Nikolai Volkov has been groomed to one day rule his father’s empire. Growing up in a crime family, you don’t have many options. You live and die by the Volkov name.After connecting with his half-brother in the states, Nikolai chooses to step away from family obligations, to find what he feels has been lacking his whole life. What he wasn’t expecting was for a curvy young woman with amber eyes to … eyes to become the missing piece to his existence.
When enemies threaten the life of Leah Winters, a shy and broken woman he has sworn to protect, Nikolai’s Volkov roots rise to the surface.
There’s only one outcome for those who stand between Nikolai and the woman he loves.
War
Bloodshed
Death.
Living each day in fear is no way to live, but it’s the only life Leah Winters has ever known.
Family is supposed to be your protector, not the monsters haunting your dreams at night.
Until one day, she decides to put her trust and life into the hands of The Kings of Retribution, where she crosses paths with Nikolai Volkov.
A year passes while hiding from her past. During this time, Nikolai and Leah’s relationship suddenly shifts, turning into something more.
Beaten down by cruel words and low self-esteem, Leah never thought a powerful, handsome man like Nikolai, could ever love her, until—
His words gave her hope.
His touch gave her life.
His kiss promised her the world.
more
Leah and Nikolai finally get their story! Full of drama and suspense. Nikolai is very protective of Leah, he’s so sweet and strong for her. Leah battles herself because of the way she was raised. Keeps you on the edge until the very end. HEA.
Nikolai was more than I was expecting. This was an absolutely phenomenal journey to go on with Nikolai and Leah. The pairing of these two beautiful people is perfection. She’s the softness to his roughness, she brings out a different side to him. I adored how sweet, and caring this rough man was with a shy woman. But at the same time he holds true to being his fathers son with his protective nature, dark and gritty temperament, loyalty to his family, and overall fierceness. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Read: 7/7/2020
Nikolai was the second book in the Volkov Empire series by Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels. The series was a spinoff from the Kings of Retribution MC and closely aligned with the series.
Nikolai Volkov was the son to Dimitri (book one) and half brother to Logan (book one, King’s of Retribution MC). He was strong, alpha, loyal, fierce and protective.The moment he laid eyes on Leah he knew, but he had to bide his time for the perfect moment.
Leah Winters was the friend and roommate to Alba and Sam (books two and six in the King’s of Retribution MC series). We learned she was running from an abusive family but the MC and the Volkov’s were keeping her safe. She was quiet and cautious but loyal to her friends.
To tell Nikolai and Leah’s story, the authors had to back track a few years to when they first met. The first part of the storyline coincided with multiple books within the King’s of Retribution series and then picked up with Dimitri’s story, book one within this series. The last quarter of the book then brought us to the current series and beyond. Kudos to the authors for their accuracy when retelling stories. They filled in gaps but remained consistent with facts and details already shared.
As a whole, I loved both Nikolai and Leah. I was glued to the book, not wanting to put it down until the end. It was well written (minus some editing errors) and well developed. With that said, I felt the end (of the conflict) was rushed and I wanted slightly more. It was a huge build up and then the conflict just ended abruptly. No spoilers so no elaboration, but I craved more. As to the relationship build up, it was spot on and a perfect ending.
As to the series, I’d love to see the series continue. We have Sasha, Victor and possibly Maxim remaining. Sasha and Victor could even be a combined book – oh to think of the possibilities! Either way, I love the authors and can’t wait to see what’s next.
This is as good if not better than all the rest of Sandy and Crystal’s books. I could not put it down. The story caught my interest from the beginning and flowed through to the end. There was so much excitement and activity going on that I could not turn the pages fast enough. Everything that I need in a good book was in this story. This is a love story of a family, a couple, and friends but it also has mystery, violence, conflict, resolution and a HEA. I recommend this book but I also would recommend all books written by this creative duo.
I have no words! I think this book has brought me to my knees. When Nikolai first set eyes on Leah, I knew that there story would give me ALL the FEELS. I was not disappointed!
My heart! What I wasn’t prepared for was the depth of pain she had lived through to get to this point, both emotionally and physically.
Nikolai, damn, that man! *sigh. He bides his time, gaining her trust and my heart!
Got to say though, this kept me on my toes, I was waiting for the other shoe to fall and my God, when it did?! Holy shizz!!
What a bloody fantastic read!
Nikolai Volkov has been groomed to take over his father’s role in the Volkov Empire since he was young. He still has nightmares about the way he was entered into the world though. Now that he has reconnected with his half brother though he juggles his time between his duty to his father and his running of his construction business. What he did not expect was to feel extremely protective of his secretary Leah Winters. She is a bright spot in a dark world for him and he knows she is it for him. He takes his time knowing she needs it and to build trust. Can he protect her from the threat within though?
I was waiting for this book and to see how Nikolai and Leah would play out and it exceeded my expectations. I could not put this one down. Nikolai is now one of my favorite characters by these authors. Excellent.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. I was really looking forward to reading Nikolai’s story after falling in love with Demetri. I love that they bring back the Kings of Retribution so we can see what they are up to. Mixing the motorcycle club with the mafia is the best of both worlds. I was not disappointed and can not wait to see where Sandy and Crystal take us in the next book.
Keeps getting better! I have been waiting for this book forever and as usual it was better than I could imagine! Nikolai lived up to the expectations I had for him since he was introduced in Undaunted! He is a force to be reckoned with and just what Leah needed! Leah had a strength she never knew because it was beaten out of her for most of her life. It was nice to see her come into herself and find her voice. So excited for another book from these talented writers!!
I’m not sure that my words are enough to describe how much I loved this book! Nikolai and Leah…I love love LOOOVE the way they are together!! You love them as single people, but when they come together, they are one of those couples that you know will grow old together and pray you get to have this type of relationship. His patience for and with her, her innocence and goodness despite having a past like hers, makes them work. Where on the outside, it seems that they are opposites, to get to know them you see, they are made for each other. This is a couple many of us have been rooting for since he laid eyes on her. And boy do they not disappoint!!
I’m just upset that I’m done reading it. I can’t seem to express how amazing this book is! It’s not rushed. I felt like this was a truly happy ending/beginning. Just about every book you read in the romance genre ends on a happy note…but this one feels different. Something about this just feels so solid and complete. It’s like seeing soulmates find each other!! Yes!! That’s what it is! That’s what this book is! It’s not about a man and a woman finding love, it’s so much more. It’s about a man and a woman finding their soulmate. That’s how complete this feels to me. It feels like it’s based on a real live person’s happily ever after!
From start to finish, this book kept me glued to it, kept me from sleeping, kept me from doing family stuff (oh come on…we’re all in quarantine, we’ve had enough time together – this was my ME time and believe me I deserved it! ) and I have absolutely no regrets about it because I had quality time with my friends, Nikolai and Leah!
Sandy and Crystal have this wonderful ability to make me believe that people can actually have a HEA, just by using their words.
You looking for hope? Its here! You looking for love? Its here! You looking for action? It’s all here!
Thank you Sandy and Crystal for once again giving me some of your quality time!
I have been waiting for Nikolai’s story since we met him in Undaunted. Him and Leah have been on the periphery of all the books we’ve seen glimpses hinting that they were meant for eachother and have been waiting to see their story play out. It was completely 100% worth waiting for their story is perfect. Nikolai is Leah’s perfect match. I dont want to give any spoilers away so all I’m going to say is he his just as swoon worthy and willing to work for his woman as his Dad. I cant wait for more of the Volkov serie
War. Bloodshed. Death.
Live and die by the Volkov name.
Nikolai is book 2 in ‘The Volkov Empire’ series, when Nikolai takes 1 look at Leah, he knows he is powerless when it comes to her. Leah has lived a life that no one should, when the worst of it all happens, she turns to a friend for help landing her in Polson; right on the doorstep of everything she deserves, happiness.
The chemistry between Nikolai and Leah grew throughout the book, Leah struggled with her own insecurities but Nikolai continued to show her the real her.
Daniels and Alvarez had me desperate for this story, having read about Nikolai and Leah in previous books my imagination was running wild with how their story would unfold. The duo did not disappoint, the moment I started reading I couldn’t put it down reading through the night until I turned the last page.
Hands down do not hesitate, if you haven’t read ‘The Kings of Retribution’ series I highly recommend reading from start as the Volkov series is a spin off.
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Nikolai The Volkov Empire #2
By Sandy Alvarez & Chrystal Daniels
Lord be still my heart!!! What a heartbreakingly beautiful yet healing journey of Leah and Nikolai each battered,beaten but not broken.
We have been getting glimpses of them since The Darkest of Light (book 2) and have been begging for their story and what a wonderful story we have been given.
We learn more about how unbelievably heartbreaking and horrifying abusive her life was growing up until she meets Sam and Alba at college who help rescue her. There she becomes family with them,The Kings of Retribution MC,Nikolai and his father. They help her realize especially Nikolai that she is beautiful, worthy,lovable, perfect the way she is and more powerful than she thought.
Nikolai is the heir to Volkov Empire but has step aside for now to run his own business in Polson,Montana. We discover more about his past which gives their story even more meaning and understanding. He is fierce and protective when it comes to Leah. Their journey started out as a slow burn because she was so emotionally and physically abused before moving to Polson so he needed time to build her up and make her feel safe. I love how passionate, patient, encouraging, loving and protective he is of her. He would do anything for even kill if necessary to keep her safe. Their story is action packed and brings the MC and Volkov Empire into the fight. I felt so many things while reading this emotional journey that I even found myself crying at times. This truly epic story was so worth the wait.
Five
Oh lordy! Nikolai is a perfect example of the apple not falling far from the tree. Nikolai doesn’t mess around when it comes to his woman. He is fierce and passionate, just downright yummy, exactly like his dad. Leah is sweet and shy, just the perfect, loving woman for him. Their story wasn’t easy, Leah’s whole life has been filled with pain and loneliness. It wasn’t until she met Alba and Sam that she had anyone in her corner. Then she meets the Kings and they do all they can to help her, protect her. Nikolai moves slowly, wanting to win Leah’s trust first and foremost. Once they get together, I wanted to just stay right there and bask in the beauty that is this couple. This sister duo has done it again, another page turner, another wonderful possessive man finding his soul mate. All the love for Nikolai and Leah!
This is book 2 of the Volkov Empire series and focuses on Nikolai and Leah’s story.
If you’ve read the Kings of Retribution series you know we first meet Nikolai in book 1. He’s really grown and adapted into his new life since moving to Polson while still juggling his responsibilities to his family empire and their business dealings in Russia.
This book stems all the way back to the beginnings of the Kings so it is nice to see what Nikolai was going through as well as Leah during the events that we read about in those books.
Nikolai is a man who knows what he wants. He exudes power and demands respect. He’s a man of action. He cares deeply for those he loves and will stop at nothing to keep them safe, even if it means risking himself.
Leah meets Nikolai during a vulnerable time in her life. We see how her past has beaten down her self-worth leaving her with low self-esteem and practically no confidence. Until she meets Nikolai. His small gestures and compliments breathes new life into her.
Nikolai awakens something in Leah that no one has, but Leah also awakens feelings in Nikolai that he’s never felt before. He knows he needs to tread carefully with Leah’s fragile state, but fortunately he is a patient man and knows it will pay off in the end. Nikolai and Leah’s journey is not simple, but nothing in life worth having ever is.
Do you know that feeling of need one book so freaking bad that you can’t stop thinking about it?
That story that will make you scream and blush at the same time?
That book that you know will be freaking awesome?
Well, that was me when I got a glimpse of these two characters.
So much needed to be said. So many questions? So many things crossing my mind all at once.
Since that day, I’ve been wanting to read this book and I kept asking the authors to hurry up. Lol
Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez are the MC queens but also the mafia queens.
They know how to grab your attention, how to make you interested not only in the book you’re reading at the moment but also for the ones that will come.
Their writing is raw, wild, dangerous as well as spicy and hot…
Just see for yourself.
Nikolai is their latest release and it’s the second book from The Volkov Empire.
I advise you to read Demetri first. Heck, I advise you to read all of their books.
This new book explores the lives of Nikolai and Leah.
Nikolai was raised to one day take over for his father. There are some risks for being in this world but being a Volkov is just that.
But after finding his stepbrother, his priorities changed and now he seeks other things. He wants to be away from that life until sweet Leah…
Leah has been living in fear all of her life. The ones who were supposed to protect her are the monsters that haunt her every single time she closes her eyes.
Now she’s hiding with the protection of The Kings of Retribution but…
My heart was so big that I thought it might burst.
This book killed it and I was sad that it was over.
Sublime plot, very well written, super engaging, super intense, and with a touch of seduction and mystery.
It was amazing to witness the way Leah grew up and it was perfect to see the way Nikolai evolved.
I’m at a loss of words because I can’t say enough good things without spoiling.
And if you know me, you know that I hate to spoil.
This book has presented us with family bonds, love, loyalty, desire as well as betrayal, crime, punishment, and the dark side…
I was glued to my kindle since I started to read this book and was pretty mad when I needed to stop reading to attend to my responsibilities.
Jesus… I wished I could have stayed reading non-stop but I couldn’t.
It was great to read about The Kings, I really missed them. And Quinn… Oh boy… He’s nuts…
These two ladies had created another masterpiece and you can’t miss it.
Sandy and Crystal… You guys rock and this book is another example of an epic story.
So… Being greedy… What’s next?
The best way to describe this book is with one sentence from the book: ” In life, we must learn to accept and let go of the things we can’t change.”
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have been waiting for this book for a while. I fell in love with these two and could not wait for their HEA. Leah is the shy girl, Nikolai is the tough guy. They are perfect for one another. Leah softens Nikolai and he protects her. Leah has been mistreated and lonely for too long. I literally wanted to cry for her. This story is beautifully written and I know I will be rereading it frequently. The Darkest Light has always been my favorite, but move over Alba and Gabriel…Here comes Leah and Nikolai. They have stole my heart.
This book was absolutely amazing! These ladies do not let me down at all. I am over the moon about this book! It has become my absolute favorite of their books!!
I have waited for this book for so long. It was absolutely perfect. This book was the best and crystal and sandy always bring us great worlds full of adventure and romance.
It feels like as avid readers we’ve waited light years for this book! Leah and Nikolai had such a unique connection from the first time they were introduced in the Kings series.
Nikolai has grown up in the darker side of life. Being the son of a prominent mafia leader, he knows what is to be expected of him. But he also knows he has to be able to live his life in some kind of way that is true to himself. He’s made no attachments to any woman in his life, and he intends to keep it that way for a long time to come. He’s a hard man who lives by a certain code. But then Leah walked into his life, and everything changed.
Leah has lived a hard life that nobody else has seen. She’s grown up under the watchful eye of parents who have groomed her to be a certain way. She knows that in order to have some type of control over her life, she has to walk a fine line. She’s lived through things others have never understood. When she’s able to get out and live her life, she finally feels free. She doesn’t know how long that will last, but she’ll fight hard for it. She thinks she is destined to be alone. Until Nikolai walked in and changed it all.
Their love story isn’t an easy one. It’s not all sunshine and roses. No instead, its a lot of determination, emotion, and true love. I LOVED their story, even if it left me with a book hangover!!! Seriously so thrilled by this book. I just finished it and I’m ready to go back and read it again.
Wow these sisters have got it going on! I could not put the book down
Nikolai has patiently waited for Leah to realize his love for her. When she decides to learn self defense he ends up teaching her and the sparks fly. Where would a Kings book be without danger, intrigue, kidnapping, and strong alpha men qho love their women. You get it all in Nikolai. Great read, gotta love this Russian.
I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.