Mia & Sua

Ties That Bind #1-2

by Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, Francesca Giraudo (Translator)

This set contains Mine and His, the complete Ties that Bind Duet!

Mine

She was never supposed to walk into my club.
But she did.

I shouldn’t have looked twice at her.
But I did.

The criminal underworld is no place for a girl like her.

One night with Katerina isn’t enough, but men like me can’t afford to be weak.
So, I tell her to leave me behind.

She does, but not before she sees something she shouldn’t.

When she goes into hiding, it’s my duty to hunt her down. I have a job to do, and she needs to disappear for good.

But four years later, Kat isn’t alone anymore.

And the little boy right beside her looks just like me.

His

I’ve been in hiding for four years. On the run from the man in whose bed I once slept.

I saw something I shouldn’t have seen. Took something I shouldn’t have taken.

And he’s just found me.

But it’s not just my safety I have to worry about. I have a little boy. His little boy. The secret baby of a Russian mobster.

He told me in no uncertain terms that I’m his. That we would be a family.

But his uncle still wants me dead and I know the man who’s been hunting me is the only one who can keep us safe.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance

464 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2022

About the author

Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.

Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com

Check out her books here:
https://natasha-knight.com

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Reviews

[Soma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a decent read but It lacks deeper emotional plot.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine (Ties That Bind #1)
(5 Stars)
Omg how could you end it there!!!!! Get ready for one Hot Russian Mafia Man and the woman who started his cold beating heart! Russian Bratva man, Levka “Lev” Antonov, never thought he would meet someone that would turn his world upside down until Katerina Blake walked into his club, Delirium. A shared connection and one night of passion should of been all Lev had with Kat. She was too young & innocent for him but when she shows up 4 years later both their worlds will change forever. His world is dangerous and Kat just got herself embroiled in the middle. Can he find her and protect what’s his? This is a fantastic and wild mafia ride! So many twists happen but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. I loved this book and cannot wait for the second book in this duet. P.S. that Cameo from a certain Vory man...perfection! This ends in a major cliffhanger and is told in dual POV.

His (Ties That Bind #2)
(5 Stars)
An Outstanding And Perfect Ending! Levka “Lev” Antonov and Katerina Blake are back in this delicious second part of the ties that bind duet. When you’re in the Russian Bratva can you ever truly be safe from harm? This begins with a bang and doesn’t let go until the very end. Full of action, suspense and all the chemistry to make you melt! What truths will be unleashed? Will Lev protect what’s his and come out on top? Absolutely loved every minute of this book! Oh and more cameos that will have you smiling from ear to ear! This is an Epic Mafia Romance that will have you swooning for Lev! Lev and Kat are perfection together. Told in dual POV

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these in the boxset, so I’m leaving the same review for both books. Mine & His follows Katerina (Kat) and Levka (Lev). I enjoyed it but found it a smidge bland at times. The relationship takes the front seat with the mafia bits more in the background, so if you’re in the mood for heavy/hardcore mafia themes… this might not be for you.

I liked how the couple met and had an insta-attraction/lust but weren’t spouting love declarations. IMO this felt more natural. I found both Kat and Lev quite likable even if they were her standard mc type.

MINE - My biggest issue is that the blurb basically gives away the entire plot, so I knew pretty much everything that would happen before starting. For example, the first book’s blurb tells us they’ll meet, he’ll let her go, she sees something she shouldn’t, goes on the run, and he tracks her down 4-years later with his son…. Which is the majority of the story. There’re some details thrown in here and there, but nothing was unexpected or a surprise, and I was left a bit bored.

HIS - This picks up right where the previous book left off. The couple are on the run from Lev’s uncle that wants them both dead. The good news is that the blurb is more general and I had no clue what was coming. The bad news is that much of the action was from Kat being TSTL. I say this all the time, why can’t authors either make the baddies smarter or take the time to think up a situation that makes sense rather than just making the h a moron??!! For example,

they are on the run and someone is trying to KILL them. They’ve literally been dodging bullets, so rather than having the street smart/ex-foster-kid mama-bear put herself and her CHILD in danger because he wants ICE CREAM… how about you make him sick... maybe he needs a fever-reducer or Pedialyte… or he smacked his head, and they need bandages… anything other than her endangering them because the 3-yr old wants a frozen treat. Or, when she’s offered refuge in a castle-like fortress with top notch security… why would an intelligent woman say, “no thanks, I’ll take my chances in a hotel?” … because they’re known for first-rate security?? Maybe the criminals could snatch her while she’s packing, or they could ram their car and snatch her.

It just takes away that ruthless/gritty mafia feel when the mc’s are running around like clueless dum-dums. And what was up with mafia dudes facetiming each other constantly? That felt silly.

Bottom Line- It was ok, but not the dangerous/action filled mafia read with a kickass anti-H I was expecting. I listened to much of the second book and the narration was pretty good. I liked the second book much better. Overall- Mine- 3⭐’s. His-3.5 ⭐’s.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Quick Opinion: This was just okay for me. I was pulled in by the blurb and stuck with it because I have liked these authors in the past, so I was hopeful that it was going to get better. I wouldn't say that it was bad or anything, but it just wasn't all that memorable either. I don't mind the secret baby trope like I know a lot of readers do, so that wasn't the issue. I guess I just felt like it was underdeveloped where it felt instalove but it probably wasn't all that quick in the grand scheme of things 🤷🏻‍♀️

This should probably be Safe for safety gang readers: Age gap (don't remember how much exactly and couldn't find it -- I think about 10 years), criminal activity/assault/murder (on page), and unexpected pregnancy (on page)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dark, Dangerous and Delicious is exactly how I'd describe this book. 
These two Authors are both fantastic when it comes to writing Mafia stories, so I knew I was in for one Hell of a ride. 

I loved everything about this story, it was suspenseful, exhilarating and full of twists and turns. With secrets, lies, betrayal and jaw dropping revelations it was a thrilling rush from beginning to end. 

Lev was the kind of Dark and Deadly character I love, this Russian Mafia man ticked all my boxes. 

I just adored Kat her history made her the strong resilient girl she is, she's sweet, caring and head strong. 

The connection between Kat and Lev was intense, passionate and possessive, the kind that's hard to replicate and impossible  to forget. 
His Darkness and her Light was an intoxicating combination. 

That cliffy....A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!  🖤👏🖤


His ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Conclusion to this Duet was an exhilarating page turner....I loved it. 
The Ties That Bind Duet is a suspenseful, fast paced, adrenalin pumping power house of a story set in the World of organized crime.

If Dark Dangerous reads with fantastic plot twists that keep you guessing, shocking secrets and revelations with a good dose of violence and mayhem sounds right up your street then pick up this Duet today.

I have all the heart eyes for Lev and Kat, their crazy intense story completely consumed me. I fell more in love with both of them as they struggled for survival against the criminal underworld that wants them dead.
It's impossible not to fall hard for these characters.

Highly recommended for fans of Dark Mafia/Bratva Genre. 🖤🖤🖤

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Mafia, you NEED this duet! You get both stories in one box set. Loved each book individually but now you can get the whole story all at once. Hot, steamy, betrayal, drama, angst......all the emotions are here waiting for you.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly told stories😍

Book 1 - Mine
The ties that bind them together❣️

When I saw two of my favourite authors had co-written a book I knew it would be phenomenal and I immediately put my hand up for an advanced copy. I love how I got to meet up with some old favourites as well in this story and was absolutely enthralled with the characters of Lev and Kat🤩

Lev and Kat meet each other at a club on her 19th birthday 🎁 What starts as a simple meeting soon turns into something more. Each have secrets that they are unwilling to reveal but when some are exposed, Kat disappears. Lev spends four years searching for Kat and when he finds her, nothing is as he expected😍

Loved this story of Kat and Lev and that cliffhanger left me with heart palpitations😱 I need the next book sooner rather than later as I NEED to know what happens next❤️

Book 2 - His
Phenomenal conclusion to Kat and Lev❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

This series absolutely floored me❣️One minute I was so anxious and jittery and the next I was swooning like a fool......my emotions took the full spectrum roller coaster ride but Kat and Lev’s story was EVERYTHING and so worth it😱

Picking up from where the first book leaves us, it’s more action and more suspense and a few bombshells that get dropped too😜 This book will keep you on your toes and now leaves me hanging with one question......will these authors team up again? Man, I hope so😍

I received advanced copies for both books and I voluntarily leave my honest review😁

[Tra Le Braccia Di Un Libro · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ITALIAN REVIEW*
RECENSIONE DI CINZIA
VALUTAZIONE: 4 STELLE
https://bit.ly/3AzRE7m

Qualche tempo fa, la Zavarelli mi aveva incantata con la serie “LA MALAVITA DI BOSTON”, in particolare con la storia straordinaria, a tratti indimenticabile, de “Il Fantasma”. Immaginate dunque la mia sorpresa quando ho scoperto che questa dilogia è lo spin off di quel libro.
Mi sono immersa nella lettura certa che mi avrebbe regalato le stesse emozioni e che, finalmente, mi sarei liberata in modo definitivo dall’impasse.
In effetti, l’augurato “sblocco” c’è stato, ma non come sperato, dato che ho trovato la storia poco coinvolgente.

Il primo capitolo della serie, “MINE”, è stato un ottimo inizio, ben strutturato, accattivante e impegnativo, ma il secondo, “HIS”, l’ho ritenuto affrettato, poco dinamico ed eccessivamente strappalacrime - concedetemi il termine.
Le scene cruente non sono mancate in entrambi i libri, ma non ho rivissuto, né riprovato, le sensazioni forti delle precedenti letture della Zavarelli.
Potrebbe aver influito il fatto di averlo scritto a quattro mani?
Forse, o forse no.
Sicuramente si percepiscono delle diversità, che contraddistinguono la collaborazione tra le scrittrici.
Due tipi di scrittura, due stili narrativi. La Zavarelli è più dinamica, più "aggressiva", mentre la Knight è più soft e meno audace.
Potrebbe essere solo una mia impressione, ovviamente, ma chi le conosce entrambe potrà confermare o smentire la mia tesi.

Passiamo alla storia.
Katerina è giovane, solare, con tutta la vita davanti.
La sera del suo diciannovesimo compleanno, con dei documenti falsi in tasca, si avventura insieme alla sua migliore amica in uno dei locali più discussi e frequentato della città di Philadelphia, Il Delirium. Proprio lì Kat stabilirà la linea di demarcazione del suo futuro.
Beve qualche bicchiere di troppo, brilla appare facile preda per due balordi che tuttavia non hanno fatto i conti con Lev Antonov, padrone del Delirium e uno degli uomini più pericolosi della mafia russa. Per Katerina, invece, è il cavaliere dal cavallo bianco che arriva in suo aiuto.

Lev, vive per vendicarsi.
È alle dipendenze di suo zio Vasily (un Vor della mafia russa, arrivista e sanguinario) e da quando sua madre è stata uccisa a sangue freddo non ha potuto fare altro che crescere in un mondo che non gli appartiene, ma che è stato costretto a far diventare suo.
Uccide a sangue freddo senza battere ciglio e esegue ogni ordine che gli viene impartito, tipo fare da babysitter ad Andrei, suo cugino e figlio di Vasily, un irresponsabile che non si fa scrupoli a uccidere una donna dopo averla usata o a sparare in fronte al passante che lo ha guardato storto.
Troppe volte Lev si è ritrovato a dover riparare ai danni che Andrei provoca, tuttavia si costringe a ingoiare orgoglio e rabbia pur di raggiungere il suo scopo, cioè scovare il vero assassino di sua madre.

Quando Katerina entra nel suo locale calamita la sua attenzione.
Capelli rosso fuoco, sguardo profondo, la giovinezza che la avvolge come un profumo.
Aiutarla a togliersi dai guai è istintivo ma, allo stesso tempo, una debolezza che non può permettersi.
Anche riportarla a casa, senza toccarla, è naturale come naturale è non liberarsi della sua presenza.
La sua mente è offuscata dalla rossa cascata dei suoi capelli, dall’innocenza del suo spirito.
È stato stupido cercarla di nuovo.
È stato irresponsabile volerla nella sua vita.
Ed è stato ancora più inconcepibile credere che una notte insieme potesse bastare.
Nonostante questo, deve liberarsi di lei.
Deve lasciarla andare.
E lo farebbe se non il destino non tramasse contro di loro. Kat ha in mano una carta vincente, documenti sensibili che Vasily deve riavere.
Per questo motivo deve morire e Lev sarà il suo sicario.
Trascorrono quattro anni, rivederla è una pugnalata al cuore e, ancora di più, scoprire che Kat è una madre. La somiglianza di quel bambino con lui, poi, sconcertante.

Entrambi i protagonisti sono vittime di un passato devastante.
Kat è rimasta orfana da bambina, tale condizione darà inizio al suo calvario fatto di affidamenti e porte chiuse.
Ha dovuto crescere in fretta, rimboccarsi le maniche per non morire di stenti.
Lev, invece, è stato cresciuto dallo zio come una macchina: obbedire, uccidere prima di essere uccisi.

Se MINE ci porta nella vera dimensione della mafia, con omicidi e scene cariche di tensione e adrenalina, con HIS ci areniamo nel mondo del “romance”, dove Kat e Lev fanno di tutto per proteggere la loro famiglia e il loro sentimento diventa sempre più forte e univoco.

Lev, nel primo capitolo, è il tipico maschio alpha, nel secondo si trasforma nell’uomo della porta accanto.
Con ciò intendo dire che a un certo punto il suo personaggio prende una piega inaspettata (e quanto mai repentina).
Kat, al contrario, resta sempre fedele a se stessa, è una donna forte, che difende a spada tratta i suoi ideali e che è disposta a qualsiasi cosa pur di tenere al sicuro suo figlio.

Troppo rapido il loro riavvicinamento.
Sono trascorsi quattro anni, ma Kat non ha paura di cosa Lev potrebbe farle una volta trovata, bastano poche battute e l’odio viscerale si trasforma in amore incondizionato.
A mio avviso, prima di arrivare a questo, sarebbe stato utile approfondire, magari con un breve excursus narrativo, quanto avvenuto prima o durante il loro riavvicinamento.

Detto questo rispetto la scelta delle autrici, poiché gli intrecci e le vicissitudini sono molteplici. Alcuni personaggi secondari, ad esempio, saranno molto importanti ai fini della trama, e anche il caro vecchio FANTASMA Alexei, cugino di Lev.

I colpi di scena non mancheranno e più si farà fitta la trama, più Kat e Lev scopriranno di essere legati dallo stesso passato.
In definitiva, nonostante le diversità di scrittura delle autrici e qualche piccola incongruenza narrativa, la dilogia è sicuramente da leggere.
Piccolo appunto per gli amanti del genere: non aspettatevi i fuochi d’artificio.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complessivamente non lo consiglio. Lei sarebbe potuta essere dolce e fragile ma è risultata infantile e stupida! Fine

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este dueto te mantendrá pegada desde la primera página.
Los protagonistas Lev and Kat se conocen de casualidad en un club, pero la inmensa atracción que Lev siente por ella, le lleva a buscarla, invitarla a cenar y acostarse con ella, aún sabiendo que no debería acercarse a ella por el estilo de vida que él lleva. Pero se promete que tras una noche, la dejará en paz, y así lo hace.
Semanas después Kat descubre que está embarazada y cuando acude a casa de su amiga Nina a contárselo, acaba huyendo de su casa antes de que unos hombres la asesinen al igual que han hecho con Niña y su familia. Lo peor de todo es que en su huida reconoce el coche de Lev. Temiendo ser ella la siguiente huye sin mirar atrás.
Durante 4 años ha conseguido vivir escondida y a salvo junto a su hijo Josh, pero la suerte se le acaba. Lev consigue dar con ella, pero en vez de matarla, decide que la protegerá ahora que se ha enterado de que tienen un hijo juntos. Pero al desobedece las órdenes su vida también correrá un grave peligro. Y es que su tío Vasily, relacionado con la mafia rusa, va a poner precio a sus cabezas.
Empieza así su huida buscando un lugar seguro, información que pueda destruir a Vasily y aliados que puedan ayudarlos a conseguirlos. Pero como en todas las guerras siempre hay bajas.
Las escenas de sexo entre Kat y Lev son de lo más 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Es una lectura que os recomiendo.

[Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost 4 stars

I enjoyed this book up until the point...(MILD spoilers ahead)...

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Ok. I enjoyed it until Lev spanked Kat with a belt. I’m all for spanking, but not domestic discipline and definitely not with a belt. I understand this book is darker, but I didn’t care for that.

However, even with that, I would rate the book 4 stars. What I couldn’t take was Kat’s stupidity on 3 separate occasions that could have gotten her and her son taken and/or killed. I know the story has to progress somehow so we can get to the conclusion, but I hate when it’s because of some TSTL actions of the characters (Kat, Pasha, and, due to inaction, Lev). That determined the lower rating for me.

Overall, it was a thrilling read, but I would have enjoyed it even more if not for those things. Everyone isn’t me, though, so this might be right up your alley. :)

[Bel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad for the Fmc's friend Nina ( she was raped by the Mmc's Boss Son) and knowing what he did to her this fucking Mmc covered up that fact by dressing her up. He did not even beat the shit out of him at least

Following MMC and FMC's one-night stand, he failed her in many ways. Despite FMC's pregnancy she is only 19 an orphan with no friends, escaped after the attack she witnessed, Mmc suddenly reappears, questioning her and asserting his rights over her and their son. What was his purpose? This Mmc was an ass to her after their sex so what right does he think he has? I don't get it.

I am certain, had there been no child, he could have gone as far as killing or torturing her, not that he had any feelings for her.

This MMC only knows how to order people around. He should consider the struggles of a 19-year-old who delivered and is raising his son alone, striving to provide and protect him, instead of a grovel, forgiveness....he is an ass again after 4 years ...I'm out of it . His pov is grating on my nerves.

[Ridwaana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and unexpected in all the best ways (but mind the triggers)

This duet is dark, captivating, and well written. I was unprepared for some of that unfathomable darkness and depravity, but overall I enjoyed it. This was my first time reading anything by these authors and I’m very impressed. Great world building, wonderful storytelling, a plot that kept me glued to the pages, and well developed, complex, dynamic characters who I couldn’t help but love. There were so many twists and turns up until the very end, and although there were dreadful moments when I wasn’t sure how things would turn out, the characters got a hard fought and well deserved happily ever after. Truly phenomenal work.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is a well written book about men in power who lose their way and become power hungry. The Bratva are unapologetically brutal, but form a united front where blood is thicker than water or is it? Mine & His is about a man who covers up his sons needless brutality, but holds little respect for any other members of his family. Traitors won’t live to tell another story, eventually they’ll all pay for their crimes. Kat walked into the middle of something, she has something that doesn’t belong to her and now she needs to pay. However, she is the key holding numerous secrets which will all be revealed.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is what I say about these two books from Ms Knight & Ms Zavarelli. I could not put these 2 books down once I started to read them. This ia a mafia book about Levka & Katerina and how they meet on Katerina 19th birthday. Lev works for his uncle and saves Katya from a group of men at a club. She is innocence & sweet that draws him in. After spending one night together she has to go on the run from the mafia. Book 2 starts after 4 yrs later and Lev has found Kayta and tends to claim her. Their secrets will come out. Both books have action, twist and turns with hot sex scenes. I am happy that these two authors wrote these books and hope they write more together.

[Jo McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be illegal to combine these two twisted authors! I can never stop reading their stuff. I started these books at about 9am and read right through them with just a few breaks to eat (pesky business). This dark tale of obsession and possession is action-packed and full of steamy, smutty scenes that will have you panting for more. These books just made me fall more and more in love with these two authors.

If you like dark, steamy romance with an action-packed plot, these books are for you. Not to mention that lovely HEA we all love.

[Carole Hancock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memorable Except

Gripping, spellbinding, intense and almost a four except for some blunders. Levka vows to protect Katerina and his son but leaves them with Pasha. Pasha leaves them unprotected to run errand to hardware store. On page 349 Levka allows Katrina to return to hotel room alone for their son's swim trunks. In both cases there are attacks with serious repercussions. The author repeatedly has Levka making the vow and promise to his family so these blunders seem unrealistic. The story is otherwise Engrossing, entertaining and worth reading .

[Sahara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freakin love books like this. So much twists and turns . I am a complete sucker for these dangerous mafia men who is chased and has to protect his women from getting killed. This is book 2 of the series and there is just so many hold my breath , keep turning the page moments. Shooting , blood, running .. romance, hot steamy romance. Its definitely a must read!

[Laura Gesualdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodd

I don't know why authors keep changing the cover of their books.... I've come across so many books that I've already read, but now they have a new cover, and I start to read it and then realize I've already read this. Annoying...

Anyways, I love Natasha's books. They are always good. I have 0 complaints with this one :)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐
La Zavarelli e la Knight sono due delle mie autrici preferite e se da sole creano libri bellissimi, messe insieme creano dei libri davvero ma davvero bellissimi! Mine e His ne sono la prova.
Questo duetto mi è piaciuto moltissimo dalla prima all'ultima pagina. A.Zavarelli e Natasha Knight mi hanno conquistata ancora una volta!

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Podría haber sido tolerable si la escritura hubiera sido lo suficientemente redentora como para hacer interesante una premisa tan reciclada. En cambio, resultó monótono y predecible. Los personajes son planos y carentes de cualquier tipo de profundidad.

[Lover Of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

I really enjoy both of these authors so seeing that they teamed up for this was really great. I liked Leg and Kat...would love to see more into their future though.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

This was an excellent duet! Lev and Kat are such a dynamic couple together in this exciting mafia romance. Lots of action with twists and sexy scenes too.

[Fernández Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusta la trama Secret baby, este tiene mucho elementos en destacar y otros no.

[fatima 123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

-dnf
-kinda just skimmed, only read the second one because the first one ended with a plot twist

[Giorgia Gueli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Nienke Zomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leest erg lekker weg, en soms kon ik de spanning tot in mijn botten voelen. Bij vlagen eng en lekker spicy

[Bertrude Clancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. It was not very Mafia heavy, which I like. The FMC does some fairly dumb things for being on the run. If you read the synopsis, you basically know everything about this book