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Aminoff Bratva #2
Caged Thorn
Ten years ago, I ran from my home.
Today, I’m running back.
The difference this time is that my son is coming with me.
We’re going back to the place I swore I’d never return to.
Back to the lies and the heartbreaks and the site of the day that changed my life forever.
There is one other difference, actually:
This time, someone is following me.
Konstantin Aminoff isn’t the kind of man who “lets go.”
He ruined my life ten years ago, then he came back to ruin it again.
He put his ring on my finger. He put his kiss on my lips.
Worst of all, he put his mark on my world.
And if he has it his way, he’ll do the same to our son.
I can’t let that happen.
So I’m running, as far and as fast as I can, to keep myself and my son away from the man who holds our hearts and our lives in his hands.
I just have to hope it’s enough.
CAGED THORN is the first book in the Aminoff Bratva duet from bestselling mafia romantic suspense author Naomi West. Kon and Iris’s story begins in Book 1, CAGED ROSE!
Today, I’m running back.
The difference this time is that my son is coming with me.
We’re going back to the place I swore I’d never return to.
Back to the lies and the heartbreaks and the site of the day that changed my life forever.
There is one other difference, actually:
This time, someone is following me.
Konstantin Aminoff isn’t the kind of man who “lets go.”
He ruined my life ten years ago, then he came back to ruin it again.
He put his ring on my finger. He put his kiss on my lips.
Worst of all, he put his mark on my world.
And if he has it his way, he’ll do the same to our son.
I can’t let that happen.
So I’m running, as far and as fast as I can, to keep myself and my son away from the man who holds our hearts and our lives in his hands.
I just have to hope it’s enough.
CAGED THORN is the first book in the Aminoff Bratva duet from bestselling mafia romantic suspense author Naomi West. Kon and Iris’s story begins in Book 1, CAGED ROSE!
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2022
684 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 19, 2023
I Knew It
I knew the moment I finished 1st book that I'll be frustrated......
And here is my frustration-
Till now I have read almost 1000 books but rarely have I come across such a stupid and fucking dumbass character as IRIS....
My irritation is so high that I am unable to express my true feelings... but I'll try..
Okay I know that the past trauma of Iris was genuine BUT there is a limit to the mistrust she always felt towards others... She knows she is too beautiful but still she choose modeling as her career. Really girl... Every one knows that modeling is the most corrupt industry there is and you want to hold on to your stubbornness to never succumb to drugs and sex and alcohol, which is a good character, but COME ON, if you are afraid to do that then why the hell are you searching for modeling job... Leave the industry, simple as that.
She kept giving chances to all the assholes who were in her life and who were really hurting her physically and mentally... Jaccobson, her father, sarbonne, jake, etc etc... But the one truly who were in her corner KON, she kept fighting....
I don't get it WHYYYYYYYYYYYY..... aaagghhhh.... You know when she was kidnapped by Anika, I was finally happy because she fucking DESERVED it...
Everything is complicated in her life, but if she wanted she could have simplified it easily but NO she had to be stubborn dumbass mule. She kept fighting Kon at every thing, she kept fighting and pushing and fighting and pushing but the minute she gets kidnapped and Kon rescues her then she is all like.... Ohh Kon my savior, my husband.... blah blah blah.... Eeehhhhhhh😝
Please read if you haven't still- The Deal by Elle Kennedy, the MC Hannah was raped at a party and her whole family was humiliated by the town people who stood against them, but that didn't make the MC the stupid character such as our lovely IRIS.
...... I think I'll stop now or my BP will be off the charts..... I only read the 2 books because of Kon amd Max.... Kon deserved someone way better than I-fucking-ris.
I knew the moment I finished 1st book that I'll be frustrated......
And here is my frustration-
Till now I have read almost 1000 books but rarely have I come across such a stupid and fucking dumbass character as IRIS....
My irritation is so high that I am unable to express my true feelings... but I'll try..
Okay I know that the past trauma of Iris was genuine BUT there is a limit to the mistrust she always felt towards others... She knows she is too beautiful but still she choose modeling as her career. Really girl... Every one knows that modeling is the most corrupt industry there is and you want to hold on to your stubbornness to never succumb to drugs and sex and alcohol, which is a good character, but COME ON, if you are afraid to do that then why the hell are you searching for modeling job... Leave the industry, simple as that.
She kept giving chances to all the assholes who were in her life and who were really hurting her physically and mentally... Jaccobson, her father, sarbonne, jake, etc etc... But the one truly who were in her corner KON, she kept fighting....
I don't get it WHYYYYYYYYYYYY..... aaagghhhh.... You know when she was kidnapped by Anika, I was finally happy because she fucking DESERVED it...
Everything is complicated in her life, but if she wanted she could have simplified it easily but NO she had to be stubborn dumbass mule. She kept fighting Kon at every thing, she kept fighting and pushing and fighting and pushing but the minute she gets kidnapped and Kon rescues her then she is all like.... Ohh Kon my savior, my husband.... blah blah blah.... Eeehhhhhhh😝
Please read if you haven't still- The Deal by Elle Kennedy, the MC Hannah was raped at a party and her whole family was humiliated by the town people who stood against them, but that didn't make the MC the stupid character such as our lovely IRIS.
...... I think I'll stop now or my BP will be off the charts..... I only read the 2 books because of Kon amd Max.... Kon deserved someone way better than I-fucking-ris.
September 29, 2022
3.5 Stars.
The h just really drives me crazy; I actually screamed at my kindle when reading because she is so frustrating. Kon is what saves this book for me, as well as the other side characters. I wish this duet ended stronger.
The h just really drives me crazy; I actually screamed at my kindle when reading because she is so frustrating. Kon is what saves this book for me, as well as the other side characters. I wish this duet ended stronger.
August 27, 2022
Kon will find them no matter what it takes
Caged Thorn is the second book in the Aminoff Bratva duet and continues the story of Iris, Konstantin and their son Max. This book picks up where Caged Rose ended and I have to say was not quite the story I was expecting. Iris has taken Max away and ended up back in her family home with her abusive father. This is the last place she wants to be as it triggers so many memories and also her emotions. But instead of remaining the strong woman who will do anything to protect her son she ends up reverting back to old behavior which leaves Max in the line of fire from her father, not exactly what you expect. But Konstantin is not about to let Iris or their son go and tracks her down. He deals with her father, which she is ungrateful for, and brings them back with him. Now she finds herself in another cage of sorts, at least in her mind. This woman has more thorns that prick everyone around her in the worst way.
So I did enjoy the story-line but found myself now rooting for Konstantin and wanting to shake some sense into Iris. I really enjoyed the first book, Caged Rose, and found this one to be less but still good. For me it is the way Iris is written and her inability to recognize that she can't do it all by herself all the time, and that when you have a man such as Kon ready to keep you safe you find shelter in his arms at every possible turn.
Caged Thorn is the second book in the Aminoff Bratva duet and continues the story of Iris, Konstantin and their son Max. This book picks up where Caged Rose ended and I have to say was not quite the story I was expecting. Iris has taken Max away and ended up back in her family home with her abusive father. This is the last place she wants to be as it triggers so many memories and also her emotions. But instead of remaining the strong woman who will do anything to protect her son she ends up reverting back to old behavior which leaves Max in the line of fire from her father, not exactly what you expect. But Konstantin is not about to let Iris or their son go and tracks her down. He deals with her father, which she is ungrateful for, and brings them back with him. Now she finds herself in another cage of sorts, at least in her mind. This woman has more thorns that prick everyone around her in the worst way.
So I did enjoy the story-line but found myself now rooting for Konstantin and wanting to shake some sense into Iris. I really enjoyed the first book, Caged Rose, and found this one to be less but still good. For me it is the way Iris is written and her inability to recognize that she can't do it all by herself all the time, and that when you have a man such as Kon ready to keep you safe you find shelter in his arms at every possible turn.
August 23, 2022
Awesome duet!
November 6, 2022
No Growth
I don't know why some people think Iris changed in this book. She didn't. She always reacts instead of appropriately responding. She wants desperately to be saved by Kon but can't trust him enough to let him - so instead she would rather put herself and her son in bad situations so that she can think that she has been proved right about only trusting herself. I was fed up with her in the first book. I only read this one to see the ending and if I was right about who was the real villain. I was! Also Kon was too permissive. He should have put his foot down about protecting his son, if nothing else.
I don't know why some people think Iris changed in this book. She didn't. She always reacts instead of appropriately responding. She wants desperately to be saved by Kon but can't trust him enough to let him - so instead she would rather put herself and her son in bad situations so that she can think that she has been proved right about only trusting herself. I was fed up with her in the first book. I only read this one to see the ending and if I was right about who was the real villain. I was! Also Kon was too permissive. He should have put his foot down about protecting his son, if nothing else.
August 25, 2022
📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘕𝘢𝘰𝘮𝘪 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘔𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 376
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘚𝘰𝘔𝘰 - 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘜𝘱 𝘚*𝘹
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author 𝘕𝘢𝘰𝘮𝘪 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 and 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵 for giving me a change to read this book.**
___________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭_____________
This is the second book in the Aminoff Bratva duet. The storyline was good, but Iris annoyed the heck out of me for the vast majority of the book.
As the story begins, she had taken off with their son and ran to the last place she ever wanted to go: her childhood home, and the place she faced her biggest traumas. Forced back in the place that caused her so much pain, she changes into a shell of herself.
I have to admit though there were times I wanted to smack Iris. She started sounding like a broken record. The thing I loved though is Kon who never put up with her crap for too long and called her on it. I even applauded some of things her dad told her (some being an important word). Loads of drama in this one.
Overall, I liked the story. The first book was awesome, the storyline was great and kept me interested, and there was plenty of 🔥🔥🔥. I just wished Iris kept her personality of a strong ass woman (which was part of what made the first book so great), and wasn’t so "not her" for basically all of the second book.
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘕𝘢𝘰𝘮𝘪 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘔𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 376
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘚𝘰𝘔𝘰 - 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘜𝘱 𝘚*𝘹
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author 𝘕𝘢𝘰𝘮𝘪 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 and 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵 for giving me a change to read this book.**
___________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭_____________
This is the second book in the Aminoff Bratva duet. The storyline was good, but Iris annoyed the heck out of me for the vast majority of the book.
As the story begins, she had taken off with their son and ran to the last place she ever wanted to go: her childhood home, and the place she faced her biggest traumas. Forced back in the place that caused her so much pain, she changes into a shell of herself.
I have to admit though there were times I wanted to smack Iris. She started sounding like a broken record. The thing I loved though is Kon who never put up with her crap for too long and called her on it. I even applauded some of things her dad told her (some being an important word). Loads of drama in this one.
Overall, I liked the story. The first book was awesome, the storyline was great and kept me interested, and there was plenty of 🔥🔥🔥. I just wished Iris kept her personality of a strong ass woman (which was part of what made the first book so great), and wasn’t so "not her" for basically all of the second book.
August 22, 2022
After learning of Kon’s cancelled engagement and the true darkness of his world, Iris flees back to her father’s home with Max in tow. However, she is forced to confront past trauma. I am glad we got this story because I wanted to know since Book 1 what made Iris so hard as nails and resistant to trusting others. We really got a good look into her mindset here. I’m also glad that we see Max maturing and able to speak his own mind here, adding more to the relationship dynamics of Iris, Kon, and himself. Kon also was as patient as ever and still not afraid to say things how they are though she definitely tested him at times. Kon also has some development off page as he admits he might have handled things differently as a younger Kon in certain situations but he also has realized things after meeting Iris and Max. We also continue to see Yefim acting as devil’s advocate and some ulterior motives from other threats and frenemies. Overall, this duet was an engaging read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2022
Naomi West is an amazing poet... gosh what a story it bought tears to my eyes. Come and fall in love with Konstantin's and Iris's love-hate-dark romance story. The way Kon handles Iris's shit and pain. I don't want to give out any details. The book was too good to be real so I'm zipping my mouth a bit before that Kon's possessiveness, protectiveness, mafia knowledge, and hot and twisting sex were to die for. FUCK ...worth reading and re-reading. Damn...I feel bliss finding this nerve-breaking AMAZING book. Kon is my new favorite mafia hottie. Can't get Kon out of my mind and the little beautiful family of his. Guys get yours soon ASAP!! Because Kon doesn't wait for anyone!!
3. Kon
She’s headstrong and stubborn and full of pride.”
10. Kon
When I finally do stake my claim, she won’t ever be able to deny that she’s mine.
30. Kon
I’d go to war just to see her blush like that.
36. Kon
She’s a work of art— and she’s all fucking mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3. Kon
She’s headstrong and stubborn and full of pride.”
10. Kon
When I finally do stake my claim, she won’t ever be able to deny that she’s mine.
30. Kon
I’d go to war just to see her blush like that.
36. Kon
She’s a work of art— and she’s all fucking mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
Book two continues as we would expect reeling from the fall out caused from the revelations that Kon had kept a secret which was now exposed and as expected Iris had done a runner taking Max with her! However the only place Iris could go was to her HOME and that was somewhere she never ever wanted to return to, the memories were too painful for her to think about. Kon was intent on following her, we go through twists and turns and deceitful conniving people that keep your attention firmly on this intriguing book. I did at times shout at my kindle at Iris’s naivety at her poor judgment when someone offers her an olive branch.
I know Kon had deceived Iris but I did truly feel that in his heart he could have resolved the problem, however his love for Iris and Max was unconditional which he proved throughout this book.
A truly fitting end to another well written flawless book.
I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
I know Kon had deceived Iris but I did truly feel that in his heart he could have resolved the problem, however his love for Iris and Max was unconditional which he proved throughout this book.
A truly fitting end to another well written flawless book.
I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I was totally happy to provide.
August 22, 2022
Ten years ago, she ran from home, from her past and found her future. She has a Max, her son, whose father wants to be a part of their future, but Iris keeps fighting every step of the way. Max on the other hand wants his Kon, his dad, in his life, he starting to look up to him and care about him. Iris is so afraid of Kon’s world, the Bravata world, she does the only she knows to do, keep Kon at arm’s length, she knows he’s a dangerous man and she doesn’t want to let him too close to her son, their son, and break his heart. Iris is running scared and returns to her past where many secrets and lies are revealed in this conclusion, secrets of her wound heart and soul. The Bravata world is filled with danger and the past a way of catching up to them and their lives are in danger, can Kon keep them safe as he promised, or will he lose his whole world? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2022
Kon & Iris
I think the transition from the first to the second book could have used a bit more work.
After Iris and Max ran to Wyoming, it was never explained what happened with Max’s former school.
Did he remain friends with the kid in his class? Did Iris keep in contact with the little boy’s mother? Did the school have an issue with the number of days Max missed before he was registered at the new school?
(But I’m sure Kon’s money, influence, and representation took care of it. But it still would have been great if it was somewhat explained to us .)
Secondly, I think the romantic scenes were a bit abrupt and uninspiring.
Readers need deets. We want to feel the passion jumping off the pages.
Lastly, there were a bit of grammatical errors sprinkled through the book. But it was okay.
I think the transition from the first to the second book could have used a bit more work.
After Iris and Max ran to Wyoming, it was never explained what happened with Max’s former school.
Did he remain friends with the kid in his class? Did Iris keep in contact with the little boy’s mother? Did the school have an issue with the number of days Max missed before he was registered at the new school?
(But I’m sure Kon’s money, influence, and representation took care of it. But it still would have been great if it was somewhat explained to us .)
Secondly, I think the romantic scenes were a bit abrupt and uninspiring.
Readers need deets. We want to feel the passion jumping off the pages.
Lastly, there were a bit of grammatical errors sprinkled through the book. But it was okay.
September 19, 2022
…. Started off good but kept getting worse and worse
I’m only giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because of the first book and the overall plot. I love Bratva books and they are always extremely similar. However, this one wasn’t for me. I usually give 5 stars for Bratva books because of the similarities and how well written they usually are, but this one wasn’t that great. Every character was terrible and there was literally nooooo character growth. I was expecting people to overcome obstacles or to see the love between the main characters to grow but you never did. The main woman was not likable at all. she was extremely annoying. There wasn’t an explanation for many things, just assumptions. There was so much going on that it seemed half assed vice two or three good obstacles that would be well explained. I think the book just needs a good editor and better suggestions.
I’m only giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because of the first book and the overall plot. I love Bratva books and they are always extremely similar. However, this one wasn’t for me. I usually give 5 stars for Bratva books because of the similarities and how well written they usually are, but this one wasn’t that great. Every character was terrible and there was literally nooooo character growth. I was expecting people to overcome obstacles or to see the love between the main characters to grow but you never did. The main woman was not likable at all. she was extremely annoying. There wasn’t an explanation for many things, just assumptions. There was so much going on that it seemed half assed vice two or three good obstacles that would be well explained. I think the book just needs a good editor and better suggestions.
August 24, 2022
I started this book around 10:00 pm and could not put it down. Luckily for me it’s Saturday! The second book in this duet is truly REMARKABLE!! The first book drew me in and intrigued me with its mafia storyline and Kon and Iris, such compelling and engaging characters. But this book it CONSUMED me! My mind escaped into this story and I did not want it to end. The angst, the raw emotion and the passion between these two characters is so intense and emotional. When Iris’s tells Kon what happened to her, you feel the love he has for her through his actions and words. He also discovers the strength Iris has and the overwhelming kindness she has for those who don’t deserve it. Then Iris discovers the man Kon is and knows he will never leave her.
Together these two characters are combustible and their fire sparks a romance book WORTH reading.
An addictive book with heartwarming, powerful and OUTSTANDING characters and the most tantalizing and enticing storyline to get lost in.
Congratulations on this MEMORABLE duet Naomi👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Together these two characters are combustible and their fire sparks a romance book WORTH reading.
An addictive book with heartwarming, powerful and OUTSTANDING characters and the most tantalizing and enticing storyline to get lost in.
Congratulations on this MEMORABLE duet Naomi👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
September 11, 2022
Caged Thorn
I’m sorry but I would have given this book more stars if there wasn’t so much fighting from main characters. Iris bugged the hell out of me. I understand the need to be a strong independent woman, but she literally fought him on everything. Every conversation was a fight. I was exhausted half the time of the book. Iris is so stubborn and selfish, she would leave her son alone a lot and I felt bad for the kid. I’m surprised Kon stayed with her. And also the ending could have been way better with more happy emotions from the couple, not just a bang session, it needed details and love. There was definitely no love in this book just lust. At least I didn’t feel it on Iris’s side.
I’m sorry but I would have given this book more stars if there wasn’t so much fighting from main characters. Iris bugged the hell out of me. I understand the need to be a strong independent woman, but she literally fought him on everything. Every conversation was a fight. I was exhausted half the time of the book. Iris is so stubborn and selfish, she would leave her son alone a lot and I felt bad for the kid. I’m surprised Kon stayed with her. And also the ending could have been way better with more happy emotions from the couple, not just a bang session, it needed details and love. There was definitely no love in this book just lust. At least I didn’t feel it on Iris’s side.
September 20, 2022
Caged Thorn is book two and the duet to Caged Rose in the Aminoff Bratva. It's a continuation from the previous book and picks up from the cliffhanger. Iris is on the run from Kon and run back home to place where she had experienced a lot of pain, manipulations, heartaches and ridicule. There are a lot triggers, drama, revelations, bullying, fighting, humiliations, and fear that was addressed in Caged Thorn. There wasn't a place on earth that Iris could go that Kon couldn't find her and his. Iris went from a strong independent woman into a shrinking violet once she was in her dad's presence and the town mean girls.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2022
Whoo this second part of the duet was intense for sure! I actually enjoyed reading this book that it took me two days and i was glad to have finished it. Kon and Iris do have struggles to overcome but they do have love for each other even though it took time since Iris has trust issues and sexual assault which i kinda cried about but thankfully Kon is able to help get her pass it since they both get a HEA and especially with Max... I wonder would we get a book for the sons to read about? i hope so if it is a thinking process. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2022
5 Stars for Caged Thorn by Naomi West
This is not a standalone Book 1 Caged Rose should be read first in the Amanoff Bratva duet
I devoured this book ! It is my kind of story and here is why :
Age Gap
Chance meeting
One night stand
Unexpected pregnancy
Second chance romance
Great characters in Kon and Iris
Russian Bratva
Sizzling chemistry
Family issues
Obstacles to over come
Happily Ever After
This story has everything - lots of plot twists too !
Highly recommend this author and duet !
Great read & series !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a standalone Book 1 Caged Rose should be read first in the Amanoff Bratva duet
I devoured this book ! It is my kind of story and here is why :
Age Gap
Chance meeting
One night stand
Unexpected pregnancy
Second chance romance
Great characters in Kon and Iris
Russian Bratva
Sizzling chemistry
Family issues
Obstacles to over come
Happily Ever After
This story has everything - lots of plot twists too !
Highly recommend this author and duet !
Great read & series !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
This is the second book in the Aminoff Bratva duet, and not as enjoyable as the first book .... JMO.
I did not even plan to read this 2nd book some Authors need to realize or shoot at least editors need to know a DON is Italian and a Pahkan is Russian... these for some reason bug me to no end..
The story line was still good, but Iris annoyed me .. More so than in the first book ....... I truly second guessed myself for some time before I gave in because I liked the kid Max.......... the first book, she seemed to be a strong independent 'momma bear ' type........even when she was afraid. Somehow she had a complete character change in this one, and it wasn’t attractive.
I did not even plan to read this 2nd book some Authors need to realize or shoot at least editors need to know a DON is Italian and a Pahkan is Russian... these for some reason bug me to no end..
The story line was still good, but Iris annoyed me .. More so than in the first book ....... I truly second guessed myself for some time before I gave in because I liked the kid Max.......... the first book, she seemed to be a strong independent 'momma bear ' type........even when she was afraid. Somehow she had a complete character change in this one, and it wasn’t attractive.
October 23, 2024
World building: ⭐⭐⭐
Character building: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
I've been on a Naomi West binge this week.
I love her mafia series, but I will say the "fighting the relationship" thing is getting old.
Like....comeon. I enjoy a strong female lead as much as the next gal, but this chick just got married to her Hot, powerful father of her 9 year old son, she finds out her husband had a marriage arangement and BOOM...she heads back to her abusive hometown where everyone thought you she was a whore when she was raped is a BIT MUCH.
Comeon....ugh. I barely finished the book because of her stupidity.
Character building: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
I've been on a Naomi West binge this week.
I love her mafia series, but I will say the "fighting the relationship" thing is getting old.
Like....comeon. I enjoy a strong female lead as much as the next gal, but this chick just got married to her Hot, powerful father of her 9 year old son, she finds out her husband had a marriage arangement and BOOM...she heads back to her abusive hometown where everyone thought you she was a whore when she was raped is a BIT MUCH.
Comeon....ugh. I barely finished the book because of her stupidity.
December 26, 2025
Lon and Iris' Story
I enjoyed this duet about a strong Bratva Don, Kon Aminoff, and his fiesty and emotionally damaged wife, Iris.
Konstantin first meets Isis at a party, where they end up in bed. She has his son 9 months later, not telling him.
10 years later, they reconnect. Kon immediately connects with his son, Max, who is his mini me.
Iris has a challenging and painful past, which is eventually disclosed. Her past causes her to constantly challenge and mistrust Kon.
Their love story is entertaining and enjoyable. The extended epilogue 9 years in the future is fullfilling.
I enjoyed this duet about a strong Bratva Don, Kon Aminoff, and his fiesty and emotionally damaged wife, Iris.
Konstantin first meets Isis at a party, where they end up in bed. She has his son 9 months later, not telling him.
10 years later, they reconnect. Kon immediately connects with his son, Max, who is his mini me.
Iris has a challenging and painful past, which is eventually disclosed. Her past causes her to constantly challenge and mistrust Kon.
Their love story is entertaining and enjoyable. The extended epilogue 9 years in the future is fullfilling.
August 26, 2022
This is the 2nd part of this duet, and Kon and Iris’s story continues. Iris returns home to the left 10-years previously, but she is not alone, she has her son with her. Kon and Iris have a love / hate scenario going on, but the love he has for her shines through when she reveals information to him. This is a well written story, which is dark, and with angst, lies, heartbreak, suspense, intrigue, trauma, twists, emotions, family, and love, which leads to a steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2022
{86} Caged Thorn by Naomi West is a 3 ⭐️ read.
After finding out the truth about Kon, Iris takes Max and runs away, she runs to the place she never thought she’d ever go back to, her home town with all its bad memories and her drunk of a father. It doesn’t take long for Kon to find them and he and Iris try to figure out where they stand with each other and it doesn’t take long for Kon’s lifestyle to catch up with them.
I’ve read other books by the author and have really enjoyed them but this one just didn’t match up, I just didn’t enjoy it, but this is my opinion.
After finding out the truth about Kon, Iris takes Max and runs away, she runs to the place she never thought she’d ever go back to, her home town with all its bad memories and her drunk of a father. It doesn’t take long for Kon to find them and he and Iris try to figure out where they stand with each other and it doesn’t take long for Kon’s lifestyle to catch up with them.
I’ve read other books by the author and have really enjoyed them but this one just didn’t match up, I just didn’t enjoy it, but this is my opinion.
September 10, 2022
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Iris is the most frustrating person. She wants to “do it all herself” to the point of endangering both herself and her son, Max.
Kon must really love her because she is awful to him, truly hateful.
Here we get the true backstory of Iris’ life. Why she ran. Why she hates her hometown (but she escapes Kon to go there?) why she is so resistant to the ways of Hollywood.
Kon, here, is the hero. He slays her dragons, one by one. She’s not very appreciative until she almost dies.
3.5 stars
Iris is the most frustrating person. She wants to “do it all herself” to the point of endangering both herself and her son, Max.
Kon must really love her because she is awful to him, truly hateful.
Here we get the true backstory of Iris’ life. Why she ran. Why she hates her hometown (but she escapes Kon to go there?) why she is so resistant to the ways of Hollywood.
Kon, here, is the hero. He slays her dragons, one by one. She’s not very appreciative until she almost dies.
October 18, 2022
Not my favorite female character
I didn’t mind Iris in the first book, but she really annoyed me in the second one. I understand that she had to deal with a lot of trauma, but she always made bad choices and was really a toxic character who couldn’t move on with her life. I had to power through the book. The story line was fine and the plot twists were good, I loved all of the supporting characters in the book, but I just couldn’t get over Iris. I wouldn’t not read this again.
I didn’t mind Iris in the first book, but she really annoyed me in the second one. I understand that she had to deal with a lot of trauma, but she always made bad choices and was really a toxic character who couldn’t move on with her life. I had to power through the book. The story line was fine and the plot twists were good, I loved all of the supporting characters in the book, but I just couldn’t get over Iris. I wouldn’t not read this again.
February 18, 2023
It's ok
I'm so tired of immature, traumatized, insecure, stupid women in these books. The best books I've read are the ones with strong and merciless female lead characters. We as a society scream womens rights yet in mafia romance, we are clueless and plain stupid. Im being hunted by an assassin so I must go stretch my legs. Or this man kills for me so I can't be with him. I just don't get it. This book would've been 5 stars if it was dripping in insecurity and self righteousness.
I'm so tired of immature, traumatized, insecure, stupid women in these books. The best books I've read are the ones with strong and merciless female lead characters. We as a society scream womens rights yet in mafia romance, we are clueless and plain stupid. Im being hunted by an assassin so I must go stretch my legs. Or this man kills for me so I can't be with him. I just don't get it. This book would've been 5 stars if it was dripping in insecurity and self righteousness.
August 23, 2022
In this second book there is intense suspense and danger as Kon learns more about Iris and her background that has caused her to push him away at the same time there are threats from another Bravta family that keeps you on the edge of your set until all is resolved. Iris did get on my nerves as she did some really stupid things but the ever patient and hunky Kon was always there to save her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2022
Konstantin Aminoff and Iris Keller are back to play out the rest of their story, and it is a really great one. Iris feels like danger surrounds her, but she has Konstantin and that make all the difference.
This book answers my questions in a fantastic way and I thoroughly loved reading the conclusion of Konstantin Aminoff and Iris Keller's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book answers my questions in a fantastic way and I thoroughly loved reading the conclusion of Konstantin Aminoff and Iris Keller's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2022
This second part of this duo of stories did not disappoint. Iris has run away from Kon, taking their son with her after she finds out about his arranged marriage. It doesn’t take him long to track her down, he’s determined to make her realise that she’s the one he wants. There’s some quite heart rendering revelations that explain a lot. A fabulous story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2022
This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order for best enjoyment. Ten years ago, Iris ran away from home but now she is headed back there with her son. She is afraid of Kon’s Bratva world and doesn’t want her son to be a part of it. Kon has no plans of letting her go so easily. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. Great characters with lots of depths and an entertaining read. I liked it.
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