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Corrupted Royals #2
Control Me
From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard, is a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.
I wanted to be a painter. But that's just a dream because a mafia princess doesn't get to choose her future.
Still, I never let it get me down. I always try to make the best of everything.
Until I'm forced to go for brutal training, and I meet Nikolai Vetrov.
Forbidden and way too attractive, the man turns out to be my worst nightmare incarnated.
He's cold and ruthless, and I'm pretty sure there's no heart to be found in his chest, unlike mine that won't stop beating overtime at the mere sight of him.
Just because I flirted with him, he's dead set on making my life as miserable as possible.
And as if the hell I've been thrown into isn't enough, the worst thing possible happens to me. It strips me of my light and drops me into a darkness so suffocating there's no way for me to escape
There's a lot I can endure and overcome, but the trauma and Nikolai Vetrov are two things I can't handle. One of them is bound to be the end of me.
Unless a miracle happens, and let's face it, I'm well past the point of believing in miracles.
STANDALONE: A Mafia/Bratva Romance, standalone, full-length novel.
WARNING: 18+ only. Please read responsibly. THIS NOVEL CONTAINS TRIGGERING CONTENT.
I wanted to be a painter. But that's just a dream because a mafia princess doesn't get to choose her future.
Still, I never let it get me down. I always try to make the best of everything.
Until I'm forced to go for brutal training, and I meet Nikolai Vetrov.
Forbidden and way too attractive, the man turns out to be my worst nightmare incarnated.
He's cold and ruthless, and I'm pretty sure there's no heart to be found in his chest, unlike mine that won't stop beating overtime at the mere sight of him.
Just because I flirted with him, he's dead set on making my life as miserable as possible.
And as if the hell I've been thrown into isn't enough, the worst thing possible happens to me. It strips me of my light and drops me into a darkness so suffocating there's no way for me to escape
There's a lot I can endure and overcome, but the trauma and Nikolai Vetrov are two things I can't handle. One of them is bound to be the end of me.
Unless a miracle happens, and let's face it, I'm well past the point of believing in miracles.
STANDALONE: A Mafia/Bratva Romance, standalone, full-length novel.
WARNING: 18+ only. Please read responsibly. THIS NOVEL CONTAINS TRIGGERING CONTENT.
281 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 6, 2023
2304 people are currently reading
9874 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Heard
90 books11.9k followersMichelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author.
She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.
Reading Order on AMAZON
STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***
THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov
THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov
THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov
SERIES (In Order):
ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie
TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***
Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue
THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny
SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***
The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe
OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:
Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance
She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.
Reading Order on AMAZON
STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***
THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov
THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov
THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov
SERIES (In Order):
ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie
TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***
Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue
THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***
Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny
SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***
The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe
OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:
Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,117 reviews
February 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
''You're the only woman I'll kneel before''
Safety warnings:
- H 39 - h 21
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- R*pe/assault
- PTSD/Trauma
- Violence/D*ath
- HEA
I've been waiting for Nikolai's and Abbie's book since they were introduced in ''Destroy Me''. You could feel the tension between these two and could not help but wonder what was going on behind the scenes.
The spice was amazing, and it was obvious they had amazing chemistry. We also find out more information about Nikolai's past, why he is at St.Monarchs and what's going on within his family/inner circle. We get to meet Maxim who will also get a book and some info about his love interest.
Alek started out as someone who couldn't stand to be around her but after certain events, he became someone she could rely on and it was nice to see their friendship and how important they had become to each other. There are no romantic feelings towards each other and it's all purely platonic...Alek will get his own book later in the series and there was a moment where he speaks to Abbie that made me really intrigued about his past and what he might of gone through.
Also knowing something had happened to Abbie during the first book kind of made me prepared for the pain I would feel on her behalf after the events that transpired. I appreciate the way Michelle depicted it all and how it was not swept under the rug but depicted in a respectful manner.
We got to see some scenes in book 1 play out here from Abbie's POV but it doesn't spoil much so if you jump into this book first you won't have to worry.
I'm really excited for the remaining books in this series!
''You're the only woman I'll kneel before''
Safety warnings:
- H 39 - h 21
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- R*pe/assault
- PTSD/Trauma
- Violence/D*ath
- HEA
I've been waiting for Nikolai's and Abbie's book since they were introduced in ''Destroy Me''. You could feel the tension between these two and could not help but wonder what was going on behind the scenes.
The spice was amazing, and it was obvious they had amazing chemistry. We also find out more information about Nikolai's past, why he is at St.Monarchs and what's going on within his family/inner circle. We get to meet Maxim who will also get a book and some info about his love interest.
Alek started out as someone who couldn't stand to be around her but after certain events, he became someone she could rely on and it was nice to see their friendship and how important they had become to each other. There are no romantic feelings towards each other and it's all purely platonic...Alek will get his own book later in the series and there was a moment where he speaks to Abbie that made me really intrigued about his past and what he might of gone through.
Also knowing something had happened to Abbie during the first book kind of made me prepared for the pain I would feel on her behalf after the events that transpired. I appreciate the way Michelle depicted it all and how it was not swept under the rug but depicted in a respectful manner.
We got to see some scenes in book 1 play out here from Abbie's POV but it doesn't spoil much so if you jump into this book first you won't have to worry.
I'm really excited for the remaining books in this series!
February 5, 2023
ARC Review:
I've been excited for this book ever since I read Destroy Me and suffice to say, this book was everything I wanted and more. The book is set in the same time as Destroy Me, so many of the incidents coincide with each other, but it does not spoil the 1st book. Abbie was absolutely wonderful in this book and I'm so proud of all she has overcome.!!! And Nikolai!!! He was perfect and it was my absolute pleasure to watch them and their relationship grow. Also Nikolai's reaction to abbie's flirting in the beginning was hilarious. Honorable mention to Alek; his friendship and loyalty to abbie made me tear up, and him saying that "he's the monster in his story" has me intrigued about his story. Loved how everything was handled post-kidnapping. Nikolai being there for abbie through everything and Abbie finding people who care for her made me really happy.
Thank you Candi Kane PR for providing me with the arc of the book.
Tropes:
✨Age Gap
✨Instructor x instructee
✨Forced Proximity
✨Mafia family
✨Daddy Kink
TWs:
Graphic violence, Sexual assault, PTSD, kidnapping
Pre-review:This made me laugh a lot and cry even more. It was a rollercoaster ride and I loved every second of it.
Edit 1:Guysss this really is abbie and nikolai!!! Singing up for the arc
Really hope this book is about Abbie and Nikolai🤞🏻🤞🏻
I've been excited for this book ever since I read Destroy Me and suffice to say, this book was everything I wanted and more. The book is set in the same time as Destroy Me, so many of the incidents coincide with each other, but it does not spoil the 1st book. Abbie was absolutely wonderful in this book and I'm so proud of all she has overcome.!!! And Nikolai!!! He was perfect and it was my absolute pleasure to watch them and their relationship grow. Also Nikolai's reaction to abbie's flirting in the beginning was hilarious. Honorable mention to Alek; his friendship and loyalty to abbie made me tear up, and him saying that "he's the monster in his story" has me intrigued about his story. Loved how everything was handled post-kidnapping. Nikolai being there for abbie through everything and Abbie finding people who care for her made me really happy.
Thank you Candi Kane PR for providing me with the arc of the book.
Tropes:
✨Age Gap
✨Instructor x instructee
✨Forced Proximity
✨Mafia family
✨Daddy Kink
TWs:
Graphic violence, Sexual assault, PTSD, kidnapping
Pre-review:This made me laugh a lot and cry even more. It was a rollercoaster ride and I loved every second of it.
Edit 1:Guysss this really is abbie and nikolai!!! Singing up for the arc
Really hope this book is about Abbie and Nikolai🤞🏻🤞🏻
February 8, 2023
I'm gonna preface this review by saying that this review is solely my opinion and that this book was NOT for me. I had a really tough time deciding whether or not I should DNF this book but in the end, I decided to push through. I had really high expectations for Abbie and Nikolai based on the premise but unfortunately, they didn't deliver. Abigail's character felt really forced and most, if not all, of her actions made me cringe real hard. Her overuse of the word "daddy" nearly had me throwing up in my mouth a little. Look, don't get me wrong. I do love meself a bit of a daddy kink. But not this much. The fact that Abbie went through some life changing trauma midway through the story and she's traumatised, distrustful and feels disgusted by herself (understandably so based on what she went through). Nothing wrong with that part. But the fact that made it seem ridiculous was that not even 2 chapters later, she's back at it again with her daddy kink. Like hello??? Miss girl, are you alright? I'm legit concerned about her bouncing back so fast lmao. As for Nikolai...he didn't seem like a very special character to me. Nothing that really set him apart from any other MMCs that I've read about - typical behavior where he hates her first and then 5 chapters later is professing his undying love. Usually, I do love a bit of insta lust/insta love as opposed to the general opinion of people hating this particular trope. But even by Michelle Heard standards, I felt like the "falling in love" aspect in this book was wayyyyy too fast. It seemed unnatural and forced. Apart from that, the flow of dialogues and pacing of the story felt off for me. For me personally, Michelle's books range from decent/okay-ish to pretty enjoyable. This book would fall in the lower category of okay-ish for me. Despite giving this 2 stars, I wouldn't write off this author and look forward to reading more books by Michelle Heard!
- age gap (i.e. H is 39 and h is 21)
- dislike to love
- trainer/trainee romance
- mafia elements
- no condoms
- rape + kidnapping/PTSD & trauma (one of the MCs goes through it)
- mentions of death, violence, cancer, gore, etc
- H had been married previously (but the h is the only woman he has ever loved)
- no cheating/no sharing
- no OW/OM drama
*Thank you to Candi Kane PR and Michelle Heard for providing me with an ARC
- age gap (i.e. H is 39 and h is 21)
- dislike to love
- trainer/trainee romance
- mafia elements
- no condoms
- rape + kidnapping/PTSD & trauma (one of the MCs goes through it)
- mentions of death, violence, cancer, gore, etc
- H had been married previously (but the h is the only woman he has ever loved)
- no cheating/no sharing
- no OW/OM drama
*Thank you to Candi Kane PR and Michelle Heard for providing me with an ARC
December 30, 2024
3 Smut Scale Stars
This was fine. The St. Monarch's thing seemed even more ridiculous here...and I thought everything seemed a little rushed and underdeveloped on the relationship front. I also don't see how a overprotected mafia princess becomes as sexually experienced as Abigail presumably was.
And don't get me started on the BDSM/Daddy element...it felt out of place here given some of the triggering subject matter. And I thought it took away from the story and undercut the deliciousness of the age gap.
But overall, this is satisfying my mafia needs enough to continue. And they are shorter reads, which is proving helpful in my quest to reach my goodreads goal at the the last minute.
This was fine. The St. Monarch's thing seemed even more ridiculous here...and I thought everything seemed a little rushed and underdeveloped on the relationship front. I also don't see how a overprotected mafia princess becomes as sexually experienced as Abigail presumably was.
And don't get me started on the BDSM/Daddy element...it felt out of place here given some of the triggering subject matter. And I thought it took away from the story and undercut the deliciousness of the age gap.
But overall, this is satisfying my mafia needs enough to continue. And they are shorter reads, which is proving helpful in my quest to reach my goodreads goal at the the last minute.
February 7, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: taboo: student
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Free spirited Abbie can't stand the fact that she's being forced to go to St. Monarch's, a school for mafia families, but vows to make the best of it. And that includes doing whatever it takes to get the grumpy Nikolai Vetrov into her bed. Nikolai does everything he can do to resist Abbie, but when an incident leaves Abbie a shell of her former self, Nikolai will do anything to get her back.
Seriously loved this book - the storytelling is fantastic! It's well written, moves quickly, and has characters you'll fall in love with. Abbie is great. I love having a heroine that knows what she wants and is willing to go out on a limb for it. She has no filter, is super sassy, and has a fake it to make it attitude you can't help but appreciate. Nikolai is her perfect compliment. Grumpy and moody and completely unable to no to this girl that's half his age. Nikolai is the son of Damien Vetrov and Winter Hemsley from Merciless Saints and as a huge Michelle Heard fan, it was nice to see them again :) Can't wait for the next book!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: taboo: student
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Free spirited Abbie can't stand the fact that she's being forced to go to St. Monarch's, a school for mafia families, but vows to make the best of it. And that includes doing whatever it takes to get the grumpy Nikolai Vetrov into her bed. Nikolai does everything he can do to resist Abbie, but when an incident leaves Abbie a shell of her former self, Nikolai will do anything to get her back.
Seriously loved this book - the storytelling is fantastic! It's well written, moves quickly, and has characters you'll fall in love with. Abbie is great. I love having a heroine that knows what she wants and is willing to go out on a limb for it. She has no filter, is super sassy, and has a fake it to make it attitude you can't help but appreciate. Nikolai is her perfect compliment. Grumpy and moody and completely unable to no to this girl that's half his age. Nikolai is the son of Damien Vetrov and Winter Hemsley from Merciless Saints and as a huge Michelle Heard fan, it was nice to see them again :) Can't wait for the next book!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
July 23, 2024
|| 4.5 stars||
even in the first book i was more interested in abbie and nikolai than misha and aurora
the tension and angst between them could be felt from a million miles away
seeing nikolai support and help abbie through her trauma was so wholesome
the way he was protective and caring but only for her and how abbie eventually found herself again>>>
tropes this book has <3
grumpy x sunshine🌤️
student x teacher (he’s teaching her how to fight)⚔️
slight bdsm and degradation⛓️
the heroine was literally the biggest flirt on the planet!
“she annoys the fuck out of me but maybe i wanna fuck her!??”🫢
sexually empowered heroine🤌🏻
damien and winter>>
i hate everyone but you🗡️
jealousy and possessiveness😩
“you come when i say so”💦
exhibitionism✨
trying to brush it off as a one time thing💀💀
but loses his mind when she gets in danger👀
becomes the biggest simp ever for her😭🫶🏼🫶🏼
calling her “malyshka”💗
oh and
“Careful, little girl.”
Little girl, my left tit.
I take a step forward, and lifting my chin higher, I look him dead in the eyes as I say, “I have daddy issues. You calling me little girl only makes me want to call you daddy.” I lift onto my tiptoes and let my breath fan over his jaw before I whisper, “Preferably while you’re fucking me.”
Slam. Dunk.
A DADDY FUCKING KINK🥵🥵🥵
Safety
no virgins or manwhores
experienced h
H has been celibate for a while (exact time gap not mentioned)
no om drama
negligible ow drama: dead ex wife
hero was married 15 years ago but didn’t love the wife and only did it as a favour to his bff (the wife’s brother) as she was dying and had loved the hero all her life.
therefore the hero married her and pretended to love her back to fulfil her dying wish
no cheating
rape/abuse
some of my favourite quotes💌
“Thank you, Mr. Vetrov. I appreciate you making time to train me.”
I prefer ‘Daddy.’
God, I’m not right in the head, and it’s this vixen’s fault.
“Yes!” she shrieks, and the next second she’s throwing her arms around my neck. “I did it!”
I grab hold of her hips, but Abigail pulls away from me before I can reciprocate the hug.
Christ, I wanted to hug her.
Our eyes lock right as the realization hits me.
I want to do a hell of a lot more than hug her. I want to strip this woman naked, handcuff her to my bed, and fuck her until she’s unable to breathe.
“Are you my little whore?” he asks, his voice hoarse with desire. Jesus, I love this. I can talk dirty with him all night long.
“I’m your little whore, Daddy,” I moan as I lean into him
“Moya zhizn'. Moya dusha. Ty mayo vse.”
Before I can ask what the words mean, he translates, “My life. My soul. My everything.”
even in the first book i was more interested in abbie and nikolai than misha and aurora
the tension and angst between them could be felt from a million miles away
seeing nikolai support and help abbie through her trauma was so wholesome
the way he was protective and caring but only for her and how abbie eventually found herself again>>>
tropes this book has <3
grumpy x sunshine🌤️
student x teacher (he’s teaching her how to fight)⚔️
slight bdsm and degradation⛓️
the heroine was literally the biggest flirt on the planet!
“she annoys the fuck out of me but maybe i wanna fuck her!??”🫢
sexually empowered heroine🤌🏻
damien and winter>>
i hate everyone but you🗡️
jealousy and possessiveness😩
“you come when i say so”💦
exhibitionism✨
trying to brush it off as a one time thing💀💀
but loses his mind when she gets in danger👀
becomes the biggest simp ever for her😭🫶🏼🫶🏼
calling her “malyshka”💗
oh and
“Careful, little girl.”
Little girl, my left tit.
I take a step forward, and lifting my chin higher, I look him dead in the eyes as I say, “I have daddy issues. You calling me little girl only makes me want to call you daddy.” I lift onto my tiptoes and let my breath fan over his jaw before I whisper, “Preferably while you’re fucking me.”
Slam. Dunk.
A DADDY FUCKING KINK🥵🥵🥵
Safety
no virgins or manwhores
experienced h
H has been celibate for a while (exact time gap not mentioned)
no om drama
negligible ow drama: dead ex wife
hero was married 15 years ago but didn’t love the wife and only did it as a favour to his bff (the wife’s brother) as she was dying and had loved the hero all her life.
therefore the hero married her and pretended to love her back to fulfil her dying wish
no cheating
rape/abuse
some of my favourite quotes💌
“Thank you, Mr. Vetrov. I appreciate you making time to train me.”
I prefer ‘Daddy.’
God, I’m not right in the head, and it’s this vixen’s fault.
“Yes!” she shrieks, and the next second she’s throwing her arms around my neck. “I did it!”
I grab hold of her hips, but Abigail pulls away from me before I can reciprocate the hug.
Christ, I wanted to hug her.
Our eyes lock right as the realization hits me.
I want to do a hell of a lot more than hug her. I want to strip this woman naked, handcuff her to my bed, and fuck her until she’s unable to breathe.
“Are you my little whore?” he asks, his voice hoarse with desire. Jesus, I love this. I can talk dirty with him all night long.
“I’m your little whore, Daddy,” I moan as I lean into him
“Moya zhizn'. Moya dusha. Ty mayo vse.”
Before I can ask what the words mean, he translates, “My life. My soul. My everything.”
June 4, 2024
.ೃ࿐ 3 stars ⭐️
”𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘶𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵. ”
AAAAAAAA omg this book is everything 🥹🫶🏻🫶🏻 I loved it omg the fmc Abbie is so so strong and Nikolai treats her like the queen she isssss🤭 it has some heavy topics but I loved their relationship build up and couldn’t put this book down at all. Read it in a day LOL SUCH A GOOD MAFFIA ROMANCE AAAAAAAA
why not a 5 star:
> the only reason why this didn’t get a 5 star is bc of the daddy kink 😀 OTHERWISE this book IS SO SO GOOD highly recommend !!
another quote I loved from the book🤭🤭🕺🕺
“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦”
”𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘶𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵. ”
AAAAAAAA omg this book is everything 🥹🫶🏻🫶🏻 I loved it omg the fmc Abbie is so so strong and Nikolai treats her like the queen she isssss🤭 it has some heavy topics but I loved their relationship build up and couldn’t put this book down at all. Read it in a day LOL SUCH A GOOD MAFFIA ROMANCE AAAAAAAA
why not a 5 star:
> the only reason why this didn’t get a 5 star is bc of the daddy kink 😀 OTHERWISE this book IS SO SO GOOD highly recommend !!
another quote I loved from the book🤭🤭🕺🕺
“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦”
February 10, 2023
We met Abbie and Nikolai in book one with the banter and sass, you see there timeline in those first weeks, we see the flirting the pull away and them doing one on one training so I was glad even if it was the same timeline we saw something different.
I love that Abbie taunted and teased Nikolai even when he pushed her away or shot her down she brushed it off and acted like it didn't hurt, even when she found out he was married before to my peeps he only care for the wife as a friend and made her last days happy nothing to bad. He just used the excuse of her being 18 years younger lol. But age is but a number everyone said. Things took a turn when Abbie was kidnapped we found out what happened to her and I'll be honest my heart broke into a million pieces what abbie went though and I love that Alek was there for her during her trauma I wish we had more of there friendship, I can't wait to see his story.
And we watch Abbie and Nikolai as they heal Abbie it was hard since she was fighting her demons and pushing away Nikolai didn't stop fighting for them. We got family drama and I wish!! WISH her father got his so I was alittle disappointed he got away scott free.
Low angst, no ow/om drama, No cheating, secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Tear jerker-💧💧💧
Slowinsta
Age gap
39H/21
Push away from
Violence
Sexual assault
Daddy kink
Masturbation
No condom
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
I love that Abbie taunted and teased Nikolai even when he pushed her away or shot her down she brushed it off and acted like it didn't hurt, even when she found out he was married before to my peeps he only care for the wife as a friend and made her last days happy nothing to bad. He just used the excuse of her being 18 years younger lol. But age is but a number everyone said. Things took a turn when Abbie was kidnapped we found out what happened to her and I'll be honest my heart broke into a million pieces what abbie went though and I love that Alek was there for her during her trauma I wish we had more of there friendship, I can't wait to see his story.
And we watch Abbie and Nikolai as they heal Abbie it was hard since she was fighting her demons and pushing away Nikolai didn't stop fighting for them. We got family drama and I wish!! WISH her father got his so I was alittle disappointed he got away scott free.
Low angst, no ow/om drama, No cheating, secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Tear jerker-💧💧💧
Slowinsta
Age gap
39H/21
Push away from
Violence
Sexual assault
Daddy kink
Masturbation
No condom
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
March 11, 2023
Mafia Romance
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
El libro anterior me sorprendió y me gustó mucho, porque nunca había leído a la autora, sin embargo éste no lo disfruté tanto.
SPOILERS
No es por el age gap, que saben que no me gusta pero no me causó tantos issues, es más me gustó el desarrollo de su relación y el romance fue hasta cheesy.
Por lo que no lo disfruté es la parte de la violación, el trauma que ella carga y es que la estar viendo tantos videos del trend en Tiktok me genera ansiedad, antes tenía más estómago para éstos temas, pero me volví más softy.
No me gustó como se manejó el proceso de superación de su trauma, que disque por el poder del amor y shalala, estaba esperando que fuera a terapia, pero creo que en este tipo dde libros no existe.
El siguiente libro si lo quiero leer porque presiento que es matrimonio arreglado
Age Gap
Grumpy/Sunshine
El libro anterior me sorprendió y me gustó mucho, porque nunca había leído a la autora, sin embargo éste no lo disfruté tanto.
SPOILERS
No es por el age gap, que saben que no me gusta pero no me causó tantos issues, es más me gustó el desarrollo de su relación y el romance fue hasta cheesy.
Por lo que no lo disfruté es la parte de la violación, el trauma que ella carga y es que la estar viendo tantos videos del trend en Tiktok me genera ansiedad, antes tenía más estómago para éstos temas, pero me volví más softy.
No me gustó como se manejó el proceso de superación de su trauma, que disque por el poder del amor y shalala, estaba esperando que fuera a terapia, pero creo que en este tipo dde libros no existe.
El siguiente libro si lo quiero leer porque presiento que es matrimonio arreglado
February 7, 2023
When we met Nikolai and Abby in the first book of the series, I was really excited about their story.
While I understand that the author wanted the focus to be on Abby and her overcoming trauma, which is brilliantly done, the relationship between her and Nikolai in the end just isn't convincing. At least to me. In the end, everything seems kind of rushed.
While I understand that the author wanted the focus to be on Abby and her overcoming trauma, which is brilliantly done, the relationship between her and Nikolai in the end just isn't convincing. At least to me. In the end, everything seems kind of rushed.
September 6, 2023
It was good to get back to Monarch Academy! This romance was a whirlwind full of sexiness and heartbreak.
I felt like I had whiplash multiple times but in the end these two deserved their HEA.
3.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: rape, trauma, abusive parent
I felt like I had whiplash multiple times but in the end these two deserved their HEA.
3.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: rape, trauma, abusive parent
February 8, 2023
***4,5 "Moya dusha!!!" stars***
"You're looking for trouble, little girl."
Since I've read "Destroy me", I became obsessed with Nikolai and Abbie and I am so happy that Michelle gave us their story so soon...
This story was everything that I was waiting for and even more...
Of course, if you have read many of Michelle's previous works, you will already know that she is known for her epic twists that are turning your world upside down... and here, that exactly happened and my heart broke to a million pieces!!!
Nikolai and Abbie were amazing together, but their story wasn't an easy one...
"You're too young and careless," he mutters.
"You're old and grumpy."
"This will never work."
"I don't care."
"Control me" was moving into the same timeline as "Destroy me"... Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend you to read them in the right order...
Abbie was full of sunshine and Nikolai was brutally grumpy...
She never wanted to join St. Monarch's academy and to learn how to fight, but as a mafia princess, she had no other choice...
She was miserable, but when Abbie set her eyes on her instructor, Nikolai Vetrov, she became relentless on her flirting, even though it couldn't led somewhere, since Nikolai was 18 years older than her, a widower and an enemy of her family...
"I don't want to be here for the next four years.
I don't want to take over my father's illegal empire.
But sadly, a mafia princess doesn't get to choose her future."
Nikolai had stuck in the academy and he was running out of patience...
Abbie came into his life and irritated him with her clueless behavior and her endless flirting...
He was bound to make her cry while he was trying to teach how her how to fight life...
But even though he didn't want to admit it, this girl was getting under his skin and that wasn't a good thing...
He tried to stay away, until that fateful night that Abbie's world turned upside down and his girl needed him more than ever...
"Christ, the woman eho used to be the bane of my existence with her flirtatious and carefree nature, has taken my heart prisoner."
I loved how these two were together...
I liked their beginning... It was very amusing...
But then, a tragedy happened to Abbie and her light deemed... and it wasn't a beautiful thing to witness... Her pain broke me and I just wanted to hug her and never let her go...
Thank God that Nikolai pulled his head out of his a$$ and he became everything that this woman needed and even more... Nikolai was such an amazing man and I love him for the way he was loving Abbie. He was a true hero and I am not exaggerating!!!
Their love was broken, but it was very beautiful!!!
"I'll hold you, so you won't shatter.
I'll carry you so you can use all your strength to fight the demons.
...
You are mine and I am yours.
You'll always be safe in my arms."
I am obsessed with this world!!!
I adore these new characters and I am impatiently waiting for the rest of the stories...
Of course, I loved that I saw cameos of old and favorite characters, even though it feels strange to witness them in an oldest age...
And for once again, my interest had been picked by Alec and his comment "In my story, I'm the monster", but of course, in a true Michelle Heard's style, Alec's story will be the last one and I am fuming inside. LOL!!!
"You're a dream come true, Nikolai."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"You're looking for trouble, little girl."
Since I've read "Destroy me", I became obsessed with Nikolai and Abbie and I am so happy that Michelle gave us their story so soon...
This story was everything that I was waiting for and even more...
Of course, if you have read many of Michelle's previous works, you will already know that she is known for her epic twists that are turning your world upside down... and here, that exactly happened and my heart broke to a million pieces!!!
Nikolai and Abbie were amazing together, but their story wasn't an easy one...
"You're too young and careless," he mutters.
"You're old and grumpy."
"This will never work."
"I don't care."
"Control me" was moving into the same timeline as "Destroy me"... Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend you to read them in the right order...
Abbie was full of sunshine and Nikolai was brutally grumpy...
She never wanted to join St. Monarch's academy and to learn how to fight, but as a mafia princess, she had no other choice...
She was miserable, but when Abbie set her eyes on her instructor, Nikolai Vetrov, she became relentless on her flirting, even though it couldn't led somewhere, since Nikolai was 18 years older than her, a widower and an enemy of her family...
"I don't want to be here for the next four years.
I don't want to take over my father's illegal empire.
But sadly, a mafia princess doesn't get to choose her future."
Nikolai had stuck in the academy and he was running out of patience...
Abbie came into his life and irritated him with her clueless behavior and her endless flirting...
He was bound to make her cry while he was trying to teach how her how to fight life...
But even though he didn't want to admit it, this girl was getting under his skin and that wasn't a good thing...
He tried to stay away, until that fateful night that Abbie's world turned upside down and his girl needed him more than ever...
"Christ, the woman eho used to be the bane of my existence with her flirtatious and carefree nature, has taken my heart prisoner."
I loved how these two were together...
I liked their beginning... It was very amusing...
But then, a tragedy happened to Abbie and her light deemed... and it wasn't a beautiful thing to witness... Her pain broke me and I just wanted to hug her and never let her go...
Thank God that Nikolai pulled his head out of his a$$ and he became everything that this woman needed and even more... Nikolai was such an amazing man and I love him for the way he was loving Abbie. He was a true hero and I am not exaggerating!!!
Their love was broken, but it was very beautiful!!!
"I'll hold you, so you won't shatter.
I'll carry you so you can use all your strength to fight the demons.
...
You are mine and I am yours.
You'll always be safe in my arms."
I am obsessed with this world!!!
I adore these new characters and I am impatiently waiting for the rest of the stories...
Of course, I loved that I saw cameos of old and favorite characters, even though it feels strange to witness them in an oldest age...
And for once again, my interest had been picked by Alec and his comment "In my story, I'm the monster", but of course, in a true Michelle Heard's style, Alec's story will be the last one and I am fuming inside. LOL!!!
"You're a dream come true, Nikolai."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
October 26, 2024
В який вже раз переконуюсь, що люблю троп «різниця у віці»🔥🖤
Еббігейл Сарторі — 21 рік, єдина дитина мафіозної сім‘ї Сарторі.
Ніколай Вітров — 39 років, спадкоємець сімейного бізнесу - контрабанди алмазів.
З цими героями ми познайомилися ще в першій книзі серії, і вже там мене заінтригувало як буде розвиватись любовна лінія між ними.
Еббі життєрадісна дівчина, яка любить пожартувати і не боїться привернути до себе більше уваги.
Коли батько відправив її в «Академію св.Монарха» вона думала що це просто буде відпочинок і кілька уроків як влаштована мафія. Але вона не очікувала, що відразу зіштовхнеться з такою ненавистю до неї та її прізвище, тим більше з такою жорстокістю. Всі уроки які вона проходила зі своєю подругою Авророю були складні: стрільба з пістолету в тирі, навички самооборони та урок того що вони можуть зробити коли їх викрадуть.
Але ніщо не підготувало Еббі до того моменту коли її дійсно викрали, як звичайна дівчина могла протистояти найманим вбивцям..
Ніко погодився допомогти своєму хресному батьку Карсону у «Академії св.Монарха», та тимчасово проводить уроки самооборони та рукопашного бою. Він любить пунктуальніст та порядок, та ненавидить хаос. Після смерті своєї дружини він не заводить ніяких стосунків. Та коли в академії з‘являється молода та життєрадісна Еббі, яка на кожному кроці фліртує з ним та намагається спокусити - фасад Ніко починає руйнуватись. Спочатку він повністю її відштовхував, але сам не помітив коли почав закохуватися в неї.
Ця любовна лінія мені сподобалась, багато хімії та діалогів між головними героями зробили своє діло. Якщо спочатку книги було багато флірту від Еббі, то після її викрадення була гідна підтримка і поведінка Ніко.
Тут саме такий ідеальний мафіозний чоловік, який спочатку неприступний та холодний, а потім спалить весь світ лиш би кохана була поруч. Те як він допоміг Еббі пережити травму, які слова він говорив та вчинки - це найцініше. Як його сім‘я підтримувала кожне рішення, було дуже приємно побачити героїв з попередніх серій і якими вони стали батьками😍
Загалом книга сподобалась, читалася легко і швидко - так є моменти де все здавалося аж надто казково особливо вкінці. Але враження від книги хороші та і головний герой сподобався🔥😍 тому ставлю 4.5/5⭐️
February 10, 2023
Abbie and Nikolai?
August 5, 2023
I’m glad Abbie and Nikolai got their happy ending🥹
February 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐️.
A fast paced, addictive read ( I finished it in a day).
Flirty, carefree, loyal heroine Abbie and Alpha, reserved and dangerous Nikolai had nothing in common other than scorching chemistry.
But I loved the beginning and the progress of their relationship.
Their banter and interactions were amazing.
The book deals with trauma and healing and contains a rape scene but it’s done very respectfully (thank you author).
Overall an enjoyable mafia romance.
Safe, recommended and KU.
A fast paced, addictive read ( I finished it in a day).
Flirty, carefree, loyal heroine Abbie and Alpha, reserved and dangerous Nikolai had nothing in common other than scorching chemistry.
But I loved the beginning and the progress of their relationship.
Their banter and interactions were amazing.
The book deals with trauma and healing and contains a rape scene but it’s done very respectfully (thank you author).
Overall an enjoyable mafia romance.
Safe, recommended and KU.
November 14, 2023
Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers, Fair Warning Upon Reading This Review
Control Me was a book that I was eager for, especially after seeing their interactions in the first book of the series. But I will be honest in that the heroine was super annoying. I really wanted to love her but she just came out as being almost harassing the hero sexually and it just rubbed me the wrong way at times. I really enjoyed the plot of the story and I did feel like the PTSD aspects of this was done mostly well. There were some elements to it that could have been implemented a bit better. I had really high hopes for this one as the other books in the series I have really loved, but it just fell flat for me. But I did enjoy how the conflict became resolved in the end. Loved how our hero is connected to her previous series with the training academy.
Control Me was a book that I was eager for, especially after seeing their interactions in the first book of the series. But I will be honest in that the heroine was super annoying. I really wanted to love her but she just came out as being almost harassing the hero sexually and it just rubbed me the wrong way at times. I really enjoyed the plot of the story and I did feel like the PTSD aspects of this was done mostly well. There were some elements to it that could have been implemented a bit better. I had really high hopes for this one as the other books in the series I have really loved, but it just fell flat for me. But I did enjoy how the conflict became resolved in the end. Loved how our hero is connected to her previous series with the training academy.
February 25, 2024
I did not like the dirty talk and I felt there were some parts that were rushed but first 75% of the book was angsty and good. Trigger warning: rape
February 6, 2023
Hello Daddy Nikolai! Consider me completely gone for this man! And Abigail was his perfect match. Sassy, fierce and pretty even when she is broken.Michelle Heard gave us a super sexy, intense and also soul wrecking age gap dark mafia romance in Control Me. I was on the edge till the last moment. What a rollercoaster ride! Sometimes steamy and sinful. Sometimes dark and heartaching. Sometimes swoony and healing. Each story by Michelle Heard is getting more filthy, more action packed and more addictive than the last one.
Mafia Princess Abigail Sartori has come to St.Monarch, the prestigious school for offsprings of the dark underworld, for her training. She has never seen the rough side of mafia and her family is enemies with the Russian mafia who run the academy but it's neutral ground. The Blood Diamond king Nikolai Vetrov is helping as an instructor temporarily and Abigail is testing his last nerve. Being a flirty bratty sexy distraction. A tragedy changes Abigail and Nikolai realises she is the one.
Abigail is such a fierce character. We see two parts of her journey. The reckless sassy fun loving Abby. And then the sad and lost and broken Abby but she fought so bravely to get back her light. Nikolai is the perfect alpha antihero. He never thought about falling in love. But Abigail got under his skin. We see two sides of Nikolai too. The bossy dominating ruthless alpha side. And the impossibility soft patient caring side that helped Abby to put her broken pieces together. It started with sizzling hot forbidden enemies to lovers tension and then gave me all the angst. And I am in love with all the contrast!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Mafia Princess Abigail Sartori has come to St.Monarch, the prestigious school for offsprings of the dark underworld, for her training. She has never seen the rough side of mafia and her family is enemies with the Russian mafia who run the academy but it's neutral ground. The Blood Diamond king Nikolai Vetrov is helping as an instructor temporarily and Abigail is testing his last nerve. Being a flirty bratty sexy distraction. A tragedy changes Abigail and Nikolai realises she is the one.
Abigail is such a fierce character. We see two parts of her journey. The reckless sassy fun loving Abby. And then the sad and lost and broken Abby but she fought so bravely to get back her light. Nikolai is the perfect alpha antihero. He never thought about falling in love. But Abigail got under his skin. We see two sides of Nikolai too. The bossy dominating ruthless alpha side. And the impossibility soft patient caring side that helped Abby to put her broken pieces together. It started with sizzling hot forbidden enemies to lovers tension and then gave me all the angst. And I am in love with all the contrast!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
September 22, 2023
Reading this book was in my fate . I forgot to read the author’s note ! So missed the trigger warning ⚠️ The Main lead was r**ped and the details were quite vivid 😑 Having said that if I saw the mentioned TW I would have never touched the book. But I am really glad I read the book, because the story is beautiful 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
Control Me by @authormichelleheard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book destroys me in all the ways possible; I have cried so fucking much. Omg, Michelle writes this book with her heart in her hands.
What a read!! Definitely more than five stars. Highly recommend it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book destroys me in all the ways possible; I have cried so fucking much. Omg, Michelle writes this book with her heart in her hands.
What a read!! Definitely more than five stars. Highly recommend it!!
July 7, 2025
2.75☆
Nunca pude ver a Nikolai como un hombre mayor, siento que tuvo actitudes tan similares a los anteriores protagonistas que lit es difícil imaginarlo cerca de los 40, por lo que diferencia de edad no molestaba.
Nunca me gustó la personalidad de Abbie, no me maten, pero no va conmigo, demasiado canchera para mi gusto.
Hubieron varias cosas que no me gustaron del todo o que se me hicieron raras. Igual es un libro piola para leer durante el finde.
Nunca pude ver a Nikolai como un hombre mayor, siento que tuvo actitudes tan similares a los anteriores protagonistas que lit es difícil imaginarlo cerca de los 40, por lo que diferencia de edad no molestaba.
Nunca me gustó la personalidad de Abbie, no me maten, pero no va conmigo, demasiado canchera para mi gusto.
Hubieron varias cosas que no me gustaron del todo o que se me hicieron raras. Igual es un libro piola para leer durante el finde.
February 20, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟏.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐌𝐞 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢 (h) gets set to St.Monarch’s by her father because he wants her to receive training since she will be the one to take over the family business. However, she doesn’t expect to undergo the grueling training and the unsympathetic men that are not letting her go easy just because she is a mafia princess. When she sets her eyes on 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐢 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯 (H), king of diamonds and her father’s enemy, she knows he is forbidden, but she has to have him. While he wants nothing to do with her, she is very persistent and knows how to get her way. As her flirty nature becomes difficult for him to resist, the two cross lines they know can never go back.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
I’ll be honest; I think the writing style this time did it for me. I liked that Abigail was confident and unashamed in what she wanted; in this case, it was Nikolai, but the dialogue was very juvenile, and I got secondhand embarrassment whenever she said anything. To make matters worse, it had the “daddy” kink, and it’s nothing wrong with it, but she would overuse it, and it was cringey to read, especially when they had sex. Also, the first half of the book is rushed one second; Nikolai finds her annoying and wants nothing to do with her, and the next, he comes to her rescue when he sees her crying over Misha and Aurora. The downfall of the book was the “little girl” from him, it was just an ick for me. I don’t care about age gaps except when they make it blatantly obvious that it exists and there is a major mentality difference.
The book's second half was heartbreaking, and Abbie didn’t deserve to go through that. I hated that there wasn’t enough development in her recovery process, and it quickly became about how Nikolai was there for her. She wanted to become someone he could love and want to be with again. While he was patient, it felt like it was all so that sexual interactions could happen again. He didn’t rush her, but I hated that it happened so quickly. The writing was just inconsistent.
Side note: Why did a friendship develop between Abbie and Alek only to be forgotten at the end? We got a few interactions because she felt comfortable with him, and she never mentioned him again, which sucked.
. *. ⋆O͢V͢E͢R͢A͢L͢L͢
I don’t know what I expected from this book or why I picked it up; it was a random choice, so it's not like I thought it would be the best read of my life. I don’t think I would ever think about it again or remember the character’s names months from now.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐌𝐞 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢 (h) gets set to St.Monarch’s by her father because he wants her to receive training since she will be the one to take over the family business. However, she doesn’t expect to undergo the grueling training and the unsympathetic men that are not letting her go easy just because she is a mafia princess. When she sets her eyes on 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐢 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯 (H), king of diamonds and her father’s enemy, she knows he is forbidden, but she has to have him. While he wants nothing to do with her, she is very persistent and knows how to get her way. As her flirty nature becomes difficult for him to resist, the two cross lines they know can never go back.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
I’ll be honest; I think the writing style this time did it for me. I liked that Abigail was confident and unashamed in what she wanted; in this case, it was Nikolai, but the dialogue was very juvenile, and I got secondhand embarrassment whenever she said anything. To make matters worse, it had the “daddy” kink, and it’s nothing wrong with it, but she would overuse it, and it was cringey to read, especially when they had sex. Also, the first half of the book is rushed one second; Nikolai finds her annoying and wants nothing to do with her, and the next, he comes to her rescue when he sees her crying over Misha and Aurora. The downfall of the book was the “little girl” from him, it was just an ick for me. I don’t care about age gaps except when they make it blatantly obvious that it exists and there is a major mentality difference.
The book's second half was heartbreaking, and Abbie didn’t deserve to go through that. I hated that there wasn’t enough development in her recovery process, and it quickly became about how Nikolai was there for her. She wanted to become someone he could love and want to be with again. While he was patient, it felt like it was all so that sexual interactions could happen again. He didn’t rush her, but I hated that it happened so quickly. The writing was just inconsistent.
Side note: Why did a friendship develop between Abbie and Alek only to be forgotten at the end? We got a few interactions because she felt comfortable with him, and she never mentioned him again, which sucked.
. *. ⋆O͢V͢E͢R͢A͢L͢L͢
I don’t know what I expected from this book or why I picked it up; it was a random choice, so it's not like I thought it would be the best read of my life. I don’t think I would ever think about it again or remember the character’s names months from now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
I don’t know what it is about the concept of a ‘Mafia school’ that I just can’t get behind. I feel like with a Mafia story, my brain can’t suspend my disbelief that far. Like the actual Mafia would send their kids to Mafia school? It just feels a bit laughable to me. However I was intrigued enough by this series and I’ve liked Michelle Heard’s books enough in the past to pick up this series.
I read Destroy Me first and it was fine. A bit rushed, but I could look past the Mafia school element. Even though for me, it hindered the story, not pushed it along. This book followed suit with all the things I didn’t like. This book felt so surface level and rushed. I’m not crazy about how most Mafia authors deal with SA, and I will say this was one of the better ones. Abby’s trauma felt realistic up to a point and it took her a while to open back up to Nikolai and trust him, unlike some of the books I’ve read where they get over it pretty quickly. Unfortunately the romance was bad which is kinda the point of the book. The basis for your average Grumpy/Sunshine is there. And having that dynamic hindered by the SA is quite an interesting concept. But god, this was the most unrealistic romance I’ve ever read, and nothing crazy even happens. We were getting I love you at like the 30% mark. Nikolai just decided one day that he loves Abby. I just felt no connection to either of the characters or what was happening to them. And the fact that this was all taking place at Hogwarts for Mafia kids just make it all worse.
Even though both the first and second books in this series are about completely different people, they felt the same in terms of how quickly and unsatisfyingly we reach the finish line. This series has no substance unfortunately and I won’t be continuing with it.
I read Destroy Me first and it was fine. A bit rushed, but I could look past the Mafia school element. Even though for me, it hindered the story, not pushed it along. This book followed suit with all the things I didn’t like. This book felt so surface level and rushed. I’m not crazy about how most Mafia authors deal with SA, and I will say this was one of the better ones. Abby’s trauma felt realistic up to a point and it took her a while to open back up to Nikolai and trust him, unlike some of the books I’ve read where they get over it pretty quickly. Unfortunately the romance was bad which is kinda the point of the book. The basis for your average Grumpy/Sunshine is there. And having that dynamic hindered by the SA is quite an interesting concept. But god, this was the most unrealistic romance I’ve ever read, and nothing crazy even happens. We were getting I love you at like the 30% mark. Nikolai just decided one day that he loves Abby. I just felt no connection to either of the characters or what was happening to them. And the fact that this was all taking place at Hogwarts for Mafia kids just make it all worse.
Even though both the first and second books in this series are about completely different people, they felt the same in terms of how quickly and unsatisfyingly we reach the finish line. This series has no substance unfortunately and I won’t be continuing with it.
March 24, 2023
2.75 ✨
2.5 🔥
“You’re the one person I never knew I needed, and once I got you, I couldn’t fathom how I managed to survive a day without you.”
💎🎨
I don’t even know where to start… I truly wanted to love this book, but something just wasn’t working for me.
I love Michelle Heard, and all of the books I’ve read of hers have been absolutely amazing. I truly went into this book thinking it would be one of my favorites because it has some of my favorite tropes, but I couldn’t really connect with the book. The pacing felt a bit off for me, I didn’t really like the fmc in the beginning, and felt a bit underdeveloped.
* also note that I read this during one of my worst reading slumps so this could very much just be me and not the book *
Please check trigger warnings ‼️
2.5 🔥
“You’re the one person I never knew I needed, and once I got you, I couldn’t fathom how I managed to survive a day without you.”
💎🎨
I don’t even know where to start… I truly wanted to love this book, but something just wasn’t working for me.
I love Michelle Heard, and all of the books I’ve read of hers have been absolutely amazing. I truly went into this book thinking it would be one of my favorites because it has some of my favorite tropes, but I couldn’t really connect with the book. The pacing felt a bit off for me, I didn’t really like the fmc in the beginning, and felt a bit underdeveloped.
* also note that I read this during one of my worst reading slumps so this could very much just be me and not the book *
Please check trigger warnings ‼️
February 3, 2023
To write this review I had to give myself almost 24 hours to process the book. I have read almost all of Michelle's books but this one hit me the hardest. Im talking crying mess in the middle of the night. Abigail was simply amazing and so damn strong. I loved her in Destroy Me. I also loved the build-up between her and Nikolai in that book. That build-up continued into this book. I won't lie at some points I wanted to shake Nikolai but during a moment when everything changes, we see a different side of him. That side I instantly fell in love with him. I absolutely loved seeing his parents show up in this book. This book gave me so many emotions and I have so much I want to say but I won't because I refuse to spoil it. I will say this yoou will see Alek in a different light.
February 7, 2023
Heed the Trigger Warning
Abigail and Nikolai were perfect for one another. Abigail was a mafia princess who was sent off for training which is a necessity within her world. She meets Nikolai who is her cold, ruthless and unyielding combat instructor. Abigail is a natural flirt and free spirit. Whereas Nikolai is a rigid, straight laced member of the Bratva.
Abigail and Nikolai had an immediate attraction to one another. Abigail flirted relentlessly but Nikolai held back due to their age difference. Nikolai is extremely hard on Abigail during training trying to break her but the harder he tries the more she breaks down his walls.
Abigail went through a horrendous ordeal as a result her life was never the same. The depression and PTSD she suffered from was heartbreaking. I love how this story addresses how trauma impacts everyone not just the victim. Nikolai refused to watch the woman he had grown to love to suffer. Although Nikolai was a hardcore member of the Bravta he became the safe place for Abigail to heal and work through her trauma.
This couple had a rough and rocky journey to get to their HEA but when things were bad when Abigail was ready to give up she had a man in her corner fighting to pull her from the brink of darkness
Abigail and Nikolai were perfect for one another. Abigail was a mafia princess who was sent off for training which is a necessity within her world. She meets Nikolai who is her cold, ruthless and unyielding combat instructor. Abigail is a natural flirt and free spirit. Whereas Nikolai is a rigid, straight laced member of the Bratva.
Abigail and Nikolai had an immediate attraction to one another. Abigail flirted relentlessly but Nikolai held back due to their age difference. Nikolai is extremely hard on Abigail during training trying to break her but the harder he tries the more she breaks down his walls.
Abigail went through a horrendous ordeal as a result her life was never the same. The depression and PTSD she suffered from was heartbreaking. I love how this story addresses how trauma impacts everyone not just the victim. Nikolai refused to watch the woman he had grown to love to suffer. Although Nikolai was a hardcore member of the Bravta he became the safe place for Abigail to heal and work through her trauma.
This couple had a rough and rocky journey to get to their HEA but when things were bad when Abigail was ready to give up she had a man in her corner fighting to pull her from the brink of darkness
August 16, 2023
» Careful, little girl. «
» I have daddy issues. You calling me little girl only makes me want to call you daddy. «
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑨𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒍
My poor baby, she suffers so much. Her strength is admirable. I could really relate to her and felt her pain.
❥ 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒊
I‘m in love. He‘s very caring and possessive - perfect boyfriend. The way he gives Abigail the strength she needs is so cute and likeable.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Wow.
This book was violent but I loved it.
The relationship between Abigail and Nikolai was so perfect and well built. I adore both of them together.
Sometimes it feels like the storyline was a little bit rushed because there was so much action/trouble at once.
I‘m a huge fan of the newly formed friendship between Alek and Abigail, looking forward to his own book. I‘m very curious about Alek!
St. Monarchs Academy is so cool and I enjoyed reading about Winter and Damien again. It‘s nice that we get a little flashback to „older“ characters from Michelle Heards books.
Four stars because this whole „daddy“-trope is nothing for me and there are many better books from the author.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 2/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes!
keywords: age gap, enemies to friends to lovers, possessive & protective hero, trauma, bratva, teacher x student, grumpy x flirtious sunshine
#1 Destroy Me ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Control Me ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Brutalize Me ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Restrain Me ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Possess Me ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
» I have daddy issues. You calling me little girl only makes me want to call you daddy. «
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑨𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒍
My poor baby, she suffers so much. Her strength is admirable. I could really relate to her and felt her pain.
❥ 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒊
I‘m in love. He‘s very caring and possessive - perfect boyfriend. The way he gives Abigail the strength she needs is so cute and likeable.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Wow.
This book was violent but I loved it.
The relationship between Abigail and Nikolai was so perfect and well built. I adore both of them together.
Sometimes it feels like the storyline was a little bit rushed because there was so much action/trouble at once.
I‘m a huge fan of the newly formed friendship between Alek and Abigail, looking forward to his own book. I‘m very curious about Alek!
St. Monarchs Academy is so cool and I enjoyed reading about Winter and Damien again. It‘s nice that we get a little flashback to „older“ characters from Michelle Heards books.
Four stars because this whole „daddy“-trope is nothing for me and there are many better books from the author.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 2/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes!
keywords: age gap, enemies to friends to lovers, possessive & protective hero, trauma, bratva, teacher x student, grumpy x flirtious sunshine
#1 Destroy Me ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Control Me ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Brutalize Me ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Restrain Me ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Possess Me ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 28, 2023
4.5 🌟
I LOVED IT. 💟💟
Nikolai (H) is my fav, LOVED HIM. He just carried the whole damn story for me, all these stars are just for him. 😘💖💖
I also loved Abigail (h) and Nikolai together, soulmates. 💝 Pls definitely check the TWs before reading because this deals with rape/trauma/violence. Besides that, it was sooo good.
I wasn't a fan of Aurora the h from the first book in this book, I feel like as Abigails bsf, she was very distant, she was all consumed about her relationship and life and wasn't there for Abigail. I mean yes Abigail hid what had happened but Aurora deffo wasn't a great friend. Abigail in Auroras story was seen as much more present and there for Aurora, and Abigail in this one was completely alone. So wasn't a fan of that, I hated Nikolai pushing Abi away initally, but he definitely redeemed himself so can't complain.
😫 Anyways he is Viktors cousin so I'm not surprised on how much I loved Nikolai, runs in the family, sooo smexy. 😪
I LOVED IT. 💟💟
Nikolai (H) is my fav, LOVED HIM. He just carried the whole damn story for me, all these stars are just for him. 😘💖💖
I also loved Abigail (h) and Nikolai together, soulmates. 💝 Pls definitely check the TWs before reading because this deals with rape/trauma/violence. Besides that, it was sooo good.
I wasn't a fan of Aurora the h from the first book in this book, I feel like as Abigails bsf, she was very distant, she was all consumed about her relationship and life and wasn't there for Abigail. I mean yes Abigail hid what had happened but Aurora deffo wasn't a great friend. Abigail in Auroras story was seen as much more present and there for Aurora, and Abigail in this one was completely alone. So wasn't a fan of that, I hated Nikolai pushing Abi away initally, but he definitely redeemed himself so can't complain.
😫 Anyways he is Viktors cousin so I'm not surprised on how much I loved Nikolai, runs in the family, sooo smexy. 😪
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