i loved this outstanding book. i had to reread parts of it multiple times because it got me in my feels. i had a huge emotional response to much of this book sometimes outright laughing out loud. i really felt for saffron being a pregnant teen of 19 not knowing who her babies dad was and then the baby having such horrible health issues. the struggle to not only keep her alive but to pay the bills alone with no support after not being able to graduate college would have been a nightmare. she showed such strength of will, determination, such fierce love and devotion to her child, never quitting, never giving up. facing the bratva to earn enough money to pay for her needs. I loved the characters of roman, victor and nickolai. they each were strong, dominant, fierce, protective, deadly yet loving, thoughtful, vulnerable, insecure, unsure, gentle and more. they all had distinct personalities yet supported each other like a dream team blending strengths to protect their family and way of life. like everyone else they had their fears, their hurts, their insecurities and flaws but they fought every day to be better, to make a safe world for their children and those they loved. if only i had 3 such men who loved me like they loved saffron i'd be in heaven. Aunt Olenna was also quite the character. a female written in such a strong dominant fierce way that is rare to see in a female character. the backbone of the family but working behind the scenes she was quite the woman.
the characters were true to life, believable, and richly detailed making them really come to life on the pages. the world building was amazing. this was one of the best books i've ever read and i can't wait to see what else this author has written. a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.