Didn’t you get the hint yet? I’m always hungry for a taste of retribution with the need to purge. I’ve drowned in my own blood and welcomed the taste until it fueled me to revive. I’m Afon Nikolin, third in command of The Dudnik Circle. The Russian Mob, in case you need a label.The woman I claimed as my future wife, without her knowledge I might add, is part of the Italian mob. She has the same … She has the same taste for retribution, except she almost paid for it with her own life. Revenge can eat you alive, drag you down until there’s only a shell of a person left, or will cost you everything this world has to offer.
With multiple enemies targeting both sides, we have no other choice but to rely on each other. Everything in life is a risk, either with your heart, or your last breath. I’m willing to risk it all when it involves saving her, but will it be enough for the both of us?
**This intense, standalone romance is not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.**
The Dudnik Circle “world” is complete. All books can be read as a complete standalone story featuring a new couple. Order of release for a greater reading experience:
“Ford” The Dudnik Circle #1
Peacock (The Faults Of Our Sins)
“Yegor” The Dudnik Circle #2
“Afon” The Dudnik Circle #3
Marlon (Neon Marksman MC)
Ricca (In Loyalty Lies Trust)
more
I’ve been waiting for Afon & Andy’s story to come out since reading Yegor & Ruby’s story and you could literally cut the sexual tension with a knife, which is actually Andy’s main choice of weapon to use, ha, ha 😉
Not everything is as it seems and Andy fits in that category perfectly… We saw her as a strong, untouchable wall of force of nature in Yegor’s story but here we get to see her both sides; the strong warrior and the vulnerable girl she once was and I liked the way Afon navigated through it all.
He knew when his Andy needed him to be snarky and arrogant and when she needed him to be patient, gentle and most of all, that she felt wanted and loved.
Andy thinks she’s damaged goods because of what happened to her at 16 years old… can’t give any spoilers but lets just say that it made her the person she’s today and Afon doesn’t see her the way she sees herself, as “damaged goods”, but as his counter-part, his woman forever, no matter what. I loved that about him so much <3
Also, I liked their chemistry together even though the book isn't all about sex, it does have some steamy scenes, but it's also about one man claiming what's his, first mentally, then emotionally and lastly, physically... and when that happens you wouldn't even be able to imagine in what circumstances it happened but it was still HOT but I can't give out spoilers but I can give you a hint... it was messy, very messy surroundings where the intense lust takes over Afon and he can't resist claiming his woman 😉
This story had my emotions up and down. It made me mad, it made me cry for Andy's story, her pain and how she felt like she wasn't worth anything but Afon made her realize differently and I loved his approach when he started to claim Andy properly... his way 😉 I was also cheering when the baddies got what they deserved too 😉
I loved the epilogue so much! Thank you, Esther E. Schmidt for that awesome epilogue 🙂 it's the longest we've ever gotten and I absolutely loved it <3
Afon, oh how I want to just hug him! I know, Andy would kick my bum. But trust me when I say, it would be worth it! I’ve been anxiously awaiting on this one since he was introduced in Ford. To say that Afon is a fighter and survivor is an understatement. He’s literally choked on the darkness that involves the underground world he lives in and he’s had to fight back against some seriously sadistic, calculated and connected monsters. He doesn’t take lightly to those who attack his family. He’ll fight to the death.
Andy is so freaking strong, resilient and determined. The horrors she has lived through are things you can’t imagine. She grew up in the same underground world as Afon, but on another side. She’s seen teh ugly, the horrific, the tragedy and the traditions that have passed her by. She lived through serious hell and became determined to not let it define her. But then when some lunatic decides he wants her, he’ll do whatever it takes to steal her away. She gets away….and is out for revenge.
Afon has known he’s meant for Andy from the moment they met. Their lives are mingled together and there is nothing that can break that, even if they wanted to. Their love affair is fast, crazy, mind boggling but yet oh so sweet and tender.
Even with the darkness that crowds this very rich and deep story, you can’t help but cheer for Andy and fight alongside her. I’m always amazed at how well Esther can take a moment in a characters life and blow you away with the depth of their souls, survival skills and how they don’t let it define them. In each one of her books, she gives the reader the reminder that life is a war filled with many battles that are hard won but so worth it. This is my favorite out of this series and of all her dark romances! A true gem of a read!
This is the first book of this series that I have read. It can be read as a stand alone. But now I feel like I need to read everyone else in this series.
Afon is the man in charge but knows how to bring a person back to themselves. Can he make his routine work for Andy? We he be able to get her to accept him as hers? There is a connection he can’t shake and uses his Mafia ways to get his woman.
Andy is lethal on her own. She doesn’t need a man to complete her. She can handle herself and get her own revenge. How dare her bother break his life time promise and just give her away? To some Russian!
Can Italian and Russian Mafia really get along? You will have to read and find out!
Esther out did herself on this one it was amazing. I loved it great ending to the series. If you haven’t read this series please do.
Esther has done it again she drew me in and had me hooked till the very end. I loved how Esther built up the storyline it wasn’t to fast paced so we got to see and enjoy the main characters as they developed. Afon was sexy as hell, he’s alpha to the core, he’s bossy loyal lethal, and protective of those he calls family but underneath all that he is a man who’s not afraid to show he respected and treated his woman as an equal. And to me that was everything.
Andy what can I say except my heart hurt at times for her over stuff that had happened in the past ( you’ll have to read the book to see what had happened) But at the same time you couldn’t help but admire how she came back fighting and didn’t give up.
While I’m sad this is the last book in this Russian Mafia series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading about the Italian Mafia men that were introduced in this series. If you love Mafia books then you will love the Dudnik circle series
If you want to read a mob book with not only a strong female lead but one that will not only hurt your heart for all that she has been through, but will have your jaw unhinged at what she is capable of doing…READ THIS BOOK! This read is impossibly good and will not only take your breath away but will probably have you rooting for the bad guys for once, because these people are ruthless in their revenge and Andy is one of the worse. She is set on vengeance against the man who took her. She escaped once and willingly walks into his place with one intention…killing that piece of #$@#! She is in her killzone when Afon enters the place and sees her amongst the death that she has created. She doesn’t “see him” though…she looks at him but he knows…she is still in that zone and he must approach her carefully. Although he doesn’t escape her totally, he manages to get to he as her physical injuries, mental anguish take hold and adrenaline leaves and she crashes. He brings her to his home where she is tended to and lays in his bed resting. His revelation to her leaves her angry. She is his, he is promised her and he will marry her. He gives her three weeks. One for her wounds to heal and for her to eat and become healthy. Two to regain her strength and her fighting ability. Then they will marry. She is his equal, she is what he wants! Once she has gotten her strength back, he must also help to heal her mentally. She suffers from panic attacks and he needs to tread very carefully but firmly to bring her mind back to the strength it was before everything that had happened to her. Then and only then will she be able to go after Marco and rid the world of the scum that he is. Then and only then will Afon claim her as his wife. But there is another problem affecting both of the mobs and one that will have them bonding together to rid themselves of this problem.
This is an amazing read with incredibly well written and developed characters who will have you wanting to delve into their dangerous lives. Afon is definitely Alpha Male, but then..Andy is also Alpha Female…but in the bedroom, Andy is the one to submit to the man who will heal her in more ways than one. Andy is strong, beautiful and smart. She has lead her own gang for years, but now that her brother has agreed to let Afon have her as his wife, she knows that she will no longer be able to run her own gang and that infuriates her even more than the contract does. When all is said and done, Andy sees the love that Afon has for her and slowly allows the physical attraction that she has for him turn into something much more.
An incredible read that will have you turning page after page to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book!!!
Can I give this story more than five stars?! I love this series so hard and have been looking forward to Afon’s story from the beginning. This did not disappoint. I loved everything about it so I will try and write a review that shows why without fangirling and gushing too hard. Lol.
Afon is the third in command of the Russian Mafia. He is strong, dark, stoic, and patient. He has known for quite a while that his love is from the Italian Mafia, now he just has to get her to understand that they belong together and that he would never take away her strength or her rights.
Andy is the co-head of the Italian Mafia and is struggling with what has happened to her in the past and her need for revenge; and I do me NEED. She is the ultimate definition of passionate and strong, determined to end the man who hurt her, her only focus is on that revenge. When Afon interrupts her life she has the desire to run away, but soon finds that he is her best advocate, protector and partner.
There was so push and pull between these characters, but that was only because of Andy‘s focus. I loved the way that Afon was patient with her and gave her exactly what she needed without taking her power away. In one sense he was like her brick wall, there to support her and keep her safe. I loved his passion for her and his willingness to push her when she needed it and to back off when did. Afon knows her better then she knows herself and that makes a wonderful story.
This story is labeled as dark, and I do believe that there were some dark elements but it was not so dark as it was disturbing. The darkness (in my opinion) was what happened to — and how that affected her mind and body. The darkness was needed and complimented the story line perfectly.
I highly recommend this story to any reader who loves possessive men, passionate and strong women, and wants to enter into a wonderful world.
Having read read the first two books in the Dudnik Circle series, I knew that Andy and Afon’s story would be electric. I must say Ms. Schmidt did not disappoint me. I loved this book from the first chapter to the epilogue and the storyline is perfect for this dynamic couple.
Andy has been off the grid recuperating from her shoulder injury and plotting her revenge on Marco. During those months Afon has been patiently waiting for her to surface so he could claim her as his bride. When he finally locates her, she has gone on a killing spree, killing all of Marco’s men. But sadly Marco escapes which means she is still in danger. Afon returns Andy to his own in order to protect her while she finishes healing. While she is there Afon informs her that he has been given her hand in marriage by her brother, Ricca. Andy is livid over that, as she knows she can not be a wife to any man and she doesn’t want to disappoint Afon. You see, due to Incidents in her past, she can not stand to be touched by any man and she’s been totally broken for intimacy of any type.
With Marco coming for her and Afon wanting her in ways she can only dream of, what is Andy’s next move? Will she get her revenge on Marco? Once Afon learns the truth about her will he stick around or bail? Is there any way these two can work around the brutal incidents from her past or will they marry in name only? This is one action packed thrilling storyline that will have you saying OMG as events unfold.
Kudos to Ms. Schmidt for giving us another great book with alpha males and kickass females who are not only tough, but strong, protective and fight for what’s theirs to their dying breath. If you like mafia action and no holds barred romance, I highly recommend purchasing Afon and the Dudnik Circle Series. 2 Thumbs Up for an amazing 5 star must read book/series.
Oh my!! Esther really knows how to suck you in! Afon is a great addition to my favorite Russian Maffia series, The Dudnick Series!
Andy has been through so much, then to think your own brother betray you. I can’t even imagine. But with Afon, Andy has no reason to panic, he adores her the way she is.
This book is amazing! Heartbreaking, sweet, violent but oh so good!! I can’t wait for more in this series!!
Afon Nikolin is 3rd in command to The Dudnik Circle and Adreana “Andy” Datano runs the Italian Mob with her brother Ricca. Afon has his hands full with this one. She’s suffered a great trauma and has no intention of having anything to do with Afon. The going back and forth with these two is comical and Andy being stubborn doesn’t help things but, Afon is just as stubborn. He sees what he wants and he gets it. Simple right? Not if Andy has anything to say about it. Afon is another excellent read from this author.
This is freaking amazing! It is as described very dark and intense, both main characters are strong, both used to violence and fighting. Andy has been on the receiving end of the violence, the horrors have shaped her life along with her family history. Afon claimed her but she doesn’t know it when he finds her trying to get her revenge. Action packed suspense story that just keeps giving, it isn’t just the hard side of this that got me it was the softer edge that Afon shows with his patience and understanding with Andy. He still maintained his toughness and determination but also talked to her, calmed her and gave her time. He was gentle but also could be strong and tough if it was needed. This story has so much content, a lot of characters all very alpha in their own rights. Working together against a common threat, yes the violence is graphic as is the sexual content but it works in this plot it has to be this way or it wouldn’t have the impact and it definitely does pack a punch. I could go on but I don’t want to give to much away or spoil it for any who haven’t read it, I am a strong follower of Esther’s books and each time a new one comes along I don’t think she can match the previous ones but she does. She proves me wrong, for which I am very thankful. I wait with baited breath for her next book, I also long for a time when I can go back and re read all of her books in series order one after the other because I know I will be lost for days, I wont surface until I’ve finished them
This! This one hit every emotive button I have! Before this book, there are hints that Andy has suffered in some way or other. Even before she gets kidnapped by Marco and throws herself out of his van!
God above, this woman is so strong and as soon as Afon sets his eyes on her, it’s like their souls have clicked. Two pieces of a puzzle. But she feels she isn’t worthy, she thinks she is broken. Afon sees a strong woman, his equal, and he is determined to make sure she sees that.
I tell you, this book took my breath away!! Throw in the badass women who befriend her and the men that come with them?!! Lord I love this series!
boring
Action packed and hot, too. Rugged.
I loved this book! It was my first venture into this world but it was amazing. The characters are well developed, strong and you will find yourself drawn into a story line that is intriguing.
I absolutely love Esther E. Schmidt’s work and I feel like I have been waiting forever for more of her dark mafia romance series, The Dudnik Circle. Afon is book three in this series and while it is a standalone, the progressive plot makes the story better if they are read in the correct reading order. Esther’s work is always great, her stories highly entertaining and her alpha’s ‘with the heart for only one woman’ definitely a huge selling feature in my option! I am a huge fan of mafia and dark romance, and The Dudnik Circle are darker then Schmidt’s other MC series books. With Afon, you will love how patient and loving Afon is with his heroine. Of course, he’s also bossy, sexy, & possessive. I loved his determination to show Andy that they had a real shot at a HEA. That she wasn’t broken… She was just made for him and him alone! Andy was traumatized by the events of her past, and blood thirsty for the death of her enemies. The story is thrilling and non stop action from start to finish. And HAWT A.F!!!! Afon is another example of why buying anything Esther E. Schmidt releases is well worth your dime and always entertaining!!!
Afon was one character in the Dudnik circle that I was dying to see get his. Esther nailed Afon’s book. The understanding and love that he has for his woman is swoon worthy. This book gets 5
Afon and Andy
Loved this mafia romance filled with terrific characters and storyline! A definite must read from me!
fon and Andy are powerful couple .
Afon knows that he needs a bride as strong as himself. The moment he lays eyes on Andy he is determined to claim her for his own. He watches her and the moment that she is in her element and finishes an amazing job he swoops in and gathers her weathered warrior body and takes her back to his home…….hopefully their home to care and let her regroup.
Andy comes from a tough family ..Italian mob tough . She was kidnapped on her 16 birthday by a rival family and broken . She has the physical and emotional scars to prove it that being a constant remainder of her past . She knows deep in her heart that no descent man would ever want her so she put up barriers and walls to keep all suitors out, until he comes in and begins to chisel them away. She has had her eyes on Afron from the moment they met she never thought that after her trauma that she could have those feelings toward a man. She soon realizes that she is to be his bride and he will do anything he can to show her she is a worthy life partner !
I loved Afon he is not only a helleva Alpha male he is arrogant, bossy, strong, and quite the beef cake but truly has a romantic interest in the head strong Andy!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
I have been waiting for Afon and Andy’s story for a while now and Esther has made the wait well worth it.. Ever since I read about Afron in Ford’s book I know his story was going to be amazing. Everyone needs to check out The Dudnik Circle series.