She was never supposed to walk into my club. But she did. I shouldn’t have looked twice at her. But I did. The criminal underworld is no place for a girl like her. One night with Katerina isn’t enough, but men like me can’t afford to be weak. So, I tell her to leave me behind. She does, but not before she sees something she shouldn’t. When she goes into hiding, it’s my duty to hunt her down. I … she goes into hiding, it’s my duty to hunt her down.
I have a job to do, and she needs to disappear for good.
But four years later, Kat isn’t alone anymore.
And the little boy right beside her looks just like me.
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A DARK ROMANCE FILLED WITH THRILL & SUSPENSE
“Mine” by Natasha Knight and A. Zavarelli is first book in the “Ties that Bind Duet”. I had been anticipating this duet upon reading the blurb and I have to say I am not disappointed.
The story is fast paced and packed with a solid, well developed plot with plenty of steam, suspense and action.
From the first meeting between the main characters, Lev and Kat, to their insane attraction, the story quickly centres around the Russian mafia and some of their dealings, which result in Kat having to flee for her life seeing things she shouldn’t have and Lev having to hunt her down.
Fast forward to 4 years later when they reunited and all hell broke loose! The thrill and suspense kept me flipping the pages, wondering what Lev is going to do to protect the woman he loves against all the threats and whether Kat will accept Lev knowing what he is capable of.
Characters are well built up and the back stories of Lev and Kat intrigue my curiosity. Despite it has been an instant attraction and just one night of passionate hookup, their love goes beyond the surface and grows roots with a tie so strong that binds them together – therefore the title I supposed. 🙂
“I want more than simply call her mine. I want her to be my wife and take my last name and make me more beautiful children. I want all of those things with her.”
Lev lost his parents at a young age and does not seem to want to have any permanent relationships with anyone due to his nature of work in the Russian mafia. However, when he falls, he falls deep and once he acknowledges his feelings, there is no going back for him. He is all-in with the woman he loves and he would stop at nothing to keep her safe. Yes, he can be possessive and aggressive but he also makes a most wonderful alpha-male book hero for me!
“I’m his. We’re his.”
Kat also lost her mother at the tender age of three and she suffered abuse at her foster family, resulting in a bad childhood trauma for her. Despite all her sufferings, she is a survivor and she plans to keep surviving. That makes her so strong and unbreakable, that is until she met Lev. She finally realizes for once that she doesn’t have to fight alone and that Lev is there to protect her and their son.
“Like it or not, Kat, you’ve chained yourself to me for life now.”
As the title goes, the tie that binds them is their son and both of them will do anything to protect their child.
Natasha and Zavarelli’s writing is great like always and I appreciate how they take time to build up the characters and develop the plot. Lev and Kat will return for their finale in the next book and I can’t wait to see what the authors have planned for us!
RATING (OUT OF 5):
• Overall: 4.5
• Storyline: 4.5
• Writing: 5
• Hero: 4.5
• Heroine: 4
• Steam: 4
• Angst: 1 (very low)
SAFETY:
• Hero: Lev Antonov, runner for his Russian mafia boss uncle, who took him in after his parents died; he is an alpha-male who fell for Kat the first time he lay his eyes on her.
• Heroine: Katerina Blake, suffered physical and sexual abuse from her foster parents after her mother died in an accident; despite being a single-parent, she keeps up a strong personality to protect her son from the threat that killed her best friend’s family.
• Safe sex: No, though for their first night, condoms were used 2 out of 4 times.
• OM/OW drama: No
• Sexual acts with OM/OW: Nol
• Virgin: No
• Possible Triggers: Murder and child sexual abuse.
• Push/Pull: Yes, Heroine hid from Hero for 4 years.
• Ending: Cliffhanger
• POV: Dual POV
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This was just ahmazing from these 2 ladies. These 2 together are like a well oiled machine coming together to write the story of Lev and Kat as he has to keep her alive in this mafia family that’s not so forgiving. It’s been awhile since I’d read a mafia story which is why I was blessed to be able to read this raw and gritty story which happens to end on one heck off a cliffhanger, but it won’t be long for book 2. It was just so good I couldn’t get enough of these 2.
Mafia at it’s finest = Five+ stars and I wouldn’t expect anything else from the amazingly talented A.Zavarelli! In all honesty Natasha Knight is a new author to me but after reading this book I need to find everything she has written and I just know I’m going to be a huge fan. This book was perfectly written and has everything you expect in a mafia story, it’s fast paced and page turning with on the edge of your seat angst also with a storyline that grips you. I could not put it down…well until I was a few chapters from the end (I needed to compose myself and prepare for a cliffhanger I just knew was coming) and oh my life what an ending to the first in this duet it was. His cannot come quick enough! I couldn’t sleep after reading Mine I think I ran ever scenario through my mind on what possible could of happend and that to me is proof that the book you just read is up there with the best.
Bravo to the authors…phenomenal read, thank you.
Wow this was a crazy ride but a good one. The moment we are introduced to Lev he is an extremely intense individual who actually helps Kat in a time of need while at a club. Kat is out with a friend d and ends up taking something that she shouldn’t have and she was being taken care of by an intense broody guy but he was caring. These two have an automatic attraction, but because of the life Lev is in he knows he should stay far away from Kat because she exudes purity and he doesn’t want to drag her down. The only thing is Lev feels pulled to her and just had to go back and see her again, they have a night of steamy magic then Lev walks away. A lot of things happen and I don’t want to give too much away but after a few years Lev comes back to find Kat and she has the all new life but he is determined now more than ever to protect her and make her his. This does end of a cliffhanger and I’m dying to know what happens next.
“She is exactly what I don’t need in my life right now. Or ever, for that matter.”
I’m completely obsessed with this story! A. Zavarelli and Natasha Knight are both incredible when it comes to mafia romances and together they created pure perfection! Mine is a completely addicting and unputdownable read, it kept me in suspense and gave me the thrill I seek in mafia books. The romance between Lev and Kat was something out of this world, it was full of need, passion and danger. I devoured their story in one sitting and I’m dying for more!
Lev stole my heart with his protective and caring nature. He’s a criminal, a cold and dangerous one, but he’s also tender and loving for the right person. He’s able to scare you and make you swoon at the same time. He’s possessive, totally drool-worthy and I couldn’t get enough of him!
Kat is a proud and strong woman. She can take care of herself and she does what she thinks is best. On the surface she seems innocent and vulnerable, but she has a good sense of self-preservation and takes action when it’s needed.
Their chemistry was palpable from the moment they met and it was completely off the charts! Even though they both had their doubts and reservations, the attraction was so strong that they couldn’t stay away from each other. And when they were together it was combustible! I’m all hot and bothered just thinking about these two!
Mine is a captivating story filled with secrets, suspense and many unexpected twists and turns. It’s also scorching hot and a bit emotional. Zavarelli and Knight did great pairing together and creating such an amazing book! I cannot wait for the continuation of Lev and Katrina’s addicting story!
This is home turf for Zavarelli, her timid & shy persona hides a complicated devious mind, that churns out painfully dark romances with consummate ease and familiarity. Her Boston Underground series featuring The Bratva-brotherhood of the Vor is legendary in Mafia trope.
This book is in the same vein of barbarity and thrums to the same dreadful beat.
Levka Antonov is the manager of Delirium- the club which is center of nefarious illegal deeds. Powders and booze flow freely, washing the morals out of the door. He’s a cold & elusive man, focused and lethal.
“I have no attachments. Because attachments become vulnerabilities.”
In walks fresh as dove, Katerina Blake and the unthinkable happens
Eyes collide, hearts hook up and she gets tied to Lev forever.. She’s sweet, shy and struggling to survive alone.
“I was a throwaway kid. Not one person gave a single bother about me.”
This is truly a very dangerous & life threatening development.
Behind the scenes is some heinous barbarity at work. It’s tentacles reaching far and wide. Doggedly persistent in pursuit and merciless in meting out assaulting retribution, a nightmare is building up in strength, putting everybody’s life in danger
I’ve never read Natasha before but it seems both writers share the same thrilling narration techniques. Their styles have blended seamlessly, making it a double Bonanza for readers.
To my delight, my Most Fave Character makes an appearance and I’m giddy with excitement.
The pace is slick and smooth, the feels are larger than life. be it icy cold fear or blood heating passion, Zav has managed to inject all the emotions straight in our hearts.
I cannot wait for book 2, so I can see what becomes of the cousin!
4.5 stars for innocence lost
Simply magic! I love how two of my favorite authors come together to deliver a seamlessly written dark tale.
When I heard that these two powerhouse authors were writing a book together, I just knew I had to read it. Let me just say this, they completely blew my mind! Omg! I can’t even fully describe in words how brilliant this story is. I love everything about Russian Mafia stories and this one tells it in spades. Levka meets Kat at his bar, and he is immediately drawn to her, but he knows he can’t bring a relationship into his world. So he figures a one night stand will do, until it doesn’t. When Kat goes on the run because of something she saw, Lev knows he needs to find her. While he didn’t anticipate it taking long, when he does, he isn’t going to make it easy on Kat. As Lev comes to terms with his discovery, he is also determined to bring Kat back into his life. But will she go willingly? These two characters will ingrain themselves into your very mind, heart and soul. Just imaging how Lev must sound when he speaks, gets me all tingly. And Kat is no pushover, she has her own issues from the past to deal with and I found her to be a strong woman yet completely endearing. These two will take you on a dark and delicious ride of which you will never want to get off. Not to mention the chemistry between them is chart topping and sizzling! I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens to them! Bravo to these authors for a phenomenal read!
Omg how could you end it there!!!!! Get ready for one Hot Russian Mafia Man and the woman who started his cold beating heart! Russian Bratva man, Levka “Lev” Antonov, never thought he would meet someone that would turn his world upside down until Katerina Blake walked into his club, Delirium. A shared connection and one night of passion should of been all Lev had with Kat. She was too young & innocent for him but when she shows up 4 years later both their worlds will change forever. His world is dangerous and Kat just got herself embroiled in the middle. Can he find her and protect what’s his? This is a fantastic and wild mafia ride! So many twists happen but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. I loved this book and cannot wait for the second book in this duet. P.S. that Cameo from a certain Vory man…perfection! This ends in a major cliffhanger and is told in dual POV.
I don’t mind dark romances. They can be fun, in a suspend your belief type way.
Women love bad boys and this is just the extreme version of that fantasy.
But the dark romance has to be REALLY bloody fantastic for me to rate above 3 stars, since they usually aren’t done in a way I love very often.
if you prefer healthy, realistic romance, this book is not for you. Stay away!
If you need an extreme bad boy obsessive love to fantasize about for awhile while you read, then you’ll like these types of books.
If you can’t tell the difference between healthy relationships and fantasy relationships in novels, you also won’t enjoy this one.
Because that’s the whole point. It’s fictional. It’s supposed to appeal to the women smart enough to get into healthy relationships but craves the bad boys sometimes.
I enjoyed the read. I will read the second book. But it’s not reread material for me.
This! I need more books like this! It had the perfect tone to fit my dark mood, great writing, and a sizzling connection. Never a fan of a cliffy, but I’m not even that mad about this one because everything else was so perfect. Very excited to start book 2!
4.5 Stars
I was looking for a dark and action packed read after mostly reading sweet stories recently. I decided to finally plunge into the Ties That Bind Duet, as I was sold on Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli’s collaboration earlier this year, the To Have and To Hold Duet. What a great decision it was as I was easily captured by this world full of corruption, secrets and seductive instants.
Lev was such an alluring anti-hero! I admired his instant protectiveness over Kat. Yes, their first meeting is full of sexual tension too, but there’s also something more. It’s clear that he’s a dangerous man, but Kat can’t resist his mystery and temptation. Together they were purely fire and shared some pretty dirty moments of passion. I was hooked all read long by their somewhat impossible love story and all the obstacles in their way.
Mine was seriously unputdownable and gave me such a rush of feels! I’m so glad to already have the second book in hands and dive right away in the continuation of this stimulating mafia romance.
It has been awhile since I read a good mafia book. This book was everything I expected and more. Kat inadvertently finds herself under the radar of a very hot, possessively protective Lev. A chance encounter at an infamous club changes Kat’s life dramatically. Exposed to the dark side of the mafia world. she flees with a few secrets of her own.
The story is full of darkness, criminal aspects, triggers and heat. The characters are well developed. The bad guys do not hold back, and sometimes things can be a bit much. I loved it. I found myself yelling and swooning over Lev many times. The ending twist has me impatiently awaiting the next book. Great story.
“The beautiful, tragic woman continues to haunt me long after her absence. She is exactly what I don’t need in my life right now. Or ever, for that matter. Women are a vulnerability.”
Oh hell no! What are you trying to do to us, what a cliffhanger. All I can say is thankfully I’m late to this party, because the conclusion to the duet, “His” is already released…I’d write more, but I have a book to go buy. If you’ve read these authors before, you know what to expect, if you haven’t what are you waiting for? These ladies know how to write a book and give the Bratva the integrity it deserves. Their not afraid to give you the brutal truth you thought you didn’t want. They’ll give you action, tragedy, unpredictability and some raunchy scenes all with the twist of suspense.
Enjoyable enough story but the premises is very hard to believe. Feels more like half a story really, and ends on a very big cliffhanger.
Thoroughly enjoyed part one of this duet. Ended on a cliffhanger. Grabbed myself book 2 right there. Can’t wait to dive in and see the conclusion of the story.
The Kind of Guy Your Mom Warned You About
When a Russian Mobster rescues a drugged up girl mid-assault, her extreme gratitude knows no bounds … until he stops her. Still, their attraction is explosive, but not always tender or polite. Alas, nothing is the relationship buzz-kill like thinking the man you slept with might be responsible for your best friend’s death. The story is a wild and sometimes violent story of two people from rough backgrounds who connect on a level some might have a hard time understanding. But if you come along for this ride, you must head straight towards the companion “His.”
Natasha Knight and A. Zavarelli spun one hell of a wild ride on the darker side. And though I put both sides of this story as 5-stars, I found “His” a satisfying conclusion and the real gem.
Mine has been in my TBR for quite a while. When I felt like something dark I started reading. It did not disappoint. I love the complexity of the characters and the paths they took that ultimately led them to meet again.
She’s afraid of him and she’s got secrets upon secrets. She’s a strong character, independent and determined. But against him she can no strength.
She is his. That’s it. He knew it from the moment he met her. But he’s Vor which means he is dangerous for her. Finding her four years later bring him a truth he cannot deny and sends them in the run.
Danger comes to their door and blood is shed. The blood of another Vor. And war is declared.
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Mafia romance
Secret baby
Second chances
When I heard these two authors were joining forces to create a mafia romance duet I was overjoyed. And part one of the Ties that Bind duet did not disappoint. It was everything I imagined and more.
Steamy start to the story. Loved how they met, and their interaction. The chemistry between these two characters are explosive. Both sides of Lev intrigued me.
His behaviour was possessive and protective at times, and crazed and unfeeling. I found it interesting to read such a character. He is portrayed as a man who was brazen if not brave, daring and ruthless in his line of work. But showed empathy, and was caring towards the heroine several times.
There was some romance in the beginning and some at the end but it was too early on in their reunion for both characters to trust and love, and for the reader to feel a proper connection between the two. With everything that has happened, and the way the book ended Lev and Kat’s fragile relationship will be tested.
I felt their love was slowly building but there was too much action and suspense which over shadowed this development. Theres so much to cover in the next book, and although the writing was on point and the action scenes were realistic, I only hope for more fluffy scenes.
I adored the family moments, and the time the couple took to reconnect. Josh is the sweetest kid. The deep sense of family for both chactecters was further empathize by their tortured pasts.
Their individual histories were heartbreaking to read. Especially the heroines. She stayed strong and did the best she could in that situation. I thought she was extremely brave to confide in the hero.
Wow, im still in shock. That ending left me speechless. I was at the edge of my seat, holding my breath. I need to know what happens next. April feels too far away to get my hands on His.
Mafia romance, filled with romance, mystery and intrigue. Prepare to fall into the dark world of crime.
Warning: violence and death, mentions of rape and abuse.
His (Book 2 of Ties that Bind)
Lev and Kat have an immediate attraction that they act on quickly. They only have one night together before Kat sees something she shouldn’t. She goes on the run, and Lev must chase her down. It takes four years for the two to be reunited, and Lev to find out he has a son. Lev’s Russian mafia family is still looking for Kat and she’s is in imminent danger. Will Kat’s survivor instinct allow her to willingly go with Lev? Will Lev risk everything to keep his family safe?
I entertained by this action-filled read that has plenty of steam and suspense. Both Lev and Kat have intriguing backstories that enhance the overall storyline and keep you engaged throughout the book. The cliffhanger ending will have immediately purchasing the other book in the duet to see how this all ends.