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Beautiful Cruelty
Good girls don't pick fights with a handsome billionaire at the dry cleaner's.
Good girls don't steal his bespoke suit.
Good girls don't take pictures of themselves wearing only the suit jacket.
And good girls definitely don't hit SEND.
But after catching my cheating ex-fiancé in the act three days before the wedding...
... being a good girl was the last thing on my mind.
And that's when I meet Vadim Stravinsky.
His storm-gray eyes notice the mascara smudged on my face.
Despite making him the unexpected target of my frustrations and heartbreak, he leaves me with his card.
And a promise that our paths will cross again.
But Vadim Stravinsky is more than a handsome billionaire whose smile sends flutters through my stomach.
He's a ruthless bratva boss who won't take no for an answer.
Who won't hesitate to put his enemies on their knees.
Who enjoys corrupting good girls like me.
And wants nothing more than to show me how bad I can be.
Now, because of my single reckless act, he's about to drag me into his dangerous world.
A world where where it's impossible to deny the truth that both of us knew from the moment we saw each
I don't want to be a good girl.
I want to be his good girl.
-----
Beautiful Cruelty is Book 1 of the Stravinsky Bratva duet. This is NOT a standalone.
This book contains scenes and topics that may be disturbing to some readers.
Good girls don't steal his bespoke suit.
Good girls don't take pictures of themselves wearing only the suit jacket.
And good girls definitely don't hit SEND.
But after catching my cheating ex-fiancé in the act three days before the wedding...
... being a good girl was the last thing on my mind.
And that's when I meet Vadim Stravinsky.
His storm-gray eyes notice the mascara smudged on my face.
Despite making him the unexpected target of my frustrations and heartbreak, he leaves me with his card.
And a promise that our paths will cross again.
But Vadim Stravinsky is more than a handsome billionaire whose smile sends flutters through my stomach.
He's a ruthless bratva boss who won't take no for an answer.
Who won't hesitate to put his enemies on their knees.
Who enjoys corrupting good girls like me.
And wants nothing more than to show me how bad I can be.
Now, because of my single reckless act, he's about to drag me into his dangerous world.
A world where where it's impossible to deny the truth that both of us knew from the moment we saw each
I don't want to be a good girl.
I want to be his good girl.
-----
Beautiful Cruelty is Book 1 of the Stravinsky Bratva duet. This is NOT a standalone.
This book contains scenes and topics that may be disturbing to some readers.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
1,544 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 17, 2025
Not my favorite book from this author. The plot was unique, but wasn't "wowed" by either Vadam or Lacey's character. The beginning of the book which paves the way for Lacey's involvement in Vadam's world was weak at best, but not terrible. A different kind of meet-cute. Time line for book one is approximately three plus weeks. The author crammed allot of characters and players, actions in book one to make your head spin, so pay attention. Lacey was too easily convinced by too many dark characters in this book that Vadam was the bad guy. I didn't consider her to be mature or a deep thinker, but rather shallow.
The writing was good, a bit drawn out and long for my taste in a duet, but overall was good. The story devoted allot of time to lust/sex while Lacey explored her need to enter the dark sexual side that Vadam was willing to show her. Pain was a big incentive for her when it came to sex. Character development started out good, but quickly got sidelined when "sex" became the cure-all for everything, even when Irina was killed. I didn't feel as though V&L were two individuals who never took the time to really learn how to communicate or were ever completely honest with each other. Lacey's prior life just got put on hold without any real explanation to her sister or family other than a well deserved vacation after supposedly returning Vadam's suit jacket. She really did some stupid things considering the seriousness of what was going on around her.
Vadam was a man with a dark past that put him in constant battle with the good raging against the bad. Both characters seemed off when it came to fitting together even with the successes they have in book one. He had so many loose ends from his late father that every time you turned around a new person or persons were raising their ugly heads.
I am still not convinced that this is a real love story, sex yes....not sure about a love match.
The writing was good, a bit drawn out and long for my taste in a duet, but overall was good. The story devoted allot of time to lust/sex while Lacey explored her need to enter the dark sexual side that Vadam was willing to show her. Pain was a big incentive for her when it came to sex. Character development started out good, but quickly got sidelined when "sex" became the cure-all for everything, even when Irina was killed. I didn't feel as though V&L were two individuals who never took the time to really learn how to communicate or were ever completely honest with each other. Lacey's prior life just got put on hold without any real explanation to her sister or family other than a well deserved vacation after supposedly returning Vadam's suit jacket. She really did some stupid things considering the seriousness of what was going on around her.
Vadam was a man with a dark past that put him in constant battle with the good raging against the bad. Both characters seemed off when it came to fitting together even with the successes they have in book one. He had so many loose ends from his late father that every time you turned around a new person or persons were raising their ugly heads.
I am still not convinced that this is a real love story, sex yes....not sure about a love match.
February 1, 2025
Dark and Twisty
Dark and twisty. Heartbreak, betrayal and love are wrapped in every word. Vadim leads the life he does because of those three things and the same for Lacey. Their story while beautiful is devastating too. The lies they’ve been told shape who they are just as much as the truths. If only they trusted each other enough to share all of it with each other. The connection is undeniable but they are both fearful to trust it. There are moments of pure bliss and happiness but for each of those moments there are double as many moments of complete and under devastation. This book brings light to the deep sadness of human trafficking. The disgusting people that would do this to another human being and the lengths they go to for money and power. However this story also shines a light on those working to end it by any means necessary, Vadim’s reason and his purpose.
I enjoyed this book very much but there were moments when I was actively yelling at the main characters for not being reasonable or logical. I want to believe that I’d do things differently but in reality it likely isn’t how it would go. Brook does an incredible job of telling a dark and scary tale that we all wish wasn’t true but is a sad reality. We live amongst monsters and our world would do well to have a man like Vadim fighting against the monsters and a woman like Lacey that stands beside him to fight the monsters even if she isn’t always sure who of them is the actual monster. Looking forward to reading the second half of the story in book two.
Dark and twisty. Heartbreak, betrayal and love are wrapped in every word. Vadim leads the life he does because of those three things and the same for Lacey. Their story while beautiful is devastating too. The lies they’ve been told shape who they are just as much as the truths. If only they trusted each other enough to share all of it with each other. The connection is undeniable but they are both fearful to trust it. There are moments of pure bliss and happiness but for each of those moments there are double as many moments of complete and under devastation. This book brings light to the deep sadness of human trafficking. The disgusting people that would do this to another human being and the lengths they go to for money and power. However this story also shines a light on those working to end it by any means necessary, Vadim’s reason and his purpose.
I enjoyed this book very much but there were moments when I was actively yelling at the main characters for not being reasonable or logical. I want to believe that I’d do things differently but in reality it likely isn’t how it would go. Brook does an incredible job of telling a dark and scary tale that we all wish wasn’t true but is a sad reality. We live amongst monsters and our world would do well to have a man like Vadim fighting against the monsters and a woman like Lacey that stands beside him to fight the monsters even if she isn’t always sure who of them is the actual monster. Looking forward to reading the second half of the story in book two.
February 1, 2025
Definitely worth the read!
So honored to receive ARC of Beautiful Cruelty and Beautiful Agony! Who would want to catch their fiancé with his assistant? Unfortunately, that happened to Lacey. She’s quite feisty and even though Vadim is super sexy she puts him right in his place! I love the sibling dynamic with Lacey, Megan, and Freddy. It was very realistic and reminded me of my own family. Human Trafficking has never been a trope I wanted to read about because it terrifies me. However, it was handled with sensitivity and without too much graphic description. Vadim and Lacey make it their life’s work to save as many victims as possible. The love story between Lacey and Vadim was one of my favorites I have ever read. I love that they worked through their rough patch, didn’t take a break, or break up! Loved that Lacey wasn’t a damsel in distress or disgusted by the Bratva. Her sister Megan is a riot and I cannot wait to read more about her and Demyon! I couldn’t not put these books down! Thank you again for entrusting this to me!
So honored to receive ARC of Beautiful Cruelty and Beautiful Agony! Who would want to catch their fiancé with his assistant? Unfortunately, that happened to Lacey. She’s quite feisty and even though Vadim is super sexy she puts him right in his place! I love the sibling dynamic with Lacey, Megan, and Freddy. It was very realistic and reminded me of my own family. Human Trafficking has never been a trope I wanted to read about because it terrifies me. However, it was handled with sensitivity and without too much graphic description. Vadim and Lacey make it their life’s work to save as many victims as possible. The love story between Lacey and Vadim was one of my favorites I have ever read. I love that they worked through their rough patch, didn’t take a break, or break up! Loved that Lacey wasn’t a damsel in distress or disgusted by the Bratva. Her sister Megan is a riot and I cannot wait to read more about her and Demyon! I couldn’t not put these books down! Thank you again for entrusting this to me!
February 25, 2025
DID NOT FINISH. got like halfway through but honestly just got board
February 4, 2025
Less than 12 hours after reeling from a recent breakup and nursing a broken heart, Lacey never imagined that a simple trip to pick up her dry cleaning would lead her straight into the arms of the love of her life, a Bratva Pakhan no less. Vadim Stravinsky is anything but typical. By day, he’s a powerful retail mogul; by night, he leads the Bratva, though not in the way you’d expect. Instead of wielding his influence for personal gain, he uses it as a front to help victims escape brutal circumstances. When he proposes a marriage of convenience to Lacey, love is the furthest thing from his mind. But as their dangerous mission unfolds, resisting their growing feelings becomes the real challenge.
Brook Wilder’s books are always a wild ride, but Beautiful Cruelty was on another level. Packed with action, charged with tension, and overflowing with raw emotion, it kept me hooked as Lacey and Vadim navigated the chaos of their circumstances and their hearts.
I’ll admit, I had a love-hate relationship with Lacey. She’s strong, determined, and her bold personality really stood out. But I didn’t love how she pushed Vadim away and fell into self-victimization. That said, her self-awareness added depth, even if it didn’t always stop her from making questionable choices. This flaw feels like part of her character arc though. We often allow male leads in mafia or bratva romances room to grow and evolve, so it’s refreshing to see a female lead given the same space for personal growth.
“I want to erase every scar his past has left on him. Want to replace memories of rejection with ones of acceptance. Want to show him that he deserves to be chosen, to be wanted, to be loved.�
Vadim, however, stole the show for me. A gentle giant with a fierce exterior, he’s honourable, kind, and driven by a mission to save others, even when it costs him dearly within the Bratva. It was such a refreshing take to see a Pakhan who isn’t just self-serving or the typical caveman stereotype. His internal struggles, especially his fear of becoming like his father, were heartbreaking and made me fall for him even more. He’s the epitome of a fierce Bratva leader with a hidden cinnamon-roll core if only someone would let him show it.
"What are you to me?"
"Your wife."
"What else?"
"Your star." I cry.
"Your queen."
After heart-wrenching losses, intense twists, and emotionally charged moments, the book leaves us on a cliffhanger, setting the stage perfectly for Beautiful Agony, the finale of the duet so you best believe I’ll be starting it immediately after this review!
Brook Wilder’s books are always a wild ride, but Beautiful Cruelty was on another level. Packed with action, charged with tension, and overflowing with raw emotion, it kept me hooked as Lacey and Vadim navigated the chaos of their circumstances and their hearts.
I’ll admit, I had a love-hate relationship with Lacey. She’s strong, determined, and her bold personality really stood out. But I didn’t love how she pushed Vadim away and fell into self-victimization. That said, her self-awareness added depth, even if it didn’t always stop her from making questionable choices. This flaw feels like part of her character arc though. We often allow male leads in mafia or bratva romances room to grow and evolve, so it’s refreshing to see a female lead given the same space for personal growth.
“I want to erase every scar his past has left on him. Want to replace memories of rejection with ones of acceptance. Want to show him that he deserves to be chosen, to be wanted, to be loved.�
Vadim, however, stole the show for me. A gentle giant with a fierce exterior, he’s honourable, kind, and driven by a mission to save others, even when it costs him dearly within the Bratva. It was such a refreshing take to see a Pakhan who isn’t just self-serving or the typical caveman stereotype. His internal struggles, especially his fear of becoming like his father, were heartbreaking and made me fall for him even more. He’s the epitome of a fierce Bratva leader with a hidden cinnamon-roll core if only someone would let him show it.
"What are you to me?"
"Your wife."
"What else?"
"Your star." I cry.
"Your queen."
After heart-wrenching losses, intense twists, and emotionally charged moments, the book leaves us on a cliffhanger, setting the stage perfectly for Beautiful Agony, the finale of the duet so you best believe I’ll be starting it immediately after this review!
February 2, 2025
This was an intense story with quite a few triggers. So check those before you start. I did like Lacey and Vadim but not always when they were together. There were times their chemistry was off the charts and other times they felt miles away. I think it was because they would bounce a little too quickly between hot and cold. One second fighting then acting like nothing had happened moments later. It became a little jarring. I did enjoy the story line of fighting for good and trying to change things to make it better for the women.
I liked that Vadim was true to himself through the whole story. He didn't change much and was willing to bring Lacey in without too much resistance. I'm drawn to a troubled character and my heart went out to Vadim over his childhood. I also appreciated that he wasn't a total ego maniac and more down to earth than other Bratva leaders.
I really liked how Vadim and Lacey met and how she handled everything. She was a strong character especially for being thrown into everything the way she was. I loved how caring she was towards her family. I went through the same thing with my dad, so I admired her for how she was with him.
Okay, this is just totally personal preference but degradation is not really my thing and it felt at odds with their purpose of freeing trafficking victims. It is totally a me thing and nothing against it or how the book was written but it just felt out of place for me and would take me out of the story. That said I did really enjoy the book and I'm excited for the next one because that ending was jaw dropping! I would recommend it but make sure you're okay with some dark content.
I liked that Vadim was true to himself through the whole story. He didn't change much and was willing to bring Lacey in without too much resistance. I'm drawn to a troubled character and my heart went out to Vadim over his childhood. I also appreciated that he wasn't a total ego maniac and more down to earth than other Bratva leaders.
I really liked how Vadim and Lacey met and how she handled everything. She was a strong character especially for being thrown into everything the way she was. I loved how caring she was towards her family. I went through the same thing with my dad, so I admired her for how she was with him.
Okay, this is just totally personal preference but degradation is not really my thing and it felt at odds with their purpose of freeing trafficking victims. It is totally a me thing and nothing against it or how the book was written but it just felt out of place for me and would take me out of the story. That said I did really enjoy the book and I'm excited for the next one because that ending was jaw dropping! I would recommend it but make sure you're okay with some dark content.
February 1, 2025
Vadim & Lacey’s story was chaotic & seemingly fast paced.
Lacey is less than a day in after she catches her fiancé cheating on her…mere days before the wedding…when she runs into an incredibly handsome stranger at the dry cleaners. She doesn’t think too much about it until she realizes she grabbed his dry cleaning & not hers. She is bold sending a photo of her in his suit to him…a risqué photo.
But when she is working at the same event she knows he’ll be at, she is only thinking of returning the clothes (kind of). When he shows up, sees her, & asks her to dance, their chemistry is undeniable.
But when their paths cross again, Vadim believes using her to help him achieve a goal he’s trying to reach is the right answer to snatching her from her place.
Their relationship then becomes increasingly tense but only because their attraction to one another threatens his plans.
But when Lacey promises to help him she is then thrown into the deep end of who Vadim really is & she is not prepared for what happens because of it.
Chaos later ensues & people she cared about are hurt & she ends up confused as to how she really feels about Vadim. This confusion leads to someone, who she never should’ve trusted to begin with, easily manipulating her into leaving which only leads her to more pain.
I am for sure very curious how the next book plays out.
Definitely very intriguing!
Lacey is less than a day in after she catches her fiancé cheating on her…mere days before the wedding…when she runs into an incredibly handsome stranger at the dry cleaners. She doesn’t think too much about it until she realizes she grabbed his dry cleaning & not hers. She is bold sending a photo of her in his suit to him…a risqué photo.
But when she is working at the same event she knows he’ll be at, she is only thinking of returning the clothes (kind of). When he shows up, sees her, & asks her to dance, their chemistry is undeniable.
But when their paths cross again, Vadim believes using her to help him achieve a goal he’s trying to reach is the right answer to snatching her from her place.
Their relationship then becomes increasingly tense but only because their attraction to one another threatens his plans.
But when Lacey promises to help him she is then thrown into the deep end of who Vadim really is & she is not prepared for what happens because of it.
Chaos later ensues & people she cared about are hurt & she ends up confused as to how she really feels about Vadim. This confusion leads to someone, who she never should’ve trusted to begin with, easily manipulating her into leaving which only leads her to more pain.
I am for sure very curious how the next book plays out.
Definitely very intriguing!
March 29, 2025
Such stupidity
Absolutely hated this story. Started out alright, I love me a ‘touch her and die story� and I thought this might fit that trope. H meets h after she has been cheated on three days before her wedding. He, the Bratva pakhan, becomes invested immediately. Sexual tension high immediately. Forced marriage to save trafficked girls, tormented hero doesn’t want to be a bad guy to females like his father but he’s the head of a criminal organization?
She’s supposedly so invested in caring for her dementia afflicted father (who her brother steals from and takes advantage of) yet never checks on him, tells the H about him or even really mentions him after the first chapter or so. The second half of the book she suddenly morphs into a masochist and is so narcissistic that everything is her fault ( her criminal boyfriend cheating on her, a trafficking ring that she didn’t even know about previously, the death of a character who was truly heroic and actually altruistic, blah, blah, blah). I really dislike it when characters suddenly make everything about themselves. It’s such a millennial mindset (“Oh, a man got murdered; it’s my fault because I was his fiance! Woe is me! Umm, duh, he was a trafficking piece of crap who wanted to sell you!) Then she forces she hero to be everything he was trying so hard not to be…for what reason? Who knows? Will not be reading any more of these books and too bad because I love mafia romance!
Absolutely hated this story. Started out alright, I love me a ‘touch her and die story� and I thought this might fit that trope. H meets h after she has been cheated on three days before her wedding. He, the Bratva pakhan, becomes invested immediately. Sexual tension high immediately. Forced marriage to save trafficked girls, tormented hero doesn’t want to be a bad guy to females like his father but he’s the head of a criminal organization?
She’s supposedly so invested in caring for her dementia afflicted father (who her brother steals from and takes advantage of) yet never checks on him, tells the H about him or even really mentions him after the first chapter or so. The second half of the book she suddenly morphs into a masochist and is so narcissistic that everything is her fault ( her criminal boyfriend cheating on her, a trafficking ring that she didn’t even know about previously, the death of a character who was truly heroic and actually altruistic, blah, blah, blah). I really dislike it when characters suddenly make everything about themselves. It’s such a millennial mindset (“Oh, a man got murdered; it’s my fault because I was his fiance! Woe is me! Umm, duh, he was a trafficking piece of crap who wanted to sell you!) Then she forces she hero to be everything he was trying so hard not to be…for what reason? Who knows? Will not be reading any more of these books and too bad because I love mafia romance!
February 1, 2025
The PERFECT kind of dark mafia romance!!
Vadim and Lacey’s story is definitely interesting, highly fascinating and passionate.
What started out as a chance encounter turns into something so exhilarating, dramatic and life altering for both of these characters.
These characters have an undeniable chemistry and when they give into their desires it so STEAMY!!
Holy Moly …Vadim Stravinsky is the dangerous, powerful, possessive, dirty talking book boyfriend we all want🫠
As for Lacey I really enjoyed her strength, her sassiness and endearing her personality.
Together they will face challenges, betrayal and death but Vadim will burn the world to protect his little star, the women who brought light to his darkness.
Their story is SO GOOD, I couldn’t put it down. It’s filled with intrigue, chaos, strong subject matters and enticement.
*Take heed of the trigger warnings *
Getting lost in Vadim and Lacey’s story was really intense, strongly addictive and wickedly enticing.
A whirlwind of emotions takes place while reading the pages of Beautiful Cruelty.
I highly recommend this book to romance readers who like to take a walk on the dark side.
Keep in mind this book is the first book in the Stravinsky Bratva duet so grab Beautiful Agony to see how Vadim and Lacey get their HEA.
Vadim and Lacey’s story is definitely interesting, highly fascinating and passionate.
What started out as a chance encounter turns into something so exhilarating, dramatic and life altering for both of these characters.
These characters have an undeniable chemistry and when they give into their desires it so STEAMY!!
Holy Moly …Vadim Stravinsky is the dangerous, powerful, possessive, dirty talking book boyfriend we all want🫠
As for Lacey I really enjoyed her strength, her sassiness and endearing her personality.
Together they will face challenges, betrayal and death but Vadim will burn the world to protect his little star, the women who brought light to his darkness.
Their story is SO GOOD, I couldn’t put it down. It’s filled with intrigue, chaos, strong subject matters and enticement.
*Take heed of the trigger warnings *
Getting lost in Vadim and Lacey’s story was really intense, strongly addictive and wickedly enticing.
A whirlwind of emotions takes place while reading the pages of Beautiful Cruelty.
I highly recommend this book to romance readers who like to take a walk on the dark side.
Keep in mind this book is the first book in the Stravinsky Bratva duet so grab Beautiful Agony to see how Vadim and Lacey get their HEA.
February 3, 2025
It's a story that keeps you interested until the very last page, although at times, I would have preferred it to be shorter. Lacey is betrayed by her fiancé, and soon after, fate brings her face-to-face with Vadim, the leader of the Russian mafia and, of course, incredibly wealthy. He needs a wife to steal something from his rival, who is involved in human trafficking. Lacey decides to help him, which puts her on the radar of dangerous criminals.
The book's ending shows Lacey in the hands of the enemies after she foolishly decides to accept help from Vadim's stepmother. We'll see where the story takes us in the second book.
It would have been a five-star story if Lacey had ended up in the hands of the villains because she was kidnapped or for any other reason than what actually happened. Not even a toddler would have accepted help from the stepmother—it’s just too stupid!
The book's ending shows Lacey in the hands of the enemies after she foolishly decides to accept help from Vadim's stepmother. We'll see where the story takes us in the second book.
It would have been a five-star story if Lacey had ended up in the hands of the villains because she was kidnapped or for any other reason than what actually happened. Not even a toddler would have accepted help from the stepmother—it’s just too stupid!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
Meh
Let's see... started out a 4 then down to a 2....spoilers ahead
The FMC kind of sucked. She kept knowingly pushing the MMC into doing things he wasn't comfortable with, TSTL (like seriously you're trusting someone who hates you?!), instalove which i can't see working in this book which I think the timeline was over maybe a month or 2, and she was portrayed as some tough character but I didn't see it. And maybe I'm a bit insensitive, but she knew the woman who died for like 2 weeks and was crazy distraught over it, granted, she watched her die but still. I feel like that's the reaction you give when it's a close friend or family member.
The MMC was too soft.
I usually like a spicy book but it was a little over the top especially since the FMC called the shots a lot. I skimmed the last part, won't be reading the second book.
Let's see... started out a 4 then down to a 2....spoilers ahead
The FMC kind of sucked. She kept knowingly pushing the MMC into doing things he wasn't comfortable with, TSTL (like seriously you're trusting someone who hates you?!), instalove which i can't see working in this book which I think the timeline was over maybe a month or 2, and she was portrayed as some tough character but I didn't see it. And maybe I'm a bit insensitive, but she knew the woman who died for like 2 weeks and was crazy distraught over it, granted, she watched her die but still. I feel like that's the reaction you give when it's a close friend or family member.
The MMC was too soft.
I usually like a spicy book but it was a little over the top especially since the FMC called the shots a lot. I skimmed the last part, won't be reading the second book.
April 25, 2025
ugh, I really hate how some authors write their women characters. like this, she had good potential, but she kept purposefully demanding attention. it was a turn-off if anything, not cute or endearing or even awkward nervous endearing, just plain old annoying. then when she's advised not to bring up a certain topic, she does it anyway thinking she's what? more important than she thinks? like he'll just tell her bout because of the situation their in, that she's entitled to know? yeah, that personality trait right there is what is purely annoying for this book. & is exactly why it's get a one star rating. he kidnapped her, told her his plan, & in one day she believes she's entitled to know all his trauma. ugh. then has the nerve to feel hurt when he refuses her. if that's the way you think you'll endearing your audience to her, then you're dead wrong. she ruined the story for me.
February 1, 2025
Check triggers before reading. While I personally didn’t find it dark, there are topics that may be sensitive to some readers.
With that being said, this was another great duet from Brook! Her books are always a great read and keep me invested.
I enjoyed both Vadim and Lacey, more so Vadim. That man is a savage in the bedroom! Not gonna lie, Lacey frustrated me at times, especially when she allowed her sister to get in her head and go to the police, then at the end when she stupidly trusted Olga. I was however really impressed when she first met Olga and stood up to her when she disrespected Vadim. I think she’s going to need that fire for what’s to come in book 2!
This was a great start to the duet, the action, betrayal and spice was excellent!
With that being said, this was another great duet from Brook! Her books are always a great read and keep me invested.
I enjoyed both Vadim and Lacey, more so Vadim. That man is a savage in the bedroom! Not gonna lie, Lacey frustrated me at times, especially when she allowed her sister to get in her head and go to the police, then at the end when she stupidly trusted Olga. I was however really impressed when she first met Olga and stood up to her when she disrespected Vadim. I think she’s going to need that fire for what’s to come in book 2!
This was a great start to the duet, the action, betrayal and spice was excellent!
February 24, 2025
Heroine has spread her legs and let another man crawl between them to claim her innocence. She has forever severed a primal and irreplaceable bond that would have been between her and the hero—now the memory of her first will always belong to another man, the hero will ALWAYS know another man claimed a deep profound part of her that will never belong to him—her innocence, her sexual vulnerability, the discovery and exhilaration of newness and awakening, all those precious gifts belongs to another man.
Its always so laughable when these authors try and make the heroes be possessive, because all the ways he could TRULY be possessive, are destroyed and thrown away to another man.
No thanks, life is too short for that putrid slop!
Its always so laughable when these authors try and make the heroes be possessive, because all the ways he could TRULY be possessive, are destroyed and thrown away to another man.
No thanks, life is too short for that putrid slop!
February 25, 2025
Wow, this woman competes with a bunch of rocks�
Maybe she’s supposed to be written as if she’s being bold, but this woman makes really bad choices. At the jewelry store, she acts out trying to outdo the ML to make him uncomfortable or something. I don’t even know what she thinks she’s proving but she’s not proving a darn thing. She’s not brave or bold. Nor is she particularly smart� frankly, anyone that sent nude pictures to a complete stranger can’t have much of a brain.
This was a mistake on my part but since it sounded good, and I bought the two books, I’ll finish them both. It’s sunk money so all I’ll lose is time.
Not for me. I don’t like her�
Maybe she’s supposed to be written as if she’s being bold, but this woman makes really bad choices. At the jewelry store, she acts out trying to outdo the ML to make him uncomfortable or something. I don’t even know what she thinks she’s proving but she’s not proving a darn thing. She’s not brave or bold. Nor is she particularly smart� frankly, anyone that sent nude pictures to a complete stranger can’t have much of a brain.
This was a mistake on my part but since it sounded good, and I bought the two books, I’ll finish them both. It’s sunk money so all I’ll lose is time.
Not for me. I don’t like her�
February 1, 2025
1st part in a duo, everything I’ve learned to expect from Brook Wilder, a great story that grips you straight away, there is no way I wasn’t going to start on book 2 as soon as this was finished.
Vadim is dark, mysterious and brutal an ideal combo in Bratva Boss, when Lacey meets him in a dry cleaners, berates him the takes his dry cleaning by accident it starts a chain reaction that changes her life.
I loved that Lacey is a strong character and with them both having painful pasts, together they are formidable.
Vadim is dark, mysterious and brutal an ideal combo in Bratva Boss, when Lacey meets him in a dry cleaners, berates him the takes his dry cleaning by accident it starts a chain reaction that changes her life.
I loved that Lacey is a strong character and with them both having painful pasts, together they are formidable.
April 10, 2025
The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is Laceys stupidity. She is so naive, even after everything. She knew she was in danger, knew not to trust Olga, but her dumb ass did anyway. After everything Vadim tried to tell her and warn her, she just happily accepted Olgas offer. Dumb ass! And I can't stand characters like this. Vadim is hurting and in so much pain. I hope that he gets his happy ending. He deserves so much better than what Lacey is right now. She needs to grow up and get some balls.
February 3, 2025
This book is incredible! I could not put it down!
Vadim and Lacey are great characters. They are facing heartbreak, betrayal, hope, and love. But it all comes with a heavy price. It does end in a cliffhanger but the second book is already downloaded and ready to read! I highly recommend this book! I could not put it down. I’m getting everything done so I can read the night away! Hoping Vadim finds Lacey and his sister!
Vadim and Lacey are great characters. They are facing heartbreak, betrayal, hope, and love. But it all comes with a heavy price. It does end in a cliffhanger but the second book is already downloaded and ready to read! I highly recommend this book! I could not put it down. I’m getting everything done so I can read the night away! Hoping Vadim finds Lacey and his sister!
February 26, 2025
A "single reckless act" changes everything.
Lacey and Vadim's riveting story had me on page one. There's passion, bloody violence, heinous crimes, power moves, dominance, a dangerous plan, misplaced trust, biting banter, emotional turmoil, and damaging truths revealed. It's a suspenseful tale with some scary villains. And wow, quite a cliffhanger ending.
*In this story Vadim is described as having blond hair, yet the bookcover model has black hair! So which is it?
Lacey and Vadim's riveting story had me on page one. There's passion, bloody violence, heinous crimes, power moves, dominance, a dangerous plan, misplaced trust, biting banter, emotional turmoil, and damaging truths revealed. It's a suspenseful tale with some scary villains. And wow, quite a cliffhanger ending.
*In this story Vadim is described as having blond hair, yet the bookcover model has black hair! So which is it?
March 31, 2025
heavy on the ick -DNF
The FMC is a simpleton.
If that turns you on this is the book for you!
Who tf says, right before P enters the V, “…is this how you dad does your mom�?!?! Gross
Like what the actual franks is going on here.
The plot started off good but boy do you have to over come some stupidity to trudge through this mess where the author insists on taking you out of the story repeatedly with asinine lines
The FMC is a simpleton.
If that turns you on this is the book for you!
Who tf says, right before P enters the V, “…is this how you dad does your mom�?!?! Gross
Like what the actual franks is going on here.
The plot started off good but boy do you have to over come some stupidity to trudge through this mess where the author insists on taking you out of the story repeatedly with asinine lines
February 1, 2025
A great start to the duet!
Everything from the meet cute to both main characters is perfection. Just a reminder to check the trigger warnings before reading, because while the love story is beautiful (and smoking hot), some of the content is really dark. I really enjoyed this duet, racing through both in a single day.
Everything from the meet cute to both main characters is perfection. Just a reminder to check the trigger warnings before reading, because while the love story is beautiful (and smoking hot), some of the content is really dark. I really enjoyed this duet, racing through both in a single day.
February 2, 2025
I loved how right from the get go Lacey stands up for others not caring who she’s talking to but doing what is right. Vadim and Lacey definitely have an angsty start and carries throughout this book but it shows the two growing together. And how each is strong and trying to do what they think is the right thing for the other as they are covered in guilt.
February 4, 2025
This is a dark and intense look into the world of the Bratva and the effect they have on the world. The characters are from different worlds and cultures, but they are still drawn together against the odds.
Together they fight with each other, and against their feelings for each other, and they are working together to make the world a safer place for the volnerable people.
Together they fight with each other, and against their feelings for each other, and they are working together to make the world a safer place for the volnerable people.
February 9, 2025
What happens when you walk in on your fiancé with his secretary? Well, if your Lacey you verbally spar with a complete stranger while picking up her dry cleaning. While Lacey thinks she has finally found her voice. Vadim, meeting Lacey was a means to an end.
Cannot wait to read book 2, Beautiful Agony!
Cannot wait to read book 2, Beautiful Agony!
March 18, 2025
Darkness to light
Talk about darkness inside us all. Vadim has tried all his life to quill the darkness that was his father's blood gave him. A tormented past that finally finds the light & determination of another. However she wants the darkness to find her. Now that she underestimated someone where will the darkness truly lead.
Talk about darkness inside us all. Vadim has tried all his life to quill the darkness that was his father's blood gave him. A tormented past that finally finds the light & determination of another. However she wants the darkness to find her. Now that she underestimated someone where will the darkness truly lead.
April 9, 2025
Meh. It had its good parts but things were so repetitive that I would think I hadn’t turned the page yet. The cliffhanger was predictable, mostly, and not enough for me to want to read a second book. Lacey is a horrible person and Vadim is a little b*tch. No redeemable qualities. I will spend no more time on them.
March 16, 2025
It’s a 3.5.
The book was good, but the FMC said and did something’s that were completely cruel and outrageous that felt like it came out of nowhere to create filler in the story. I love spicy dark romance and this story had some of that.
The book was good, but the FMC said and did something’s that were completely cruel and outrageous that felt like it came out of nowhere to create filler in the story. I love spicy dark romance and this story had some of that.
February 1, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved it! I will definitely recommend this if you like dark Bratva books. These are my favorite.
February 2, 2025
Enjoyable and entertaining. Great characters and plot twists.
February 3, 2025
The first book in this duet really draws you in. The chemistry between the main characters is amazing. The storyline is intriguing and the ending leaves you panting for the next book.
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