Getting signed as an exclusive model for a new fashion line is a dream come true for Asa, but is there more to the rich Ruslan than meets the eye?
Being a model was supposed to be temporary for Asa McGogh AKA Augustine Hart. His fashion career was meant to be a stepping stone to acting, but when he gets an exclusive contract that comes with a hefty payday, he can’t say no. It would be a privilege for any model to be the face of a new fashion line built by millionaire Ruslan Kozlova, and it doesn’t hurt that Ruslan is charming, a flirt, and incredibly handsome.
Ruslan Kozlova has a lonely life. Being a mafia boss isn’t easy, and all he wants to do is find the right person to stay by his side. When he sees Asa on a billboard, he knows he must have him, and he’ll do anything to make it happen, even bankroll an entire fashion line to get him close. Ruslan doesn’t want to be like every other businessman who expects more than Asa is willing to give him, though, so he decides to woo him the old-fashioned way.
The more time Ruslan spends with Asa, the more he comes to realize how different Asa is from every other man he has met. Asa is pure and sweet, and Ruslan will do anything to keep him from the dark part of his life. But what happens when Asa finds out who Ruslan really is?
Exclusive is part of the Model Love multiauthored series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone story, in any order, but there are so many models falling in love, why not read them all?
I spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
4.25 stars. He’s a deadly mob boss and he’s looking for a ‘forever love’. Seeing the honest and pure beauty of the model on the billboard makes him want to meet the guy.
Ruslan is the perfect gentleman, taking care of Asa. Asa is quite overwhelmed by all the attention Ruslan sending his way. Asa doesn’t know what other business Ruslan does besides the fashion label he owns. Asa works for the label as a model, the only model it seems.
It costs Ruslan all his energy to restrain himself, and keep it slow with sweet Asa, this man deserves to be wooed. Ruslan will move heaven and earth to keep Asa happy and safe.
Ruslan is exorbitantly rich, limos, hummers, penthouses in Manhattan, you name it, he got it. Only, he’s lonely and yearns for love and connection, Asa is the only one who can give it to him, who he wants it from. Asa uses all kinds of endearments for Ruslan while in real life he’s called a heartless monster. Will he still love him if he knew?
It was a captivating read, I really had fun. I would have loved a somewhat longer version, there are many things about their relationship, their business, working career, I would have loved to see developed. Still, the short fast-paced version was all enjoyable. There’s a bit about everything, and slightly developed, we have the mob side, some angst, the model world, the film world, what’s like to be immensely rich and powerful, some sweetness, sappiness, sexiness, and even some family time.
Hi, everyone! Thank you all for reading our books! Exclusive is a sweet story with some light mafia action. We really hope you like Ruslan, who runs a Ukrainian mob, and his sweetie Augustine Hart AKA Asa McGogh. Asa is beautiful and a little awkward, and Ruslan needs someone caring in his life.
This story was short, sweet and hit the right notes for a love story. While I really enjoyed this one; I will definitely say that this is a Ki Brightly and MD Gregory story hopped up on sugar. I’m mostly used to dark and dirty from them, and this was the complete opposite. I’m not complaining at all. I think it shows a nice versatility for these authors.
Ruslan and Asa were delightful together. Ruslan was possessive and protective. He would do anything to make Asa happy. Asa, while wary initially, was able to give Ruslan the chance to show he was serious. They were sweet and sexy together. We get a well rounded picture of them from the meet cute to dating to meeting the family and a proposal. I really enjoyed their relationship.
Some minor mafia happenings pop up in the background, but this is mostly the story of two guys falling for one another and making a go of it. It was a lovely read.
Exclusive gives us the chance to see the softer, sweeter side of the normally dark and gritty writing duo of Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory. Even still, we're treated to a barrage of mafia related content in this quick read. It's got instant attraction, insta-love, acceptance and a sweet connection between two men who are looking for their one and only...
Like the other Model Love stories, this can be read standalone or as part of the larger story and I recommend it if you're looking for a low angst, quick read between a down to earth model from the mid-west and a morally grey mobster who wants the fairy tale....
Ruslan is the mob boss, whose always wanted true love, same as his parents. He would be ready to walk away from the business for the right man, the one that worries for him and puts his needs first.
Asa isnt the typical vapid and greedy model. Hes stunning, in looks and personality and he loves good food. Something about Ruslan calls to him. Love at first sight?
When Ruslan and Asa are attacked, Asa wanted to stay by Ruslans side where he felt safest. When they met again after, one of his first five questions Asa asked, wasnt to check on his belongs, it was to check on Ruslan even though he was scared. Showing Ruslan, Asa was perfect for him.
This was okay - quick, light, insta-lust with some questionable decisions, but okay. It felt like the main plot ended about 2/3 through and the rest was all bonus scene without much purpose. What bothers me most with this is the backhanded nature of the dedication. It seems like an insult to dedicate a book to the people of Ukraine and then portray the Ukrainian characters as mob bosses. "Slava ukrainia, we made you criminals". There's just a wrongness about that I don't like at all.
The good + Ruslan seeing Asa and deciding he wants him + Ruslan's patience in wooing Asa + Ruslan making clear that Asa rejecting him would never impact his job security + Ana
The neutral o The storyline was pretty boring. Ruslan was pretty boring for a scary mafia boss, and Asa had no reservations in fucking his boss even though he was really skeptical based on how things worked in 'his world'. There was no depth. Also, visiting Asa's family was boring o What's up with the need for dicks to always be enormous? "I wasn't huge, at round seven and a half inches." The average penis is just over 5 inches long. This obsession with big dicks is so unnecessary and a real pet peeve of mine
The bad - If one main character is called Asa, please don't give the most important side character the name Ana. It's really confusing - Asa had no survival instincts. When they heard gunshots, Ruslan kept calm and told Asa exactly what to do. Instead, Asa tried to run in the direction of the gunshots. Someone with such horrible survival instincts shouldn't be the partner of a mobster - Ruslan told Asa point blank if given the chance. He basically said . Asa should have dumped his ass for that - Their connection didn't really seem to go deeper than sex, especially since Ruslan refused to talk about most of his own life - This book is so full of prejudice and condescending comments towards models. Apparently, all models are spoiled and shallow. Except for Ruslan's mom and that random guy on a billboard, of course. At the same time, the extremely harsh world of modeling was mentioned again and again. How can everyone working a job that harsh be spoiled and shallow? It made no sense - The only reason Ruslan was Ukrainian was because of the war in Ukraine. It had no relevance to the plot or his character at all, other than to make a light joke about the horrible situation in Ukraine. It would've been better had Ruslan not been Ukrainian, or his character more well-developed
The premise was great, and I was looking forward to some quality wooing. But in the end, it was mostly just Ruslan throwing money at things to impress Asa, and Asa eating it up and wanting to sit on Ruslan's dick. I didn't feel like they had an actual connection. Because of that, every little thing started frustrating me. At least it was really sweet when Ruslan cleaned Asa's feet after he ran through the city. Would not recommend.
Low angst Mafia boss/model Age gap Love at first sight/Insta-love Dual first person POV
This was much fluffier than I expected but I really enjoyed it because of that fact. There was a little mafia business rolled into the plot to add some excitement and reveal Ru's secret but otherwise the story focused on Ruslan wooing Asa. They were so sweet it was cavity inducing so don't expect any drama outside of the smidge that came with the mafia business. Ruslan is alarmingly sweet for a mob boss but I think that's why I liked him so much. Men in power who are cinnamon rolls are basically my kryptonite lol Add in Asa who is also a cinnamon roll and I was very happy with the pair. I especially loved that Asa is a model but his beauty wasn't commented on nonstop. That's a huge pet peeve of mine and I'll admit I was worried when I began the story but the authors did a fine job keeping the plot moving without everyone losing their heads over the beautiful young man. The insta-love worked and the plot moved forward without anything feeling forced. Overall, enjoyable.
My only gripes are: 1) all the winking. Goodness, I think I've developed an eye twitch from all the winking in this story! Seriously- over 20x in a little over 100 pages.
2) poor Cadence! In my mind he got a HEA short story with random redhead bodyguard guy (totally my imagination, don't read too much into this), but the way he was left hurt my heart a little.
Ruslan is accustomed to getting everything he wants as the head of the mafia. While dealing with a problem in his organization he see the most beautiful man on a billboard. Deciding he has to have him, he launches his own clothing line for men. Talk about dedication. Offering Asa an exclusive contract to work for his brand. Asa is new to modeling, but he is using it as a way to break into what he really wants to do, acting. Taking the opportunity presented to him by Ruslan should help bring him closer to his goal. Ruslan does everything he can to convince Asa that they would be great together as more than just employee and employer all while trying to keep his "day job" away from Asa. This all comes crashing down when a rival tries to have Ruslan killed in his penthouse, while Asa is present. Asa realizes exactly what Ruslan does for a living and understandably has a freak out. After trying to run, Ruslan finds him, and convinces him to stay. ruslan is ready to settle down and give up the mafia life and wants to do that with Asa.
Being a model was not his true goal as Asa McGogh AKA Augustine Hart really wanted to be an actor. Then he gets an exclusive modelling contract (with a generous salary) for a new fashion line built by millionaire Ruslan Kozlova and it is a dream come true for him. Mafia boss Ruslan Kozlova is lonely and wants to find the right person to be by his side. When he sees Asa on a billboard he knows he must have him and will do anything to make it happen even if he has to bankroll an entire fashion line. Then he is determined to woo Asa the old-fashioned way, especially as the more time he spends with him the more he realises that Asa is pure and sweet. Ruslan needs to keep Asa from his dark parts but what will happen when Asa finds out about Ruslan's true identity?
I enjoyed this story with the beautiful Asa, the dark and mysterious Ruslan and the lengths that they would go to in order to stay together. I loved that Asa was no shrinking violet and that he managed to slip away from everyone when he had to. The writing was good as I could feel both of their thoughts and emotions. Easy to read and understand. Contains mature MM content.
Asa McGogh, aka Augustine Hart, is a well-known model. Ruslan Kozlova is a mafia/mob boss who happens to see Asa on a billboard and is intrigued. When Asa becomes the face of Ruslan's new clothing line, Ruslan does everything he can to romance and win Asa's heart.
This was a very sweet, fairly low angst story that made me smile. I think I would have liked to have seen the relationship progression a little bit more. It was very insta-love which was acknowledged in the text. My favorite parts of a story are watching characters fall in love. I also thought that Asa seemed to accept Ruslan's illegal side very easily save for a minor freakout. He is so tenderhearted that it seems like it would have taken more than a few hours to come to terms with that side of Ruslan. However, these two were a perfect match and really seemed to care about each other.
The side characters are as fascinating as I would expect from Ki and M.D. They always create such complex, interesting characters. I really want to know what happens between Anatoly and Zachary! :) The epilogue was perfect and I loved the little touches of Ukrainian that Ruslan (and later Asa) used as pet names.
Just a great story from my favorite duo!
I received an ARC from the authors for my honest review
This is a story written by MD Gregory and Ki Brightly in the Model Love series which is only related by theme. It is low angst, and almost insta love. It follows mafia boss, Ruslan, pursuing a model named Asa after he falls in love with his image on a billboard. Ruslan goes as far as to create a clothing line so he can make Asa his Exclusive model for the brand.
The only dilemma the couple really faces is during the reveal of what Ruslan does for a living. Which is also the only danger that the couple really faces. This is a very low-key novel, but still brings some steamy scenes.
This is super fluffy coming from this duo, but is still written in the stellar quality that this co-writing duo always brings to the table.
This is the perfect addition of a mafia romance to this series. Ruslan, the mafia kingpin, is looking for someone to share his life with on a genuine level. He starts that a little backwards by falling for an image of Asa but he goes all in and hires him to the the face of a new clothing line he's financing (solely to get close to Asa, lol). As they spend time together and grow closer, Ruslan realizes Asa is the real deal but then there's the dilemma of having a relationship with Asa when Asa has no idea who he really is and what he really does. Count on this author to find a wonderful way to solve that dilemma and keep these two guys together.
Two men living completely different lives. Asa and Ruslan come from opposite worlds, yet they fit together nicely. Secrets are being hidden and when they are found out will the two come out unscathed or will it all be lost?
This is a sweet story that pulled me in right from the start. Both characters are strong, and I enjoyed seeing the two find their way. Each man is nothing like what people think they are. It was nice seeing the connection they have and what they will do to keep it. Their story shows us the strength of love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OK...I have to say that out of all the books I read in the Model Love series, this one I enjoyed the most. Ki did a marvelous job with the mobster falling for the sweet and funny model. Ruslan and Asa connection was instant and it was so easy going...I enjoyed their meeting and getting to know each other. There was some mafia action going on to keep it entertaining but mostly this was Ruslan ultimate end goal...romancing and keeping Asa for ever more. Wow...this was sweet and spicy and I loved it...Oh yeah...Asa's family mannnnnnnnnnnnn HILARIOUS...LOVED them...Loved this...5 STARS!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this short and sweet Mafia romance. I liked that it focused on Ruslan essentially courting Asa. Sure he created a men's clothing line just to have Asa be the exclusive model, and yeah he introduced him to people who could launch his acting career. But at the heart of it, Ruslan takes his time getting to know Asa assuring him that he expects nothing in return. It doesn't take long for Asa to fall for his new boss's charms though. I liked that the mafia aspects weren't the main focus of this story. The last chapter before the epilogue was a fun addition, seeing how Asa's family interacts with Ruslan was hilarious.
This was a sweet mafia romance story. It's an instant love story, although the characters meet each other in person later on in the story. The relationship between the two characters grows quickly, but doesn't feel forced. It's sweet and Asa and Ruslan really seem to want to take care of each other.
Of course, since Ruslan is hiding some part of him, this results into an explosive situation when Asa finds out. However, they find their way together again and there is little drama all over.
To me, it almost felt a bit too easy at certain points, but this is not a story filled with action or drama. Sure, there are points where it becomes a bit bloody, but nothing gross or dark. It's short and sweet and perfect if you want a slice of those kind of stories!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was captivated beyond words while I listened to this story unfold. I loved how instantly Ruslan was attracted and obsessed with August. It humanized and made him vulnerable too-so hawt!! I liked Asa's/August maturity and ability to accept Ruslan and all he entailed. The ending was heartwarming. I'm hoping for follow up books. I loved it. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. The narrator 's accents made the characters real.
What a brilliant little read! A great pick me up story to read in between lengthy books. I just needed a short story that was sweet but had enough action to keep my attention and Exclusive was perfect. Honestly who doesn't like reading about a Mob Boss finding his happy ever after with a beautiful, sweet male model. One who is far too polite to even tell a sleazy guy to get lost. Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory managed to put enough action, suspense and wonderful smexy scenes to keep the boredom at bay! Great work, keep up the good work and the audio was excellent too!
This is an MM instalove romance between a mafia boss and a model. Their relationship and the plot was fast paced. A lot happened - making it a quick read. Despite one character being on the dark side the story is light and has no angst. Ruslan is decidedly gentle. Asa brings all the fun to the pages and his family allow for some moments of humour. A light fun quick read with only tiny shadows of darkness.
This novella was as cute as the cover! I absolutely enjoyed reading a light sweet and sexy story from Ki and M.D.! The Mafia is still of course involved though, and I would not have it any other way! Rulsan is a charming and flirty Mafia boss and Asa is the model for his fashion line! Asa is so sweet and Rulsan is instantly smitten and must have and care for him! Ruslan woos his Asa and is so protective of him! Lovely short story in this series!
This was a fun, lighthearted, sugary sweet romance. Ruslan and Asa were perfectly adorable together. Ruslan is gorgeously protective and possessive, and Asa is just so darn sweet! Ruslan would literally do anything to make Asa happy, and my heart flipped every time he expressed this. From the meet cute, to dating, all the way to the HEA, Ruslan and Asa have one truly lovely story. Full of romance and sweetness, light on any dark atmosphere or mafia action.
Exclusive is part of the Model Love multi author book series. Asa and Ruslan were really sweet compared to what I'm used to reading by these two authors. Asa is modeling temporally but he is offered a gig that he cannot refuse. Ruslan is a lonely mafia boss that sees Asa and decides he must have Asa. They are fantastic together, loved reading their romance! Overall, a fantastic story! Well written with great pacing that sucked me into the story.
My first read from this multi - author series and was such a good story. Really sweet and the characters you will absolutely fall in love with. Not often can you associate mafia, sweet and adorable - yet this one will change your mind.
Definitely recommend!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
This was a fast paced, instalove romance between sweet model Asa and mafia boss Ruslan. The courtship between them as Ruslan pursues Asa was absolutely adorable. There's some danger and mild angst concerning Ruslan's job but it's resolved very well for their HEA.
These two were fun to read about. Easy plot. Mob boss looking for love in all the wrong places until he see the face he falls for on a Billboard. Charming and rich. Pulls As a in and just lime that he has fallen. Now if he doesn't end up dead they have the starting of a beautiful relationship.
I loved this book. Asa McGogh (Augustine Hart) is a model. Modeling was only suppose to be temporary until it got him into acting. Ruslan Kozlova is a mob boss when he sees Asa picture on a billboard. Ruslan must have him. He creates and fashion line to get Asa. With obstacles in their way will they have their happy ending?
Kind Brightly and M.D. Gregory can do no wrong when it comes to writing arch men with dark souls, their own moral codes and deep love. This is one of their lighter stories... So to speak...at least for them. If you want to go a ride of amazing dark characters, start with their Kings motorcycle gang, then follow their reading order list!