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The Lion and the Mouse #1
Dirty Kisses
I knew one thing. He was the boss.
He walked like one, like he owned the ground his feet stepped on. Like he owned the air that we all breathed in. Like he could eat up the universe, if he wanted to.
Someone killed Rumi, the Russian Mafia's top washer in New York. Kazimir, the head of the Bratva, has come to NY to find the murderer. They call him The Russian Lion, known for having over two hundred kills. By the age of twenty, the FBI placed him ten steps away from Usama Bin Laden on the Most Wanted List. To kill his washer begins a dark and deadly war.
Unfortunately, Emily falls on Kazimir's radar. Her brother is suspected of being involved in the murder. To save her brother, she is forced to launder Kazimir's money; but she's a perfect fit for the job. Known as a con to others, called a hustler by many, she's the best washer in Harlem, keeping low-key gangsters on their toes.
At first, Kazimir and Emily have a tricky arrangement based on fear and danger. Her working for him is like balancing on a tight rope. He's a monster wrapped in a gorgeous package. Still, there's an air of sensuality around him that makes her forget sometimes how terrifying he can be. Sexual tension heats up between the two, but one violent night changes everything, pitting everyone against each other--Russians, Jamaicans...anyone in Harlem with a gun. Kazimir and Emily must somehow learn to trust each other before they end up being one of the dozens of dead bodies left on the streets of New York.
But there are hidden secrets and twists intertwined with Rumi's murders. When the truth comes to light, Kazimir's money won't be the only thing that's dirty. And, unfortunately, their rising attraction may not survive.
From the Erotica Bestselling Author of No Ordinary Love, Filthy Lies, and Power. Steamy sex and mind-blowing suspense collide in this BWWM Romance of a Russian mafia boss and the one street smart woman he can't control.
He walked like one, like he owned the ground his feet stepped on. Like he owned the air that we all breathed in. Like he could eat up the universe, if he wanted to.
Someone killed Rumi, the Russian Mafia's top washer in New York. Kazimir, the head of the Bratva, has come to NY to find the murderer. They call him The Russian Lion, known for having over two hundred kills. By the age of twenty, the FBI placed him ten steps away from Usama Bin Laden on the Most Wanted List. To kill his washer begins a dark and deadly war.
Unfortunately, Emily falls on Kazimir's radar. Her brother is suspected of being involved in the murder. To save her brother, she is forced to launder Kazimir's money; but she's a perfect fit for the job. Known as a con to others, called a hustler by many, she's the best washer in Harlem, keeping low-key gangsters on their toes.
At first, Kazimir and Emily have a tricky arrangement based on fear and danger. Her working for him is like balancing on a tight rope. He's a monster wrapped in a gorgeous package. Still, there's an air of sensuality around him that makes her forget sometimes how terrifying he can be. Sexual tension heats up between the two, but one violent night changes everything, pitting everyone against each other--Russians, Jamaicans...anyone in Harlem with a gun. Kazimir and Emily must somehow learn to trust each other before they end up being one of the dozens of dead bodies left on the streets of New York.
But there are hidden secrets and twists intertwined with Rumi's murders. When the truth comes to light, Kazimir's money won't be the only thing that's dirty. And, unfortunately, their rising attraction may not survive.
From the Erotica Bestselling Author of No Ordinary Love, Filthy Lies, and Power. Steamy sex and mind-blowing suspense collide in this BWWM Romance of a Russian mafia boss and the one street smart woman he can't control.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2018
1173 people are currently reading
6541 people want to read
About the author
Kenya Wright
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Kenya Wright wrote her first novel during her third year at UM Law school. She dropped out a month after the release and never looked back.
Words are power,
and Kenya wants to be the greatest wizard that ever lived.
It's an audacity to inspire
and teach the healing of love through arousal.
It's this crazy idea that love
can not only help a reader escape,
but the story can also teach the person
about being human,
while making them laugh,
cry,
and hot for more sex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
May 1, 2021
This whole messy ass story takes place over 48 hours.... the book pretends like it’s longer than that BUT I REMEMBER!
I was going to do a big review for this and why it was annoying... but I highlighted along the way and it paints a nice picture of my frustration.
Tapped out at 92% bc apparently author forgot that there aren’t an unlimited amount of hours in a day and you can’t do 60% of the book in ONE 24 HOUR PERIOD!!!!
I was going to do a big review for this and why it was annoying... but I highlighted along the way and it paints a nice picture of my frustration.
Tapped out at 92% bc apparently author forgot that there aren’t an unlimited amount of hours in a day and you can’t do 60% of the book in ONE 24 HOUR PERIOD!!!!
dnf
November 1, 201987% dnf
Fast moving without much development of anything. Not for me.
Fast moving without much development of anything. Not for me.
October 27, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
- This book was so fun! I’ve never read a Maria book by a black author and this one was a quick read! This book is definitely giving insta love and definitely has some cringe worthy scenes that felt a little cheesy, but I loved it.
- If you’re wanting to grab a quick read that will keep you out of a book slump, this is a great one! It was spicyyyy!! Loved the push and pull forbidden chemistry between the fmc & mmc too.
- Didn’t realize that this book is part of a series and I’ll definitely pick up the rest of them! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to read more books from them when I’m looking for a quick easy read!
- This book was so fun! I’ve never read a Maria book by a black author and this one was a quick read! This book is definitely giving insta love and definitely has some cringe worthy scenes that felt a little cheesy, but I loved it.
- If you’re wanting to grab a quick read that will keep you out of a book slump, this is a great one! It was spicyyyy!! Loved the push and pull forbidden chemistry between the fmc & mmc too.
- Didn’t realize that this book is part of a series and I’ll definitely pick up the rest of them! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to read more books from them when I’m looking for a quick easy read!
October 3, 2022
idk this just wasn’t for me, i liked it but i think it was just meh
December 2, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Multicultural Mafia Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Alpha
Series: book 1
Pages: 236
Audio: GOOD (m/f)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I loved the storytelling and the twist and turns for this story. I thought the build up was good, and the characters were good. There were 3 pov for this story, however, it never deters from the main focus of the story with the additional pov. I think the audio version was excellent and it was a big part in why I liked it so much. FYI, the audio is very pricey, but got it on sale.
Kazimir’s character was good, a Mafia leader who is very dangerous and this added to his appeal. His thought process and how he kept accessing Emily was good. Emily was a boss without even trying. She was not what I expected, and her character surprised me. The secondary plot apart from the main characters had twist and turns and this another big part in my excitement why I enjoyed this story. This story pulls you in and at the end you wanted more.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were good. Their chemistry from the start and their build up was enticing for for me. I liked it.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Secondary characters were everything in this book. I loved reading Max’s POV. I listen to the audio so if I get these names wrong, sorry! A lot of them helped to truly bring this story to life.
OVERALL:
I was entertained, enticed and engulfed with this story. Hoping to listen to book 2 and hope it carried my excitement to the end.
✰✰TRIGGERS: childhood trauma (sexual), violence, graphic explained killings.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Multicultural Mafia Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Alpha
Series: book 1
Pages: 236
Audio: GOOD (m/f)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I loved the storytelling and the twist and turns for this story. I thought the build up was good, and the characters were good. There were 3 pov for this story, however, it never deters from the main focus of the story with the additional pov. I think the audio version was excellent and it was a big part in why I liked it so much. FYI, the audio is very pricey, but got it on sale.
Kazimir’s character was good, a Mafia leader who is very dangerous and this added to his appeal. His thought process and how he kept accessing Emily was good. Emily was a boss without even trying. She was not what I expected, and her character surprised me. The secondary plot apart from the main characters had twist and turns and this another big part in my excitement why I enjoyed this story. This story pulls you in and at the end you wanted more.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were good. Their chemistry from the start and their build up was enticing for for me. I liked it.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Secondary characters were everything in this book. I loved reading Max’s POV. I listen to the audio so if I get these names wrong, sorry! A lot of them helped to truly bring this story to life.
OVERALL:
I was entertained, enticed and engulfed with this story. Hoping to listen to book 2 and hope it carried my excitement to the end.
✰✰TRIGGERS: childhood trauma (sexual), violence, graphic explained killings.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
April 2, 2021
This was a solid start to a new series! There were some really great elements. 3.5 Stars. CW: graphic violence, childhood sexual abuse (not on page)
Dirty Kisses is the first book in the Lion and the Mouse series and it focuses on two characters: Kazamir and Emily. Kazamir is a Russian mob enforcer of sorts who is well known for how dangerous he is while Emily catches his attention and quickly becomes his money washer. One thing that Wright excelled at with this book was her ability to create chemistry and mutual respect between Kazamir and Emily. Their attraction was quick, but Wright created the perfect situations in which readers felt as though Kazamir and Emily knew each other for an extended period of time. It was most fascinating watching Kazamir grow in his respect of Emily. They were put in a specific situation where Emily was able to exhibit her strong skills which let Kazamir know that she was a force to be reckoned with. This only intensified their attraction. Every steamy scene between the two of them was extremely hot both physically and verbally. The book was also fast paced and easy to get through, but the characterization was probably my favorite aspect of the novel. There were even found family elements which, for me, was an interesting element to discover in a mafia based romance. Emily was a strong, confident Black woman that basically handled her business as she saw fit.
There were a few things that I didn't necessarily enjoy about this book including the fact that the big reveal not only threw me off, but it created quite a few plot holes. Don't get me wrong, I think that it will turn out to be an interesting premise to work with in future books; however, with this ending I don't think enough was revealed. It left the reader with more questions than answers and it creates doubts in the validity of the big reveal. I'm hoping that it will be explained further in the next few books because there are quite a few things that Wright could potentially do with that information.
Overall, I thought that this was a solid read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and I'm glad to say that this was my first official mafia romance.
Dirty Kisses is the first book in the Lion and the Mouse series and it focuses on two characters: Kazamir and Emily. Kazamir is a Russian mob enforcer of sorts who is well known for how dangerous he is while Emily catches his attention and quickly becomes his money washer. One thing that Wright excelled at with this book was her ability to create chemistry and mutual respect between Kazamir and Emily. Their attraction was quick, but Wright created the perfect situations in which readers felt as though Kazamir and Emily knew each other for an extended period of time. It was most fascinating watching Kazamir grow in his respect of Emily. They were put in a specific situation where Emily was able to exhibit her strong skills which let Kazamir know that she was a force to be reckoned with. This only intensified their attraction. Every steamy scene between the two of them was extremely hot both physically and verbally. The book was also fast paced and easy to get through, but the characterization was probably my favorite aspect of the novel. There were even found family elements which, for me, was an interesting element to discover in a mafia based romance. Emily was a strong, confident Black woman that basically handled her business as she saw fit.
There were a few things that I didn't necessarily enjoy about this book including the fact that the big reveal not only threw me off, but it created quite a few plot holes. Don't get me wrong, I think that it will turn out to be an interesting premise to work with in future books; however, with this ending I don't think enough was revealed. It left the reader with more questions than answers and it creates doubts in the validity of the big reveal. I'm hoping that it will be explained further in the next few books because there are quite a few things that Wright could potentially do with that information.
Overall, I thought that this was a solid read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and I'm glad to say that this was my first official mafia romance.
July 18, 2018
Reread 7/17/18 because book 2, "Dirty Love" will be out in August 2018! Looking forward into reading payback to Kaz and Emily's dirty brothers! This book is one of my favorites of 2018!
________________________________
"Dirty Kisses" by Kenya Wright was a gritty, dark and in your face, suspenseful mafia story that held my attention from the first paragraph to the very last page. All the who-knew shockers just kept coming along with the double takes of even more twists and turns from dark ghastly murders, serial killings to rival gangs causing all types of mischief in the city that never sleeps. With that questionable happy for now ending, maybe more will come of the Russian lion and his cunning mouse and the Harlem crew too from Prague to Russia... hinting away to KW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 plus brilliant and lively stars *****
Loved this intriguing couple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
________________________________
"Dirty Kisses" by Kenya Wright was a gritty, dark and in your face, suspenseful mafia story that held my attention from the first paragraph to the very last page. All the who-knew shockers just kept coming along with the double takes of even more twists and turns from dark ghastly murders, serial killings to rival gangs causing all types of mischief in the city that never sleeps. With that questionable happy for now ending, maybe more will come of the Russian lion and his cunning mouse and the Harlem crew too from Prague to Russia... hinting away to KW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 plus brilliant and lively stars *****
Loved this intriguing couple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 9, 2023
This was fun
A nice quick and easy read to help me stop an oncoming slump
I liked the characters and can see myself enjoying the series.
This book is nothing life changing and it has a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes but hey it was fun
This won’t be for everyone as it lacks depth and is pretty insta-lovey but it was perfect for what I needed it for
A nice quick and easy read to help me stop an oncoming slump
I liked the characters and can see myself enjoying the series.
This book is nothing life changing and it has a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes but hey it was fun
This won’t be for everyone as it lacks depth and is pretty insta-lovey but it was perfect for what I needed it for
May 14, 2020
Trigger Warning: Mentions of childhood sexual abuse and prison sexual abuse (nothing describes graphically, just eluded too). Graphic descriptions of violent murder and torture.
Content Warning: The only intersex man character in the story is depicted as a Pedophile and is brutally murdered and mutilated. There’s also a cis man Pedophile depicted in flashbacks. Both prey on women/girls. So there doesn’t seem to be any connection drawn between being intersex and being a sexual predator. But it also feels like his intersex body is being used for its perceived “oddity.” There’s also a gay man depicted as a vicious murderer, but again there are other murders who are seen as likable. But it is troubling that he’s the only gay character we meet. (I hope this changes in the other books.)
I love “black hats,” often the villains of the story. I also hate redemption cliches. I really can’t stand stories that frame abusive assholes as romantic heroes, using the moral ambiguity of their behavior in other situations (killing, lying to survive, stuff spies and criminals do) as an excuse for them to treat the people they supposedly love like trash.
Luckily, that is not the case with this brilliant book. Here we get a leading man who is an unapologetically violent killer. Head of a Russian criminal enterprise. He tortured a man in the opening scene of the book. Fuck, I love him so much.
“Every country in the world spawned criminals, poor people with nothing to lose. Fighting the world to survive. Willing to do anything.”
Kazimir’s opening monologue sets the tone for the perspective we have for this dark, violent story of survival, betrayal, and love. I like criminal characters because they embody a balance of contradictions that comes from an existence lived outside of the law and boundaries other people follow to give them a sense of being safe and righteousness.
Criminal characters, when written well, don’t have to pretend to be anything other than who they are. That’s why the loyalty and love they show each other feels more authentic and valuable. Because trust is an even harder won reward in a world where a knife or gun could be lurking behind every door.
Emily comes from a similar criminal world. Surviving, hustling, and dealing with death. She stays alive because she’s smart and a fighter. And she has her own dark past that she grapples with. Her own pragmatism when it comes to violence and allying herself with dangerous people, men like Kazmir.
That’s the magic here, for me. In so many of these kinds of books (often written by white women) about dark, dangerous alpha men the women are "pure" (and as white) as the driven snow. Innocent victims of their own sexuality as the circumstances that cast them into the paths of their dark heroes.
Emily isn’t a victim. While at the beginning it seems like Kazamir has more power than her, the tables quickly turn. He has to depend on Emily’s skills and knowledge of her city to survive. The more he learns about who she is and what’s she’s capable of the more he wants to be around her, to keep her safe, and eventually falls in love with her.
The powerful violent man falls first and hard. Just like that the balance of power has tipped in favor of the street smart big beautiful black woman who still isn’t sure she can trust him. Thus he has the incentive to respect her boundaries and defer to her for permission. To earn her trust and love. Even as he murders men without a second thought.
This is how a skillful storyteller shifts the balance of power in a relationship. Shows how even a man who tortures people with a nail gun shows respect and values consent of the woman he loves. This is how an author shows the organic development of a romantic relationship out of sexual attraction and mutual needs. Using the circumstances, plot, and the very nature of the characters to lead them into it. Where they don’t just have to trust each other to survive, they want to because they feel a connection that is real and rooted in how their ugly awful worlds of violence and crime shaped them.
He’s not a beast she has to tame. She’s not a victim he has to save. They’re two beautiful and dangerous people who find solace and safety with each other. Who also have incredibly hot sex.
I am not going to spoil the twist that also makes this relationship work on levels few could ever even imagine. But holy shit does it work for me and make this the kind of romance fanboys wish the Joker and Harley could be.
This is the first book in a Four-part series. It doesn’t resolve the larger issues, the threats to Kaz and Emily, but it didn’t have to. Its main focus is on establishing the relationship between the leads.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Content Warning: The only intersex man character in the story is depicted as a Pedophile and is brutally murdered and mutilated. There’s also a cis man Pedophile depicted in flashbacks. Both prey on women/girls. So there doesn’t seem to be any connection drawn between being intersex and being a sexual predator. But it also feels like his intersex body is being used for its perceived “oddity.” There’s also a gay man depicted as a vicious murderer, but again there are other murders who are seen as likable. But it is troubling that he’s the only gay character we meet. (I hope this changes in the other books.)
I love “black hats,” often the villains of the story. I also hate redemption cliches. I really can’t stand stories that frame abusive assholes as romantic heroes, using the moral ambiguity of their behavior in other situations (killing, lying to survive, stuff spies and criminals do) as an excuse for them to treat the people they supposedly love like trash.
Luckily, that is not the case with this brilliant book. Here we get a leading man who is an unapologetically violent killer. Head of a Russian criminal enterprise. He tortured a man in the opening scene of the book. Fuck, I love him so much.
“Every country in the world spawned criminals, poor people with nothing to lose. Fighting the world to survive. Willing to do anything.”
Kazimir’s opening monologue sets the tone for the perspective we have for this dark, violent story of survival, betrayal, and love. I like criminal characters because they embody a balance of contradictions that comes from an existence lived outside of the law and boundaries other people follow to give them a sense of being safe and righteousness.
Criminal characters, when written well, don’t have to pretend to be anything other than who they are. That’s why the loyalty and love they show each other feels more authentic and valuable. Because trust is an even harder won reward in a world where a knife or gun could be lurking behind every door.
Emily comes from a similar criminal world. Surviving, hustling, and dealing with death. She stays alive because she’s smart and a fighter. And she has her own dark past that she grapples with. Her own pragmatism when it comes to violence and allying herself with dangerous people, men like Kazmir.
That’s the magic here, for me. In so many of these kinds of books (often written by white women) about dark, dangerous alpha men the women are "pure" (and as white) as the driven snow. Innocent victims of their own sexuality as the circumstances that cast them into the paths of their dark heroes.
Emily isn’t a victim. While at the beginning it seems like Kazamir has more power than her, the tables quickly turn. He has to depend on Emily’s skills and knowledge of her city to survive. The more he learns about who she is and what’s she’s capable of the more he wants to be around her, to keep her safe, and eventually falls in love with her.
The powerful violent man falls first and hard. Just like that the balance of power has tipped in favor of the street smart big beautiful black woman who still isn’t sure she can trust him. Thus he has the incentive to respect her boundaries and defer to her for permission. To earn her trust and love. Even as he murders men without a second thought.
This is how a skillful storyteller shifts the balance of power in a relationship. Shows how even a man who tortures people with a nail gun shows respect and values consent of the woman he loves. This is how an author shows the organic development of a romantic relationship out of sexual attraction and mutual needs. Using the circumstances, plot, and the very nature of the characters to lead them into it. Where they don’t just have to trust each other to survive, they want to because they feel a connection that is real and rooted in how their ugly awful worlds of violence and crime shaped them.
He’s not a beast she has to tame. She’s not a victim he has to save. They’re two beautiful and dangerous people who find solace and safety with each other. Who also have incredibly hot sex.
I am not going to spoil the twist that also makes this relationship work on levels few could ever even imagine. But holy shit does it work for me and make this the kind of romance fanboys wish the Joker and Harley could be.
This is the first book in a Four-part series. It doesn’t resolve the larger issues, the threats to Kaz and Emily, but it didn’t have to. Its main focus is on establishing the relationship between the leads.
I can’t wait for the next book.
February 10, 2021
omg!! so so so good!! For my thoughts on this book and other romances subscribe to my booktube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1
February 26, 2022
THIS BOOK??? AMAZING
THE MAIN LI IS A BLACK GIRL AND THIS IS A MAFIA SERIES YALL!!
yeaaaaa read it NOW (do check for tws bc this book is dark)
THE MAIN LI IS A BLACK GIRL AND THIS IS A MAFIA SERIES YALL!!
yeaaaaa read it NOW (do check for tws bc this book is dark)
April 25, 2019
I couldn't help but check out the audio book. I stayed up all night like I had no idea what would happen next. The voice actors killed the story. It was performance and probably one of the most surreal (narcissitic) experience ever.
That Russian Accent killed me! I'm going to end up writing books for this guy to do the audio. lol! Dirty everything these next months!! lol
That Russian Accent killed me! I'm going to end up writing books for this guy to do the audio. lol! Dirty everything these next months!! lol
June 14, 2020
4.25 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 24: Jun 7 – 13 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 24: Jun 7 – 13 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
September 1, 2019
This was a good read I have read this author before and I love her mafia stories. Kazimir, the head of the Bratva, has come to NY to find the murderer. They call him The Russian Lion, known for having over two hundred kills. By the age of twenty, the FBI placed him ten steps away from Usama Bin Laden on the Most Wanted List. To kill his washer begins a dark and deadly war. Emily comes to the attention of Kazimir’s because her brother is suspected of being involved in the murder to save her brother she is forced to launder Kazimir’s money and she’s a perfect fit for the job. Known as a con to others, called a hustler by many,she’s the best washer in Harlem. This was a good read. As these two work together they begin to get hot and heavy and it's all good. This book was well written like Ms. Wright's other books with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
May 17, 2022
A mafia romance and a black female lead? Sign me up. I don’t even want to say too much in this review, because I went into this blindly and you should too! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Please check out trigger warnings before reading this!
January 15, 2023
Everything could crumble around us—the world itself—and I would not look away.
It starts off a tad slow, but also I had to remind myself that this is book one and the world has to be built up. Emily is an artist who grew up knowing darkness and struggle. She’s made a good life for herself and her found family. Enter Kazamir. The head of the Bratva. These two are brought together unexpectedly and they just click somehow. Anyway. If you enjoy a mafia romance that is heavy on the mafia, secrets, and betrayals, then you will enjoy this one. They have moments where other sorts of organized crime groups come into play as well. It’s not just the standard Russian/Italian/Cartel crime families which was a nice change. The steam takes a bit to build up to, but once it starts they aren’t shy with their.. feelings. That said, this does have a good balance of heat and actual story, so. Anyway.
Excited to see what’s to come.
It starts off a tad slow, but also I had to remind myself that this is book one and the world has to be built up. Emily is an artist who grew up knowing darkness and struggle. She’s made a good life for herself and her found family. Enter Kazamir. The head of the Bratva. These two are brought together unexpectedly and they just click somehow. Anyway. If you enjoy a mafia romance that is heavy on the mafia, secrets, and betrayals, then you will enjoy this one. They have moments where other sorts of organized crime groups come into play as well. It’s not just the standard Russian/Italian/Cartel crime families which was a nice change. The steam takes a bit to build up to, but once it starts they aren’t shy with their.. feelings. That said, this does have a good balance of heat and actual story, so. Anyway.
Excited to see what’s to come.
July 23, 2020
This was terrible. I wasn’t expecting much, I just like mafia type stuff and was trying to branch out with this one and it was a no. I only finished reading it because I’m not a quitter. There was a lot wrong with this book besides the minor murder mystery. I didn’t like either main character, they weren’t developed and neither were the secondary characters. Also there was no trigger warning. If you’re gonna write about someone’s trauma or trauma history you’re supposed to put a warning in the beginning of the book.
October 15, 2022
@ emily leave #that man and date me instead
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 12, 2020
Great mafia book filled with merciless killing, illegal activities and betrayal. I enjoyed reading it, however the sex stuff is so cringeworthy to me 🥴 I skip through all of that. I hope we get more action and adventure and less steamy stuff on the next book.
One thing I appreciate about this book is that all of the characters are morally corrupt and nobody is trying to save anyone. Everyone is in it to survive and gain power.
One thing I appreciate about this book is that all of the characters are morally corrupt and nobody is trying to save anyone. Everyone is in it to survive and gain power.
January 22, 2023
I just discovered this author, amazing writing and character development.
If you enjoy a mafia romance that is heavy on the mafia, secrets, and betrayals, then you will enjoy this one.
The immediate connections between Kazimir and Emily was so admiring. Emily is a genius who had a rough beginning and is only trying to survive when Kaz appears with just a sought story as well and found that they needed each other. The steam takes a bit to build up to, but once it starts they aren’t shy with their feelings.
My only concern was having more than the Hero and Heroine POV. I usually do not like to read books with more than the immediate two lovers POV but I found myself actually not feeling too mad about it, so. Anyway, I'm excited to see what’s to come.
If you enjoy a mafia romance that is heavy on the mafia, secrets, and betrayals, then you will enjoy this one.
The immediate connections between Kazimir and Emily was so admiring. Emily is a genius who had a rough beginning and is only trying to survive when Kaz appears with just a sought story as well and found that they needed each other. The steam takes a bit to build up to, but once it starts they aren’t shy with their feelings.
My only concern was having more than the Hero and Heroine POV. I usually do not like to read books with more than the immediate two lovers POV but I found myself actually not feeling too mad about it, so. Anyway, I'm excited to see what’s to come.
January 17, 2020
DNF'd it at 61% :(
I picked up this book based on a suggestion from someone who said that these two characters are dangerous but neither tries to change the other. The reccer was v. clear as to how this story wasn't about any character getting redeemed, etc. IIRC, the person also mentioned how Kazimir ended up being so gone for Emily that he respected her in a way OP hadn't seen in a long while.
So I started reading and, for the first 30% of the book, I was having some degree of fun. FTR, the novel begins with a v. graphic description of a murder scene which, though not unexpected, was a little too heavy for my liking.
One of the things I was liking was the way Kaz and Emily kept each other on their toes. There was an initially cheeky push-and-pull that I could totally roll with. Emily was smart, resourceful, and had tons of charisma. I did find Kaz's personality and behavior to toe the line over to generic Russian mobster a few too many times for me to think he was nearly as amazing as Emily.
However, Kaz and Emily did have a lot of chemistry together, at least up to the 35% or so mark. I was v. interested in seeing the relationship between a criminal and his morally gray love interest develop.
But then a couple of things happened and I had to stop and reassess:
1. Insta-lust
All right, fine. This is practically a given. At the beginning of the book, Kaz and Emily are complete strangers to each other. Even though the readers will know a lot about each other's backstory (due to some scenes centered around internal monologues and memories), they don't. So, in a way, I do understand that they wouldn't be head over heels in love.
HOWEVUH, I did think that the way they began hooking up felt a little meh for me. With an extra serving of cheesy. For me, it was disappointing to see how all the promises of explosive intimate scenes kinda ended up being sorta meh.
2. The added backstory
So right around the 58% mark the book took a detour in which [Character] was thinking about their childhood and it was revealed that [Character] was a survivor of terrible childhood sexual abuse. Although it was possible that it could've worked by adding nuance to a character, the way that information dropped into the plot was way too sudden. And then, around the 60% mark, the book returned to the main plot of who was trying to destroy Kaz's mob business.
FWIW, the CSA wasn't portrayed in a graphic way. However, from this reader's perspective, the abrupt insertion of that theme into an already loaded plot did give me pause. Especially because a chapter later, the character (now a grown-up) was flirting with the intention of hooking up.
I chose to keep reading a little bit longer until I realized that I didn't care about the plot, the worldbuilding or anything much about this novel, really.
Also, Emily happened to have a random bit of knowledge that felt extreeeemly convenient, IMO. She was smart and the majority of her reactions made sense...until she kissed Kaz. At that point, she sort of loss a bit of spark.
TL;DR: The first in a series about the head of the Bratva and the clever woman he falls for. I was digging the story until Kaz and Emily began their actual!romance. Also, I felt that the reveal of past CSA of a character was forced into the plot in a rather inept way. I borrowed this book from the library and I won't be continuing with the series either.
I picked up this book based on a suggestion from someone who said that these two characters are dangerous but neither tries to change the other. The reccer was v. clear as to how this story wasn't about any character getting redeemed, etc. IIRC, the person also mentioned how Kazimir ended up being so gone for Emily that he respected her in a way OP hadn't seen in a long while.
So I started reading and, for the first 30% of the book, I was having some degree of fun. FTR, the novel begins with a v. graphic description of a murder scene which, though not unexpected, was a little too heavy for my liking.
One of the things I was liking was the way Kaz and Emily kept each other on their toes. There was an initially cheeky push-and-pull that I could totally roll with. Emily was smart, resourceful, and had tons of charisma. I did find Kaz's personality and behavior to toe the line over to generic Russian mobster a few too many times for me to think he was nearly as amazing as Emily.
However, Kaz and Emily did have a lot of chemistry together, at least up to the 35% or so mark. I was v. interested in seeing the relationship between a criminal and his morally gray love interest develop.
But then a couple of things happened and I had to stop and reassess:
1. Insta-lust
All right, fine. This is practically a given. At the beginning of the book, Kaz and Emily are complete strangers to each other. Even though the readers will know a lot about each other's backstory (due to some scenes centered around internal monologues and memories), they don't. So, in a way, I do understand that they wouldn't be head over heels in love.
HOWEVUH, I did think that the way they began hooking up felt a little meh for me. With an extra serving of cheesy. For me, it was disappointing to see how all the promises of explosive intimate scenes kinda ended up being sorta meh.
2. The added backstory
So right around the 58% mark the book took a detour in which [Character] was thinking about their childhood and it was revealed that [Character] was a survivor of terrible childhood sexual abuse. Although it was possible that it could've worked by adding nuance to a character, the way that information dropped into the plot was way too sudden. And then, around the 60% mark, the book returned to the main plot of who was trying to destroy Kaz's mob business.
FWIW, the CSA wasn't portrayed in a graphic way. However, from this reader's perspective, the abrupt insertion of that theme into an already loaded plot did give me pause. Especially because a chapter later, the character (now a grown-up) was flirting with the intention of hooking up.
I chose to keep reading a little bit longer until I realized that I didn't care about the plot, the worldbuilding or anything much about this novel, really.
Also, Emily happened to have a random bit of knowledge that felt extreeeemly convenient, IMO. She was smart and the majority of her reactions made sense...until she kissed Kaz. At that point, she sort of loss a bit of spark.
TL;DR: The first in a series about the head of the Bratva and the clever woman he falls for. I was digging the story until Kaz and Emily began their actual!romance. Also, I felt that the reveal of past CSA of a character was forced into the plot in a rather inept way. I borrowed this book from the library and I won't be continuing with the series either.
July 2, 2018
Oh My Goodness!!!
Ok, so first let me say I couldn't put this book down! Emily and Kazimir are too hot together. Dangerous alone, but together they will be nuclear! I loved the plot and I didn't even mind the cliffhanger because I need more of them. Ms. Wright has started us on a journey that is sure to be an adventure!
Not many errors or typos to even mention. Character development was on point and a tease to future books I'm sure. Very well done.
Ok, so first let me say I couldn't put this book down! Emily and Kazimir are too hot together. Dangerous alone, but together they will be nuclear! I loved the plot and I didn't even mind the cliffhanger because I need more of them. Ms. Wright has started us on a journey that is sure to be an adventure!
Not many errors or typos to even mention. Character development was on point and a tease to future books I'm sure. Very well done.
December 31, 2020
This book was sexy, engaging, and I couldn't put it down. I was transfixed by this and on the edge of my seat to find out what happened. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was scorching and I loved the way the author crafted the chemistry between them and the side characters--I'm hooked and have the next book ready to read.
June 27, 2018
Lots of twists and turns. Ends on a cliffhanger.
May 1, 2019
GoodRead.....He Started it....lol
June 24, 2019
This is my first Kenya Wright read and I am super excited to jump into book two. Kazimir and Emily were sexy and their story had me gripping my kindle from the getgo. I loved how sassy and strong Emily was and how well matched she was to Kazimir.
I loved how this story kept me on my toes. There were secrets dropping left and right that shocked me and kept me reading. Kazimir and Emily's connection was fantastic and I love seeing where this story may go! On to book two! ~Ratula
I loved how this story kept me on my toes. There were secrets dropping left and right that shocked me and kept me reading. Kazimir and Emily's connection was fantastic and I love seeing where this story may go! On to book two! ~Ratula
January 12, 2023
Re-read this book for the 4th time, and I enjoyed it like it was the first time I'm reading it. With a Dirty Wars releasing soon, I'm reading the entire series because it just that good😍
June 13, 2021
I like the series and i did not see that twist coming😄. Its sunday and i am too lazy to write a review.
July 2, 2018
Finally!
Kenya has been a favorite author of mines for years but lately her last few books didn’t do it for me. I was not interested. BUT this book man oh man. This book kept me intrigued the WHOLE time, I loved the dynamics of the two characters and I loved the storyline. I can’t wait for book two.
Thank you Kenya!!!
Kenya has been a favorite author of mines for years but lately her last few books didn’t do it for me. I was not interested. BUT this book man oh man. This book kept me intrigued the WHOLE time, I loved the dynamics of the two characters and I loved the storyline. I can’t wait for book two.
Thank you Kenya!!!
January 6, 2021
well damn..
I don't care about the next book in the series which should tell you how much I like this book...
not much... well shit!
I do want to try other books by this author sadly this series is not for me..
content warning; pedophilia( of page) , violence, murder
2,5 stars
I don't care about the next book in the series which should tell you how much I like this book...
not much... well shit!
I do want to try other books by this author sadly this series is not for me..
content warning; pedophilia( of page) , violence, murder
2,5 stars
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