Book two of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spin-off series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan As an avtoritet for the most powerful crime syndicate in New Orleans, Kir Vasilek doesn’t act without purpose, doesn’t speak without thought and never, ever loses his cool. The lives of his brothers, his family, depend on it. But then Cassie McClintock strolls back into his life, and … his life, and staying cool is next to impossible. Cassie was the one who got away–and Kir is willing to break all his own rules to keep it from happening ever again.
It’s one thing to report on the Russian mafia; it’s quite another to sleep with one of them, especially one as dangerous, and as sinfully sexy, as Kir Vasilek. Even though the information he once provided helped make her career–and the memory of his touch still keeps her up at night–Cassie knows too much about his world to go down that path.
But when Kir reaches out for help after a rival family comes for one of his own, Cassie doesn’t want to say no, either to investigating a gruesome murder or to the heat that pulls her right back into his arms…and his heart. Taming Kir–and helping to save the family she’s come to call her own–is not the story she thought she’d write, but it’s the one she’s determined will get a happy ending.
NOLA Knights
Book 1: His to Defend
Book 2: Hers to Tame
Book 3: Mine to Keep
Also by Rhenna Morgan:
Men of Haven
Book 1: Rough & Tumble
Book 2: Wild & Sweet
Book 3: Claim & Protect
Book 4: Tempted & Taken
Book 5: Stand & Deliver
Book 6: Down & Dirty
more
Hers to Tame by Rhenna Morgan
NOLA Knights #2
Smiling as I think about this book. Kir was a hunk of a guy and his care and tenderness with Cassie, the woman that was to be “his” was heart warming. Cassie was an intelligent reporter who met Kir months before but stayed away when she heard rumors he was Russian Mafiya. The connection was too strong to keep them apart forever, though. I love this author’s books and loved this one, too!
What I liked:
* Cassie: focused on her work, a capable reporter but really wished she could be a photographer instead.
* Kir: my oh my…what a guy! Dapper dresser, lethal but loving. He is a man you would want at your side through thick and thin.
* The “family” – such a loving group and there for one another
* Frieda: a better mother figure to Cassie than her own mother
* Getting to see the group from the Haven series
* The writing, story and series – love these books!
* Knowing that Bonnie’s story is next and looking forward to reading it soon
What I didn’t like:
* The baddie – deserved to be caught and punished
* Knowing that I will have to wait till the next book is finished
Did I like this book? Definitely
Would I read more of this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A continuation of the NOLA Knights and let me tell you, this story packs a big punch in an unassuming package. It is not the high-fidelity story of some of Ms. Morgan’s books but it is a study in compassion and dreams. Kir and Cassie are a couple who knows what they want (him) and does what is needed to please family (her). Together they are sexy and fun and caring. Honestly, this was a 4 star until the end of the story where Kir’s vulnerability is shown in such a light that, okay, I teared up. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
As the second instalment for this series the theme carried through this book well without feeling like it was just the same story written with the names of the characters changed. Although I do have a slight prejudice with the heroine’s profession, I managed to put that one to bed pretty quickly and managed to settle and enjoy the story which was quite gripping at times.
Although you don’t need to have read the first book it will definitely help with the introduction of characters.
Cassie has an eye for photography and and nose for news stories. One of those just might get her killed.
After reading book one of the NOLA Knights books, I couldn’t wait to dive it to Cassie and Kir’s story. There’s just something about those Bratva brothers but Kir’s backstory is just extra good, in a heart wrenching way. I loved Cassie too and was thankful she had an Aunt Frieda in her corner.
The story flows very well and I thought it was super clever how the author sprinkled in clues that didn’t even appear to be clues until towards the end. It all comes together in a pretty neat package with one or two red herrings to make it extra interesting. I didn’t expect the explanation and that’s a good thing. I like it when the author surprises me as long it makes sense.
Kir is just the right side of protective and it’s was good to see Cassie not immediately run from it. She’s really just a cool character and someone who I was happy to see Kir claim. And claim her he does. As with book one in the series, the bond is almost tangible but not actually paranormal. Two halves of a whole, magnet to steel.
I gave a little squeal when I realized that I got to meet Roman’s intended for book three. That book can’t be released fast enough! He’s one of those ‘still waters run deep’ kind of men and she’s totally going to get him stirred up in all the right ways!
This is a Russian mafia romance that doesn’t stray into the dark too much. It’s touching and hot and well worth the read.
4.5 Stars The second book in the NOLA Knights, Hers to Tame, is a well delivered mafia romance.
Kir & Cassie are compelling characters and along with the engaging story and support cast made this a truly fabulous read. I recommend if you haven’t read this book and series yet, you jump in and grab your copy.
This is the second book in a series that is a spin off of the Men of Haven series. Here we have Kir and the reporter Cassie who we both met in the previous book. Their relationship is fun to see and there is much chemistry between them. The romance takes place while other events are also happening. It’s a fun story with multifaceted characters. Looking forward to the next books in the series.
While Hers to Tame is the second of the NOLA Knights series, I had no issue jumping in as a standalone. Morgan has brought New Orleans alive with lovable characters and a delicious, steamy second chance romance with a couple that just seem to fit. I loved that Morgan gave Cassie her moments to shine and secure her place in his family. Cassie was complex, but even with her flaws she the sort of heroine that you have no problem rooting for!
I enjoyed the romance between Kir and Cassie, though there was a curious lack of tension or obstacle. For the most part, the relationship was smooth sailing with little to prevent the two from getting their HEA. Additionally, for mafiya, Kir wasn’t the anti-hero I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, he was still swoon-worthy in his alpha moments and cloaked protective rage but I wish the dubious parts of his “business” had come up in a more concrete way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this contemporary romance! Frieda was by far my favorite character as she provided some very necessary comic relief and lightened Cassie’s gloomy thoughts. It seemed to me that Kir was doing more of the taming than Cassie but watching them build a solid foundation of trust was heartwarming. If you are looking for a lower angst, deliciously steamy read with an alpha that does all he can to protect his lady love, then this needs to be on your TBR!
I’m looking forward to reading Roman’s story next!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
Hers to Tame delivers on the expectations Morgan has built up in this and her related series. There’s plenty of snappy dialogue and a strict code of honor, but the book also shows what family should be like, whether found or born into.
There’s a large cast, new members added onto those we met in the first book. We even get a glimpse of the prospect for the next book, something I guessed from her introduction before skimming the teaser chapters in the back. In general, I prefer smaller casts because there are fewer people to keep track of. With Morgan’s stories, I don’t care. Each person is distinct enough and/or referred to in context that I have no trouble knowing who I’m reading about.
Oh, and there’s a second chances element to this story, which I enjoy. Though the time between the first and now is only seven months, it’s seven months too long for Kir, no matter how much he tries to deny it. Cassie hasn’t forgotten their encounter either and is haunted by how she let rumor scare her off without giving him the chance to explain.
The book offers complex characters with encounters full of subtext and layering. Neither of the main characters approach their lightning attraction without baggage to wade through, nor are they willing to accept this without questioning.
Cassie is an investigative reporter who is good at her job, though she doesn’t love it. Despite the differences between approach and philosophy to American expectations, Kir is a leader in Sergei’s bratva, or Russian mafiya. Theirs is not an easy connection to weather without consequences, and the consequences are life altering, especially for Cassie.
Watching their relationship develop and struggle through barriers is fun, profound, and surprising at various points. I enjoyed the teasing Kir suffers from Sergei and Roman and how Cassie’s aunt meddles. There are several detailed, open-door, intimate encounters with the strengthening of their connection and knowledge woven into those scenes. As has been Morgan’s habit, with one exception, there’s a brush of risque activities mentioned, but only that.
Nor is the only plot their relationship, though there’s enough going on in the clash of culture and expectation to fill the book on its own. The story starts with tragedy, and Cassie helps Kir investigate the possibilities at great personal cost. The seeding is well done enough for me to notice the details and put together theories, but not to have the answer. Not only that, but Cassie is a part of the mystery from start to finish. She’s a partner rather than a decoration, something I’ve appreciated from the first Morgan romance I read.
The writing is full of beautiful subtext in both words and body language, something that brings us closer to the characters. The body language also carries off the ribbing from Kir’s brothers without having to set out the situation more obviously. The plot is solid, actions affect the characters, and both main characters must change and adapt.
This is another strong novel from an author I count on to deliver a tale worth reading. Her books offer a solid love story where honor might skirt the law of the land, but you’re never in doubt as to the reasons people act or the righteousness of their responses.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Reconnecting with happiness
This author sure knows how to create the perfect alpha heroes. She took us on a fantastic journey to reconnecting with the past and finding the family you need. I love how these two came together and how their relationship grew and evolved. This is the perfect second book to the series. I can’t wait to read the next story the author brings us.