The allure of fear is learning to love it. Viktoria Boykov has heard it all—cold they call her. The spoiled bratva princess. She knows very well what people say when her back is turned. She doesn’t mind; let them talk. It’s better for people to assume what they want about her than for them to know the truth … until him. Pavel Kotov knows what people say—death they call him. The Boykov dog. He’s … call him. The Boykov dog. He’s heard all the whispers locked away in the cells of the Compound. As the reaper for the bratva, his life owned by someone else, he knows what they say doesn’t matter. His life has never mattered … until her.
He’s terrifying.
She’s terrified.
Viktoria only wants to keep running from her past. Pavel doesn’t have a life to run from. Freedom is the one thing they both crave—for entirely different reasons. But this life is vicious, and scars like the ones they wear will never fade.
Together, they could have everything.
Or are they just pawns to a bigger game?
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Note: Essence of Fear is a Boykov Bratva standalone.
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To everyone Vik appeared cold, but inside she’s was slowly disappearing. No one cared to find out why she was cold and heartless, her brothers knew, and she was returning to Chicago where they were, the same brothers that had sent her father away.
Pav’s past made him a feared man, known as Zhatka – the reaper and he trusted no one.
With changing circumstances Pav get freedom he never thought he would get to see, and his meets Viktoria who for some reason radiated a coldness, but he knew there was an underlying fear. She was a mafia princess but almost seemed afraid of him he was curious what made her so scared and cold.
Pav knows the intensity that he has with Vik is something that needs to be explored, but carefully know that she has a fear that is crippling her, he’s just as broken, but maybe together they can become whole.
Everyone thought things were safe, that they could move on with their lives, but they never saw what was coming, who will make it out alive.
Fabulous Bratva romance with a deliciously scary couple. I love Viktoria’s love story! As the cold biatch Boykov sister to the reining heirs, Konstantin and Kolya, she’s always ready with her cutting words and icy stare. But a horrific event has rocked her world and she’s lost herself. Leave it to the Reaper to bring her back. Pavel aka the Reaper has always been an intriguing, elusive character with his secret life and horrendous duties for the Boykov Bravta. How did he end up in charge of the Compound’s Hell reserved for the enemies and betrayers of the Boykovs? His story is heartbreaking. Both he and Vik are broken by the Bratva but by different circumstances. Curious that it’s by the same person. Vik’s father, the evil Vadim. I love his new reality as the story starts and his ending was perfect. The romance between Pav and Vik is just wonderful. Pavel is so strong and loves all her broken and vicious parts. Nobody but Pav could put up with her as she fights to regain herself. She pushes everyone away even her brothers. Pav finds the softer side of Vik and when their relationship turns from sexy to something more I was swooning. They both deserve some happiness. But an old foe is on the loose and after Vik. Pav will do anything to protect her and keep her safe. It’s a race to find the enemy before the Boykovs are crippled, their empire destroyed and loved ones lost. But never under estimated the cunning Kon. Speaking of Kon. When did he get married? To an Italian no less. I want his story! I loved the glimpses into Kolya and Maya’s life. I was all in with this group of brutal Russians. This author has given us a thrilling Russian Bratva series with spectacular characters. The Russians are muscled, brute force and super scary. They certainly don’t has the sophistication of Bethany-Kris’ Italian mafia. The writing was as powerful as always and the romance was beyond beautiful with the intriguing Pavel and the ice princess, Viktoria. I want more! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Viktoria is a Boykov princess that is ice cold. She allows no one in to see the real person she is and how she is terrified of her circumstances. Pavel is known as the enforcer for the Boykov Bratva and has no life to come home to at the end of the day. These two are instant chemistry and sparks fly between them. Can Pavel keep Viktoria safe from enemies? Will the people within the family stand in the couple’s way? An intense read.
Essence of Fear by Bethany-Kris is book Two in the Boykov Bratva Series. This is the story of Pavel Kotov and Viktoria Boykov. I have read the previous book, which did add to my enjoyment of this one. I do think you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Although it has been a really good series you might just want to read the previous book. Pavel has been a tool for and enslaved by Vadim, but now he has been released after Vadim was take care of. So Pavel is working to settle into the freedoms that he has been given. Viktoria is a Mafia Princess with a reputation of being a cold spoiled princess. But she has reason for they way she acts that cover a past of hurt. When Viktoria and Pavel meet they both feel the connection and attraction that draws them to each other. Both are really broken soles that seem to find peace together. I really enjoyed the first book and I was so happy that this book lived up to the last one. Can’t wait for more from this author.
I really liked, but that should’ve a surprise because I love everything from this author.
I was really looking forward for this book, or should I say Pavel’s story, and Viktoria been he’s other half was just marvelous.
He is The Reaper, she is the princess of the mafia.
I was in love with this two since I started reading and with every page I turned my interest just keep growing.
Pavel and Viktoria were two broken souls, the madness of some people brake them on ways that is almost impossible to recover and they kinda function as others want or order. But when they meet perhaps is that darkness and nightmares who eventually brings them together.
For a moment I was feeling like the attraction they feel was developed too fast, Viktoria trusting someone and be alone with him keeps bothering me because I was telling myself that with everything she went through her barriers can’t be that easy to brake, but I guess a broken person can identify someone with the same issues, so after that I can’t be more happy with the way the author create and build the relationship of this heartbroken characters. Pav give Viktoria the space and time when no one else did, including her brothers, and she give Pav the same.
One thing I really liked is that the author doesn’t make a big drama with the background story of Pavel, he could easily blame all the family of Vik for what happened to him, but that never happens, sure he hate and take a little revenge but is only with the person who’s directly responsible for he’s suffering and pain.
I just wished the book wasn’t too short, there’s to much I liked to know but I had hope that maybe the author would give us a full book with Konstantin story, got big hopes on that!!!
4.5 Stars
Two people who were “broken” by one tyrants choices find happiness together and I absolutely loved it! Pav and Vik were amazing! They both were absolutely crazy but complimented one another so well! This was an amazingly written story and I definitely enjoyed reading!
Russian mafia, dark, emotional, gritty, hot and action packed; this story is everything I look for in a Russian mafia read. I am in love with Viktoria and Pavel. They are amazing together and the heat produced might have warped my kindle, lol. I really loved the way the author created this story. I could not get over the uniqueness of Pavel being the “hitman” and how his dark world bled into all other aspects of his life. Also with Viktoria, I really liked how she was a mafia princess and how that showed in her demeanor and actions. She was more then just a princess, but held strong against Pavel and her enemies. Amazing story that left me with a hangover. 4.5 stars.
Fear can be your greatest enemy or ally
Bethany-Kris surprised me with this one. I thought we’d get a look into Konstantin’s life. It was a good surprise seeing behind the ghosts in Viktoria’s eyes. It was an even better glee watching her get her revenge.
Essence of Fear is a twisted reminder of an evil only few are forced into contact with. The evil responsible for so much suffering…and the blinders they had in place to the truth.
My blinders fell away before Vik’s and still it didn’t soften the blow. Pav is something else. I would say a breath of fresh air but he is more like an innocence that allows one to breathe. Don’t let my wandering thoughts fool you, Pav is not innocent. Death has never been innocent and Pav is the closest thing to death in Boykov Bratva.
Viktoria and Pavel are both broken by their pasts, and from the moment they meet there is an instant connection between them when they both realize that the other is in as much pain as the other. Pavel will do whatever he has to in order to protect her, and their journey together is tough as they slowly break down each other’s walls and move on to heal. This is a well written dark story which is addictive and filled with danger, suspense, emotion, violence, and love as well as being a raw, gritty, and heart-wrenching tale. I was completed enthralled throughout this riveting story and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
Viktoria and Pavel are everything. Yes, this story is dark and both Viktoria and Pavel have dark, painful pasts. But it was beautiful what they found together. I couldn’t put this down. I was sucked into world and I still have a hard time letting it go.
Quietly powerful…
Where do I start talking about the incredible characters Viktoria and Pavel? Two damaged souls hiding from others, from life, from themselves. Vik portrayed herself as an icy queen while Pav didn’t want others to seem him at all. The past that held so much pain held both of them back. From facing devastating truths to contemplating a happy future, they had to deal with that before anything else…
When the time came for both to come to terms with themselves, I was already clinging to them as each revelation brought even more violence… The hidden depths to these characters was astounding as the author peeled complex layer upon layer, exposing their inner thoughts, fears and hopes… The tight-wire of tension and emotion. The complicated balance of hate and love. Of sweetness and utter depravity. A romance like this shouldn’t work but it did so very well…
Hands down this was one of my favourite reads from this author – and that’s saying a lot because many were put immediately on the re-read shelf. Am I still squirmy during the dark, oh so real feeling moments? Abso-freaking-lutely. I don’t think that will ever change but it doesn’t keep me from going back again and again.
If you’ve never read this author, feel free to start with this stand-alone. And be prepared to go searching for lots more…
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
Couldn’t put it down. Felt so connected with these characters. Brilliant writing by BK.
This standalone is another great organized crime masterpiece from Bethany-Kris. Every time she creates a Bratva family or any other kind of organized crime family, you will definitely be so heavily invested in her characters that you’ll end up wanting for more.
I first met the Boykovs in the Seasons of Betrayal series that she co-wrote with London Miller. And even at that early stage of acquaintance, I found myself enthralled with this family. So it isn’t at all surprising that I devoured every page of this book until the end.
I loved how BK discussed “fear” as the overarching theme of this book. Viktoria’s trauma was so palpable and heartbreaking that I couldn’t help but feel for her despite her seemingly tough exterior. And then there was Pavel, the lost boy. He was someone who has his own set of baggage. His identity was scrapped the moment the Bratva had him under their rule. They were two broken people who found each other. And that’s the beauty of their story. Because against all odds, they still choose to be with each other.
On a side note, can I just say that finishing this book made me more curious about the other Boykov sibling? I hope Bethany-Kris and London Miller will come up with more stories about the Boykov Bratva universe. But until then, I will quench my thirst by re-reading Fractured Ties and the Seasons of Betrayal series.
I love each standalone of the Boykov Bratva. I never get bored. And I’m always wanting more even as the story concludes. Pav…. Man… He was an amazing mafia book boyfriend. I understood his life. Maybe not the world but he understood his life because he knew what needed to be done. I love that the author created a character like Pavel. Pavel was definitely Viktoria’s other half. She was a little broken but that was okay to him because she was a little broken too.
Loved this book from beginning to end. Viktoria, a Bratva princess, hides her tragic past. Pavel also damaged from his past and current life. When these two come together it’s amazing how they fit together each with such anguish in their lives. I was in awe of how this story worked out. This is definitely a 5 Star book.
The Boykov Bratvata lives on and this is Viktoria Boykov’s story. This is a dark story with both the hero and the heroine having gone through emotionally difficult moments in their life that have broken them. And when Viktoria and Pavel meet, they are able to see the brokenness in each other to create a connection instantaneously.
This story delves deep in raw emotions. Fear and an Emptiness encompasses Vik’s soul and to function, she takes on a persona as an uncaring bitch. Pav on the other hand, with his quiet demeanor and his nickname of Zhatka—the Reaper, is the essence of fear. But he also has an emptiness in his soul. And trusting is not a feeling that these two experience. Their past is not easy to read but knowing it hurts and makes you feel for these characters. Their learning and trusting of one another is a beautiful journey of tearing down walls and embracing their fears and this deep abiding love they have found in each other.
The Bravata is filled with violence and more so when Vik’s life is under attack once again. With Pav at her side as well as her brothers, Vik learns to embrace her fear and take it on. Konstantin and Kolya are wonderful supporting characters and it’s great to get to see them as brothers and also the men in charge. The Boykov Family has become a new addiction!!
Oh Bethany what have you done to me you ghvce reduced me to an angry crying mess. BK has written two amazing characters I could not love and Viktoria more. I am not going to go into the story at all but it is everything and more I have come to expect from this series. Pavel is very closed off emotionally but when you see what his life has been for years you can understand why he is the way he is. Viktoria is a beautiful ballsy woman who is shut away from life known as an ice queen nothing penetrates her outer shell in public but in private we see all her insecurities and fears. Two broken people who find each other and couldn’t be more perfect for each other. I loved watching them pull each other out their solitary existence. Trouble follows the guys in this series because daddy dearest isn’t done with them. Let the games begin again.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Viktoria is a broken mafia don daughter heroine hiding behind a rude, cold demeanor and icy stare. It seems to be the essence of her being because we are told that repeatedly, even in another series where she briefly appeared. Here, however, graphic, brutal verbiage/details are revealed in the form of sexual assault flashbacks that shed some light into that persona. Personally, I do not need or prefer vivid images to get a clear picture of horrific abuse. A simple sentence summing up she was a victim, now struggling to be a survivor would have sufficed for me. I’m always especially disappointed when there is no trigger content warning or hint of it in the synopsis. Because, let’s face it, that type of content hits home with some in a very deep, personal way. They deserve the option to know it is lingering there, so they can decide to dive in or walk away before turning a single page. Same goes for readers who simply want to avoid it altogether, too.
Pavel is slowly but surely breaking out of his shell as well, as he evolves from his forced upon him crypt keeper/torturer/killer role to a more main stream mob position. Yeah, this dark bad fella actually has a good hearted soul yearning to step back into the light and live again. He definitely won me over with his never wavering concern, big broad shoulders of support for Viktoria to cry/lean upon. He was alpha possessive but at the same time wasn’t clingy and knew when to give her space.
Both with tragic pasts, this unlikely pair seem to connect at first glance. As usual, this author does a good job of weaving family mob business into her romantic tales. I enjoyed watching the older brothers put their heads and guns together to eliminate threats as they popped up, including dealing with not dear at all daddy. The take down of the evil villain took me by surprise in a good way. I thought it was a quick clever, appropriate wrap up.
Title: Essence of Fear, Boykov Bratva (Book 2), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 245, stand-alone but part of series, best if read in order, mob themed backdrop, gruesome mob violence, instant attraction, get to know each other first, very graphic smex scenes, PTSD from past rapes/abuse, graphic past rape/abuse details, tormented/tragic past hero, unwavering hero, crazy villain back again, no OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating. Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 1 – Fractured Ties (Kolya & Maya), Pages: 279, 6/8/20
Book 2 – Essence of Feat (Viktoria & Pavel), Pages: 245, 6/22/20
(I read and reviewed an ARC version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
Wow.
Essence of Fear took my breath away. Pavel had a rough life. Forced to serve in the Boykov Bratva because of his father’s mistake. Despite all he had endured he still had compassion and care for Viktoria. Viktoria had been through a lot and still going through it. She stayed away from large crowds, drank to numb the pain and to get away from the nightmares. My heart broke for them both. Together they helped one another heal. They leaned on each other. Pav made Viktoria feel safe and cared for.
BK is such a great storyteller. I was drawn in and heavily invested the entire time. I thought Vasily was a bastard for what he did to Kaz but um… Vadim takes the cake! I can’t wait for Kon’s book.
This little gem landed on my kindle a few days ago and everything pretty much stopped for me. If it wasn’t for Father’s Day I would have read this in one sitting LOL
Not gonna lie, the prologue had me all kinds of nervous, and not in the way you probably think. I was worried that the violence in this book would overshadow the romance journey and I have to be in the mood to read those. But I’m a (author) junky now so nerves were only in play for two seconds max lol THIS.STORY. I don’t understand this word wizardry this woman has. No matter the tale, she spins it so well you are left speechless. Well, I am. *shrug*
Essence of Fear wasn’t just a story of Viktoria Boykov and Pavel Kotov getting to a place in life where they could have a HEA. This was a glorious story of growth and trust, finding your place and choosing your fate. I know, I know, how does one choose their fate when the very definition of the word includes phrasing such as development of events beyond a person’s control. Well, you say screw those developments and take control of what (or who) you want … to be, to spend the rest of your life with, to be friends with, etc etc etc … You get my gist. This is what both Viktoria and Pavel reminded me of or made me feel about them. That is what I liked best about this book and that is what captivated me and kept me glued to every word.
This book seemed different from all the other books I’ve read by this author. It was more the delivery of the story than anything else. I don’t know, it’s like this story isn’t finished but it is! And again, this could just be me not having read enough or Bethany’s world(s) to really understand them fully. However, that doesn’t matter that much to me because what takes precedence in my head is Viktoria and Pavel, and they were perfect.
She didn’t even think about it before she crossed the room, reached up to catch his face in her palms, and then she pulled him in for a kiss. He didn’t hesitate to answer her back—his lips worked hard against hers while he took her breath away all at the same time.
Yeah, he was still figuring things out.
About the world.
About life.
About himself.
But her?
Them?
She didn’t ever want him to wonder.
Never.
Viktoria pulled away from the kiss, but still stayed close enough that their lips grazed as she spoke. “You don’t have to ask anyone anything—I am always going to be yours. And you’re mine. I decided.”
Pav smirked. “That’s how it is, then?”
“That’s how it is.”
“I like that.”
She winked. “You better.”