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Perfectly Imperfect #1
Painted Scars
Nina
Charming, captivating, and seductive,
And a cold-blooded killer.
But I married the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva anyway.
I had to. It was part of the deal.
Now, I’m faking marital bliss,
As I tremble with fear,
And I cannot wait to be out of the clutches of this ruthless man.
Roman
I get anything I desire.
And I want this perfectly imperfect little manipulator.
The way she can deceive anyone into believing she’s crazy in love with me,
Just makes me want her even more.
She doesn't know it yet,
But I am not letting her go.
The deal - is off.
*Painted Scars is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the first book in Perfectly Imperfect dark mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
Charming, captivating, and seductive,
And a cold-blooded killer.
But I married the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva anyway.
I had to. It was part of the deal.
Now, I’m faking marital bliss,
As I tremble with fear,
And I cannot wait to be out of the clutches of this ruthless man.
Roman
I get anything I desire.
And I want this perfectly imperfect little manipulator.
The way she can deceive anyone into believing she’s crazy in love with me,
Just makes me want her even more.
She doesn't know it yet,
But I am not letting her go.
The deal - is off.
*Painted Scars is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the first book in Perfectly Imperfect dark mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,913 reviews
June 16, 2023
This book is basically: “omg I’m so tiny🥺”
December 27, 2024
If I was still a teen in my Wattpad era, I would've definitely loved this book 💀
December 11, 2023
nothing mind blowing but it was entertaining enough for me to mindlessly read it
this exchange had me bricked tho:
“You will end this fucking war you have started, you hear me? I don’t care how you do it, but end it, or so help me God, I’m going to kill you myself.”
“Marry me,” he says, “and I’ll stop the war.”
3.5 ⭐️
this exchange had me bricked tho:
“You will end this fucking war you have started, you hear me? I don’t care how you do it, but end it, or so help me God, I’m going to kill you myself.”
“Marry me,” he says, “and I’ll stop the war.”
3.5 ⭐️
September 29, 2022
3.5 Smut Stars
I'll be honest, this was very surface level as far as character development and plot...and I say that because I felt in my gut the whole time that the author was capable of adding that extra level of oooomph needed to make it truly great...
Regardless, this was solidly written for what it is: A smutty arranged marriage mafia romance.
And it scratched that itch HARD for me. I will definitely revisit this in the future and have already finished book two.
I'll be honest, this was very surface level as far as character development and plot...and I say that because I felt in my gut the whole time that the author was capable of adding that extra level of oooomph needed to make it truly great...
Regardless, this was solidly written for what it is: A smutty arranged marriage mafia romance.
And it scratched that itch HARD for me. I will definitely revisit this in the future and have already finished book two.
October 28, 2022
The book was so .... fast.
One chapter they're meeting the next they're getting married.
I felt nothing.
I don't even know when they fell in love.
I felt NOTHING.
ALSO.
Someone in her family must be of Asian descent because there is a slight tilt to her eyes, which makes them appear cat-like.
I fucking hate everything about this sentence.
if you overlook her breasts, she could pass as a teenager
I love age gaps but thoughts like this unsettles me.
She could pass as a teenager and you a grown man thinking about her sexually.
Nina has an exotic beauty that attracts attention
As someone who has heard "exotic" used for me quite some times
Let me tell you
No woman wants to be called exotic as a compliment.
One chapter they're meeting the next they're getting married.
I felt nothing.
I don't even know when they fell in love.
I felt NOTHING.
ALSO.
Someone in her family must be of Asian descent because there is a slight tilt to her eyes, which makes them appear cat-like.
I fucking hate everything about this sentence.
if you overlook her breasts, she could pass as a teenager
I love age gaps but thoughts like this unsettles me.
She could pass as a teenager and you a grown man thinking about her sexually.
Nina has an exotic beauty that attracts attention
As someone who has heard "exotic" used for me quite some times
Let me tell you
No woman wants to be called exotic as a compliment.
February 17, 2025
Pretty average as far as mafia romance goes but I was entertained and devoured it nonetheless. It just felt way too rushed and was heavy on the insta love! Which was a shame because I did really like the characters! The arranged marriage was scrumptious and I did read it in one sitting so take with that what you will….. yes I will be reading book 2 immediately.
July 21, 2024
– 3 stars ✰
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too, my dangerous kotik.”
I enjoyed this so much more then i thought i would. It was wattpadish but i kind of missed that style of books. I heard the next book is so much better, so I can’t want to continue with this sometime soon.
“Marry me,” he says, “and I’ll stop the war.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too, my dangerous kotik.”
I enjoyed this so much more then i thought i would. It was wattpadish but i kind of missed that style of books. I heard the next book is so much better, so I can’t want to continue with this sometime soon.
“Marry me,” he says, “and I’ll stop the war.”
December 23, 2024
"marry me, and i'll stop the war" LADIES NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS
June 27, 2024
2/5
I think I can officially say I've outgrown trashy wattpad-ish mafia romances.
I think I can officially say I've outgrown trashy wattpad-ish mafia romances.
September 8, 2022
3 Staking Your Claim Stars ⭐
If you want a milder take on the whole mafia romance trope you would probably like this. Painted Scars was easy to read, low drama and humorous in parts. My feelings are mixed.
Pakhan mafia boss Roman needs a wife and Nina needs her dad not to be killed for taking money from the Russian Bratva. I guess it’s a win, win. It was meant to be a six-month contract except Roman is smitten by his kooky wife and Nina is charmed by the not so scary bossman.
I stare at him and laugh. “Man, I did good. I’m such a gold digger. My mom will be really happy when she hears.”
“Why?”
“She’s always advised me to marry well, among other things. I guess I can cross that one off the list.”
“And what are the other things.”
“Get a degree in economics. Not to bite my nails. Die my hair blonde.”
You know when a book isn’t brilliant but you’re happily reading along because your brain is chilled and there are worse things you could be doing? It’s just that the actual storyline was light on depth, cute in parts and the sex scenes lackluster. Strangely enough, I think I’ll read the next one…
If you want a milder take on the whole mafia romance trope you would probably like this. Painted Scars was easy to read, low drama and humorous in parts. My feelings are mixed.
Pakhan mafia boss Roman needs a wife and Nina needs her dad not to be killed for taking money from the Russian Bratva. I guess it’s a win, win. It was meant to be a six-month contract except Roman is smitten by his kooky wife and Nina is charmed by the not so scary bossman.
I stare at him and laugh. “Man, I did good. I’m such a gold digger. My mom will be really happy when she hears.”
“Why?”
“She’s always advised me to marry well, among other things. I guess I can cross that one off the list.”
“And what are the other things.”
“Get a degree in economics. Not to bite my nails. Die my hair blonde.”
You know when a book isn’t brilliant but you’re happily reading along because your brain is chilled and there are worse things you could be doing? It’s just that the actual storyline was light on depth, cute in parts and the sex scenes lackluster. Strangely enough, I think I’ll read the next one…
September 24, 2024
➳ 4 stars
➳ Mafia Romance Worth Every Page
Why does this book have such a low rating when it's so freaking good? 😭 I've been craving a good mafia book with possessive scenes and balanced relationship dynamics, and this book DELIVERED!
Nina Grey/Petrova .𖥔 ݁ ˖
⤷ Forget the damsel in distress, Nina is a firecracker! 🤭 she's full of sass & vibrant personality, that she lights up every scene she's in. Her corny jokes and sass keep Roman on his toes, making their interactions pure gold. i just love her! ✋🏻🥺
Roman Petrov .𖥔 ݁ ˖
⤷ a mafia Pakhan on crutches was unexpected, But it doesn't overshadow the story. Roman's personality, mixed with Nina's antics, creates magic! Roman's blend of possessiveness and soft-heartedness is swoon-worthy. His obsession with Nina leads to the cutest moments, he cares for her sm 🥹
➳ giggling-screaming-crying-me n who moments .𖥔 ݁ ˖
1) ❝Are you trying to manipulate me?❞
❝Yes.❞ Another kiss, this time on the other side of his jaw. ❝Is it working?❞
❝Maybe.❞ — 😭💕😩
2) ❝You are my wife. Hurting you would mean hurting me.❞ — 🥹🧎♀️
3) ❝The only thing I want is you. Can I have you, please?❞
❝You already have me, malysh.❞ — 🤧
4) ❝Marry me,❞ he says, ❝and I’ll stop the war.❞ — ugh brb 😭
Ratings .𖥔 ݁ ˖
Broken Whispers (Mikhail & Bianca) – 4 stars
Hidden Truths (Sergei & Angelina) – 1 star
Burned Dreams (Az & Ravenna) – 3 stars
Fractured Souls (Pavel & Asya) – 3.5 stars
Silent Lies (Drago & Sienna) – 3.75 stars
➳ Mafia Romance Worth Every Page
Why does this book have such a low rating when it's so freaking good? 😭 I've been craving a good mafia book with possessive scenes and balanced relationship dynamics, and this book DELIVERED!
Nina Grey/Petrova .𖥔 ݁ ˖
⤷ Forget the damsel in distress, Nina is a firecracker! 🤭 she's full of sass & vibrant personality, that she lights up every scene she's in. Her corny jokes and sass keep Roman on his toes, making their interactions pure gold. i just love her! ✋🏻🥺
Roman Petrov .𖥔 ݁ ˖
⤷ a mafia Pakhan on crutches was unexpected, But it doesn't overshadow the story. Roman's personality, mixed with Nina's antics, creates magic! Roman's blend of possessiveness and soft-heartedness is swoon-worthy. His obsession with Nina leads to the cutest moments, he cares for her sm 🥹
➳ giggling-screaming-crying-me n who moments .𖥔 ݁ ˖
1) ❝Are you trying to manipulate me?❞
❝Yes.❞ Another kiss, this time on the other side of his jaw. ❝Is it working?❞
❝Maybe.❞ — 😭💕😩
2) ❝You are my wife. Hurting you would mean hurting me.❞ — 🥹🧎♀️
3) ❝The only thing I want is you. Can I have you, please?❞
❝You already have me, malysh.❞ — 🤧
4) ❝Marry me,❞ he says, ❝and I’ll stop the war.❞ — ugh brb 😭
Ratings .𖥔 ݁ ˖
Broken Whispers (Mikhail & Bianca) – 4 stars
Hidden Truths (Sergei & Angelina) – 1 star
Burned Dreams (Az & Ravenna) – 3 stars
Fractured Souls (Pavel & Asya) – 3.5 stars
Silent Lies (Drago & Sienna) – 3.75 stars
August 8, 2023
she came after two thrusts… do with that what you will.
December 21, 2024
4 ⭐
OMG??? I LOVED THE BOOK TOO MUCH 🥹
OMG??? I LOVED THE BOOK TOO MUCH 🥹
June 7, 2022
4 💘💘💘💘🌟s❣️
The first thing you need to know is that Painted Scars is a very light mafia romance read (MRR 101). It was more focused on the element of romance rather than the mafia. The only ‘dark’ feature in this book was the cover, which was amazing!!
So, this debut brought such a huge smile on my face since I enjoyed it so much!!!!
Roman and Nina were in an unexpected six-months arranged marriage situation, to their knowledge, without having hostile feelings for each other.
Roman needed to be wed as to not be shown as a weak Bratva Pakhan since he was in a wheelchair after an attempted murder against him.
Nina’s father embezzled 3 million dollars from Bratva and his daughter was the best candidate for the bride position. Besides, she was great in mimicking other characters which meant she could very well act as a happy wife.
Despite any differences or situations occurred, they worked very well together and supported one another.
Roman was grumpy and reserved but with Nina was a different character. More compassionate and giving person.
They had a wonderful chemistry and their connection was developed effortlessly. They made a fantastic couple!!! I wish it was longer!!!
The secondary characters were interesting as well and I am anticipating for their stories to follow!!
The first thing you need to know is that Painted Scars is a very light mafia romance read (MRR 101). It was more focused on the element of romance rather than the mafia. The only ‘dark’ feature in this book was the cover, which was amazing!!
So, this debut brought such a huge smile on my face since I enjoyed it so much!!!!
Roman and Nina were in an unexpected six-months arranged marriage situation, to their knowledge, without having hostile feelings for each other.
Roman needed to be wed as to not be shown as a weak Bratva Pakhan since he was in a wheelchair after an attempted murder against him.
Nina’s father embezzled 3 million dollars from Bratva and his daughter was the best candidate for the bride position. Besides, she was great in mimicking other characters which meant she could very well act as a happy wife.
Despite any differences or situations occurred, they worked very well together and supported one another.
Roman was grumpy and reserved but with Nina was a different character. More compassionate and giving person.
They had a wonderful chemistry and their connection was developed effortlessly. They made a fantastic couple!!! I wish it was longer!!!
The secondary characters were interesting as well and I am anticipating for their stories to follow!!
April 24, 2023
Had I known how this author was a full blown plagiarist I would have never picked this book up, but seeing how I pretty much hated it anyways I figured why not review it 🤩
This gave nothing. It felt 2D in a way? I'm not sure if this makes sense to you guys, but it makes sense in my head so boom.
The characters? Flat.
The story/plot? What's that?
The smut? ... Two words: middle schooler.
This girl was coming after TWO thrusts and no foreplay... like get me whatever orgasm creating crack she is on please.
This is a no for me.
This gave nothing. It felt 2D in a way? I'm not sure if this makes sense to you guys, but it makes sense in my head so boom.
The characters? Flat.
The story/plot? What's that?
The smut? ... Two words: middle schooler.
This girl was coming after TWO thrusts and no foreplay... like get me whatever orgasm creating crack she is on please.
This is a no for me.
September 29, 2024
Reading this felt like the author was tired and wanted to go to bed 🫣 I love mafia books but this was so underwhelming.
July 23, 2024
[1.9⭐] 𝘾𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨: 𝙈𝙖𝙛𝙞𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 es una novela de amor escrita por Neva Altaj. La historia está narrada desde dos puntos de vista: el de Roman y el de Nina. Roman es uno de los líderes de la mafia rusa (el Pakhan de la Bratva rusa) y se ve obligado a fingir que está casado con Nina para no perder el respeto de su gente.
Sabía que la novela no sería del todo buena, pero de todos modos le quise dar una oportunidad porque me gustan las historias de mafiosos. Si tuviera que ponerle etiquetas, diría que es dark romance, fake dating y he falls first. Eso sí, advierto que no es una novela tan oscura en comparación a otras que he leído; aquí se prioriza mucho más el amor, así que podría ser un buen inicio para alguien que nunca ha leído dark romance.
Cuando lees este tipo de historias, esperas que las escenas sexuales sean formidables (ni siquiera pides que la trama sea buena porque sabes que será plana y evidente), pero esto no sucede aquí. La primera escena sexual es deprimente; hasta pensé que había sido un sueño de la protagonista por lo rápida y triste que fue. El sexo fue muy abrupto y no tenía coherencia con la narración: la chica solo fue a buscar el teléfono y, de la nada, empiezan a tener sexo muy rápido siendo que era la primera vez.
De igual manera, hay momentos en los que sentí que la autora no lograba crear bien el ambiente y que su historia carecía de coherencia. Por ejemplo, cuando la protagonista le pregunta a un guardaespaldas en cuál boutique iban a comprar y este responde: "Roman dijo que en la más cara. No presté atención al nombre." Sentí que ese diálogo era muy soso y absurdo; hubiese quedado mejor si el guardaespaldas decía un nombre y la protagonista mencionara que era la boutique más cara.
También, tengo que advertir que esta historia puede causar mucho cringe. Le mandé un extracto por WhatsApp a mis amigos y hasta lo subí en una historia de Instagram. El resultado fue una ola de carcajadas y burlas de mis amistades (hasta el día de hoy algunos me dicen "oye, gata salvaje"). A continuación, dejo el extracto: “Necesito que digas que sí. No hay manera en que pueda pasar una noche más sin mi gata salvaje, acurrucada a mi lado. Se llevó mi negro corazón con ella el día que se marchó, y si dice que no, puede quedárselo. De todos modos, no podré estar con nadie más.” Se supone que esa escena era triste, pero lo único que ocasiona es risa y rechazo por parte del lector. Pienso que esos apodos habrían sido mejor a la hora de crear un ambiente sexual (cosa que la autora nunca logra: siempre son escenas sexuales abruptas y que duran un miserable párrafo sin coqueteo previo).
Luego, hay pequeños tecnicismos como el hecho de que hay palabras mal traducidas del ruso. Aunque no culpo a la escritora, ya que seguramente no habla ruso y terminó optando por usar Google Traductor. En mi caso, sí hablo algo de ruso (tomé clases y el marido de mi hermana es ruso), así que no fue una grata experiencia ver palabras que no coincidían muy bien.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝘾𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨: 𝙈𝙖𝙛𝙞𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 es una novela muy rápida de leer y básica. Si quieres algo fácil, rápido, ligero y de mafiosos, esta es tu historia. Si quieres un romance de mafiosos más oscuro y con buenas escenas sexuales, esta no es tu novela. Por desgracia, yo formo parte del segundo grupo y es por eso que no me gustó; le tenía más fe. Aunque, tal y como dije al inicio, si nunca has leído dark romance, este libro es una buena opción para comenzar.
Sabía que la novela no sería del todo buena, pero de todos modos le quise dar una oportunidad porque me gustan las historias de mafiosos. Si tuviera que ponerle etiquetas, diría que es dark romance, fake dating y he falls first. Eso sí, advierto que no es una novela tan oscura en comparación a otras que he leído; aquí se prioriza mucho más el amor, así que podría ser un buen inicio para alguien que nunca ha leído dark romance.
Cuando lees este tipo de historias, esperas que las escenas sexuales sean formidables (ni siquiera pides que la trama sea buena porque sabes que será plana y evidente), pero esto no sucede aquí. La primera escena sexual es deprimente; hasta pensé que había sido un sueño de la protagonista por lo rápida y triste que fue. El sexo fue muy abrupto y no tenía coherencia con la narración: la chica solo fue a buscar el teléfono y, de la nada, empiezan a tener sexo muy rápido siendo que era la primera vez.
De igual manera, hay momentos en los que sentí que la autora no lograba crear bien el ambiente y que su historia carecía de coherencia. Por ejemplo, cuando la protagonista le pregunta a un guardaespaldas en cuál boutique iban a comprar y este responde: "Roman dijo que en la más cara. No presté atención al nombre." Sentí que ese diálogo era muy soso y absurdo; hubiese quedado mejor si el guardaespaldas decía un nombre y la protagonista mencionara que era la boutique más cara.
También, tengo que advertir que esta historia puede causar mucho cringe. Le mandé un extracto por WhatsApp a mis amigos y hasta lo subí en una historia de Instagram. El resultado fue una ola de carcajadas y burlas de mis amistades (hasta el día de hoy algunos me dicen "oye, gata salvaje"). A continuación, dejo el extracto: “Necesito que digas que sí. No hay manera en que pueda pasar una noche más sin mi gata salvaje, acurrucada a mi lado. Se llevó mi negro corazón con ella el día que se marchó, y si dice que no, puede quedárselo. De todos modos, no podré estar con nadie más.” Se supone que esa escena era triste, pero lo único que ocasiona es risa y rechazo por parte del lector. Pienso que esos apodos habrían sido mejor a la hora de crear un ambiente sexual (cosa que la autora nunca logra: siempre son escenas sexuales abruptas y que duran un miserable párrafo sin coqueteo previo).
Luego, hay pequeños tecnicismos como el hecho de que hay palabras mal traducidas del ruso. Aunque no culpo a la escritora, ya que seguramente no habla ruso y terminó optando por usar Google Traductor. En mi caso, sí hablo algo de ruso (tomé clases y el marido de mi hermana es ruso), así que no fue una grata experiencia ver palabras que no coincidían muy bien.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝘾𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨: 𝙈𝙖𝙛𝙞𝙖 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 es una novela muy rápida de leer y básica. Si quieres algo fácil, rápido, ligero y de mafiosos, esta es tu historia. Si quieres un romance de mafiosos más oscuro y con buenas escenas sexuales, esta no es tu novela. Por desgracia, yo formo parte del segundo grupo y es por eso que no me gustó; le tenía más fe. Aunque, tal y como dije al inicio, si nunca has leído dark romance, este libro es una buena opción para comenzar.
August 12, 2022
Wattpad-esque with a few redeeming qualities
1.75/5
Boring, no depth, not much in the way of character development. Spice is usually one to three paragraphs (so no, the book is NOT full of heat).
Plot was meh. Execution was meh.
Nina was interesting and different, I'll give her that. But that doesn't make up for how superficial this book was.
Roman was static and just blah.
Honestly, I only kept reading for Nina. Otherwise I would have DNF'd.
The "tropes" were there, but in a typical Wattpad fashion. All telling, no showing.
Look, I like Wattpad as much as the next person, but this book was marketed very differently than how it actually is. That's my issue with it.
1.75/5
Boring, no depth, not much in the way of character development. Spice is usually one to three paragraphs (so no, the book is NOT full of heat).
Plot was meh. Execution was meh.
Nina was interesting and different, I'll give her that. But that doesn't make up for how superficial this book was.
Roman was static and just blah.
Honestly, I only kept reading for Nina. Otherwise I would have DNF'd.
The "tropes" were there, but in a typical Wattpad fashion. All telling, no showing.
Look, I like Wattpad as much as the next person, but this book was marketed very differently than how it actually is. That's my issue with it.
June 28, 2024
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾. rant with me
dnf at 70%
if i had sleep paralysis, the ongoing scene of it would be someone forcing me to remember the quotes from this book
holding my tears back as i write this piece of information
just need a moment you know (blows out a breath)
what tf was this besties bc bfr with me rn be serious for one second
i don’t even know where to start with this one 😭 the writing was awful i can’t for the life of me describe it it was just so superficial and shallow
the characters? zero thoughts in their little heads (and i mean that literally bc inner monologue? non existent)
the romance? insta love at it’s finest with really bad cheesy conversations and out of the blue declarations
the plot? great questions let me know when you figure that out bc that whole “who exploded me?” was not quite working for me
my expectations were loooooooow (especially since i’m not a fan of mafia romance) but god did she manage to surprise me with her book matter of fact she scarred me for life that’s for sure
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾. pre-reading
everyone look the other way real quick rn please i beg you don’t make me walk shame this one girlies 😫
“but maya you have like two unfinished books to read and twenty non existent reviews you promised to write and oh don’t you forget about your final exams coming soon”
at the end of the day you know what they say: out of sight out of mind 😌🕯️✨
dnf at 70%
if i had sleep paralysis, the ongoing scene of it would be someone forcing me to remember the quotes from this book
holding my tears back as i write this piece of information
just need a moment you know (blows out a breath)
what tf was this besties bc bfr with me rn be serious for one second
i don’t even know where to start with this one 😭 the writing was awful i can’t for the life of me describe it it was just so superficial and shallow
the characters? zero thoughts in their little heads (and i mean that literally bc inner monologue? non existent)
the romance? insta love at it’s finest with really bad cheesy conversations and out of the blue declarations
the plot? great questions let me know when you figure that out bc that whole “who exploded me?” was not quite working for me
my expectations were loooooooow (especially since i’m not a fan of mafia romance) but god did she manage to surprise me with her book matter of fact she scarred me for life that’s for sure
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾. pre-reading
everyone look the other way real quick rn please i beg you don’t make me walk shame this one girlies 😫
“but maya you have like two unfinished books to read and twenty non existent reviews you promised to write and oh don’t you forget about your final exams coming soon”
at the end of the day you know what they say: out of sight out of mind 😌🕯️✨
December 16, 2022
The only good thing about this book is Brando, the Chihuahua, because dogs make everything better.
June 27, 2024
“Marry me,” he says, “and I’ll stop the war.”
4.5 ✮
a whole year later, and this scene still has me in a chokehold. I love them so much omg 🙈🙈
it’s a dark romance but why was it actually so adorable?!?!
4.5 ✮
a whole year later, and this scene still has me in a chokehold. I love them so much omg 🙈🙈
it’s a dark romance but why was it actually so adorable?!?!
March 30, 2023
Update - Çevirisini yaptığım için tekrardan bitirmiş oldum. Bir kez daha okuyacağım, bu sefer hepinizden önce Türkçe olarak okuyacağım :) Yine çok keyif alarak okudum :)
Gerçekten çok severek okudum.
Karakterler nefisti nefis.
1 yıldızı nereden kırdığımı yazacağım sonunda.
Erkek karakterimiz bir saldırı sonucunda dizinden yaralanmış ve 8 aydır tekerlekli sandalyeye mahkum olan bir mafya babası. Rus. Durumundan dolayı da acilen evlenmesi gerektiğini söylüyor sağ kolu. Kendisinden para çalan bir adam var, onu öldürtecekken oyunculuk becerisi iyi olan ressam bir kızı olduğunu öğreniyor ve rol icabı 6 aylığına evlenmesini söylüyor.
Kızımız dediğim gibi bir ressam, tam bir emo gibi falan böyle. Aşırı ufak tefek. Daha önce kendisine uzun ve iri yarı bir adam saldırmış, neredeyse tecavüz edecekmiş, o yüzden uzun adamlardan aşırı korkuyor, panik atak geçiriyor. Kadın karakter bugüne kadar okuduğum en taşşaklı 10 kadın karakter arasına girer :))
Adam, adamlarına kadın odaya girdiğinde oturmalarını falan söylüyor, kadının yanında koruma gönderecekse hep daha kısa olanları falan gönderiyor.. Swoooonnnn....
Sadece entrikası çok azdı, bu klasik birbirini yanlış anlamalar, bilmem neler yoktu. 1 puanı oradan kırdım :D
Gerçekten çok severek okudum.
Karakterler nefisti nefis.
1 yıldızı nereden kırdığımı yazacağım sonunda.
Erkek karakterimiz bir saldırı sonucunda dizinden yaralanmış ve 8 aydır tekerlekli sandalyeye mahkum olan bir mafya babası. Rus. Durumundan dolayı da acilen evlenmesi gerektiğini söylüyor sağ kolu. Kendisinden para çalan bir adam var, onu öldürtecekken oyunculuk becerisi iyi olan ressam bir kızı olduğunu öğreniyor ve rol icabı 6 aylığına evlenmesini söylüyor.
Kızımız dediğim gibi bir ressam, tam bir emo gibi falan böyle. Aşırı ufak tefek. Daha önce kendisine uzun ve iri yarı bir adam saldırmış, neredeyse tecavüz edecekmiş, o yüzden uzun adamlardan aşırı korkuyor, panik atak geçiriyor. Kadın karakter bugüne kadar okuduğum en taşşaklı 10 kadın karakter arasına girer :))
Adam, adamlarına kadın odaya girdiğinde oturmalarını falan söylüyor, kadının yanında koruma gönderecekse hep daha kısa olanları falan gönderiyor.. Swoooonnnn....
Sadece entrikası çok azdı, bu klasik birbirini yanlış anlamalar, bilmem neler yoktu. 1 puanı oradan kırdım :D
July 15, 2023
OKAY, LIKE I HATED THE FEMALE CHARACTER. But I loved the male character. Why is she getting upset bcs he killed someone who hurt her...I could never. Man, I would get on my knees and thank him.
November 11, 2023
I went into this blind. Didn't even read the blurb except that it was a bratva book. This was a new author to me as well. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This wasn't as dark as I was expecting, but instead had a depth to the characters and the interactions between the H and h as they were forced together that I really found quite lovely. I was surprised how much I loved it, but then again I love the underdogs and people who through grit and tenacity fight to overcome their handicaps, be it mental or physical.
This also had my book boyfriend "crack" which is a brutal violent Alpha who has a secret tender side reserved only for his love, or in this case his "little one." Roman was sexy as hell, but thoughtful too. He was so intrigued and captivated by Nina, and so he was determined to keep her safe and to help her overcome her fears. Roman wanted to see her free and happy.
Honestly I loved Nina. She was so different. Neither Roman or I had any clue what she was gonna do or what was gonna come out of her mouth. When they started getting physical she didn't stress about it or try to shame herself she just accepted this was what she wanted and went with the flow. I found her so refreshing, and I think her keeping Roman on his toes really kept him open and allowed their relationship to grow.
This was really well done. It isn't like the normal dark mafia book you'd be expecting, it was a sweeter love story with some bratva violence sprinkled in.
This also had my book boyfriend "crack" which is a brutal violent Alpha who has a secret tender side reserved only for his love, or in this case his "little one." Roman was sexy as hell, but thoughtful too. He was so intrigued and captivated by Nina, and so he was determined to keep her safe and to help her overcome her fears. Roman wanted to see her free and happy.
“Patience.” He wraps an arm around my ribcage and raises me to sit on his stomach. Placing his hands behind my knees, he urges me up his body until I’m sitting on his breastbone.
“Roman?” I look down at him in surprise.
“You are not comfortable lying on your back. So, we improvise.”
His hands trail up my thighs until he’s gripping my butt cheeks, and he ushers my body forward until his mouth is positioned just a few inches from my core.
“Hands on the headboard,” he says, “and hold tight.”
Honestly I loved Nina. She was so different. Neither Roman or I had any clue what she was gonna do or what was gonna come out of her mouth. When they started getting physical she didn't stress about it or try to shame herself she just accepted this was what she wanted and went with the flow. I found her so refreshing, and I think her keeping Roman on his toes really kept him open and allowed their relationship to grow.
This was really well done. It isn't like the normal dark mafia book you'd be expecting, it was a sweeter love story with some bratva violence sprinkled in.
March 3, 2024
2.75 ⭐️
“𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒆,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 “𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒓.”
I can’t believe that i read this book just because of that one particular quote that has been going around in my TikTok FYP and i hereby want to say, it was underwhelming.
If you are in the mood for a mafia romance and pick this up expecting it to have some action and violence of the mafia setting, you would be heavily disappointed because this had none of those. This was so very mild it’s almost zero on the ‘mafia’ part. The MMC was a Pakhan but he did not feel like one. Apart from the mention of him killing a man in one scene, he was, most of the time, felt ‘soft’ to me. The FMC was annoying and she’s been acting like she married a saint when she clearly knew who she was forced to marry to in the place. Suddenly one day, she was shocked that her mafia husband who’s a Pakhan, killed a man and asked for a divorce because she can’t accept that her husband was a murderer like be fucking serious right now! She was nothing special. An easily forgotten character.
Overall, this was so bad but it does its job for getting me out of a slump. Also, this was such a quick and easy read. So i take that as a win. Will i continue with the series? Probably, for when i need an easy, no brainer read.
“𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒆,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 “𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒓.”
I can’t believe that i read this book just because of that one particular quote that has been going around in my TikTok FYP and i hereby want to say, it was underwhelming.
If you are in the mood for a mafia romance and pick this up expecting it to have some action and violence of the mafia setting, you would be heavily disappointed because this had none of those. This was so very mild it’s almost zero on the ‘mafia’ part. The MMC was a Pakhan but he did not feel like one. Apart from the mention of him killing a man in one scene, he was, most of the time, felt ‘soft’ to me. The FMC was annoying and she’s been acting like she married a saint when she clearly knew who she was forced to marry to in the place. Suddenly one day, she was shocked that her mafia husband who’s a Pakhan, killed a man and asked for a divorce because she can’t accept that her husband was a murderer like be fucking serious right now! She was nothing special. An easily forgotten character.
Overall, this was so bad but it does its job for getting me out of a slump. Also, this was such a quick and easy read. So i take that as a win. Will i continue with the series? Probably, for when i need an easy, no brainer read.
May 27, 2023
Nina finds herself bound in marriage to Roman, head of the Bratva, in exchange for saving her father. But it's not really bad times at all. The originality of the heroine was refreshing; she even constructed and acted upon personas for situations, indulging the antihero, and both were left chuckling.
A light read, no artifice and a lot of humor and a spritely, quirky Nina matched with Roman's bad boy grumpiness, who really was a sweetheart to her. Not the usual tumultuous, enemies to lovers relationship and instead an attraction that simply creeps upon them and heats up. Again, I loved the straightforwardness of their relationship, no meaningless push and pull, hot and cold. Even the sexual attraction felt organic, and they gave into it simply because they wanted to without contrived second thoughts. This was a moderately spicy read.
Great story progression, and not a book I would classify as dark at all, just some violence but not graphic. These were two soulmates, a hero who was sweet to his woman, and she to him. An easy, comforting and warm read with a lot of humor, not relying on manufactured turmoil or angst as a plot tool, even if it, unfortunately, suffered the too common and irksome “third-act breakup” and separation. Still, intrigue in a humorous, possessive, I’ll break you for hurting her Bravta backdrop, this was such a cute story. I'm interested in other characters in this world.
Audiobook
Romance, humor, and intrigue with Nina and Roman
Nina agrees to give herself in marriage to the Pakhan as payment for her father’s embezzlement. Six months with the Bravta’s strongest leader? Sure, the spirited, good-natured artist Nina can do it, and she plays her role, literally, hilariously to the grumpy but quickly to become infatuated, Roman. In fact, their affinity blossoms into warm and then spicy attraction making this story comfortable and romantic interspersed with bouts of comedy, spice, and the underpinnings of Bratva business. Not to be forgotten: the many humorous roles Nina enacted to make their engagement, love affair, and “impromptu” marriage believable in an incredulous way; and the bellowing, bristling chef who only spoke Russian and tried to teach Nina how to cook. Even if, unfortunately, it suffered the too common and irksome “third-act breakup” and separation, it was still a great story with a possessive, dominating but indulgent Pakhan besotted with his lady.
The voice actors gave great performances, the actress stronger than the actor. She carried more range in her intonation, as well as ease of shift from male to female characters and dialogue to prose. Distinct and different voices. She didn’t, however, elicit the same humor and personality I felt in my book’s reading where Nina felt more lively and carefree fun. The actor represented Roman well with an overall grumpy undertone and patience with Nina, but at times, in rendering a grouchy tone, it missed stronger vitality, sounding somewhat linear at times, due to the homogenous cadence, pitch, and voice. His changing to other male characters was easier to distinguish since his tone, as I experienced it, sounded less uniform, more multidimensional as to generally recognize different male characters. His shift from male to female and vice versus was great even with his rather deep voice. Both of their rendering Russian accents were okay. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the listening experience and would love to listen to more stories in this world with a variety of favorite voice actors and actresses.
A light read, no artifice and a lot of humor and a spritely, quirky Nina matched with Roman's bad boy grumpiness, who really was a sweetheart to her. Not the usual tumultuous, enemies to lovers relationship and instead an attraction that simply creeps upon them and heats up. Again, I loved the straightforwardness of their relationship, no meaningless push and pull, hot and cold. Even the sexual attraction felt organic, and they gave into it simply because they wanted to without contrived second thoughts. This was a moderately spicy read.
Great story progression, and not a book I would classify as dark at all, just some violence but not graphic. These were two soulmates, a hero who was sweet to his woman, and she to him. An easy, comforting and warm read with a lot of humor, not relying on manufactured turmoil or angst as a plot tool, even if it, unfortunately, suffered the too common and irksome “third-act breakup” and separation. Still, intrigue in a humorous, possessive, I’ll break you for hurting her Bravta backdrop, this was such a cute story. I'm interested in other characters in this world.
Audiobook
Romance, humor, and intrigue with Nina and Roman
Nina agrees to give herself in marriage to the Pakhan as payment for her father’s embezzlement. Six months with the Bravta’s strongest leader? Sure, the spirited, good-natured artist Nina can do it, and she plays her role, literally, hilariously to the grumpy but quickly to become infatuated, Roman. In fact, their affinity blossoms into warm and then spicy attraction making this story comfortable and romantic interspersed with bouts of comedy, spice, and the underpinnings of Bratva business. Not to be forgotten: the many humorous roles Nina enacted to make their engagement, love affair, and “impromptu” marriage believable in an incredulous way; and the bellowing, bristling chef who only spoke Russian and tried to teach Nina how to cook. Even if, unfortunately, it suffered the too common and irksome “third-act breakup” and separation, it was still a great story with a possessive, dominating but indulgent Pakhan besotted with his lady.
The voice actors gave great performances, the actress stronger than the actor. She carried more range in her intonation, as well as ease of shift from male to female characters and dialogue to prose. Distinct and different voices. She didn’t, however, elicit the same humor and personality I felt in my book’s reading where Nina felt more lively and carefree fun. The actor represented Roman well with an overall grumpy undertone and patience with Nina, but at times, in rendering a grouchy tone, it missed stronger vitality, sounding somewhat linear at times, due to the homogenous cadence, pitch, and voice. His changing to other male characters was easier to distinguish since his tone, as I experienced it, sounded less uniform, more multidimensional as to generally recognize different male characters. His shift from male to female and vice versus was great even with his rather deep voice. Both of their rendering Russian accents were okay. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the listening experience and would love to listen to more stories in this world with a variety of favorite voice actors and actresses.
May 4, 2024
“She took my black heart with her the day she left, and if she says no, she can keep it. I’m ruined for anyone else anyway.”
November 23, 2022
¿Por qué no sabía de l, para existencia de esta serie?
Llegó a mi vida cuando más la necesitaba.
ME ENCANTÓ
ME ENCANTÓ
ME ENCANTÓ-
Pensé que sería un libro erótico, de mafia trashy para pasar el tiempo pero me sorprendió para bien fue mucho más de lo que esperaba.
La historia es de un matrimonio forzado entre el Pakhan de la mafia rusa en Chicago y la hija de uno de su agente inmobiliario que le robo.
Roman el Pakhan sufrió un atentado que le destrozó una rodilla y lo dejó en silla de ruedas y para que la gente no cuestionara su poder y catalogarlo como débil se tenía que casar o curarse por completo cosa que es casi imposible.
Para eso chantajean a la hija de su ex empleado para casarse con él por seis meses o ambos morirán.
Pero lo que Roman y Nina no se esperaban es que se iban a enamorar.
Nina me encantó, es una protagonista, fuerte, afrontó la situación de la mejor manera y le sacó provecho, y también se dio la oportunidad de conocer a Roman y desde luego enamorarse de él.
A pesar de no ser un libro muy extenso, tiene un buen desarrollo, escenas románticas, de acción, gore y obviamente con mucho fueguito.
Me aplaudo por haberle dado la oportunidad a este libro y no dejarme llevar por mis prejuicios y obviamente seguiré con esta serie.
Llegó a mi vida cuando más la necesitaba.
ME ENCANTÓ
ME ENCANTÓ
ME ENCANTÓ-
Pensé que sería un libro erótico, de mafia trashy para pasar el tiempo pero me sorprendió para bien fue mucho más de lo que esperaba.
La historia es de un matrimonio forzado entre el Pakhan de la mafia rusa en Chicago y la hija de uno de su agente inmobiliario que le robo.
Roman el Pakhan sufrió un atentado que le destrozó una rodilla y lo dejó en silla de ruedas y para que la gente no cuestionara su poder y catalogarlo como débil se tenía que casar o curarse por completo cosa que es casi imposible.
Para eso chantajean a la hija de su ex empleado para casarse con él por seis meses o ambos morirán.
Pero lo que Roman y Nina no se esperaban es que se iban a enamorar.
Nina me encantó, es una protagonista, fuerte, afrontó la situación de la mejor manera y le sacó provecho, y también se dio la oportunidad de conocer a Roman y desde luego enamorarse de él.
A pesar de no ser un libro muy extenso, tiene un buen desarrollo, escenas románticas, de acción, gore y obviamente con mucho fueguito.
Me aplaudo por haberle dado la oportunidad a este libro y no dejarme llevar por mis prejuicios y obviamente seguiré con esta serie.
December 8, 2024
3.5⭐
Loved it. Roman and Nina were so good, especially Nina 😭🫶🏼. The plot wasn't something extraordinary but the book was so captivating, short and simple read.
Loved it. Roman and Nina were so good, especially Nina 😭🫶🏼. The plot wasn't something extraordinary but the book was so captivating, short and simple read.
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