What do you think?
Rate this book
Zakharov Bratva #2
Diamond Angel
Five years ago, I ran from the devil who got me pregnant.
I have a son now. A boy I’d do anything to protect.
But I left behind the sister I loved more than life itself.
So when Ilarion Zakharov finds me again, I have an impossible choice to make:
Do I go back with him to the world I left behind?
Or do I leave my sister to drown in the mess I caused?
Ilarion doesn’t make choosing easy.
With every touch, every kiss, every searing look from those blue eyes, he reminds me of the truth:
I love him. I’ll always love him. I can’t help but love him.
Even if loving him costs me everything.
DIAMOND ANGEL is Book 2 of the Zakharov Bratva duet. The story begins in Book 2, DIAMOND DEVIL.
NOTE: This is a light mafia contemporary romance. No cheating. Ends in HEA.
I have a son now. A boy I’d do anything to protect.
But I left behind the sister I loved more than life itself.
So when Ilarion Zakharov finds me again, I have an impossible choice to make:
Do I go back with him to the world I left behind?
Or do I leave my sister to drown in the mess I caused?
Ilarion doesn’t make choosing easy.
With every touch, every kiss, every searing look from those blue eyes, he reminds me of the truth:
I love him. I’ll always love him. I can’t help but love him.
Even if loving him costs me everything.
DIAMOND ANGEL is Book 2 of the Zakharov Bratva duet. The story begins in Book 2, DIAMOND DEVIL.
NOTE: This is a light mafia contemporary romance. No cheating. Ends in HEA.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
2244 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
September 29, 2023
This is set five years after the first book I hate long separations in romance novels so this was an instant negative for me. Then I felt we were going round and round in circles. My sympathies for Taylor dried up and i wanted to give her a sound slap she took martyrdom to a whole new level here and it got extremely tiresome the longer it went on.
Also, Ilarion really needs to rip the band-aid off when it comes to Celine it’s been five bloody years dude some honesty wouldn’t go amiss. Celine is treated like a piece of fragile spun glass everyone tiptoeing around afraid to set her off like she’s some little snowflake. Also, Celine get some self-respect girl it’s obvious he doesn’t want you just why would you beg for scraps or even be willing to accept that? This second book annoyed the hell out of me I really wasn’t liking anyone that much everyone seemed to have an agenda. This whole premise over the two books feels like a very weird love triangle but where one party was totally oblivious to the whole situation.
This was all incredibly painful to witness and was like pulling teeth the number of times I internally rolled my eyes at Taylor’s behaviour she gave a whole new meaning to the word martyr and Celine was a totally blind and oblivious idiot as for their stupid and illogical behaviour at the end of this including dragging her son into that danger words actually fail me. I also find it incredibly difficult to believe that Ilarion wouldn’t have mentioned anything at all to Celine about any of this over the course of the last five years.
As a series, the first book was definitely better than the second I’m happy to experience flawed characters in my fiction but I do expect some growth over the course of which here there seemed to be none. I’m chalking this one down to a bad fit and maybe this author isn’t for me. The writing itself was fine it was just the totally frustrating story direction and characters that I had an issue with. Taylor definitely made this more difficult than it needed to be.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 10, 2023
It should have been one book
I read all Naomi books, and I really love them, but this one, it felt like go on forever with no story, just Taylor scared to tell her sister the truth, and no one else do anything about it but suffer, like common how much more, seriously though for years, wish there was actual story, up-to 75% book there is nothing after Taylor is back, I almost DNF book, but I had read it to end, all I can say one book was enough, its too much stretched out
I read all Naomi books, and I really love them, but this one, it felt like go on forever with no story, just Taylor scared to tell her sister the truth, and no one else do anything about it but suffer, like common how much more, seriously though for years, wish there was actual story, up-to 75% book there is nothing after Taylor is back, I almost DNF book, but I had read it to end, all I can say one book was enough, its too much stretched out
June 22, 2023
DNF this because the FMC was maddeningly stubborn to the point of being insufferable. this also irked me in the first book, but i was interested in how the story ended, so i took a chance with this second book. the entire book thus far has been the FMC arguing with literally every person in her life and insisting that she knows best. it’s frustrating to see a character remain so stubborn that she makes everyone around her miserable. i finally gave up on this book at 78% when the FMC was STILL digging her heels in.
+ well written, some level of mystery that ordinarily would’ve encouraged me to keep reading if not for the FMC
- unlikeable FMC, multiple exhausting conversations (that don’t change anything or move the plot forward) that quickly became tiresome to read
+ well written, some level of mystery that ordinarily would’ve encouraged me to keep reading if not for the FMC
- unlikeable FMC, multiple exhausting conversations (that don’t change anything or move the plot forward) that quickly became tiresome to read
January 6, 2024
I thought it would get better.
This author is a liar. I hate liars. In books sometimes I can understand lies here or there, but when I buy a book and it says there is no cheating I don’t want or expect to be lied too. The author says in warning no cheating. He marries the sister. There is no way in five years, he did not sleep with her.
Now I’m going to explain something to this author, because obviously she doesn’t know what cheating is, part one and part two has cheating the whole way through. I don’t know about you but I can tell you now that marrying the sister of the woman you’re in love with is cheating. Making promises to one sister and then having sex to the other is cheating.
This author is a liar. I hate liars. In books sometimes I can understand lies here or there, but when I buy a book and it says there is no cheating I don’t want or expect to be lied too. The author says in warning no cheating. He marries the sister. There is no way in five years, he did not sleep with her.
Now I’m going to explain something to this author, because obviously she doesn’t know what cheating is, part one and part two has cheating the whole way through. I don’t know about you but I can tell you now that marrying the sister of the woman you’re in love with is cheating. Making promises to one sister and then having sex to the other is cheating.
June 10, 2023
I was sooo disappointed with book two and I feel awful saying that. I hate that there was a 5 year time gap, and honestly I was so frustrated with Taylor's consistent refusal to allow other people to make their own choices and her insistence that she knew 'best' for everyone involved. I loved book one, but this one just fell flat for me.
June 19, 2023
This was my first experience with this author, and I thought the first book in this duet was delightful. Yes, it moved a little slow at times, and sure, the heroine wasn't really seeing reason, but it was a ton of fun, super sexy, with great chemistry between the very likeable MCs, and very well written. In this installment, however, those almost problems from the first half exploded to take over the whole book.
This shit draaagged.
Nearly all of the story's drama hinged entirely on the heroine being a stubborn, irrational martyr in the worst kind of way. She was downright awful to everyone she purported to love under the guise of selflessness, no matter how obvious it was that she was acting on her own selfish motivations and cowardice. It ruined my opinion of her.
She was especially cruel to the hero, over and over again throughout the novel. First, by
Then, when the relationship conflict finally got resolved, the ending drama hit, and it was all pretty random. It was so over-the-top and nonsensical, it was just dumb to me.
It seems like this story fell prey to the ever-lurking temptation for romance novel authors to assassinate the heroine's character in the pursuit of drama. A tale as old as time.
Despite this addition being somewhat of a disappointment, I still think that this is a very talented author, and I'm actually pretty excited to have discovered her.
*RANT CONTINUES:
This shit draaagged.
Nearly all of the story's drama hinged entirely on the heroine being a stubborn, irrational martyr in the worst kind of way. She was downright awful to everyone she purported to love under the guise of selflessness, no matter how obvious it was that she was acting on her own selfish motivations and cowardice. It ruined my opinion of her.
She was especially cruel to the hero, over and over again throughout the novel. First, by
Then, when the relationship conflict finally got resolved, the ending drama hit, and it was all pretty random. It was so over-the-top and nonsensical, it was just dumb to me.
It seems like this story fell prey to the ever-lurking temptation for romance novel authors to assassinate the heroine's character in the pursuit of drama. A tale as old as time.
Despite this addition being somewhat of a disappointment, I still think that this is a very talented author, and I'm actually pretty excited to have discovered her.
*RANT CONTINUES:
June 12, 2023
So. I thought the first book was better. It took a little too long for the action and mayhem to take place. There was a little too much push and pull w the h. After a while I was like come on. You love himmmmmmm. He lovessssss you. Celine is a little weird lol.
I honestly hated Celine. Idk if that’s what she was meant for but I wasn’t a fan. She was wishy washy and not too likeable at all.
Mila as always is a champion and I adore her
Adam is the best.
Dima. We love dima. Can’t wait to see what happens there.
Their dad. I felt that ending.
This was nice. I just wish there was some more something. Idk what. Just. Something.
I honestly hated Celine. Idk if that’s what she was meant for but I wasn’t a fan. She was wishy washy and not too likeable at all.
Mila as always is a champion and I adore her
Adam is the best.
Dima. We love dima. Can’t wait to see what happens there.
Their dad. I felt that ending.
This was nice. I just wish there was some more something. Idk what. Just. Something.
August 4, 2023
First off, 5 years was too long a gap.
Second off, it took the MCs more than half the book to finally end up together. The heroine's constant guilt-tripping gave me a headache. The hero should have just moved on. 🤦🏾♀️
Second off, it took the MCs more than half the book to finally end up together. The heroine's constant guilt-tripping gave me a headache. The hero should have just moved on. 🤦🏾♀️
June 23, 2023
A love triangle with a dose of crime family. Three characters that possessed the "Savior Syndrome" due to their actions which led them to book 2. This book gave the word "martyr" a new meaning.
I had hopes for book 2 of this saga, but found this story and it's characters to annoy me even more than book one. I know this author can write well and honestly don't recognize her writing in this book. It's almost like a ghost writer wrote this book. The editing was poor with misspelled words, sentence structure and common editing issues that should be corrected before a book is published.
Taylor's character was the character to dislike in book one, but was joined by Llaron and Celine in book 2. The secondary characters were what saved this book from being hopeless. Mila, Dima, Archie and Adam. Taylor's character redeems itself in the beginning only to fall right down the rabbit hole once Llaron finds her and her father and MAKES her return. He has no plan or direction by making her return, he just does it for revenge because NO ONE leaves him and to satisfy a guilty conscious. The terribly scripted dialogue starts all over again between she and Llaron both doubling down on the lies, threats and deceit that plagued their characters in book one. There was no balance in this story which is a large component in writing, All three main characters had their own agenda that produced a weak, boring story, that was overly dramatic and slow moving. It took almost the entire book until their is any honesty between these three characters.
Llaron's character continued to use threats and deceit to convince Taylor that she is his and yet gives her little current information regarding he and Celine's fake relationship. The truth dribbles out very slowly in a book much too long. His character had four years to prepare Celine for the return of her sister and father as well as taking down his enemy. The story never progressed in a timely fashion; just kept digging a deeper hole for the characters to fall in.
Celine's character was the real show stopper in book 2. The big sister "family savior" took on a much different persona in this story. She certainly had her own agenda and was just one of many women that had "failed" in a fairy tale ending for she and Llaron as the beleaguered, poor, sister who craved the love of a man who loved someone else. She chose, but was not forced to enter into a fake marriage to save daddy. She admitted that she loved the prestige, wealth and notoriety that came with being "fake married" to Llaron and willingly played the role for four years. She was the author or her own decisions including her near death experience and recovery, but never took responsibility or accepted that her desire for wealth and prestige with a mob boss that didn't love her; was going to turn out well. She made terrible choices throughout this series, but never owned them.
The ending was sad with just a very short window of happiness for the three main characters in a very long series.
I had hopes for book 2 of this saga, but found this story and it's characters to annoy me even more than book one. I know this author can write well and honestly don't recognize her writing in this book. It's almost like a ghost writer wrote this book. The editing was poor with misspelled words, sentence structure and common editing issues that should be corrected before a book is published.
Taylor's character was the character to dislike in book one, but was joined by Llaron and Celine in book 2. The secondary characters were what saved this book from being hopeless. Mila, Dima, Archie and Adam. Taylor's character redeems itself in the beginning only to fall right down the rabbit hole once Llaron finds her and her father and MAKES her return. He has no plan or direction by making her return, he just does it for revenge because NO ONE leaves him and to satisfy a guilty conscious. The terribly scripted dialogue starts all over again between she and Llaron both doubling down on the lies, threats and deceit that plagued their characters in book one. There was no balance in this story which is a large component in writing, All three main characters had their own agenda that produced a weak, boring story, that was overly dramatic and slow moving. It took almost the entire book until their is any honesty between these three characters.
Llaron's character continued to use threats and deceit to convince Taylor that she is his and yet gives her little current information regarding he and Celine's fake relationship. The truth dribbles out very slowly in a book much too long. His character had four years to prepare Celine for the return of her sister and father as well as taking down his enemy. The story never progressed in a timely fashion; just kept digging a deeper hole for the characters to fall in.
Celine's character was the real show stopper in book 2. The big sister "family savior" took on a much different persona in this story. She certainly had her own agenda and was just one of many women that had "failed" in a fairy tale ending for she and Llaron as the beleaguered, poor, sister who craved the love of a man who loved someone else. She chose, but was not forced to enter into a fake marriage to save daddy. She admitted that she loved the prestige, wealth and notoriety that came with being "fake married" to Llaron and willingly played the role for four years. She was the author or her own decisions including her near death experience and recovery, but never took responsibility or accepted that her desire for wealth and prestige with a mob boss that didn't love her; was going to turn out well. She made terrible choices throughout this series, but never owned them.
The ending was sad with just a very short window of happiness for the three main characters in a very long series.
December 27, 2023
this book was a wreck
Alright I have a lot to say about this book so buckle up. First off , there were so many inconsistencies my head was spinning . Here’s a little outtake just for an example :
“Both of us turn to the maid at the same time. Her name starts with an A, but I can’t for the life of me recall what it is. “This package just came for you. It’s been scanned and checked, so security said I could give it to you.” “Thank you,” Celine says, taking it from Millie.”
So was she a maid whose name was forgotten and started with A? Or was her name Millie ? That’s an example.
In the first book, Taylor’s hair is “dirty blonde” then in the second book it’s referenced as “dark hair” then at the end of the second it’s “silken blonde” . Which is it ?
Before Taylor’s disappearance Mila tells her about her r*pe as a 12 year old. Then later after she comes back , Taylor mentions it and Mila says “oh you figured that out, did you?”
No, she didn’t figure it out … Mila literally told her.
Same thing with Celine’s suicide attempt. They briefly talk about it early on and then later Taylor looks at the scars and the whole scene plays out like this never happened ???
Taylor says several times that Ilarion hides his feelings when he is literally the only character in the book willing to tell the truth about anything at all.
At one point Taylor is arguing with Ilarion and he tells her “you’re the only one who really knows me” or something along those lines and then not far after he screams at her “you don’t know me!”
Like …. What? The ENTIRE book is like this. Literally the whole thing. Nobody read this book before it was published . Let’s not forget Taylor and her annoying bit about spewing the same things about “protecting Celine” every 5 paragraphs.
Skip this duet . For real.
Alright I have a lot to say about this book so buckle up. First off , there were so many inconsistencies my head was spinning . Here’s a little outtake just for an example :
“Both of us turn to the maid at the same time. Her name starts with an A, but I can’t for the life of me recall what it is. “This package just came for you. It’s been scanned and checked, so security said I could give it to you.” “Thank you,” Celine says, taking it from Millie.”
So was she a maid whose name was forgotten and started with A? Or was her name Millie ? That’s an example.
In the first book, Taylor’s hair is “dirty blonde” then in the second book it’s referenced as “dark hair” then at the end of the second it’s “silken blonde” . Which is it ?
Before Taylor’s disappearance Mila tells her about her r*pe as a 12 year old. Then later after she comes back , Taylor mentions it and Mila says “oh you figured that out, did you?”
No, she didn’t figure it out … Mila literally told her.
Same thing with Celine’s suicide attempt. They briefly talk about it early on and then later Taylor looks at the scars and the whole scene plays out like this never happened ???
Taylor says several times that Ilarion hides his feelings when he is literally the only character in the book willing to tell the truth about anything at all.
At one point Taylor is arguing with Ilarion and he tells her “you’re the only one who really knows me” or something along those lines and then not far after he screams at her “you don’t know me!”
Like …. What? The ENTIRE book is like this. Literally the whole thing. Nobody read this book before it was published . Let’s not forget Taylor and her annoying bit about spewing the same things about “protecting Celine” every 5 paragraphs.
Skip this duet . For real.
July 21, 2023
"I will claim him as my son,” he snarls, cutting me off. “I won’t pretend otherwise. Fuck, Taylor, I’ve spent the last five damned years pretending. I’m still pretending.”
“Ilarion Zakharov.” She whistles. “Well, isn’t that a million-dollar name for a million-dollar man!”
“Ilarion Zakharov.” She whistles. “Well, isn’t that a million-dollar name for a million-dollar man!”
October 16, 2023
Taylor is the most insufferable heroine I’ve ever read about, and that’s saying a lot considering that I’ve read some doozies 😵💫
July 11, 2023
Emotional roller coaster!!
This is the second book in this fascinating duet and what a perfect conclusion this is. This is a well written flawless story which is an action packed emotional roller coaster journey throughout, with danger, suspense, twists, humour, witty banter, intrigue, challenges, betrayal, revelations, second chances, complex relationships, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, and love which all leads to an entertaining and thrilling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the second book in this fascinating duet and what a perfect conclusion this is. This is a well written flawless story which is an action packed emotional roller coaster journey throughout, with danger, suspense, twists, humour, witty banter, intrigue, challenges, betrayal, revelations, second chances, complex relationships, family, friendships, undeniable chemistry, and love which all leads to an entertaining and thrilling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 30, 2023
2.5⭐️ There were good things about this, but I was so exasperated trying to read it that it’s honestly hard to remember. Taylor and her waffling really was the crime of this book. Sooo many pages and she’s doing and undoing things the whole time. The angst and fallout of poor decisions is what the whole book is about. I found it hard to even root for the romance anymore because I was so upset.
Content warnings on StoryGraph.
Content warnings on StoryGraph.
July 24, 2023
Intense story
After reading the first book in the series I had to jump right into the second one because I had to know how the story between Tylor and Ilarion develops.
I could put this book down from the moment I picked it up. It was really intense and that waiting for the truth kept me going. I loved the story itself, it was well written and would definitely recommend it.
After reading the first book in the series I had to jump right into the second one because I had to know how the story between Tylor and Ilarion develops.
I could put this book down from the moment I picked it up. It was really intense and that waiting for the truth kept me going. I loved the story itself, it was well written and would definitely recommend it.
March 22, 2025
Not quite the ending I expected
…but still enjoyable.
I had theorized in book one that Celine was secretly an evil “plant” in Ilarion’s camp that had loyalty to Benedict. I wanted so badly to be right. I knew once the Ashton love interest was introduced there was very little likelihood that my theory was even remotely correct (cuz why bother to give a villain a love story) but still I held out hope even up to the epilogue. Seriously, I kept waiting for the big reveal but alas, no. Anyway, still a great read, I will definitely try more from this author.
…but still enjoyable.
I had theorized in book one that Celine was secretly an evil “plant” in Ilarion’s camp that had loyalty to Benedict. I wanted so badly to be right. I knew once the Ashton love interest was introduced there was very little likelihood that my theory was even remotely correct (cuz why bother to give a villain a love story) but still I held out hope even up to the epilogue. Seriously, I kept waiting for the big reveal but alas, no. Anyway, still a great read, I will definitely try more from this author.
August 2, 2023
Dragged out way to much. Taylor was the most annoying h I have ever read. I skimmed most of it just wanted to get to end where everyone found out everything.
July 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
Not as good as the first one, in fact, I was pretty bored and irritated by most of the story this time around. The audio was still well done, and was about all that kept me engaged.
Not as good as the first one, in fact, I was pretty bored and irritated by most of the story this time around. The audio was still well done, and was about all that kept me engaged.
October 3, 2024
[Review for duet - same review posted for book 1]
1st of all, I LOVED both narrators, Cecily Foster & Connor Brown 💗💗 🎧 (I read on KU & listened) — even though Connor’s female voice wasn’t great (still enjoyed them both!!)
* Only thing that would make it better is dual narration! Hoping more start using it - cuz many male narrators (including this one - Connor’s female voice sounded like a man’s version of what a whiny woman sounds like 😂) do cringy female voices. *
There were things I liked but it was waaaay toooo long & although I usually prefer a stubborn heroine, this one takes it WAY toooo far! It was infuriating!
Also, I usually love a stubborn heroine, but Taylor takes it OTT!! It was too much & I wanted to smack her for the obsessive fear of hurting her sister Celine (fake engaged to mmc) cuz she felt guilty & responsible for her happiness (explained as reasons from their past). The whole martyr act was infuriating!! She was literally encouraging their connection several times & pushing them to make it real (a bit masochistic)!
** usually I loathe OW drama & cheating & know many take issue with main characters in this book basically cheating together (were together 1 time when he was engaged to the sister who was at that time, incapacitated & was believed she wouldn’t recover — when she does & they weren’t together again except for a stolen kiss or 2). Anyway, personally, I don’t mind it in this book cuz it’s fantasy, it’s a marriage of convenience; mmc never touches the sister & is honest in his intentions of a fake marriage to solve his mafia issue & protect her with a life of luxury - no sex or intimacy. Plus, had he known who they were prior to the engagement, he would not have chosen her.
I think if more focus was put on the MC’s connections (not just bickering) then I would have felt they had a stronger connection. I felt it some but then I kept thinking, what really is their connection. There was very little physical activity 😉 and most of the focus was put on the drama & Taylor’s insecure inner dialogue. Say it got old real quick & it continued thru both books till nearly 85-90% of book 2!!
I really wanted to love it…I tried 🤷🏼♀️ But it was okay.
1st of all, I LOVED both narrators, Cecily Foster & Connor Brown 💗💗 🎧 (I read on KU & listened) — even though Connor’s female voice wasn’t great (still enjoyed them both!!)
* Only thing that would make it better is dual narration! Hoping more start using it - cuz many male narrators (including this one - Connor’s female voice sounded like a man’s version of what a whiny woman sounds like 😂) do cringy female voices. *
There were things I liked but it was waaaay toooo long & although I usually prefer a stubborn heroine, this one takes it WAY toooo far! It was infuriating!
Also, I usually love a stubborn heroine, but Taylor takes it OTT!! It was too much & I wanted to smack her for the obsessive fear of hurting her sister Celine (fake engaged to mmc) cuz she felt guilty & responsible for her happiness (explained as reasons from their past). The whole martyr act was infuriating!! She was literally encouraging their connection several times & pushing them to make it real (a bit masochistic)!
** usually I loathe OW drama & cheating & know many take issue with main characters in this book basically cheating together (were together 1 time when he was engaged to the sister who was at that time, incapacitated & was believed she wouldn’t recover — when she does & they weren’t together again except for a stolen kiss or 2). Anyway, personally, I don’t mind it in this book cuz it’s fantasy, it’s a marriage of convenience; mmc never touches the sister & is honest in his intentions of a fake marriage to solve his mafia issue & protect her with a life of luxury - no sex or intimacy. Plus, had he known who they were prior to the engagement, he would not have chosen her.
I think if more focus was put on the MC’s connections (not just bickering) then I would have felt they had a stronger connection. I felt it some but then I kept thinking, what really is their connection. There was very little physical activity 😉 and most of the focus was put on the drama & Taylor’s insecure inner dialogue. Say it got old real quick & it continued thru both books till nearly 85-90% of book 2!!
I really wanted to love it…I tried 🤷🏼♀️ But it was okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
"She’s mine and I’ll burn the world down before I lose her again."
"it was true from the very first night we met. Your name is already branded onto my soul, Ilarion Zakharov."
"You are the one I was meant for, tigrionok. You are the one who was always meant to be mine"
The heroine of the story drove me crazy at times, because her reasonings weren't good enough to destroy that many lives in a span of 5 years.
Rating 3.6 stars 🌟
"it was true from the very first night we met. Your name is already branded onto my soul, Ilarion Zakharov."
"You are the one I was meant for, tigrionok. You are the one who was always meant to be mine"
The heroine of the story drove me crazy at times, because her reasonings weren't good enough to destroy that many lives in a span of 5 years.
Rating 3.6 stars 🌟
July 11, 2023
Where do I even start
Heaven only knows why 2 books and close to 1000 pages was needed for this crap.
I’ll be honest and admit to skimming… but in my defense, there was no other way to get thru this 2 book series.
Taylor was annoying! OMG! She wasn’t a “strong” h, she was a self proclaimed “pick me girl”! She kept him from his son for 5 years! That alone, made me loathe her!
80% into the 2nd book, she was still forcing Cee and Ili to make it work! Major eye roll!
The actual mafia plot was weak to say the least.
I did like the H, he was consistent. Didn’t blow hot and cold, and once he’d decided, he stuck to his decisions.
I liked the secondary characters as well.
All in all, I think I’m done with Naomi for a bit. She’s lost the plot.
Heaven only knows why 2 books and close to 1000 pages was needed for this crap.
I’ll be honest and admit to skimming… but in my defense, there was no other way to get thru this 2 book series.
Taylor was annoying! OMG! She wasn’t a “strong” h, she was a self proclaimed “pick me girl”! She kept him from his son for 5 years! That alone, made me loathe her!
80% into the 2nd book, she was still forcing Cee and Ili to make it work! Major eye roll!
The actual mafia plot was weak to say the least.
I did like the H, he was consistent. Didn’t blow hot and cold, and once he’d decided, he stuck to his decisions.
I liked the secondary characters as well.
All in all, I think I’m done with Naomi for a bit. She’s lost the plot.
July 31, 2023
I didn’t finish the book.
To start with at the beginning (and end ) of book 1. Taylor is 20 years old. Book 2 it’s 5 years later and she’s 27. WTF? Her sister was 22 in book 1. In addition, the math doesn’t math with her son’s age and him being in kindergarten, unless he was right on the verge of turning 5 (which he isn’t).
This book and book 1 should have been 1 book…. And the main female character is so pathetic. I couldn’t stand her… “I can’t hurt Celene again“ crap. One more conversation of why she is going to rob her son of his father because she can’t hurt her sister….. I was just finished
To start with at the beginning (and end ) of book 1. Taylor is 20 years old. Book 2 it’s 5 years later and she’s 27. WTF? Her sister was 22 in book 1. In addition, the math doesn’t math with her son’s age and him being in kindergarten, unless he was right on the verge of turning 5 (which he isn’t).
This book and book 1 should have been 1 book…. And the main female character is so pathetic. I couldn’t stand her… “I can’t hurt Celene again“ crap. One more conversation of why she is going to rob her son of his father because she can’t hurt her sister….. I was just finished
July 13, 2024
Most of the time I skip reviews and ratings because I don’t want to sway anyone…but I think I maybe hated this duet. I have read several of her other books and liked them, but this one left almost everything to be desired. Taylor was the most infuriating character I’ve maybe ever followed for that long. And this might be unpopular, but her sister Celine absolutely sucked. When the second book started with five years later, I was STUNNED. The best part of this duet was the last 20 pages and the bonus epilogue.
Stick to this author’s other duets/series.
Stick to this author’s other duets/series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2023
have tissues ready
This is a work of art. I laughed, I gasped, I cried. Honestly, I couldn’t put the book down. I even think the second book was better than the first, which is hard to do.
The drama was chef’s kiss. We all knew eventually Celine was going to find out. But I didn’t think she’d find out the way she did.
Now I’m excited to read about the possibility of Mila and Dima together.
This is a work of art. I laughed, I gasped, I cried. Honestly, I couldn’t put the book down. I even think the second book was better than the first, which is hard to do.
The drama was chef’s kiss. We all knew eventually Celine was going to find out. But I didn’t think she’d find out the way she did.
Now I’m excited to read about the possibility of Mila and Dima together.
June 11, 2023
Diamond Angel is a story that delves deep into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the ties that bind us. As the second book in the Zakharov Bratva duet, it continues the enthralling saga that began in Diamond Devil.
The story revolves around Taylor Theron who, five years ago, fled from the clutches of a dangerous man who fathered her child. Now a mother, she faces an excruciating dilemma when her past catches up with her. Does she return to the life she left behind, risking everything to protect her beloved sister, or does she forsake her sister to avoid the chaos she inadvertently caused?
Ilarion Zakharov, the enigmatic figure from her past, adds a layer of complexity to her decision. With each interaction, Ilarion reignites the flame of their past love, reminding her of the impossible choices she faces. Their connection, portrayed through West's skillful prose, is palpable and sweeps readers into a world filled with longing, passion, and undeniable chemistry.
Naomi West expertly balances the intense emotional turmoil with the thrilling backdrop of the mafia world. The tension and danger associated with the Zakharov Bratva serve as a compelling backdrop to the characters' personal struggles, making the narrative even more gripping.
One of the standout aspects of Diamond Angel is the author's ability to create multifaceted characters. The protagonist's strength and determination are commendable, as she faces heart-wrenching choices while fiercely protecting her son. Ilarion, on the other hand, showcases a complex blend of ruthlessness and vulnerability, making him an alluring and unforgettable character.
In true romance fashion, Diamond Angel concludes with a satisfying happily ever after (HEA) ending. The resolution ties up loose ends, providing a sense of closure while leaving room for readers to imagine the characters' future beyond the pages of the book.
Naomi West's skillful writing, compelling characters, and carefully crafted plot make this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and mafia fiction. Prepare to be swept away by this tale of love, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story revolves around Taylor Theron who, five years ago, fled from the clutches of a dangerous man who fathered her child. Now a mother, she faces an excruciating dilemma when her past catches up with her. Does she return to the life she left behind, risking everything to protect her beloved sister, or does she forsake her sister to avoid the chaos she inadvertently caused?
Ilarion Zakharov, the enigmatic figure from her past, adds a layer of complexity to her decision. With each interaction, Ilarion reignites the flame of their past love, reminding her of the impossible choices she faces. Their connection, portrayed through West's skillful prose, is palpable and sweeps readers into a world filled with longing, passion, and undeniable chemistry.
Naomi West expertly balances the intense emotional turmoil with the thrilling backdrop of the mafia world. The tension and danger associated with the Zakharov Bratva serve as a compelling backdrop to the characters' personal struggles, making the narrative even more gripping.
One of the standout aspects of Diamond Angel is the author's ability to create multifaceted characters. The protagonist's strength and determination are commendable, as she faces heart-wrenching choices while fiercely protecting her son. Ilarion, on the other hand, showcases a complex blend of ruthlessness and vulnerability, making him an alluring and unforgettable character.
In true romance fashion, Diamond Angel concludes with a satisfying happily ever after (HEA) ending. The resolution ties up loose ends, providing a sense of closure while leaving room for readers to imagine the characters' future beyond the pages of the book.
Naomi West's skillful writing, compelling characters, and carefully crafted plot make this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and mafia fiction. Prepare to be swept away by this tale of love, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 4/5
Tropes: Grumpy x Grumpy, Single Mom Romance, Second Chance Romance, Found Family, Mafia Romance, Romantic Suspense
TW: loss of a parent/grandparent
This is set 5 years in the future from the end of Diamond Devil, and it only fills in a few events from that timeframe. I wish there would have been more to show how much of an impact that Adam had on their lives during that time.
This book was still a chunker but I think there could have been less included and it still could have made an impact. There was so much back and forth between Taylor and Celine, and then Taylor and Ilarion. I'm not going to sugar coat anything, but there was too much hero complex with Taylor. Always trying to save someone else, but not even accomplishing much in the end. There were things that were conflicting such as the relationship between Taylor and Alex from the first book. How Celine blamed her for everything when it was Celine's fault.
I really hate it when the person at fault wants to hold something over someone else when it was their burden to bear. I understand that people can be very stubborn, but there is also communication issues with Taylor and EVERYONE. She could have made things so much easier, but instead of only dragged things along within this book. Much more than what was necessary.
This plot wasn'ty favorite either. There was way too much going on, and not getting accomplished for the entirety of the book. It's like the wheels were spinning and you were going no where fast. I was also a bit confused as to why certain people would be doing certain tasks when there was a WHOLE MAFIA of Vors who could have done it. To lessen the chance of disaster.
The 🌶️ in this one was like a 1.5-2 throughout. Some parts I would just give it a 1. There is no spice until the last 20% of the book. So be prepared for all suspense until that point. The scenes are okay, not anything fantastic.
But overall I enjoyed this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 4/5
Tropes: Grumpy x Grumpy, Single Mom Romance, Second Chance Romance, Found Family, Mafia Romance, Romantic Suspense
TW: loss of a parent/grandparent
This is set 5 years in the future from the end of Diamond Devil, and it only fills in a few events from that timeframe. I wish there would have been more to show how much of an impact that Adam had on their lives during that time.
This book was still a chunker but I think there could have been less included and it still could have made an impact. There was so much back and forth between Taylor and Celine, and then Taylor and Ilarion. I'm not going to sugar coat anything, but there was too much hero complex with Taylor. Always trying to save someone else, but not even accomplishing much in the end. There were things that were conflicting such as the relationship between Taylor and Alex from the first book. How Celine blamed her for everything when it was Celine's fault.
I really hate it when the person at fault wants to hold something over someone else when it was their burden to bear. I understand that people can be very stubborn, but there is also communication issues with Taylor and EVERYONE. She could have made things so much easier, but instead of only dragged things along within this book. Much more than what was necessary.
This plot wasn'ty favorite either. There was way too much going on, and not getting accomplished for the entirety of the book. It's like the wheels were spinning and you were going no where fast. I was also a bit confused as to why certain people would be doing certain tasks when there was a WHOLE MAFIA of Vors who could have done it. To lessen the chance of disaster.
The 🌶️ in this one was like a 1.5-2 throughout. Some parts I would just give it a 1. There is no spice until the last 20% of the book. So be prepared for all suspense until that point. The scenes are okay, not anything fantastic.
But overall I enjoyed this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2025
The only reason I gave this 3⭐️’s is because of how the relationship between Celine and Ilarion was written. Taylor pissed me off so much I wanted to throw my phone… then I wanted to smack her into reality. The whole thing with her demanding Ilarion stay with Celine- even after he found out Taylor was pregnant and it happened before he even knew Celine, it was all just pathetic and ridiculous. She had no right to decide for everyone else and she definitely had no right to run from Ilarion, stay gone for 5 years and keep his son from him. She robbed Ilarion 5 years of his son’s life and she robbed her son of those 5 years of having his dad. What she did wasn’t heroic or her doing the “right” thing, it was her being selfish and taking everyone’s choice from them. And because of that I couldn’t stand her and couldn’t give this book more than 3⭐️’s. The only reason it got 3 was because I liked Ilarion. He never wavered with how he felt and stayed true to what he wanted. He couldn’t marry a woman he didn’t love and even though as far as the world knew he had married Celine, in reality they never did. I was so relieved that at least the author wrote it that way and never wrote them as being married or even trying to have an actual relationship. There was never nothing sexual between them- mostly because Ilarion refused and only loved and wanted one woman. I did feel bad for Celine. For 5 years she was lied to and didn’t have any clue that the man she was supposedly supposed to be married to was actually in love with someone else and had a child with that woman- that woman being her sister. For 5 years she’d wanted a family and kids and every time she tried to broach the subject with Ilarion he avoided it and wouldn’t even entertain the idea. I felt that at some point in those 5 years he should have been honest with her and told her the truth. She deserved to be happy and find someone who actually loved her. Which thankfully in the end she did. It just sucked that out of 65 chapters, it wasn’t until nearly the end that the whole truth was revealed.
April 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Diamond Angel had me hooked from the first line: “I ran from the devil who got me pregnant.” Like—yes ma’am, sign me up.
Ilarion Zakharov is dangerous in all the ways that ruin you just right. He’s not soft, he’s not safe, and that’s exactly why I couldn’t look away. And Taylor? She’s a mother first, a fighter second, and a mess of loyalty and regret tangled up in one bleeding heart. I loved her. I yelled at her. I rooted for her even when I wanted to shake her.
This book has teeth—it’s got stakes, real consequences, and a love story that’s more battlefield than fairytale. The family trauma, the impossible choices, the emotional wreckage—it lands. You feel it in your gut.
Why not five stars? Honestly, the middle dragged a bit. Some scenes overstayed their welcome, and I found myself itching for the plot to stop circling the same emotional drain and just move. But when it did? Whew. It hits like a freight train made of feelings and fury.
Still, the ending delivers. The emotions pay off. The tension never really lets go. And if you like your romance bruised, blistered, and begging for redemption, Diamond Angel is worth the bruises.
Bonus Thoughts – Mila & Celine Deserve Their Flowers Too
Mila’s arc quietly stole a piece of my heart. Watching her wrestle with the pain of her past—the trauma, the shame, the fear of being too broken—and then slowly, bravely choosing to let someone in? That hit deep. She didn’t just survive—she softened without shattering, and that kind of healing is its own love story.
And Celine? Whew. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, the person you thought you loved was really just someone who helped you survive the version of yourself you used to be. Letting go if what you thought was love wasn’t weakness—it was clarity. And when Ashton walked in? She knew. That’s the kind of love that doesn’t whisper—it knocks you clean off your feet. No bitterness. Just truth, and a new beginning.
Diamond Angel had me hooked from the first line: “I ran from the devil who got me pregnant.” Like—yes ma’am, sign me up.
Ilarion Zakharov is dangerous in all the ways that ruin you just right. He’s not soft, he’s not safe, and that’s exactly why I couldn’t look away. And Taylor? She’s a mother first, a fighter second, and a mess of loyalty and regret tangled up in one bleeding heart. I loved her. I yelled at her. I rooted for her even when I wanted to shake her.
This book has teeth—it’s got stakes, real consequences, and a love story that’s more battlefield than fairytale. The family trauma, the impossible choices, the emotional wreckage—it lands. You feel it in your gut.
Why not five stars? Honestly, the middle dragged a bit. Some scenes overstayed their welcome, and I found myself itching for the plot to stop circling the same emotional drain and just move. But when it did? Whew. It hits like a freight train made of feelings and fury.
Still, the ending delivers. The emotions pay off. The tension never really lets go. And if you like your romance bruised, blistered, and begging for redemption, Diamond Angel is worth the bruises.
Bonus Thoughts – Mila & Celine Deserve Their Flowers Too
Mila’s arc quietly stole a piece of my heart. Watching her wrestle with the pain of her past—the trauma, the shame, the fear of being too broken—and then slowly, bravely choosing to let someone in? That hit deep. She didn’t just survive—she softened without shattering, and that kind of healing is its own love story.
And Celine? Whew. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, the person you thought you loved was really just someone who helped you survive the version of yourself you used to be. Letting go if what you thought was love wasn’t weakness—it was clarity. And when Ashton walked in? She knew. That’s the kind of love that doesn’t whisper—it knocks you clean off your feet. No bitterness. Just truth, and a new beginning.
June 18, 2023
Diamond Angel is Book two and final installment the Zakharov Bratva duet. It's a continuation of the story in Diamond Devil. The story ends with a happily-ever-after. It's nicely written with complex characters and twisty storyline that keeps you engrossed and turning the pages until the end with it's mystery, suspense, emotions and pain. It's gut wrenching, heartbroken and intense. An addictive, unputdownable page turner.
The story picks up where it left off from cliffhanger after a five years time span lLarion had went on got married to Taylor sister Celine. Taylor and her dad is on the run from lLarion because he knows that she's carrying his heir therefore he's relentless. She gave birth to baby to boy. Even though lLarion went through with the marriage he's still not happy and has been searching for Taylor for years. ILarion love Taylor but he cares about his his wife. Taylor has broken her own heart for the sake of her sister's happiness.
lLarion has tracked down Taylor and forced her to come back with him. Celine has gone through her share hardship as a Bratva wife after she was shot by one of his enemy and was in a coma and having to re-learn the basic skills. But the hardest thing for her was finding out about Taylor and lLarion and her nephew Adam. Taylor is still making decisions for people and putting everyone needs above her own happiness even after having a child. It was heartbreaking to watch you can feel her emotions seeping off the pages. This story was filled with secrets, lies, lust, enemies, deception, betrayal, guilt, family loyalties, danger, passion, sacrifice, suffering, despair, survival and love.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story picks up where it left off from cliffhanger after a five years time span lLarion had went on got married to Taylor sister Celine. Taylor and her dad is on the run from lLarion because he knows that she's carrying his heir therefore he's relentless. She gave birth to baby to boy. Even though lLarion went through with the marriage he's still not happy and has been searching for Taylor for years. ILarion love Taylor but he cares about his his wife. Taylor has broken her own heart for the sake of her sister's happiness.
lLarion has tracked down Taylor and forced her to come back with him. Celine has gone through her share hardship as a Bratva wife after she was shot by one of his enemy and was in a coma and having to re-learn the basic skills. But the hardest thing for her was finding out about Taylor and lLarion and her nephew Adam. Taylor is still making decisions for people and putting everyone needs above her own happiness even after having a child. It was heartbreaking to watch you can feel her emotions seeping off the pages. This story was filled with secrets, lies, lust, enemies, deception, betrayal, guilt, family loyalties, danger, passion, sacrifice, suffering, despair, survival and love.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
A good read. Spoilers ahead.
Overall I enjoyed the story, but this one fell short just a little bit. Most of those are spoiler reasonings so we'll get to them in a moment, but some of it just didn't seem quite practical or expected for a Russian Mafia book so it was a bit disappointing in those respects.
Let's digest those reasonings now. So stop here if you don't want spoilers.
So first off, it took him 5 years to find his girl and child. It just seems excessive to me. With all of his connections and all of his people, I just don't buy it. And then it took a private detective about 10 months to find them. Ok.
Same for him the other guy. What was his name? Belsario? His entire world was upended and he went into hiding but was still able to attack from the sidelines. I just didn't seem quite practical.
I wasn't super impressed with Celine in this book either. Maybe I just didn't sympathize with her enough. And maybe it's because she thought she could change a man that I just can't respect. The "maybe he'll learn to love me" mentality just doesn't work for me in general. And then the whole "not really married" aspect eas so obvious but Taylor didn't catch on until way late in the game.
And the dad? Man, I get that he's Grandpa and I get that adam, their kid would be very upset without Grandpa, and I get his reasoning for doing what he did, but Archie should not have made it as long as he did.
In the end, everyone got what was coming to them. So that was good. And I did like the other secondary characters such as Dima and Mila too. But overall it really did just fall a little bit short for me.
Overall I enjoyed the story, but this one fell short just a little bit. Most of those are spoiler reasonings so we'll get to them in a moment, but some of it just didn't seem quite practical or expected for a Russian Mafia book so it was a bit disappointing in those respects.
Let's digest those reasonings now. So stop here if you don't want spoilers.
So first off, it took him 5 years to find his girl and child. It just seems excessive to me. With all of his connections and all of his people, I just don't buy it. And then it took a private detective about 10 months to find them. Ok.
Same for him the other guy. What was his name? Belsario? His entire world was upended and he went into hiding but was still able to attack from the sidelines. I just didn't seem quite practical.
I wasn't super impressed with Celine in this book either. Maybe I just didn't sympathize with her enough. And maybe it's because she thought she could change a man that I just can't respect. The "maybe he'll learn to love me" mentality just doesn't work for me in general. And then the whole "not really married" aspect eas so obvious but Taylor didn't catch on until way late in the game.
And the dad? Man, I get that he's Grandpa and I get that adam, their kid would be very upset without Grandpa, and I get his reasoning for doing what he did, but Archie should not have made it as long as he did.
In the end, everyone got what was coming to them. So that was good. And I did like the other secondary characters such as Dima and Mila too. But overall it really did just fall a little bit short for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews