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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
dnf @ 15%
no. i legit have no problems with steamy scenes but these were written way too detailed making it feel like a smut fanfic, i didnt like it either, way too much insta-lust ect.
id rather read something good.
no. i legit have no problems with steamy scenes but these were written way too detailed making it feel like a smut fanfic, i didnt like it either, way too much insta-lust ect.
id rather read something good.
3.5 overall
CW: Kidnapping (more details below), dubious consent (some coercive situations, one involving alcohol), kink (done well IMO), violence (he's in the mafia), angst, sex-negativity (that gets addressed), discussions of domestic violence and child sexual abuse (a character talking about their past).
I read this in 3 parts, via audiobook. While the narration was good, I wouldn't recommend listening to this story in this (broken up) format. This is written as a cohesive story and the cliffhanger breaks are jarring and pulled me out of the story.
The story itself started strong, despite its fantastical setup of a broke college student discovering she's the lost heir of a Russian mafia boss, who is kidnapped ("for her protection") by his right-hand man who is the exact kind of kinky she's needed in her life. Also, she's a virgin and he resists her out of respect for her father and a deep sense of self-hatred because he has *gasp* a dark past. I say this all with a great deal of affection for these tropes, and characters.
Natalie is a fun protagonist. Her internal monologue had me cackling at several points. No surprise Cole has a gift for writing humorous and resilient heroines with a meta sense of humor about the often over-the-top situations they find themselves in, which is Natalie to a tee.
Aleksei is a delightful blend of dangerous brute and restrained aristocrate. I love criminals with a code, and the pairing of experiance with violence and emotional vulnrabilty. He's a mystery for a lot of the story which can be annoying at certain parts, but by the end I was fine with it because the resolution was satisfying, for me.
This story has explosive sexual tension that's drawn out by the delay of P in V sex, but there's still plenty of oral, fingering, and mutal masturbation to entertain us while you wait. I like how Cole turned the virgin heroine trope on its head by making her the one who is more comfortable with sex and ultimate helps him accept his kinkiness. That treatment of kink was really good, imo. The depiction of scenes through Natalie's POV showing how exhibition, pain play, and D/s dynamics can be healthy, even liberating experiances for people. I really liked how the story directly addressed misconceptions about BDSM and trauma.
I don't know if people who aren't into these tropes (listed above) would enjoy this book. It's very much made for a target audience. The kinapping-ish set up and Aleksei's behavior could easily be read as a huge red flag, a point made by Natalie herself. But the story did a good job of balancing the power dynamic between them in ways that worked for me, but again may not work for others. Be forewarned.
This is a very romaticised American view of Russian organized crime. It takes great steps to make both the hero and herione's father look like decent men who've resorted to crime out of political and economical, as well as personal reasons. While I love this perspective on criminals, especially when they're from marginalized groups, it gets a little suspect when it's white American's writing about white criminals. I'm used to this and can overlook it, but it might be irritating to other readers.
Overall I liked this book and plan to read the next in the series. I would recommend this to fans of mafia Romance and specifically Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises. IYKYK
CW: Kidnapping (more details below), dubious consent (some coercive situations, one involving alcohol), kink (done well IMO), violence (he's in the mafia), angst, sex-negativity (that gets addressed), discussions of domestic violence and child sexual abuse (a character talking about their past).
I read this in 3 parts, via audiobook. While the narration was good, I wouldn't recommend listening to this story in this (broken up) format. This is written as a cohesive story and the cliffhanger breaks are jarring and pulled me out of the story.
The story itself started strong, despite its fantastical setup of a broke college student discovering she's the lost heir of a Russian mafia boss, who is kidnapped ("for her protection") by his right-hand man who is the exact kind of kinky she's needed in her life. Also, she's a virgin and he resists her out of respect for her father and a deep sense of self-hatred because he has *gasp* a dark past. I say this all with a great deal of affection for these tropes, and characters.
Natalie is a fun protagonist. Her internal monologue had me cackling at several points. No surprise Cole has a gift for writing humorous and resilient heroines with a meta sense of humor about the often over-the-top situations they find themselves in, which is Natalie to a tee.
Aleksei is a delightful blend of dangerous brute and restrained aristocrate. I love criminals with a code, and the pairing of experiance with violence and emotional vulnrabilty. He's a mystery for a lot of the story which can be annoying at certain parts, but by the end I was fine with it because the resolution was satisfying, for me.
This story has explosive sexual tension that's drawn out by the delay of P in V sex, but there's still plenty of oral, fingering, and mutal masturbation to entertain us while you wait. I like how Cole turned the virgin heroine trope on its head by making her the one who is more comfortable with sex and ultimate helps him accept his kinkiness. That treatment of kink was really good, imo. The depiction of scenes through Natalie's POV showing how exhibition, pain play, and D/s dynamics can be healthy, even liberating experiances for people. I really liked how the story directly addressed misconceptions about BDSM and trauma.
I don't know if people who aren't into these tropes (listed above) would enjoy this book. It's very much made for a target audience. The kinapping-ish set up and Aleksei's behavior could easily be read as a huge red flag, a point made by Natalie herself. But the story did a good job of balancing the power dynamic between them in ways that worked for me, but again may not work for others. Be forewarned.
This is a very romaticised American view of Russian organized crime. It takes great steps to make both the hero and herione's father look like decent men who've resorted to crime out of political and economical, as well as personal reasons. While I love this perspective on criminals, especially when they're from marginalized groups, it gets a little suspect when it's white American's writing about white criminals. I'm used to this and can overlook it, but it might be irritating to other readers.
Overall I liked this book and plan to read the next in the series. I would recommend this to fans of mafia Romance and specifically Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises. IYKYK
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am in two minds about this book. The smut scenes, fantastic. The ending was my favourite part however for the majority of this book, I felt like the relationship between the two main characters was toxic. Upon finishing this book, I understand a little bit more of why it was like that but I do wish the communication was so much better because this ended up being more of a character-based book than a plot-based book but it took so long for anything to really progress.
Part of me thinks this was a 2-star because IRL this story would freak me right out and part of me thinks this was a 4-star because the OTT feels were highly entertaining. So, we'll split the difference and call it 3 with the knowledge that these numbers aren't really all that meaningful.
I picked this up because I saw something on twitter about books with the morality chain trope and this came up at the top of the list. The name "morality chain" is new to me, but I do have an inexplicable fondness for this trope sometimes.
CW: violence, sex (m/f), light but descriptive BDSM elements (spanking/flogging, voyeurism, exhibitionism, etc.)
I picked this up because I saw something on twitter about books with the morality chain trope and this came up at the top of the list. The name "morality chain" is new to me, but I do have an inexplicable fondness for this trope sometimes.
CW: violence, sex (m/f), light but descriptive BDSM elements (spanking/flogging, voyeurism, exhibitionism, etc.)
I started this book with high expectations because I've read a good number of Coles IAD series and have enjoyed some of the less popular ones. But I just couldn't with this one.
I understand it's an older one or hers and she was developing her style. But I still could not get into it.
I ended up not caring for either of the MC's by the end. But I especially disliked the hero. He was just a little too much of an alpha-hole for me. And he did waaaaaay too little groveling at the end to make up for it. The heroine just came off as a door-mat by the end because of that.
I can give it points for showing parts of what a good BDSM relationship can look like. With the right after care and letting the sub end things if they need too. But that's about all I can say for this.
Oh and one more point for a fantastic side bestie Jess. There was really nothing about her I didn't like and I'd have rather read a book about her.
Besides my issues with the MCs the plot was banana town bonkers and I really just found the whole thing un-relatable and hard to digest. Sorry Kresley, probably will never bother with the rest. But that's okay I still have like 10+ IAD books to catch up on.
I understand it's an older one or hers and she was developing her style. But I still could not get into it.
I ended up not caring for either of the MC's by the end. But I especially disliked the hero. He was just a little too much of an alpha-hole for me. And he did waaaaaay too little groveling at the end to make up for it. The heroine just came off as a door-mat by the end because of that.
I can give it points for showing parts of what a good BDSM relationship can look like. With the right after care and letting the sub end things if they need too. But that's about all I can say for this.
Oh and one more point for a fantastic side bestie Jess. There was really nothing about her I didn't like and I'd have rather read a book about her.
Besides my issues with the MCs the plot was banana town bonkers and I really just found the whole thing un-relatable and hard to digest. Sorry Kresley, probably will never bother with the rest. But that's okay I still have like 10+ IAD books to catch up on.
Holy HAWTness, Batman!!! I was not expecting that. For anyone who thinks 50 Shades is risque, you ain't seen nothin'!
Even though this book is wildly erotic, there's still a fantastic plot. The story is totally out there but is still believable and really, really good. And the chemistry is off the charts!
Even though this book is wildly erotic, there's still a fantastic plot. The story is totally out there but is still believable and really, really good. And the chemistry is off the charts!
Russian mafia meets 50 Shades of Gray and it was all sorts of terrible. Terrible relationship, implausible plot, etc.
This book again is on of the clichéd bdsm romance novel... With a hot, dominating, alpha male ( i love them!!!) and a stupid, naive girl who shouldn't have loved the bondage stuff, but she does..
I seriously don't know what is wrong with most of the female characters in most of the books. Why do they become a bloody mess in front of hot guys? They are in the beginning portrayed all smart and intelligent who don't fall for male easily and tend to stray clear of them and then suddenly there comes a bad boy type character and they are falling for them??? WHAT-THE-HELL???
He was like a history book written in a script I’d never seen. Fascinating.
Oh yeah! This girl : Natalie, is ignoring everyone guy in the bar, and then she sees him and he is all fascinating and attractive, and he suddenly becomes the guy you wanna give your v-card to!! WOW!!!
Another very big problem with female population is that they despite them being in a major problem, where she is being kidnapped from her house, wearing only a pink robe by a guy who looks like a serial killer had shown stocker tendency and all she can think about is how hood and handsome he looks in a rugged up way and how attractive she founds him???? Seriously!! Are you fecking with me!!
Yes! She does tries to run from the kidnapper who is also her bodyguard but then she is suddenly opening her legs for him and that also in a corn field!!! Oh God!!! No!! This is utterly unacceptable.. Yes! He said he was worker for her father and came to take her there, but how does she knows he is speaking the truth, how can u believe a man you met 2 hours ago!? Just because he is good looking??? He could have been an enemy who came to kidnap her, but she doesn't care!!! Awesome!! She should be afraid of him but Noooo! She is fecking aroused by it!!!
I was embroiled in dangerous circumstances with a mysterious stranger, but I felt no fear. I felt . . . anticipation.
Was danger turning me on? The tension between us seemed to shift; as smoothly as a machine switching gears, my confusion morphed into hazy heat. I hadn’t known I had this in me?? Who am i?
You my girl are a stupid bloody fool!!!!
Another thing i have noticed in most of the books about girls.. And please you do explain me why do girls run after a bad boy who doesn't give them shit, doesn't even talk to them and leave a sweet guy who is giving them everything!???? Why??? I have stopped many books in middle because of this problem.. I feel sad for those sweet guys who are giving them moons and stars but nooo... They want shit!! Wow!! I understand it's no one's fault whom they like, but you could do a noble job and not lead them..but no!! We leas them on, to make the other guy jealous and then leave them high and dry!! Spectacular!!
Our kidnapper aka Sevastyan who is a hit man, an enforcer, a bad boy suddenly likes this girl so much he wants to tie them both in a marriage type relationship, a contract, bind them completely together!!! Are you kidding me??? This doesn't happens this way please!! Mafia people are all tough and rough, showing no emotions but no ours truly do have a soft, sweet side!! Wow!! This was really laughable!! I don't know but i feel they r all rough and tough, Yes! They r also human n allowed to show emotion, but mafia people are different, they can't be all sweety and cute... ( please entirely. My view, no offence to anyone).. But Sevastyan is all tough, but when he meets our sweet girl he turns all caring and sweet!! Nice fast change!! Real fast!!
Then the other usual hot, bondage, sensual sex or foreplay ( which was real good.. Can appreciate that) but the story line was so boring and usual, the common.. Either the boy wants the girl and she refuses, but ultimately they fall in love and have babies or the other way round. I don't know maybe the plot might have turned different if i had continued it, but sorry i was so bored in the beginning i couldn't control my yawns...
I seriously don't know what is wrong with most of the female characters in most of the books. Why do they become a bloody mess in front of hot guys? They are in the beginning portrayed all smart and intelligent who don't fall for male easily and tend to stray clear of them and then suddenly there comes a bad boy type character and they are falling for them??? WHAT-THE-HELL???
He was like a history book written in a script I’d never seen. Fascinating.
Oh yeah! This girl : Natalie, is ignoring everyone guy in the bar, and then she sees him and he is all fascinating and attractive, and he suddenly becomes the guy you wanna give your v-card to!! WOW!!!
Another very big problem with female population is that they despite them being in a major problem, where she is being kidnapped from her house, wearing only a pink robe by a guy who looks like a serial killer had shown stocker tendency and all she can think about is how hood and handsome he looks in a rugged up way and how attractive she founds him???? Seriously!! Are you fecking with me!!
Yes! She does tries to run from the kidnapper who is also her bodyguard but then she is suddenly opening her legs for him and that also in a corn field!!! Oh God!!! No!! This is utterly unacceptable.. Yes! He said he was worker for her father and came to take her there, but how does she knows he is speaking the truth, how can u believe a man you met 2 hours ago!? Just because he is good looking??? He could have been an enemy who came to kidnap her, but she doesn't care!!! Awesome!! She should be afraid of him but Noooo! She is fecking aroused by it!!!
I was embroiled in dangerous circumstances with a mysterious stranger, but I felt no fear. I felt . . . anticipation.
Was danger turning me on? The tension between us seemed to shift; as smoothly as a machine switching gears, my confusion morphed into hazy heat. I hadn’t known I had this in me?? Who am i?
You my girl are a stupid bloody fool!!!!
Another thing i have noticed in most of the books about girls.. And please you do explain me why do girls run after a bad boy who doesn't give them shit, doesn't even talk to them and leave a sweet guy who is giving them everything!???? Why??? I have stopped many books in middle because of this problem.. I feel sad for those sweet guys who are giving them moons and stars but nooo... They want shit!! Wow!! I understand it's no one's fault whom they like, but you could do a noble job and not lead them..but no!! We leas them on, to make the other guy jealous and then leave them high and dry!! Spectacular!!
Our kidnapper aka Sevastyan who is a hit man, an enforcer, a bad boy suddenly likes this girl so much he wants to tie them both in a marriage type relationship, a contract, bind them completely together!!! Are you kidding me??? This doesn't happens this way please!! Mafia people are all tough and rough, showing no emotions but no ours truly do have a soft, sweet side!! Wow!! This was really laughable!! I don't know but i feel they r all rough and tough, Yes! They r also human n allowed to show emotion, but mafia people are different, they can't be all sweety and cute... ( please entirely. My view, no offence to anyone).. But Sevastyan is all tough, but when he meets our sweet girl he turns all caring and sweet!! Nice fast change!! Real fast!!
Then the other usual hot, bondage, sensual sex or foreplay ( which was real good.. Can appreciate that) but the story line was so boring and usual, the common.. Either the boy wants the girl and she refuses, but ultimately they fall in love and have babies or the other way round. I don't know maybe the plot might have turned different if i had continued it, but sorry i was so bored in the beginning i couldn't control my yawns...