Love can be dangerous!Valentin Bychkov, rising star of contemporary Russian ballet, appears to have everything: wealth, talent, success, and a face and body to match. Not that anyone can get close. Bypass the entourage and there’s still Valentin’s sharp tongue and acerbic wit to deal with. He may give his body freely, but his emotions are kept tightly locked away.Max Farley’s life is a simple … life is a simple one. All he’s interested in is work, drinking, and picking up the latest in a long line of one-night stands. The way he chooses to live may not be to everyone’s taste but it suits him down to the ground. He’s never met anyone who’s made him want to confront the demons from his past. Until now.
A show in London brings the two together. Lust brings them closer still. But if rumors of Bratva connections turn out to be true, then dangerous men wait in the wings. One dangerous man in particular, who’s used to people following his orders without question.
Difficult choices need to be made on both sides. Valentin and Max need to stop playing with fire and let each other go, or face the consequences. But letting go isn’t that easy where love is concerned.
And some things are worth the risk.
Warning: This book contains a snarky ballet dancer with an aversion to clothes, a little too much wall sex and an overabundance of Russian heavies.
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SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
A captivating story of how 2 unattainable delectable men are all of a sudden feeling that connection.
An anxiety packed love story that you need to read.
I have to admit, I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover more than the blurb. However, the story was just as intriguing.
I have read stories about aloof dancers before, but this had a lot more going on than just the chase after the cold Russian diva. There is a darkness to the storyline that changes the trope into something more interesting and compelling.
Both characters are vulnerable, although Valentin hides his fears and emotions in public behind a haughty and cold demeanor. We are able to see behind the mask pretty early on due to his personal insights and revelations during his chapters, but it does not become obvious to others until later in the story.
Max is a different story. Although he has buried his deepest hurt under one-offs and alcohol, once he lays eyes on Valentin, his feelings come more to the forefront little by little.
The addition of the Russian organized crime leader to the plot adds that element of trepidation and well deserved fear. The control tactics and punishments employed keep the suspense going throughout the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me engaged throughout, the characters are well developed, and the writing is done well.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of book. *
Wow. I fell in love with this book and its two emotionally closed-off MCs straight away. On the one hand, we have Max who does not allow himself to venture beyond one-night stands. On the other is Valentin, a snarky and unattainable Russian ballet dancer. When the two meet there is an instant attraction that goes beyond the surface. In each other, they find someone willing to push beyond the surface and understand their vulnerabilities. Although it is Max outwardly pushing for something more first, this is understandable given the heavy presence of the Russian mafia inundating Valentin. The inclusion of such a powerful outside force lent the story a meaningful element of suspense without managing to darken the book’s overall tone too much. With no shortage of steamy scenes, heartfelt moments and witty retorts, I found the balance between the sweetness and suspense to be perfect.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
5 BIG stars Amazing captivating read… it cost me some night rest… I couldn’t put it down… at night I couldn’t sleep because of thinking about them.
The cover reveals the character quite well!
At 50% so much already happened and revealed… like I already read a whole book… and there was still more! Wonderful done.
Unbelievable well worked out main characters, the plot ghaawd so well put together!!
It had darkness in it… but it wasn’t really a dark read… it had cruelty in it but it wasn’t a cruel story. It had angst, it had sweetness, it had steamy sexiness, a lot of witty and sarcastic moments…It had a lot of diversity!
Valentin is a hautain person… a diva and as a high leveled ballet dancer ‘owned’ by Dmitry… Dmitry is involved with the Bratva a Russian crime organization…
Max does only one-night stands and never more, he drinks as much as he fucks…
When he starts working as a freelancer at the ballet production where Valentin is lead dancer, he is impressed by this beautiful gracious man… until Valentin opens his mouth…
When their ways collide more than once life is getting difficult… there is attraction… but Valentin doesn’t let anyone come close and Max wants nothing more than that.
Both have their secrets and their own way to deal with it.
“lyubov moya.”
My face was telling the story because more than once my surrounders asked what happened… because they saw startled eyes… mouth hanging open, the horror was written on my face… I had to update them… they wanted to know…
There is a lot of story and not one moment was dull. I was constantly on the edge of my chair.
Written in a vivacious, fiery and snappy way. Wonderful well defined characters and a stunning plot!
Absolutely a mustread!