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Zhukova Bratva #2
Tarnished Queen
Once he finds out what I’ve done, he’ll never let me leave.
I lied. I ran. I hid.
But Nikolai Zhukova found me anyway.
And now that I’m his again, he’s making sure I never repeat my mistakes.
He’s putting his ring on my finger and marching me down the aisle—whether I like it or not.
Tarnished Queen is Book 2 of the Zhukova Bratva duet. Nikolai and Belle’s story begins in Book 1, Tarnished Tyrant.
I lied. I ran. I hid.
But Nikolai Zhukova found me anyway.
And now that I’m his again, he’s making sure I never repeat my mistakes.
He’s putting his ring on my finger and marching me down the aisle—whether I like it or not.
Tarnished Queen is Book 2 of the Zhukova Bratva duet. Nikolai and Belle’s story begins in Book 1, Tarnished Tyrant.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2022
2987 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Fox
195 books4,799 followersNicole Fox writes smart, sexy mafia romance novels. She is a crazy cat lady in her late 30s with a coffee addiction, an overactive imagination, and a husband who somehow puts up with her impulsive need to keep buying new plants for their house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
December 12, 2025
The first book teeters on the edge of my comfort level with excessive drama and a never-ending sequence of shock and awe events. So this book completely missed the mark for me.
It's too much: I love you, I withdraw, let's be a normal couple, then, I never really loved you that way.. back and forth repeatedly. Too many times for a single book, no matter how many chapters.
I felt like the book wasn't able to close loose ends. Xena should have been taken care of in the first book and the focus on the loyalty of his Bratva alone would have made this book interesting. However, instead we get a mishmash of deceptions, more kidnappings, more Elise in danger... I mean why send anyone to Iceland to be safe when the last time you were there Xena found you and tore you apart? I didn't understand that part of the plot.
It was frustrating to read this because there was a lot of potential for Nikolai and Belle that was lost completely with the direction taken.
It's too much: I love you, I withdraw, let's be a normal couple, then, I never really loved you that way.. back and forth repeatedly. Too many times for a single book, no matter how many chapters.
I felt like the book wasn't able to close loose ends. Xena should have been taken care of in the first book and the focus on the loyalty of his Bratva alone would have made this book interesting. However, instead we get a mishmash of deceptions, more kidnappings, more Elise in danger... I mean why send anyone to Iceland to be safe when the last time you were there Xena found you and tore you apart? I didn't understand that part of the plot.
It was frustrating to read this because there was a lot of potential for Nikolai and Belle that was lost completely with the direction taken.
January 23, 2023
Finally done. This series was super boring 😕
September 10, 2022
Lots of spoilers, you have been warned!
Ok, it's over and i can finally be free of this family!
I hate to be like this about her books because i love this author so much! I read everything before it comes out and give it five stars almost every time. So this is a big deal. But I'm always honest and this really grated on my nerves in a big way.
The heroine (no, main female character, she was not a heroine lol) betrayed her honey in a big way, to XENA!!!!!! Stupid! Seriously why did she for a moment think that woman was her friend??? That was not that good of an acting job. Plus, i think he had earned some trust over her.
So some men decide she is a risk to the family, can't blame them, and they start giving the Don a problem, not cool. And he isn't really gaining control of things, he isn't really trying to communicate with his men, he's not a leader at all he's a mess, it's just awful. A train wreck i can't stop watching. There are no massive fights because he goes and kills an entire house of men alone, her only ally at that point is one of HIS men turned traitor, how nice?! Gosh there is so much drama that is silly.
But i lapped it up like an addict because I'm a huge fan regardless of how much of a mess this was. Please give us better next time, no idiots for heroines! No wimps for Dons! That's all!.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok, it's over and i can finally be free of this family!
I hate to be like this about her books because i love this author so much! I read everything before it comes out and give it five stars almost every time. So this is a big deal. But I'm always honest and this really grated on my nerves in a big way.
The heroine (no, main female character, she was not a heroine lol) betrayed her honey in a big way, to XENA!!!!!! Stupid! Seriously why did she for a moment think that woman was her friend??? That was not that good of an acting job. Plus, i think he had earned some trust over her.
So some men decide she is a risk to the family, can't blame them, and they start giving the Don a problem, not cool. And he isn't really gaining control of things, he isn't really trying to communicate with his men, he's not a leader at all he's a mess, it's just awful. A train wreck i can't stop watching. There are no massive fights because he goes and kills an entire house of men alone, her only ally at that point is one of HIS men turned traitor, how nice?! Gosh there is so much drama that is silly.
But i lapped it up like an addict because I'm a huge fan regardless of how much of a mess this was. Please give us better next time, no idiots for heroines! No wimps for Dons! That's all!.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
I'm absolutely writing this with tears still on my face. This is hands down my favorite book of the year. The emotions are so up and down and up and down that I didn't know how to even handle it so I did what I do best in both situations: cry. Belle. What do I say about Belle. She's one of the strongest female characters that I've read in a long time. Even when she doubts herself, she's still the most incredible woman for herself, Nikolai, Elise, and the rest of the family (I won't post any spoilers lol). Nikolai annoyed me at times but I get why he does what he does. He loves Belle more than he loves himself at times and only wants what's best for her, even when it comes to making himself suffer. Elise is such an amazing, strong, self-confident young woman. She's definitely more mature than a typical young teen and it makes her the best "side kick". The relationship between Elise and Belle may be strained at times, but the love between them makes up for it. I'm so glad that Belle found someone like Nik, who loves her, takes care of her, and challenges her, both at the best of times and the worst of times. They were made for each other. The heartbreaks in this book were huge, but the way everyone comes out of everything kind of makes it worth it (again, you'll have to read for yourself because I'm not spoiling it lol). Thank you Nicole for the emotional rollercoaster (even if you made me cry). This was the craziest four hours I've had in a long time.
September 21, 2022
Too much push and pull 🙄🤷♀️
I really enjoy most of Nicole’s books but this one drove me mad 😡 Belle’s character was written as if she was a bratty teenager. She was immature and argumentative with no common sense. Then you have a Bratva Don who is feared and kills people, yet here comes Belle acting foolish and bratty. And Nikolas falls in love with this annoying brat while his Bratva crumbles. I skipped a lot and finally I just read the epilogue and called it a night! I just couldn’t. It was so ridiculously frustrating. Book one was a little better.
I really enjoy most of Nicole’s books but this one drove me mad 😡 Belle’s character was written as if she was a bratty teenager. She was immature and argumentative with no common sense. Then you have a Bratva Don who is feared and kills people, yet here comes Belle acting foolish and bratty. And Nikolas falls in love with this annoying brat while his Bratva crumbles. I skipped a lot and finally I just read the epilogue and called it a night! I just couldn’t. It was so ridiculously frustrating. Book one was a little better.
September 14, 2022
What a HAWT mess!!! I have no words for how much this book was let down. Bella, was a straight up idiot 99% of time. No clue why she was written this way. No character growth, no trying to even learn the ways of Nikolai’s life. Nothing. She literally kept F^cking sh^t up.
Poor Arslan.
Nikolai, he wasn’t any better. He wasn’t holding his own while all this crazy mess was going on. Expected blind subordination from his men when they weren’t feeling the way he was taking care of business. I would have been questioning him too.
Elise, she was a trip too but at least she has her age to fall back on.
I couldn’t even enjoy the sexy time between the MC’s b/c they were both whack!
Poor Arslan.
Nikolai, he wasn’t any better. He wasn’t holding his own while all this crazy mess was going on. Expected blind subordination from his men when they weren’t feeling the way he was taking care of business. I would have been questioning him too.
Elise, she was a trip too but at least she has her age to fall back on.
I couldn’t even enjoy the sexy time between the MC’s b/c they were both whack!
September 24, 2022
hmmmm
I have to be honest and say I got about 75% through but I just couldn’t finish it. The story flatlined for me. It just kept on plotting a long without any great action or change. It got really boring and the female character just got more pathetic and unlikeable. This series had so much potential, but it just lacked in many things unfortunately.
I have to be honest and say I got about 75% through but I just couldn’t finish it. The story flatlined for me. It just kept on plotting a long without any great action or change. It got really boring and the female character just got more pathetic and unlikeable. This series had so much potential, but it just lacked in many things unfortunately.
April 17, 2023
I did my due diligence and read about 1/2 of this book and returned it. Arslan (sp) is dead....terrible move by the author and Belle is still doing stupid things getting characters in this book killed or shot because of her stupidity.
I can't stand her as a main female character. What an embarrassment she is and God forbid she is going to have a child. Hopefully the apple falls far enough from the tree and get's daddy's brain since Belle seems to have never matured past the age of 16. An author should not have to dumb down the heroine in order to make the Anti-hero look good in a book.
Nikolai should have dumped Belle long ago but he just keeps kicking a dead horse or what should be a dead horse. How can you ever trust a woman (fictional or otherwise) who keeps stepping in the sh....it and expects you to bail her out, whether it is during the book itself; or ten years later. The only victim, in this series, aka Nikolai is being married to Belle and having a child with her. If you are a lover of this genre as I am, I would suggest you pass on this duet. There are plenty of well done stories in this genre to keep you entertained and invested who don't dumb down the heroine to the point of exhaustion.
I can't stand her as a main female character. What an embarrassment she is and God forbid she is going to have a child. Hopefully the apple falls far enough from the tree and get's daddy's brain since Belle seems to have never matured past the age of 16. An author should not have to dumb down the heroine in order to make the Anti-hero look good in a book.
Nikolai should have dumped Belle long ago but he just keeps kicking a dead horse or what should be a dead horse. How can you ever trust a woman (fictional or otherwise) who keeps stepping in the sh....it and expects you to bail her out, whether it is during the book itself; or ten years later. The only victim, in this series, aka Nikolai is being married to Belle and having a child with her. If you are a lover of this genre as I am, I would suggest you pass on this duet. There are plenty of well done stories in this genre to keep you entertained and invested who don't dumb down the heroine to the point of exhaustion.
February 6, 2023
Page turner
Wow, Belle and Nicolai’s cheese was off charts and in this second book was even more heated than the first. But holy hell, this one has me flipping pages and I couldn’t finish fast enough. I think the second book was more edge of the seat reading as there was lost more going on and I’m glad it ended with hea! Definitely highly recommended it!
Wow, Belle and Nicolai’s cheese was off charts and in this second book was even more heated than the first. But holy hell, this one has me flipping pages and I couldn’t finish fast enough. I think the second book was more edge of the seat reading as there was lost more going on and I’m glad it ended with hea! Definitely highly recommended it!
April 17, 2023
Peccato la prima parte trovata noiosa
October 26, 2022
3.5 stars!
April 17, 2023
18+
I did not finish this book.
I didn't like this particular series. My ending was the incredibly stupid MFC. I got through the first book just waiting for her to stop doing the dumbest crap and almost getting the MMC Unalive at least 3 times. I just cant get behind a dumb MFC. This girl has sand for brains.
I adore our MMC in this Duet except for the fact he likes Belle. I fell like this could have been a great read if Bells character could have used just a bit of common sense.
And I cried for Arslan. That was tragic.
I did not finish this book.
I didn't like this particular series. My ending was the incredibly stupid MFC. I got through the first book just waiting for her to stop doing the dumbest crap and almost getting the MMC Unalive at least 3 times. I just cant get behind a dumb MFC. This girl has sand for brains.
I adore our MMC in this Duet except for the fact he likes Belle. I fell like this could have been a great read if Bells character could have used just a bit of common sense.
And I cried for Arslan. That was tragic.
November 7, 2022
You can see a more mature version of Belle in book2 and I enjoyed it. This book was as action packed as the first....sometimes the scenes were somewhat not realistic and the writer could have done better...but still enjoyable. Nikolai was a great hero!
January 13, 2024
Después del final del primer libro que fue en plan AY NOOOO 🥺. Pues nos encontramos con este que bueno me parece que fue en la linea de la personalidad de Nikolai. Ya hemos visto que Nikolai es la persona más fría que hay pero me esperaba que con la muerte que sucede en el primer libro al final (no quiero decir nada por no hacer spoiler), se hiciese un poco de drama con él, no sé qué se ablandase algo que soltase un grito al cielo ALGOOOOO!!! Pero no. NO. Como siempre fue un adiós, y continuemos con la historia. La verdad esta bilogía se supone que quiere venderte la historia de amor de Belle y Nikolai pero por favor, si alguien encontró creíble algo de amor aquí que me lo diga porque a mí no me lo han vendido. La verdad es que siento que de parte de Belle quizás si podría haber amor aunque no sé cómo porque este tío es un imbécil que no se merece más que un puñetazo en toda su cara petulante, pero al menos ella tenía momentos que te podía vender ese amor. Pero Nikolai? Mmmm, va a ser que no. Que se preocupaba por ella? Sí. Que se la quería empotrar en cualquier superficie horizontal? Efectivamente de esto no tenemos duda porque el 80% del libro son escenas +18. Pero amor? Eh, pos yo no lo vi la verdad. Me mantuvo enganchada de nuevo porque quería ver si por fin cerraban toda la historia de fondo que empezó en el primer libro y, madre mía, tuve que esperar hasta casi el final del libro para que me dieran un cierre... A ver, es que ya me cansaba es en plan tío la tienes delante MATALA YA!!!! 🤣. En fin, cositas absurdas. El caso, que no, la verdad no me ha gustado la historia, le doy el aprobado raspado porque eso, consiguen que incluso con una historia mala te enganches solo por saber cómo acaba pero lo que es una historia de amor si la buscas, aquí lo único que encuentras es a dos tóxicos que necesitan que los encierren.
October 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this series. I liked the way the characters evolved, I liked the mystery and suspense, I liked the author’s narrative voice and I liked the fact that there were fewer than normal technical errors for this type of genre.
What I didn’t like was that the ending of this book wrapped up far too quickly and didn’t address the fates of secondary characters. (Turns out you have to join the author’s mailing list and download the “extended epilogue” to get any answers about those secondary characters.)
And, most of all, I didn’t like what may have been a really bad edit in the FIRST novel of this series.
SPOILER ALERT!!! (Just in case my formatting attempts don't work...)
Spoiler follows:
I don’t think this kind of mistake should ever happen, especially with easy access (through Goodreads and, probably, other sites) to fans who would love to offer a FREE beta-read.
So, while I thought that the series was VERY good, and I would highly recommend it to “mafia romance” fans, I’m dinging Book 2 in my rating. Should the author correct this error, I will update both my rating (to 4 stars) and my review.
What I didn’t like was that the ending of this book wrapped up far too quickly and didn’t address the fates of secondary characters. (Turns out you have to join the author’s mailing list and download the “extended epilogue” to get any answers about those secondary characters.)
And, most of all, I didn’t like what may have been a really bad edit in the FIRST novel of this series.
SPOILER ALERT!!! (Just in case my formatting attempts don't work...)
Spoiler follows:
I don’t think this kind of mistake should ever happen, especially with easy access (through Goodreads and, probably, other sites) to fans who would love to offer a FREE beta-read.
So, while I thought that the series was VERY good, and I would highly recommend it to “mafia romance” fans, I’m dinging Book 2 in my rating. Should the author correct this error, I will update both my rating (to 4 stars) and my review.
October 25, 2022
This series had my emotions all over the place. One minute I was enjoying where the story was going and the feeling that things were starting to progress between Nikolai and Belle. Only for Nikolai to open his big, fat mouth and spew his bipolar change of thoughts. He was constantly on a hot and cold roller coaster that it was hard figuring out if I liked his character at all or even if I felt any sort of connection to him. But the story kept my attention the entire 2 book series so that has to count for something, right?
The romance, while it was as hot and cold as Nikolai himself, it was still worth every amount of angst the author put us through. When these characters come together it’s truly amazing. And fiery!! And oh so steamy. I inhaled everything they wanted to dish out.
But like I mentioned…the angst!! Oh the angst. It was at every turn, tucked away in every corner, and twisted up deep within these stories. I lived it, I breathed it, and I absolutely loved it. So yeah, Nikolai drove me insane more than he made me smile, but it was those times he made me smile that overpowered everything else.
Great series whose characters are going to be living rent free in my mind for the next several days. Really hated to see it end. 5 Stars!!
The romance, while it was as hot and cold as Nikolai himself, it was still worth every amount of angst the author put us through. When these characters come together it’s truly amazing. And fiery!! And oh so steamy. I inhaled everything they wanted to dish out.
But like I mentioned…the angst!! Oh the angst. It was at every turn, tucked away in every corner, and twisted up deep within these stories. I lived it, I breathed it, and I absolutely loved it. So yeah, Nikolai drove me insane more than he made me smile, but it was those times he made me smile that overpowered everything else.
Great series whose characters are going to be living rent free in my mind for the next several days. Really hated to see it end. 5 Stars!!
September 10, 2022
TARNISHED QUEEN continues the contentious relationship between Bella and Nikolai - each having their own fears and insecurities about their inability to resist one another.
Part 2 deals with the dangers of the Greek mafia and revenge against the couple by Xena for interfering with the marriage between Nikolai and Xena. Elise and Bella and even Nikolai face the effects of their past relationships with their parents.
The book is quite steamy and the characters well developed. I was more than a little annoyed with Bella because she didn’t use her head and she had to continuously be shown that Nikolai did know what was best even if she didn’t like it. I thought the second part of the duet was a little too long for the number of things that took place, though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part 2 deals with the dangers of the Greek mafia and revenge against the couple by Xena for interfering with the marriage between Nikolai and Xena. Elise and Bella and even Nikolai face the effects of their past relationships with their parents.
The book is quite steamy and the characters well developed. I was more than a little annoyed with Bella because she didn’t use her head and she had to continuously be shown that Nikolai did know what was best even if she didn’t like it. I thought the second part of the duet was a little too long for the number of things that took place, though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2023
Ok this is book 2 of Nicholai and Belle. We see more of the mafia at work, but go honestly you only hear that this is an actual group in a few places. It is always just Nicholai and Belle plus a right hand man at times. Frustrating. Also, as much as they think, then argue, I am not sure they ever figured anything out till the end. Talking in circles. Then at the end we hear of Elise all the way to the big end, then completely lose her. What happened to Rlise and family? Dang frustrating book.
September 12, 2022
After Belle has realized her mistake in trusting the wrong person, she doesn't know if Nikolai will be able to forgive her or consider her a traitor and we already know how the Bratva is with traitors.
The pregnancy poses a risk to Belle's safety, so Nikolai decides that marrying her is the best way to ensure her protection.
The relationship between Nikolai and Belle continues as before: many arguments and 🔥sex.
I miss Arslan and his comments.
Great duet.
The pregnancy poses a risk to Belle's safety, so Nikolai decides that marrying her is the best way to ensure her protection.
The relationship between Nikolai and Belle continues as before: many arguments and 🔥sex.
I miss Arslan and his comments.
Great duet.
September 23, 2022
Empty
Author glosses over topics. There is a lack of credibility. Pregnant Belle never sees a doctor yet has a one time ultrasound at hospital. Nikolai is shot two times after accident and it is never mentioned again. Belle runs out of house after Nikolai lets her escape. She makes it to police station without gun she had, her purse or anything else. How? Belle used her vagina but never her brain. Entire book she was TSTL. Nikolai was poorest example of a don I have ever read about. He was always away at work but doing what? He had zero redeeming qualities. Two stars for ridiculous actions and statements which were laughable. Cannot recommend as a Bratva book.
Author glosses over topics. There is a lack of credibility. Pregnant Belle never sees a doctor yet has a one time ultrasound at hospital. Nikolai is shot two times after accident and it is never mentioned again. Belle runs out of house after Nikolai lets her escape. She makes it to police station without gun she had, her purse or anything else. How? Belle used her vagina but never her brain. Entire book she was TSTL. Nikolai was poorest example of a don I have ever read about. He was always away at work but doing what? He had zero redeeming qualities. Two stars for ridiculous actions and statements which were laughable. Cannot recommend as a Bratva book.
November 11, 2022
DNF’d this so hard. I couldn’t read about this woman any longer. She gave me whiplash. Hate hate hate.
March 9, 2024
2,5⭐️
Finally done!
Finally done!
September 19, 2024
love this book
I love the damsel in distress book
Great leading man strong and powerful
It kept me reading I finished in days
I love the damsel in distress book
Great leading man strong and powerful
It kept me reading I finished in days
May 30, 2023
Typical Mafia romance
I really enjoyed this duet, but it is your typical Mafia romance. Still a good read and I enjoy Nicole Fox's writing and books.
I really enjoyed this duet, but it is your typical Mafia romance. Still a good read and I enjoy Nicole Fox's writing and books.
January 5, 2023
The power of fiction is to make things work even if they couldnt in real like. But this book was just the opposite.
I didn’t hate the book because it was interesting at times, some great scenes and characters
but the main female lead was a major disappointment at times. It felt like the author was trying to us a whiplash. She does something smart, but wait for it stupid again. This kept reapeting thruout the book.
You’re working as an accountant to provide for yourself and your sister but you arent able to do that. You had to fight thru life to survive but that just stops when you’re working and an adult?
In the first book Niko finds out that Belle understands Russian but there’s no mention of that in the second book when they get close?
You’re not using contraceptives but you can’t imagain how you get pregnant? You let a man you just met fuck you on the plane and dont even ask him to wear a condom?
Oh god, I thought this was gonna be so good but it turned out to be so bad.
The story line had so much potential, Nikolai had so much potential, but belle was as stupid as they come.
I mean he had a difficult childhood no one to trust but she trusts everyone easily? How is that possible? I had one heartbreak that was also a boyfriend not my parents and I have trust issues. Anyone with a semblance of knowledge would be careful to trust anyone. But no belle trusted everyone except Nikolai the only person she should trust. How could you kill Arslan that character had so much potential and his death was a waste no revenge nothing? I mean like what even?
And Zena I mean she gets to be so strong a clever woman but at the end dies just like that? This is GOT Season 8 all over again.
I wanted this book to be over when arslan died because that was the last time was I thinking I like the book after that it was just like okay this happened again, there’s no rhyme or reason for what ever the fuckk that’s happening.
The title suggested Belle would actually do something smart but it was a major disappointment, her sister was so much smarted than her and she was 14.
How can you trust the woman who is going to marry the man you love? I mean if that isn’t instant hate then what is?
I hate it when books disappoint me specially when they have the potential to be so much better. She is an accountant who put herself thru school got a degree and that just vanished when her boss tried to assualt her? She worked in a bar? what even?
The hero is a don of the bratva, he established on his on but doesn’t do anything once he has a woman in his life?
She thought she was going in the closet but she fell down the stair? had to be ruched thru to the hospital just so it was easy to let zena take her from there.
The hero keeps waiting for something to happen but doesnt do shit himself. come on man take charge?
In the first book they were always in his office and i mean always. even if he left and shit happened then he comes there to talk to his friend. but in the second book they were always at his home?
She is an independent woman but then she doesnt do anything?
I didn’t hate the book because it was interesting at times, some great scenes and characters
but the main female lead was a major disappointment at times. It felt like the author was trying to us a whiplash. She does something smart, but wait for it stupid again. This kept reapeting thruout the book.
You’re working as an accountant to provide for yourself and your sister but you arent able to do that. You had to fight thru life to survive but that just stops when you’re working and an adult?
In the first book Niko finds out that Belle understands Russian but there’s no mention of that in the second book when they get close?
You’re not using contraceptives but you can’t imagain how you get pregnant? You let a man you just met fuck you on the plane and dont even ask him to wear a condom?
Oh god, I thought this was gonna be so good but it turned out to be so bad.
The story line had so much potential, Nikolai had so much potential, but belle was as stupid as they come.
I mean he had a difficult childhood no one to trust but she trusts everyone easily? How is that possible? I had one heartbreak that was also a boyfriend not my parents and I have trust issues. Anyone with a semblance of knowledge would be careful to trust anyone. But no belle trusted everyone except Nikolai the only person she should trust. How could you kill Arslan that character had so much potential and his death was a waste no revenge nothing? I mean like what even?
And Zena I mean she gets to be so strong a clever woman but at the end dies just like that? This is GOT Season 8 all over again.
I wanted this book to be over when arslan died because that was the last time was I thinking I like the book after that it was just like okay this happened again, there’s no rhyme or reason for what ever the fuckk that’s happening.
The title suggested Belle would actually do something smart but it was a major disappointment, her sister was so much smarted than her and she was 14.
How can you trust the woman who is going to marry the man you love? I mean if that isn’t instant hate then what is?
I hate it when books disappoint me specially when they have the potential to be so much better. She is an accountant who put herself thru school got a degree and that just vanished when her boss tried to assualt her? She worked in a bar? what even?
The hero is a don of the bratva, he established on his on but doesn’t do anything once he has a woman in his life?
She thought she was going in the closet but she fell down the stair? had to be ruched thru to the hospital just so it was easy to let zena take her from there.
The hero keeps waiting for something to happen but doesnt do shit himself. come on man take charge?
In the first book they were always in his office and i mean always. even if he left and shit happened then he comes there to talk to his friend. but in the second book they were always at his home?
She is an independent woman but then she doesnt do anything?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2022
Okay, I’m only 30% in at the moment but I’m rolling my eyes because it is so fantastical already. Book one really had my focus and felt more realistic, but so far in book two I can’t agree with any bit of realism.
He’s been shot and is bleeding so much that he’s weak and basically half dead. She was in a car accident where she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt going extremely fast and was found unconscious. Then the crazy hits. She nearly gets kidnapped, then they both get into a vehicle with another dude and she immediately straddles him and grinds herself on him to get off. She sees he’s wounded, but her vagina needs taken care of more than he does. 🤦🏻♀️ I don’t even know how either of them can physically do much of anything because they should both be in a lot of pain at this point….
Then she’s thrown in a “cell” for three hours, then they screw, then she “escapes” and runs off. Again… neither is hurting at all during this. Then they go back to the house and screw again. He leaves, gets attacked by someone and then goes back to get another piece of ass.
Let me point out that this is all still in the same day and this chick is early in her pregnancy, where she should be tired as hell. Especially after the car accident. Then he leaves her again to go find her sister, they have a happy little reunion, then he demands she marry him. Then she walks away and finds some dude in the kitchen and attacks him with a knife, hero goes to “save her” and they have a chat. Then she has to go explain it all to her sister. This is all in the middle of the night. She just wakes up as soon as he walks in every single time. She realizes she’s going to marry him because she loves him and blah de blah, but continues to argue and fight with him about it. 🙄🙄🙄
Again… all of this screwing and crazy crap is happening within one single day.
37% and I’m done. There’s just too many plot holes, too much drama, Belle has gotten more and more whiney as the book has progressed, and lord I’m over all of the sex. I like reading hot and sexy scenes, but there’s a line where it becomes too much and this has definitely crossed that line.
Book one had me pretty captivated, but this book is definitely not keeping my attention anymore.
He’s been shot and is bleeding so much that he’s weak and basically half dead. She was in a car accident where she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt going extremely fast and was found unconscious. Then the crazy hits. She nearly gets kidnapped, then they both get into a vehicle with another dude and she immediately straddles him and grinds herself on him to get off. She sees he’s wounded, but her vagina needs taken care of more than he does. 🤦🏻♀️ I don’t even know how either of them can physically do much of anything because they should both be in a lot of pain at this point….
Then she’s thrown in a “cell” for three hours, then they screw, then she “escapes” and runs off. Again… neither is hurting at all during this. Then they go back to the house and screw again. He leaves, gets attacked by someone and then goes back to get another piece of ass.
Let me point out that this is all still in the same day and this chick is early in her pregnancy, where she should be tired as hell. Especially after the car accident. Then he leaves her again to go find her sister, they have a happy little reunion, then he demands she marry him. Then she walks away and finds some dude in the kitchen and attacks him with a knife, hero goes to “save her” and they have a chat. Then she has to go explain it all to her sister. This is all in the middle of the night. She just wakes up as soon as he walks in every single time. She realizes she’s going to marry him because she loves him and blah de blah, but continues to argue and fight with him about it. 🙄🙄🙄
Again… all of this screwing and crazy crap is happening within one single day.
37% and I’m done. There’s just too many plot holes, too much drama, Belle has gotten more and more whiney as the book has progressed, and lord I’m over all of the sex. I like reading hot and sexy scenes, but there’s a line where it becomes too much and this has definitely crossed that line.
Book one had me pretty captivated, but this book is definitely not keeping my attention anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
Slightly disappointed with the second installment. Bella has to be my least favourite character of Nicole's and i struggled a lot with her stupidity. The Plot was still good, but moved a little slower than book one. Nikolai saved it as i love the dominant alpha type heroes and the steam was incredible!.
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 13, 2022
In this second book, everything in the first book feel amplified.
Nikolai still the dominant a-hole plus super sweet and swoony when do sweet swoony things for Belle.√
Sometime i wanna whack his all knowing head but dangit if he is not too hot to fu*k!
Belle still over protective sister plus angst preggy for her not feeling sure about Nikolai's feelings for her √
There's a hole here. I swear i know Nikolai already said the L word to her in book one. Did the author forgot that little fact?
Making the little plot line toward the end, Belle heart broken and all, kinda missing the wrong target if my memory were right.
The smegsi scenes are hotter if that possible. I only wish there's more than what we got already and that mean in every page of every chapter... Lol yes i'm that greedy √
The plot line still tight and fast. Love it√
The characters... I have few moments when Nikolai talk down to Belle. For me thats not honesty. If Nikolai wasn't the hot anti hero i wanna to f*ck here, i will say he is demeaning ahole when he said Belle can't take any good decision for her self so she need him to do it for her and bla bla bla.
So yeah that first few chapter disturb me. While Belle feels he was right and she should be much better than this. Oh heck no giiiirl! Insert roll eyes here.
Overall, love this duet. Love Nikolai for his super dominant ahole know it all. Belle need to change her tune faster, be stronger and confident. Would love to see Elise's story.
Cant believe i say this, but i missed Arslan and Nikolai corny banters... Lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nikolai still the dominant a-hole plus super sweet and swoony when do sweet swoony things for Belle.√
Sometime i wanna whack his all knowing head but dangit if he is not too hot to fu*k!
Belle still over protective sister plus angst preggy for her not feeling sure about Nikolai's feelings for her √
There's a hole here. I swear i know Nikolai already said the L word to her in book one. Did the author forgot that little fact?
Making the little plot line toward the end, Belle heart broken and all, kinda missing the wrong target if my memory were right.
The smegsi scenes are hotter if that possible. I only wish there's more than what we got already and that mean in every page of every chapter... Lol yes i'm that greedy √
The plot line still tight and fast. Love it√
The characters... I have few moments when Nikolai talk down to Belle. For me thats not honesty. If Nikolai wasn't the hot anti hero i wanna to f*ck here, i will say he is demeaning ahole when he said Belle can't take any good decision for her self so she need him to do it for her and bla bla bla.
So yeah that first few chapter disturb me. While Belle feels he was right and she should be much better than this. Oh heck no giiiirl! Insert roll eyes here.
Overall, love this duet. Love Nikolai for his super dominant ahole know it all. Belle need to change her tune faster, be stronger and confident. Would love to see Elise's story.
Cant believe i say this, but i missed Arslan and Nikolai corny banters... Lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2023
This is hands down one of my favourite books of the year. Belle is one of the strongest heroines there is. She is so strong-willed and intelligent that I can't help but adore her. In the book, I definitely started to like Elise more as readers are able to see maturity from her.
Can't believe what happened to Arslan he was my favourite!!!!
I would highly recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can't believe what happened to Arslan he was my favourite!!!!
I would highly recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2022
Well this was quite the conclusion to Belle and Nikolai’s story. This is the second story in this duet and must be read in conjunction with Tarnished Tyrant for it to make any sense.
It’s fair to say that you hit the ground running with this book as it picks up where the previous story left off. The action never stops this is Belle and Nikolai’s conclusion and it has great highs in it but also many lows and it’s quite the emotional read. Not only are Belle and Nikolai grappling with their feelings for each other but also how their past has shaped their relationship.
Whist it’s clear that Belle and Nikolai have a very special and deep connection both are challenged by this and probably scared by the depth of their feelings for one another. They have to dig in and face their fears as well as manage the expectations of those around them. Especially with the fallout from the Greek Mafia given that Nikolai was supposed to marry the Greek Mafia Don’s sister Xena.
As a consequence of this broken promise Nikolai has to deal with divisions with his men and betrayal close to home as well as establishing unexpected alliances. All while experiencing the devastating loss of his closest confidant and friend. It’s clear that given what he’s gone though Nikolai doesn’t have the iron control over his Bratva as he thought. His focus is split probably for the first time and is his priority Belle and their baby or the Bratva…
The events of the previous book have really done a number on Belle, she’s heartbroken and lost but trying to make a life away from Nikolai given his perceived betrayal with Xena. Until a very opportune phone call from Elise to Nikolai brings them both back into Nikolai’s world. At every turn Belle seems to find herself in grave danger. Not just from Nikolai’s enemies but from Nikolai himself as well as her previous boss and even her own family. You would think she would learn from her past mistakes but nope Belle continuously puts her trust in the wrong people. Seriously given what she’s experienced she seems to have zero self preservation skills given the amount of times she’s taken/ drugged. Unlike Nikolai Belle always seems to get swept up in events and is always reacting rather than drive these events and shape them to her own benefit.
While it’s clear both Nikolai and Belle love each other they are reticent to believe in it. Nikolai says he wants to marry Belle to protect her rather than acknowledge the depth of his feelings. Belle has no such qualms and is devastated by Nikolai’s responses.
This story had it all it has a very unexpected protagonist, the Greek Mafia have really been playing fast and loose as to who is really running the show. Now for the fallout as Xena does not stand for this disrespect and the disruption to her carefully laid plans. She really does try and pull out all the stops to get her way. Unfortunately for her even if a lot of the time Nikolai is either working solo or with limited allies he is quite the adversary she did not expect. Even if he’s always having to balance Belle’s safety with the needs of his Bratva.
On the whole the characters were well developed although I did struggle with Xena. She was the typical evil psychopath, but when Belle had the upper hand she just broke straight away.
The chemistry between Belle and Nikolai fairly jumped off the page and I loved his no-nonsense approach. Despite her insecurities Belle did seem to grow into her role as Nikolai’s wife and her relationship with her mother, sister and Howard rang true. She’s been a parent to her sister and now she needs to give Elise some autonomy. This story has some very dark elements with vengeance, death, secrets and lies as well as chaos in spades. You never know who you can trust and what betrayal is around the corner. But at the heart is a love story that at times is very very messy but well worth the read. I was engrossed in this book from the start and thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Belle and Nikolai.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s fair to say that you hit the ground running with this book as it picks up where the previous story left off. The action never stops this is Belle and Nikolai’s conclusion and it has great highs in it but also many lows and it’s quite the emotional read. Not only are Belle and Nikolai grappling with their feelings for each other but also how their past has shaped their relationship.
Whist it’s clear that Belle and Nikolai have a very special and deep connection both are challenged by this and probably scared by the depth of their feelings for one another. They have to dig in and face their fears as well as manage the expectations of those around them. Especially with the fallout from the Greek Mafia given that Nikolai was supposed to marry the Greek Mafia Don’s sister Xena.
As a consequence of this broken promise Nikolai has to deal with divisions with his men and betrayal close to home as well as establishing unexpected alliances. All while experiencing the devastating loss of his closest confidant and friend. It’s clear that given what he’s gone though Nikolai doesn’t have the iron control over his Bratva as he thought. His focus is split probably for the first time and is his priority Belle and their baby or the Bratva…
The events of the previous book have really done a number on Belle, she’s heartbroken and lost but trying to make a life away from Nikolai given his perceived betrayal with Xena. Until a very opportune phone call from Elise to Nikolai brings them both back into Nikolai’s world. At every turn Belle seems to find herself in grave danger. Not just from Nikolai’s enemies but from Nikolai himself as well as her previous boss and even her own family. You would think she would learn from her past mistakes but nope Belle continuously puts her trust in the wrong people. Seriously given what she’s experienced she seems to have zero self preservation skills given the amount of times she’s taken/ drugged. Unlike Nikolai Belle always seems to get swept up in events and is always reacting rather than drive these events and shape them to her own benefit.
While it’s clear both Nikolai and Belle love each other they are reticent to believe in it. Nikolai says he wants to marry Belle to protect her rather than acknowledge the depth of his feelings. Belle has no such qualms and is devastated by Nikolai’s responses.
This story had it all it has a very unexpected protagonist, the Greek Mafia have really been playing fast and loose as to who is really running the show. Now for the fallout as Xena does not stand for this disrespect and the disruption to her carefully laid plans. She really does try and pull out all the stops to get her way. Unfortunately for her even if a lot of the time Nikolai is either working solo or with limited allies he is quite the adversary she did not expect. Even if he’s always having to balance Belle’s safety with the needs of his Bratva.
On the whole the characters were well developed although I did struggle with Xena. She was the typical evil psychopath, but when Belle had the upper hand she just broke straight away.
The chemistry between Belle and Nikolai fairly jumped off the page and I loved his no-nonsense approach. Despite her insecurities Belle did seem to grow into her role as Nikolai’s wife and her relationship with her mother, sister and Howard rang true. She’s been a parent to her sister and now she needs to give Elise some autonomy. This story has some very dark elements with vengeance, death, secrets and lies as well as chaos in spades. You never know who you can trust and what betrayal is around the corner. But at the heart is a love story that at times is very very messy but well worth the read. I was engrossed in this book from the start and thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Belle and Nikolai.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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