, the way she was a bitch with Kon really put me off and it kinda made me not enjoy this book as much as I possibly could. And talking about Konstantin, I think it’s hard to find a male character that is as passionate and intense as him. I really love how protective he is with his family.
Now, Nikolai was the highlight of this book. I love kids in books and I was very excited to see how it would be for me in this book, and I just freaked out with every single interaction he had with basically every character—mostly whith his dad, not gonna lie.
And again, I love the side characters. My heart bleed for Anton and Dmitri; and the Fattakhovs and the Malakhovs just make enjoy more this book and want more to read their owns.
My true love.
My Elena.”
I don't even know what to say, but seeing Kon and Elena having the happy ending they deserve not to mention they had built a beautiful family just makes me insanely happy.
This book didn't give a mind-blowing plot twist I was kinda expecting, but yet still, it gave me a great end for a beautiful love story and many family moments that I absolutely loved.
I loved how Elena was more mature in this book. It hurts me to see how she had to sacrifice what she wanted, but knowing she was not alone and that she’d done that to protect people she loved makes me a little happier. Yet, the way she was a bitch with Kon really put me off and it kinda made me not enjoy this book as much as I possibly could. And talking about Konstantin, I think it’s hard to find a male character that is as passionate and intense as him. I really love how protective he is with his family.
Now, Nikolai was the highlight of this book. I love kids in books and I was very excited to see how it would be for me in this book, and I just freaked out with every single interaction he had with basically every character—mostly whith his dad, not gonna lie.
And again, I love the side characters. My heart bleed for Anton and Dmitri; and the Fattakhovs and the Malakhovs just make enjoy more this book and want more to read their owns.
May 12, 2021
here me out...
> this book was [ somewhat ] better than the first book imo. For me, the first was too focused on Elena’s hatred for kon, the family, & everyone in general.
> this book however showed more into elena’s character, her relationship with Kon, her becoming & adjusting to motherhood. I personally never liked the character of Elena because she has always been selfish & stupid for someone who wants to achieve so much in life. I liked the progress of the side characters storyline and saw more in-depth of each of them.
things I dislike:
• the villain/story of Tatiana. I do see how someone who managed to kill so many people was so easily caught in the end.
• hated how the first half of the book is very slow and dragged Elena running away and second half is rushed.
• Elena for being stupid. She really thought running away from kon and not telling the truth about tatiana was smart. Like come on, really? And then she easily told him and everything was suddenly okay.. like what??
• lack of scenes between niko & kon.
> this book was [ somewhat ] better than the first book imo. For me, the first was too focused on Elena’s hatred for kon, the family, & everyone in general.
> this book however showed more into elena’s character, her relationship with Kon, her becoming & adjusting to motherhood. I personally never liked the character of Elena because she has always been selfish & stupid for someone who wants to achieve so much in life. I liked the progress of the side characters storyline and saw more in-depth of each of them.
things I dislike:
• the villain/story of Tatiana. I do see how someone who managed to kill so many people was so easily caught in the end.
• hated how the first half of the book is very slow and dragged Elena running away and second half is rushed.
• Elena for being stupid. She really thought running away from kon and not telling the truth about tatiana was smart. Like come on, really? And then she easily told him and everything was suddenly okay.. like what??
• lack of scenes between niko & kon.
October 21, 2021
4 stars - Kingpin's Foxglove
2.5 stars - Empress of Poisons
So this book was frustrating but I don't regret reading this series because the first book was really good.
The reviews for the second book made me hesitant to read this series, but I don't regret it as the first book made up for it. However, the most frustrating thing about this book was Elena as she made a lot of dumb decisions and her POV was just annoying.
Konstantin and Elena in the first book were amazing but in the second book I felt like they changed. Elena more than Konstantin as she became annoying rather than interesting. I also wasn't satisfied with the ending and the plan to bring down Titus was unrealistic.
I skimmed some parts of the second book.
I don't want to leave this review like this so I'll say that the first book was definitely a winner and I liked the secondary characters. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and continuing on with the series.
2.5 stars - Empress of Poisons
So this book was frustrating but I don't regret reading this series because the first book was really good.
The reviews for the second book made me hesitant to read this series, but I don't regret it as the first book made up for it. However, the most frustrating thing about this book was Elena as she made a lot of dumb decisions and her POV was just annoying.
Konstantin and Elena in the first book were amazing but in the second book I felt like they changed. Elena more than Konstantin as she became annoying rather than interesting. I also wasn't satisfied with the ending and the plan to bring down Titus was unrealistic.
I skimmed some parts of the second book.
I don't want to leave this review like this so I'll say that the first book was definitely a winner and I liked the secondary characters. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and continuing on with the series.
May 13, 2021
Affected from her other stories that I had read recently, I was waiting (too long if u ask me) for this duet (unfortunately).
I can say that I am truly disappointed.....
The 1st book it was much better that this one.
I had so many questions that never answered .....
When Elena returned with Nikolai .... I was waiting another attitude from the big/great Pakhan
When she referred to Konstantin as Nikolai father, the kid or the great Pakhan....... no reaction neither of them???
Also there were details, which for me was more a frustration than part of the plot of the book.
I finished the book just from curiosity ......
Buddy read with my lovely Dora!!!
I can say that I am truly disappointed.....
The 1st book it was much better that this one.
I had so many questions that never answered .....
When Elena returned with Nikolai .... I was waiting another attitude from the big/great Pakhan
When she referred to Konstantin as Nikolai father, the kid or the great Pakhan....... no reaction neither of them???
Also there were details, which for me was more a frustration than part of the plot of the book.
I finished the book just from curiosity ......
Buddy read with my lovely Dora!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2022
„Tools of men are not inherently evil.
It is how they are used.”
Empress of Poisons is the second and last book of the Tarkhanov Empire duet.
The book begins 3 years after the first book ended.
Elena left in order to protect her found family and Konstantin. She is hiding from Titus with her baby boy but when they end up in danger she has no choice but to contact the father of her son. They end up moving back to Kon’s house but she notices that her leaving 3 years ago didn’t only effect Konstantin, who became an emotionless shell of himself but also everyone in the family.
As much as I loved Elena in the first book, she annoyed me just as much in this one. More than 200 pages of drama and crying could have been avoided if she simply opened her mouth to tell the real reason of her leaving.. I am starting to get enough of the miscommunication plot.
But I really enjoyed reading about the other relationships. The bond between Elena and Roman and also the others was really heartwarming, the baby moments were adorable and meanwhile Natalia only had a few scenes, she stole the show for me. I REALLY hope that she will have her own book because a badass woman as the Moscow pakhan? Yes please please!!
„You and I–” Natalia softened her voice, convincing Niko she was sharing a secret “–are siblings in arms. The next era of Tarkhanovs. We will do great things together.”
The ending was predictable but the Epilogue about the whole family was really cute and made me smile.
The duet definitelly didn’t become a favorite of mine, and meanwhile I enjoyed some part of it, it’s not something I would re-read in the future.
It is how they are used.”
Empress of Poisons is the second and last book of the Tarkhanov Empire duet.
The book begins 3 years after the first book ended.
Elena left in order to protect her found family and Konstantin. She is hiding from Titus with her baby boy but when they end up in danger she has no choice but to contact the father of her son. They end up moving back to Kon’s house but she notices that her leaving 3 years ago didn’t only effect Konstantin, who became an emotionless shell of himself but also everyone in the family.
As much as I loved Elena in the first book, she annoyed me just as much in this one. More than 200 pages of drama and crying could have been avoided if she simply opened her mouth to tell the real reason of her leaving.. I am starting to get enough of the miscommunication plot.
But I really enjoyed reading about the other relationships. The bond between Elena and Roman and also the others was really heartwarming, the baby moments were adorable and meanwhile Natalia only had a few scenes, she stole the show for me. I REALLY hope that she will have her own book because a badass woman as the Moscow pakhan? Yes please please!!
„You and I–” Natalia softened her voice, convincing Niko she was sharing a secret “–are siblings in arms. The next era of Tarkhanovs. We will do great things together.”
The ending was predictable but the Epilogue about the whole family was really cute and made me smile.
The duet definitelly didn’t become a favorite of mine, and meanwhile I enjoyed some part of it, it’s not something I would re-read in the future.
August 25, 2022
so ik the plot in this one wasn't that good, but it gave me so much family moments + almost everything i wanted for elenakon sooo 4 stars 😋
January 8, 2023
Didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first book in the duology, but still good!
my carrd ❦
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
my carrd ❦
March 20, 2022
2 even stars. When a book makes you fall asleep while reading, you have no choice but to rate honestly.
Well that was a complete and utter disappointment! Wow I’m actually pretty sad, shocked and confused at where the plot went and most importantly why?
I HATE HATE HATE secret baby surprise pregnancy books HATE. This sequel to Kingpins Foxglove is such a let down! The first book had passion between the two main characters, funny side characters, an intriguing plot that kept you on the edge of your seat.
What the heck happened here? The second book, Empress of Poison is just terrible!
First of all, there is a three year time jump. Once I found out there is a three year time jump AND Elena is on the run from Titus hiding her and Kon’s secret baby I wanted to just throw my kindle at the wall. Lord… another book with the exact same plot that’s been recycled time and time again.
I gave the first book a 5 star. Bree Porter definitely should not have made this two books. The writing was boring, it was completely dragged out and repetitive. I had no choice but to skim entire chapters because I did not even care by the end!
How sad is that? A book I loved that should have been concluded in one book had a useless second book that had a dragged out plot that often made no sense. The mafia aspect was really stupid by book two. I’m just being honest I’m sorry. I completely lost interest in this and was falling asleep.
I just hope the duets and trilogies stop because I think that’s what’s ruining her books.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this author. I’m kind of interested in Danika/Roman but also kind of over them. I’m very interested in her other series but I’m scared it’s going to be the same as this; book 1 will be epic and book 2 will be a complete and utter disaster.
I’m telling you, I completely lost interest in the characters I fell in love with. This entire book became a dragged out snooze fest and it makes me sad because I loved this couple :(
Well that was a complete and utter disappointment! Wow I’m actually pretty sad, shocked and confused at where the plot went and most importantly why?
I HATE HATE HATE secret baby surprise pregnancy books HATE. This sequel to Kingpins Foxglove is such a let down! The first book had passion between the two main characters, funny side characters, an intriguing plot that kept you on the edge of your seat.
What the heck happened here? The second book, Empress of Poison is just terrible!
First of all, there is a three year time jump. Once I found out there is a three year time jump AND Elena is on the run from Titus hiding her and Kon’s secret baby I wanted to just throw my kindle at the wall. Lord… another book with the exact same plot that’s been recycled time and time again.
I gave the first book a 5 star. Bree Porter definitely should not have made this two books. The writing was boring, it was completely dragged out and repetitive. I had no choice but to skim entire chapters because I did not even care by the end!
How sad is that? A book I loved that should have been concluded in one book had a useless second book that had a dragged out plot that often made no sense. The mafia aspect was really stupid by book two. I’m just being honest I’m sorry. I completely lost interest in this and was falling asleep.
I just hope the duets and trilogies stop because I think that’s what’s ruining her books.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this author. I’m kind of interested in Danika/Roman but also kind of over them. I’m very interested in her other series but I’m scared it’s going to be the same as this; book 1 will be epic and book 2 will be a complete and utter disaster.
I’m telling you, I completely lost interest in the characters I fell in love with. This entire book became a dragged out snooze fest and it makes me sad because I loved this couple :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
“—𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙖́𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙟𝙖𝙢𝙖́𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙮𝙖 𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙤 𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖. 𝘾𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙤, 𝙫𝙚𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙣̃𝙖𝙨 𝙮 𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙫𝙚𝙯. 𝙀𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨 𝙖́𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙮 𝙡𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙟𝙖𝙨. 𝙉𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙖 𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙞́𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙧 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙖, 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙤 𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙤𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙨 𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙞́𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧 𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙚́𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖, 𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙪𝙣 𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. ”
Elena Falcone ha dejado atrás a su familia y al hombre que ama. Solo le queda su hijo, quien la llama "mamá". Pero cuando la vida de su hijo corre peligro, Elena regresa a los brazos de Konstantin y al mundo del que quería escapar. Enfrentándose a sus propios demonios, lucha por proteger a su hijo mientras se debate entre el amor y el deber en un mundo lleno de intriga y traición.
¡QUÉ BUEN LIBRO! LES JURO QUE ME LO ACABE EN UNAS HORAS PORQUE ME CONSUMÍA NO SABER QUE IBA A PASAR.
Esta segunda entrega es mucho mejor y la pluma de la autora me encantó aún más porque generó más intriga de la que esperaba. Siento que es un libro 'slow burn' de los buenos y me encanta la idea que plasmó la autora en esta entrega.
Ella arrasó con este libro porque hubo más momentos entre los protagonistas y también me entretuvo tanto que ni siquiera me di cuenta de que estaba en los últimos capítulos.
QUEDE LOCA CON ESE ÚLTIMO CAPÍTULO 😭
Necesito un libro de todos, pero en especial de la hija de una persona en particular y me volveré loca si no me lo dan. En fin, este libro estuvo muy bueno y adoré cada parte de él; así que empezaré a leer más libros de esta autora.
Elena Falcone ha dejado atrás a su familia y al hombre que ama. Solo le queda su hijo, quien la llama "mamá". Pero cuando la vida de su hijo corre peligro, Elena regresa a los brazos de Konstantin y al mundo del que quería escapar. Enfrentándose a sus propios demonios, lucha por proteger a su hijo mientras se debate entre el amor y el deber en un mundo lleno de intriga y traición.
¡QUÉ BUEN LIBRO! LES JURO QUE ME LO ACABE EN UNAS HORAS PORQUE ME CONSUMÍA NO SABER QUE IBA A PASAR.
Esta segunda entrega es mucho mejor y la pluma de la autora me encantó aún más porque generó más intriga de la que esperaba. Siento que es un libro 'slow burn' de los buenos y me encanta la idea que plasmó la autora en esta entrega.
Ella arrasó con este libro porque hubo más momentos entre los protagonistas y también me entretuvo tanto que ni siquiera me di cuenta de que estaba en los últimos capítulos.
QUEDE LOCA CON ESE ÚLTIMO CAPÍTULO 😭
Necesito un libro de todos, pero en especial de la hija de una persona en particular y me volveré loca si no me lo dan. En fin, este libro estuvo muy bueno y adoré cada parte de él; así que empezaré a leer más libros de esta autora.
October 20, 2025
26/08/23
4.5! estou com o meu coração em pedaços, literalmente. seja pelo amor puro e absurdamente lindo que o kon nutriu e nutre pela elena, seja pelo pedido de casamento ou pelo próprio casamento que foram uma das cenas mais emocionantes do livro, seja pelo kon dizendo que era uma honra ter a elena quebrando o seu coração, porque ela era que estava fazendo aquilo, a mulher que ele sempre amou.
sinceramente, não sei nem o que dizer. já havia gostado extremamente dos dois no primeiro livro, me apaixonado pela elena, pela personagem exótica e diferente que a bree porter colocou ao decorrer das páginas, de como ela conseguia ter uma mente tão extremamente fascinante, me surpreendendo com o seu jeito indiferente e frio de agir, mas que por dentro, só queria pertencer a aquela família.
a elena do primeiro livro, que não sabia como ou por onde começar a amar, que nutria um lado egoísta e individual, pensando primeiro em seus objetivos e em se salvar durante toda a sua vida, estaria um pouco surpresa com a elena do segundo livro. a elena, elena tarkhanov, com três filhos e um marido que a amava mais que tudo, que se arriscou, que amou, que se importou e fez de tudo para que as pessoas que ela amava estivessem seguras e felizes, mesmo que isso custasse a sua própria felicidade. acho extremamente tocante a cena em que ela própria pergunta ao konstantin como diabos ele conseguia fazer tudo aquilo, amar, cuidar, se importar, e reinar como o pakhan da máfia, porque ela sentia que poderia enlouquecer a qualquer momento.
e também acho absurdamente lindo como o kon abre o seu coração na frente da elena, e diz que ela era uma criatura de amor, mesmo quando não percebia isso, mesmo quando ela achava-se insensível, achava-se indiferente e incapacitada de amar. “oh, lyubimaya, you are spilling with love. for a long time it might not have been for a person, but i read your words and saw your eyes light up when you spoke about data and laboratories. you have been a creature of love your entire life; loving people is just harder than loving things.” e depois ela dizendo que havia quebrado o seu coração, e ele respondendo com um “an honor i would afford no one else.” ele é literalmente o MEU sonho e nunca irá existir homem mais apaixonado & rendido por sua mulher como konstantin ‘kon’ tarkhakov.
nunca irei superar os momentos em que eles tiveram com o niko, em como eles conseguiram fazer o impossível para mim que é ler e gostar de um livro com hidden baby, porque simplesmente essa trope nunca irá me descer, mas com você, kon&elena, eu aceito. acho querido e especial os momentos do nikolai/elena/kon, os momentos deles cozinhando, do kon levando ele para andar a cavalo, do nilo copiando cada pequeno passo do konstantin e chamando-o de pai pela primeira vez.
sempre digo e sempre direi que livros com crianças deixa tudo melhor, e neste, não errou em nada. o nikolai conseguiu conquistar meu coração desde o começo, com os seus sorrisos travessos, a sua forma de conseguir se meter em apuros a cada dois segundos, como ele fazia a maior zona em cada lugar em que se enfiava, encostando, pegando, cutucando, quebrando tudo o que via pela frente, mas como ele conseguia ser a criança mais calma e suave do mundo ao redor dos cavalos, nutrindo o mesmo amor que seu pai tinha por eles, e como ele conseguia ser a criança mais fofa do mundo quando copiava o que a elena dizia a cada minuto.
corações especiais ao meu roman, que simplesmente conseguiu conquistar mais e mais do meu coração, conquistar com as suas piadas, os seus xingamentos, a forma como ele chamava a elena de vadia e ela o chamando de idiota em troca, e em como os dois compartilhavam um amor fraternal um pelo outro, um carinho que rivalizava com qualquer um, junto a maneira como ele a chamava de irmã e a considerava família. “three years ago, roman had called me sister for the first time. it was the first time someone had ever expressed enough love for me to give me a familiar title. from Roman, it was a term of endearment and a sign of proof about how he had accepted me into the family.” + ele dizendo “you’re my family. i love you no matter what. even when you’re acting like a bitch, which is always.” MY favorite duo.
esse livro me emocionou em muitos sentidos, em muitos quesitos. seja no “he falls first and he falls harder” do kon pela elena, de como ele conseguia ser o homem mais romântico e apaixonado existente na terra, seja no carinho que a elena criou por cada um dos membros daquela casa, em como aquilo poderia rivalizar com a elena do primeiro livro, que apenas estava ali para fazer o que precisava e ir em busca da sua liberdade, em como todos eles a aceitaram como uma intrigante da família, protegeram-na e sentiram a falta dela quando ela foi embora, seja na amizade em que o artyom e a elena criaram como cunhado & cunhada, os momentos da dani, elena & roksana, seja nos momentos em que o niko tinha com a família e compartilhava momentos de pai e filho com o kon, olhando para ele pela primeira vez em busca de auxílio, emocionando não só ao kon, mas a mim também.
e que casamento foi aquele? que votos foram aqueles? com o kon dizendo que a elena era sua alma e que não haveria mundo sem ela ao lado dele, dizendo que ela era a sua igual, o seu amor, a sua elena. que desde o momento que viu aquele artigo, se apaixonou por aquela mulher desconhecida e inteligente, que havia cativado a sua atenção e interesse, fazendo-o esperar por anos e anos até finalmente ficar com ela. e com a elena dizendo que nunca haveria palavras suficiente para descrever o seu amor e devoção ao konstantin, dicionários e enciclopédias que pudessem ajudá-la a formar o que ele significou e significava para ela, mas que havia uma que era boa o suficiente, o amor. escrevendo em seu corpo, dizendo que o amou ontem, que o amava hoje e que o amaria amanhã. até que o ar a deixasse, ela estaria devastadoramente apaixonada por ele. pois é… eu estava em prantos.
and alexa, play ‘daylight’ by taylor swift, please. ‘i don’t wanna look at anything else now that i saw you, i don’t wanna think of anything else now that i thought of you.’ + ‘i once believe love would black and white… but it’s golden.’ konelena’s coded! 🫂💚
“lyubimaya.” the only word could i say. “my love,” she replied. “my heart, my soul, my konstantin.”
02/01/24
my heart, my soul, my konstantin. <3
não irei me estender muito, mas eu os amarei para sempre & sempre. nunca irá existir um casal com o amor e adoração de ambos os lados como há em konelena, um homem tão apaixonado pela sua mulher como konstantin tarkhanov é por elena, agora, tarkhanov, uma mulher tão inteligente e tão extremamente linda como a elena, que ama, que protege e que sempre esteve disposta a se arriscar e perder tudo por aqueles que ela mais amava.
eu te amo kon & elena. o casal mais lindo, apaixonado e perfeito desse mundo, com as cenas mais lindas, com o casamento mais lindo, com os votos mais lindos, com as declarações mais lindas, com a família mais única, com o amor e devoção mais puro do mundo. ‘daylight’? = (konelena) core! 💚
19/10/25
releitura da minha vida <3 eles me emocionam muito muito muito, mesmo! a forma como eu quis chorar em 70% diz muito, porque é a terceira vez que eu releio esse livro. eu queria o amor do konstantin pela elena na pessoa que eu ficar para o resto da vida porque é bizarramente lindo como o konstantin ama a elena. é algo tão nítido, tão óbvio, tão sensitivo. você percebe só de ler os pensamentos, a devoção, o carinho, o desespero e o almejo de estar junto. “my elena, oh my elena. lyubimaya. my soul, my heart”. sem comparações, apenas sentimento.
eu te amo, konelena. pouquíssimos livros fizeram com que eu me sentisse tão apaixonada quanto konelena. eles são apaixonantes, viciantes. lindos, brilhantes. com um relacionamento tão lindo que até doi no centro do peito apenas com as lembranças dos momentos mais lindos deles. a devoção deles um pelo outro e como a elena se tornou uma criatura de amor (sempre foi) é a minha coisa favorita. e eu te amo, niko, com seus momentos preciosos como o filho mais doce desse mundo.
lyubimaya.
my love. my heart, my soul, my konstantin.
💚
4.5! estou com o meu coração em pedaços, literalmente. seja pelo amor puro e absurdamente lindo que o kon nutriu e nutre pela elena, seja pelo pedido de casamento ou pelo próprio casamento que foram uma das cenas mais emocionantes do livro, seja pelo kon dizendo que era uma honra ter a elena quebrando o seu coração, porque ela era que estava fazendo aquilo, a mulher que ele sempre amou.
sinceramente, não sei nem o que dizer. já havia gostado extremamente dos dois no primeiro livro, me apaixonado pela elena, pela personagem exótica e diferente que a bree porter colocou ao decorrer das páginas, de como ela conseguia ter uma mente tão extremamente fascinante, me surpreendendo com o seu jeito indiferente e frio de agir, mas que por dentro, só queria pertencer a aquela família.
a elena do primeiro livro, que não sabia como ou por onde começar a amar, que nutria um lado egoísta e individual, pensando primeiro em seus objetivos e em se salvar durante toda a sua vida, estaria um pouco surpresa com a elena do segundo livro. a elena, elena tarkhanov, com três filhos e um marido que a amava mais que tudo, que se arriscou, que amou, que se importou e fez de tudo para que as pessoas que ela amava estivessem seguras e felizes, mesmo que isso custasse a sua própria felicidade. acho extremamente tocante a cena em que ela própria pergunta ao konstantin como diabos ele conseguia fazer tudo aquilo, amar, cuidar, se importar, e reinar como o pakhan da máfia, porque ela sentia que poderia enlouquecer a qualquer momento.
e também acho absurdamente lindo como o kon abre o seu coração na frente da elena, e diz que ela era uma criatura de amor, mesmo quando não percebia isso, mesmo quando ela achava-se insensível, achava-se indiferente e incapacitada de amar. “oh, lyubimaya, you are spilling with love. for a long time it might not have been for a person, but i read your words and saw your eyes light up when you spoke about data and laboratories. you have been a creature of love your entire life; loving people is just harder than loving things.” e depois ela dizendo que havia quebrado o seu coração, e ele respondendo com um “an honor i would afford no one else.” ele é literalmente o MEU sonho e nunca irá existir homem mais apaixonado & rendido por sua mulher como konstantin ‘kon’ tarkhakov.
nunca irei superar os momentos em que eles tiveram com o niko, em como eles conseguiram fazer o impossível para mim que é ler e gostar de um livro com hidden baby, porque simplesmente essa trope nunca irá me descer, mas com você, kon&elena, eu aceito. acho querido e especial os momentos do nikolai/elena/kon, os momentos deles cozinhando, do kon levando ele para andar a cavalo, do nilo copiando cada pequeno passo do konstantin e chamando-o de pai pela primeira vez.
sempre digo e sempre direi que livros com crianças deixa tudo melhor, e neste, não errou em nada. o nikolai conseguiu conquistar meu coração desde o começo, com os seus sorrisos travessos, a sua forma de conseguir se meter em apuros a cada dois segundos, como ele fazia a maior zona em cada lugar em que se enfiava, encostando, pegando, cutucando, quebrando tudo o que via pela frente, mas como ele conseguia ser a criança mais calma e suave do mundo ao redor dos cavalos, nutrindo o mesmo amor que seu pai tinha por eles, e como ele conseguia ser a criança mais fofa do mundo quando copiava o que a elena dizia a cada minuto.
corações especiais ao meu roman, que simplesmente conseguiu conquistar mais e mais do meu coração, conquistar com as suas piadas, os seus xingamentos, a forma como ele chamava a elena de vadia e ela o chamando de idiota em troca, e em como os dois compartilhavam um amor fraternal um pelo outro, um carinho que rivalizava com qualquer um, junto a maneira como ele a chamava de irmã e a considerava família. “three years ago, roman had called me sister for the first time. it was the first time someone had ever expressed enough love for me to give me a familiar title. from Roman, it was a term of endearment and a sign of proof about how he had accepted me into the family.” + ele dizendo “you’re my family. i love you no matter what. even when you’re acting like a bitch, which is always.” MY favorite duo.
esse livro me emocionou em muitos sentidos, em muitos quesitos. seja no “he falls first and he falls harder” do kon pela elena, de como ele conseguia ser o homem mais romântico e apaixonado existente na terra, seja no carinho que a elena criou por cada um dos membros daquela casa, em como aquilo poderia rivalizar com a elena do primeiro livro, que apenas estava ali para fazer o que precisava e ir em busca da sua liberdade, em como todos eles a aceitaram como uma intrigante da família, protegeram-na e sentiram a falta dela quando ela foi embora, seja na amizade em que o artyom e a elena criaram como cunhado & cunhada, os momentos da dani, elena & roksana, seja nos momentos em que o niko tinha com a família e compartilhava momentos de pai e filho com o kon, olhando para ele pela primeira vez em busca de auxílio, emocionando não só ao kon, mas a mim também.
e que casamento foi aquele? que votos foram aqueles? com o kon dizendo que a elena era sua alma e que não haveria mundo sem ela ao lado dele, dizendo que ela era a sua igual, o seu amor, a sua elena. que desde o momento que viu aquele artigo, se apaixonou por aquela mulher desconhecida e inteligente, que havia cativado a sua atenção e interesse, fazendo-o esperar por anos e anos até finalmente ficar com ela. e com a elena dizendo que nunca haveria palavras suficiente para descrever o seu amor e devoção ao konstantin, dicionários e enciclopédias que pudessem ajudá-la a formar o que ele significou e significava para ela, mas que havia uma que era boa o suficiente, o amor. escrevendo em seu corpo, dizendo que o amou ontem, que o amava hoje e que o amaria amanhã. até que o ar a deixasse, ela estaria devastadoramente apaixonada por ele. pois é… eu estava em prantos.
and alexa, play ‘daylight’ by taylor swift, please. ‘i don’t wanna look at anything else now that i saw you, i don’t wanna think of anything else now that i thought of you.’ + ‘i once believe love would black and white… but it’s golden.’ konelena’s coded! 🫂💚
“lyubimaya.” the only word could i say. “my love,” she replied. “my heart, my soul, my konstantin.”
02/01/24
my heart, my soul, my konstantin. <3
não irei me estender muito, mas eu os amarei para sempre & sempre. nunca irá existir um casal com o amor e adoração de ambos os lados como há em konelena, um homem tão apaixonado pela sua mulher como konstantin tarkhanov é por elena, agora, tarkhanov, uma mulher tão inteligente e tão extremamente linda como a elena, que ama, que protege e que sempre esteve disposta a se arriscar e perder tudo por aqueles que ela mais amava.
eu te amo kon & elena. o casal mais lindo, apaixonado e perfeito desse mundo, com as cenas mais lindas, com o casamento mais lindo, com os votos mais lindos, com as declarações mais lindas, com a família mais única, com o amor e devoção mais puro do mundo. ‘daylight’? = (konelena) core! 💚
19/10/25
releitura da minha vida <3 eles me emocionam muito muito muito, mesmo! a forma como eu quis chorar em 70% diz muito, porque é a terceira vez que eu releio esse livro. eu queria o amor do konstantin pela elena na pessoa que eu ficar para o resto da vida porque é bizarramente lindo como o konstantin ama a elena. é algo tão nítido, tão óbvio, tão sensitivo. você percebe só de ler os pensamentos, a devoção, o carinho, o desespero e o almejo de estar junto. “my elena, oh my elena. lyubimaya. my soul, my heart”. sem comparações, apenas sentimento.
eu te amo, konelena. pouquíssimos livros fizeram com que eu me sentisse tão apaixonada quanto konelena. eles são apaixonantes, viciantes. lindos, brilhantes. com um relacionamento tão lindo que até doi no centro do peito apenas com as lembranças dos momentos mais lindos deles. a devoção deles um pelo outro e como a elena se tornou uma criatura de amor (sempre foi) é a minha coisa favorita. e eu te amo, niko, com seus momentos preciosos como o filho mais doce desse mundo.
lyubimaya.
my love. my heart, my soul, my konstantin.
💚
May 8, 2021
Ok, it will be very difficult to do this review because I finished the book a few hours ago and I'm still speechless. I loved everything about this book, from the prologue to the epilogue. I loved the way I felt Elena more mature in this book. The strength, ferocity and loyalty of this character crossed barriers and really touched my heart. The way she was willing to sacrifice everything, including her desires and wants, to protect those she loved the most touched me in several parts of the book. Konstantin... well I have nothing to say other than: he is one of the best and most passionate male characters I have ever read about. I simply and absolutely love everything about this man, from his protection, care and love for his family to the way he is willing to destroy anyone who dares to hurt those he loves.
Talking about Nikolai... I freaked out whenever there was a simple interaction between him, Elena and Konstantin. Niko proved to be a sweet, gentle, sensitive and somewhat adventurous child. I could read an entire book with just interactions between these three.
Another high point that should also be mentioned are the side characters. They are passionate and stood out in several scenes that appeared.
I really loved this book and Bree Porter managed to make me even more in love with this family. With nothing to add other than: perfect.
Talking about Nikolai... I freaked out whenever there was a simple interaction between him, Elena and Konstantin. Niko proved to be a sweet, gentle, sensitive and somewhat adventurous child. I could read an entire book with just interactions between these three.
Another high point that should also be mentioned are the side characters. They are passionate and stood out in several scenes that appeared.
I really loved this book and Bree Porter managed to make me even more in love with this family. With nothing to add other than: perfect.
May 23, 2021
Man... what the hell happened? I was so hyped for this book, and I'm so disappointed.
The whole book was just boring, Elena was very unlikable and for someone said to be so rational and intelligent, she was making some pretty dumb and questionable decisions. The entire plot made no sense and the pacing was totally off. The first 90% is agonizingly slow and then boom it all goes down and everything wraps up super quickly, not to mention, way too easily. I mean, I just couldn't be sold on the fact that a supposed evil mastermind no one could find for years would fall for that basic ass plan.
The whole book was just boring, Elena was very unlikable and for someone said to be so rational and intelligent, she was making some pretty dumb and questionable decisions. The entire plot made no sense and the pacing was totally off. The first 90% is agonizingly slow and then boom it all goes down and everything wraps up super quickly, not to mention, way too easily. I mean, I just couldn't be sold on the fact that a supposed evil mastermind no one could find for years would fall for that basic ass plan.
November 26, 2022
Finished this… WITHIN HOURS. So that says enough.
I thought it wasn’t possible to love Elena more but I was wrong. There were few emotional moments that got me choked up too. It was good ending I think.
I hope we get second gen’s books too including Natasha’s.
I thought it wasn’t possible to love Elena more but I was wrong. There were few emotional moments that got me choked up too. It was good ending I think.
I hope we get second gen’s books too including Natasha’s.
May 11, 2021
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: adult romance, mafia, surprise pregnancy
💭
As someone who is a sucker for kids I was really excited for this one, but I have to say I have mixed reviews about it.
As for the good, I wanna congratulate Bree for the work she pulled out in this book. I can tell she invested more time searching stuff and her writting improved a lot. I did love the scenes between Niko and Kon and how romantic this book is, compared to her other ones.
Another thing I did love is how Bree managed to connect the main plot with all the upcoming storylines for the side characters. I'm here for whatever she writes, but my most anticipated couple are Danika and Roman's storyline 😍
So why didn't I rate the book higher? Well I have a couple of reasons. The first one because the first part of the book was a bit too slow for my taste, to the point I was a bit bored. The second one is Elena. I did love her on book one, but on this book she was annoying. I didn't like how she acted with Konstantin, in fact I thought she was rude. But I also have to say that her attitude towards the end was way better and I liked her change.
As for the final, even If I predicted what would happen with a certain character, I admit the plot sounds interesting and I'm here for it.
Overall, I do think it's a good read, specially if you love your mafia books with the found family aspect and different type of plots.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: adult romance, mafia, surprise pregnancy
💭
As someone who is a sucker for kids I was really excited for this one, but I have to say I have mixed reviews about it.
As for the good, I wanna congratulate Bree for the work she pulled out in this book. I can tell she invested more time searching stuff and her writting improved a lot. I did love the scenes between Niko and Kon and how romantic this book is, compared to her other ones.
Another thing I did love is how Bree managed to connect the main plot with all the upcoming storylines for the side characters. I'm here for whatever she writes, but my most anticipated couple are Danika and Roman's storyline 😍
So why didn't I rate the book higher? Well I have a couple of reasons. The first one because the first part of the book was a bit too slow for my taste, to the point I was a bit bored. The second one is Elena. I did love her on book one, but on this book she was annoying. I didn't like how she acted with Konstantin, in fact I thought she was rude. But I also have to say that her attitude towards the end was way better and I liked her change.
As for the final, even If I predicted what would happen with a certain character, I admit the plot sounds interesting and I'm here for it.
Overall, I do think it's a good read, specially if you love your mafia books with the found family aspect and different type of plots.
May 9, 2021
this was one of my most anticipated reads but in the end, i didn’t love it as much as i wanted to.
the whole story honestly felt so anticlimactic, especially towards the end. the big build-up moment since the end of kingpin’s foxglove felt too rushed. especially since it was a whole plan and it was done in 2-3 chapters. also whereas during kingpin’s foxglove i couldn’t put the book down, i forgot i was even reading this for a little while.
the whole story honestly felt so anticlimactic, especially towards the end. the big build-up moment since the end of kingpin’s foxglove felt too rushed. especially since it was a whole plan and it was done in 2-3 chapters. also whereas during kingpin’s foxglove i couldn’t put the book down, i forgot i was even reading this for a little while.
May 16, 2021
KONELENA OWN ME
Can't wait for the books that are coming out next!!!
Can't wait for the books that are coming out next!!!
May 5, 2021
Empress of Poisons is the second book in the Tarkhanov's Empire duet. i received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
The book starts 3 years after Kingpin's Foxglove ended. Elena has left Konstantin and his family and now is on the run. she didn't left alone, she has kostya's heir in her belly and babushka by her side. After settling in a somewhat normal environment, Elena is found by tatiana's men and is forced to run again. surrounded by enemies at every turn, she makes a call. a call to someone who knew her every movements for the past 3 years. someone who brings konstantin back in her life. elena would do anything to save her son , so when a deal is offered she has no choice than to accept konstantin's terms. her love for her son is the force behind her strength, the one that never let her fail for the past 3 years. being back at the tarkhanov estate is wasn't something elena could fathom. everyone has changed since the last time she was there. and none more than Konstantin. for the
first time in her life elena is unhappy with being ignored. With new allies in her corner she has the difficult task of breaking through the walls konstantin put around himself and make him open his heart not only to her, but to their son. When old enemies come back, elena has to make the toughest choice of her life, the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect her family. what will she choose?
Empress of poisons runs at a very fast pace, there is always something happening. new members of the family make an appearence, new alliances are formed ( yes i'm talking about giovanni, but not only) and old enemies resurface. The secondary characters have very important roles, especially Artyom and Babushka. both of them would do anything to save the family, no matter the costs. the family scenes are extremely sweet, especially nikolay and evva. i loved that the relationship between nikolai and konstantin is very realistic, considering that they just met each other. reading nikolay made me think of my nephew when he was 3 years old and i found his portrayal to be very spot on. and what to say of special guest natalia tarkhanova? she is amazing, an authentic queen. or tsarina. roman and danika continue their banter and Roksanna is happier than ever with little evva. elena and konstantin have some very sexy scenes and steamy make outs, and not always in private (good thing it was artyom and not roman). i found elena to be stronger than in KF, maybe because she is more mature or maybe because she is a mother. konstantin was harder to read, he wasn't as open as he was in the first book with his thoughts. there were some things he kept for himself, that not even the reader was privy to. Their relationship is an equal partnership, which is very rare in mafia world, where the male is ususally the alpha. neither elena nor konstantin have the need to impose their will on the other, nor do they have the weakness of playing games with each other. elena craves academic succes, and konstantin is more than willing to help her dreams come true. As a feminist, as a champion of women i find very refreshing reading about a heroine who wants something different than having kids and spending her life cooking.
All in all , i think this is Bree's best book, not only for the execution of the plot , but because she really poured her soul into konstantin and elena's story.
The book starts 3 years after Kingpin's Foxglove ended. Elena has left Konstantin and his family and now is on the run. she didn't left alone, she has kostya's heir in her belly and babushka by her side. After settling in a somewhat normal environment, Elena is found by tatiana's men and is forced to run again. surrounded by enemies at every turn, she makes a call. a call to someone who knew her every movements for the past 3 years. someone who brings konstantin back in her life. elena would do anything to save her son , so when a deal is offered she has no choice than to accept konstantin's terms. her love for her son is the force behind her strength, the one that never let her fail for the past 3 years. being back at the tarkhanov estate is wasn't something elena could fathom. everyone has changed since the last time she was there. and none more than Konstantin. for the
first time in her life elena is unhappy with being ignored. With new allies in her corner she has the difficult task of breaking through the walls konstantin put around himself and make him open his heart not only to her, but to their son. When old enemies come back, elena has to make the toughest choice of her life, the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect her family. what will she choose?
Empress of poisons runs at a very fast pace, there is always something happening. new members of the family make an appearence, new alliances are formed ( yes i'm talking about giovanni, but not only) and old enemies resurface. The secondary characters have very important roles, especially Artyom and Babushka. both of them would do anything to save the family, no matter the costs. the family scenes are extremely sweet, especially nikolay and evva. i loved that the relationship between nikolai and konstantin is very realistic, considering that they just met each other. reading nikolay made me think of my nephew when he was 3 years old and i found his portrayal to be very spot on. and what to say of special guest natalia tarkhanova? she is amazing, an authentic queen. or tsarina. roman and danika continue their banter and Roksanna is happier than ever with little evva. elena and konstantin have some very sexy scenes and steamy make outs, and not always in private (good thing it was artyom and not roman). i found elena to be stronger than in KF, maybe because she is more mature or maybe because she is a mother. konstantin was harder to read, he wasn't as open as he was in the first book with his thoughts. there were some things he kept for himself, that not even the reader was privy to. Their relationship is an equal partnership, which is very rare in mafia world, where the male is ususally the alpha. neither elena nor konstantin have the need to impose their will on the other, nor do they have the weakness of playing games with each other. elena craves academic succes, and konstantin is more than willing to help her dreams come true. As a feminist, as a champion of women i find very refreshing reading about a heroine who wants something different than having kids and spending her life cooking.
All in all , i think this is Bree's best book, not only for the execution of the plot , but because she really poured her soul into konstantin and elena's story.
August 24, 2021
5⭐️
i don't even know where to start. this book was perfect. i loved elena even more in this book because she held her own and never lost her independence. usually, independent women in mafia books end up washed down but not elena. fucking love her so much.
konstantin broke my heart fucking hell i felt so fucking bad for him BUT he never disrespected elena. i love that so much because he never thought of her any less even though there was so much miscommunication.
one of the best romances out there because of the family dynamic. i loved the plot and the characters. the story was so fucking amazing that i can't stop thinking about it.
this is the only miscommunication trope book that i fucking loved. this world sucked me in so fast that i literally can't wait for the next books in this series.
when are the next books coming out????????
“When I look at you, I see mountain peaks and flowers blooming for the first time. You are the stream running through the trees and the breeze rustling the leaves.”
i don't even know where to start. this book was perfect. i loved elena even more in this book because she held her own and never lost her independence. usually, independent women in mafia books end up washed down but not elena. fucking love her so much.
konstantin broke my heart fucking hell i felt so fucking bad for him BUT he never disrespected elena. i love that so much because he never thought of her any less even though there was so much miscommunication.
one of the best romances out there because of the family dynamic. i loved the plot and the characters. the story was so fucking amazing that i can't stop thinking about it.
this is the only miscommunication trope book that i fucking loved. this world sucked me in so fast that i literally can't wait for the next books in this series.
when are the next books coming out????????
May 9, 2021
“I couldn’t bear to see the disgust and disappointment in her beautiful green eyes. It would tear my heart from my chest–for a second time.”
I loved Kingpin’s Foxglove, I know Bree has potential. This book just didn’t work much for me. I liked Niko, I loved Niko with Kons, I love Kons, Natalia, Roman and Danika.
Sadly, Elena put me off. She was very bitchy towards Kons without much of a reason. Yeah, I know she was doing to protect him but she was back, she could’ve dropped it earlier and not sound like Kons did something so bad that deserved her negative behavior. I also didn’t like how she was very egoist with Niko, saying “my son” and “I decide” when clearly the dad is present and wants to be part of it when he was denied to be for 3 years. I get it. She was single mom and had a lot BUT I do feel it was a bit too much.
The book has good scenes and moments but the flow was a bit off for me. Overall, I’m happy with this duet. The book make me crave for Roman/Danika and Natalia’s book even more.
I loved Kingpin’s Foxglove, I know Bree has potential. This book just didn’t work much for me. I liked Niko, I loved Niko with Kons, I love Kons, Natalia, Roman and Danika.
Sadly, Elena put me off. She was very bitchy towards Kons without much of a reason. Yeah, I know she was doing to protect him but she was back, she could’ve dropped it earlier and not sound like Kons did something so bad that deserved her negative behavior. I also didn’t like how she was very egoist with Niko, saying “my son” and “I decide” when clearly the dad is present and wants to be part of it when he was denied to be for 3 years. I get it. She was single mom and had a lot BUT I do feel it was a bit too much.
The book has good scenes and moments but the flow was a bit off for me. Overall, I’m happy with this duet. The book make me crave for Roman/Danika and Natalia’s book even more.
April 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐
it's over but its not, omg I basically read the whole book all night I cannot put it down-
the angst the tension the fear and the pain 👌so good👌
we have the beautiful happy ending for the power couple Kostantin&Elena,
now I'll (not so much) patiently wait for all the secondary character's book because again, that epilogue made me scream.
it's over but its not, omg I basically read the whole book all night I cannot put it down-
the angst the tension the fear and the pain 👌so good👌
we have the beautiful happy ending for the power couple Kostantin&Elena,
now I'll (not so much) patiently wait for all the secondary character's book because again, that epilogue made me scream.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Empyaess of poisois. You know I have to read both this and Kiigpii's Fozhglove. It's obligatory. Perhaps in May?
Please mix Latin and Cyrillic letters better in the future (if you have to mix them at all) I BEG YOU.
Please mix Latin and Cyrillic letters better in the future (if you have to mix them at all) I BEG YOU.
February 4, 2023
2 stars - Kingpin's Foxglove
1 star - Empress of Poisons
for the sake of my mental health I should keep this review short, but just because I need to let it all out I'm gonna speak my truth.
I have never hated a heroine as much as I hate Elena, she was the main reason why I disliked the book. In the first one she had a strong personality, was sarcastic and so smart that I grew to respect her, but in this sequel she was so dumb and selfish. This woman really left a mobster family to protect them?? Girl they're the ones who'd protect you. And also: she didn't tell her baby's father that she was pregnant? This is the most selfish behavior she could have. Oh and also: she left to keep the family safe but was always running with a baby, made her 3 yo son climb trees, be hungry and in danger in the woods for days???? She's so fucking dumb it makes me angry.
As for Konstantin, love him, hot and huge d1ck love that, but man.. if he loved Elena shouldn't he put guards behind her when she left like every possessive mobster would do??? And also, he's a bit of a loser when I think of how Tatiana on her own could make so much damage and he and his men couldn't even find her for years? And even after she showed up they couldn't handle her??? C'mon y'all are from the mafia, the fucking Bratva and you're clowning so hard.
Now about the plot.. honestly there wasn't one, this book was so unnecessary bc there's 300 pages and until page 260 absolutely nothing relevant happens... this story, the Tatiana threat could've ended in book one. I'm so mad bc I wasted my precious time (that I rarely have now that I'm back at uni) on it.
Anyways.. I love ArtyomRoksana and RomanDanika but I refuse to read their books if they're out or will be out idk I don't wanna know. Bree Porter's writing is too annoying for me to ever pick a book of hers again.
1 star - Empress of Poisons
for the sake of my mental health I should keep this review short, but just because I need to let it all out I'm gonna speak my truth.
I have never hated a heroine as much as I hate Elena, she was the main reason why I disliked the book. In the first one she had a strong personality, was sarcastic and so smart that I grew to respect her, but in this sequel she was so dumb and selfish. This woman really left a mobster family to protect them?? Girl they're the ones who'd protect you. And also: she didn't tell her baby's father that she was pregnant? This is the most selfish behavior she could have. Oh and also: she left to keep the family safe but was always running with a baby, made her 3 yo son climb trees, be hungry and in danger in the woods for days???? She's so fucking dumb it makes me angry.
As for Konstantin, love him, hot and huge d1ck love that, but man.. if he loved Elena shouldn't he put guards behind her when she left like every possessive mobster would do??? And also, he's a bit of a loser when I think of how Tatiana on her own could make so much damage and he and his men couldn't even find her for years? And even after she showed up they couldn't handle her??? C'mon y'all are from the mafia, the fucking Bratva and you're clowning so hard.
Now about the plot.. honestly there wasn't one, this book was so unnecessary bc there's 300 pages and until page 260 absolutely nothing relevant happens... this story, the Tatiana threat could've ended in book one. I'm so mad bc I wasted my precious time (that I rarely have now that I'm back at uni) on it.
Anyways.. I love ArtyomRoksana and RomanDanika but I refuse to read their books if they're out or will be out idk I don't wanna know. Bree Porter's writing is too annoying for me to ever pick a book of hers again.
May 17, 2021
I HAVE SOOO MANY QUESTIONS!!
How am I supposed to wait?
Spoiler for those who haven't read the first book
Does Kon know they have a baby?
(I kinda love the secret baby trope)
Are they celibate? God I hope so, or at least neither.
Will we get a book about Ronan&Danika?
My heart hurts for Dimitri and Anton. What happens noww?
I could go on...
How am I supposed to wait?
Spoiler for those who haven't read the first book
Does Kon know they have a baby?
(I kinda love the secret baby trope)
Are they celibate? God I hope so, or at least neither.
Will we get a book about Ronan&Danika?
My heart hurts for Dimitri and Anton. What happens noww?
I could go on...
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