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*Please Note, The Life is not a standalone title. The first book in The Russian Guns series (The Arrangement) should be read before the second book*

The mafia life is a dangerous one revolving around honor, duty, and greed—a troublesome thing like love isn’t meant to play a part, but no one follows the rules.

Surrounded by men waiting for the Russian mob boss to show weakness, Anton Avdonin should have known showering affection so openly on his new bride wasn’t a good idea. Of course, that didn’t stop him. When Anton’s wife begins attracting unwanted attention from an unknown source, he’s determined to find out just who is playing the risky game and put a stop to it by whatever means necessary.

From a Cosa Nostra princess to a Bratva queen, Viviana “Vine” Avdonin was made for the life. Pregnant, safe, and loved, she’s more than happy to move on from the history that haunts her to start out fresh. Then again, someone else has other plans. Old rivals from the past and bad blood from the present have mixed in the worst way, threatening to take away the things Viviana loves the very most. No matter what, she can’t let that happen.

Both Viviana and Anton know there’s only one way this can all end and it’s up to them to do it. But, who is behind the veiled threats and personal attacks, and how far are they willing to go to get what they want? When the truth finally surfaces, the consequences will be devastating and no one could have seen it coming.

In a life where everybody plays for keeps and no one fights fair, one mistake might cost them everything.


Sequel to The Arrangement
The Russian Guns, Book Two

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2014

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About the author

Bethany-Kris

106 books4,177 followers
The author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.

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5 stars
769 (45%)
4 stars
544 (32%)
3 stars
278 (16%)
2 stars
65 (3%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Bev .
1,917 reviews417 followers
July 3, 2019
Re-read June 2019.

4.5 stars.

This was so different from The Arrangement, yet fitted perfectly in with their story and carried it forward on to the last book in their story. This was definitely more focussed on Anton and Vine as a couple and the pregnancy, rather than the Bratva life.

I'm still totally head over heels for Anton .... be still my beating heart. This man just slays me with how he loves Vine.

I'm worried about the next book, methinks the doodoo is so going to hit the fan at mach speed and Anton is going to bear the consequences.
Profile Image for Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️.
819 reviews842 followers
August 25, 2020


The second book in The Russian Guns series shows that the marriage of Anton and Viviana is going strong but there are a lot of issues these two are dealing with. There is no rest being the Boss and for Viviana, her schooling and pregnancy and being The Boss’s wife makes up her world. What makes these two more special is that their connection grows more intense and fierce as does their love for one another.

I did find that this book followed The Life that Vine and Anton were leading a little too close, if that makes sense, and time didn’t move quite as well as I would have liked. But the struggles within the Bratva, Anton’s father’s health and Vine’s pregnancy all keep the story engaging with an air of suspense. The ending felt foreboding and has me worried for book 3 but I’m excited to jump right in.

I will state that I am a huge fan of this author. I have read all her books and this series was her first. I can definitely tell a difference from this earlier series to her writing in the present. The intensity with which she writes is crystal clean and passionate. Whether it’s the Russian Bratva or the Cosa Nostra, Bethany-Kris can write like no other.
Profile Image for ღTierraღ.
50 reviews
January 5, 2015
This book shows a wonderful new chapter in Anton and Vine's life together as they prepare for the birth of their first child. I loved continuing to see Anton and Vine grow in their relationship although secrets need to be kept between them to ensure Vine's safety. In this book readers see a new side to Anton as he battles the betrayal of a brigadier, the failing health of his father and mentor, and adding a new title to his long list..Father. Viviana continues to make me fall more and more in love with how strong she is throughout the series with very few people around her she's able to trust, pregnancy blues, and dumb hoes with attitude problems. All in all, this couple dazzles me with their strength and faith in each other, and I am delighted to be able to read a book where family and loyalty are such prevalent themes throughout.

If you haven't started this series, get on it! You won't be disappointed. :)

Until next time my lovely readers,

x
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,409 reviews450 followers
November 18, 2015

3.5 stars.


I have to start this review by saying how much I loved the previous book 'The Arrangement' it had everything I look for in a read, romance, hot alpha male, intelligent beautiful female who doesn't make stupid decisions and I can't stress that last part enough, plus it had an interesting story that keep me hooked.
I couldn't wait to start this book so what went wrong?
Honestly I'm not sure I just felt it kind of lost its way somehow, we still have Anton and he's just as hot and loves Viviana just as much, Viviana is still Viviana and loves Anton just as much but she's pregnant and the pregnancy seemed to take over the book, everything gets lost under it and while I enjoyed a lot of this book it also dragged at times.
No one's more surprised than me that I didn't absolutely love is book, I fully expected to but I'm still moving on and reading 'The Score'
Don't get me wrong it's not that this is a bad book it's just missing the element that made the last one so special.

#### I'm adding this to the bottom of my reviews for this series.
I checked the authors page which isn't something I generally do but I wanted to know if we were getting any more Russian Guns books. On the site there's 9 mini free reads/deleted scene books from this series and one in particular 'White Sand Black Beauty' is just beautiful it takes us to the second time Anton and Viviana meet, he's eighteen and rebelling against everything and then he sees her.....
Profile Image for Keya.
444 reviews21 followers
September 1, 2015
How can I even start this review?!

This series has everything I look for in books! It has the family aspect, the mystery factor, the thrilling aspect, action packed, blinding love, great friendship, loyalty, betrayal, even some emotional scenes. (Anton and His father. or whenever he speaks of him will gets those eyes wet!)And on top of that the writing is flawless so it captures all those elements flawlessly.

I love how there were no exaggerations. You know how you always get those books where there's ruthless, pointless killing because the main character is the Boss and he can do whatever the hell he wants? For me personally I feel like those characters don't have depth to them and I just see them as... Nothing really. It's difficult to connect with them. And I think it's exceptionally great when an author can build a connection with unexpected characters you'd never have any feelings towards. Like Anton.

Anton Avdonin. He is not a good guy. But he is a damn good husband and son. He is the Boss for the New York Bratva and yes he is ruthless. He is a killer, he's the freakin' boss of a criminal organisation. So what exactly does this dude have going for him? He loves fiercely. He loves hard. He fights harder for those that he loves and even if you put that aside he's a pretty kickass boss. Quite reasonable as well even if he does come off as hot-headed sometimes.

But there were so many layers to this man it made him so human and not just a criminal. I loved him!!

The storyline itself kept me ridiculously entertained. Someone is making threats against Viviana and his position as NYBratva boss. and let me tell you, I should've seen it coming but I overlooked the twists and turns! It was all action packed when it needed to be and cute and sexy when time called for it. The perfect pace.

And Viviana. I loved her. She was understanding. She was reasonable and strong and loved just as fiercly and hardly as Anton. SUCH a perfect couple in a messed up world. She's pregnant in this installment and we get to read her journey of her pregnancy and how both Anton and Vine are settling into married life. Anton doesn't want to worry her with Bratva Business mostly to keep her safe. But she was not a pushover. She wanted to communicate with her husband.

Ah, another thing I adored. They both actually communicated. And the dialogue and everything felt so realistic to me and not exaggerated. There wasn't stupidity or immaturity. I feel like It's always perceived that a woman is strong if she can shoot, stand her ground, fight etc. But that's not the case for me personally. Viviana was strong because of her down to earth personality. They way she thought rationally. How she handled her self in intense situation. She doesn't want to know Anton's business and Anton doesn't really want to tell her either and she's okay with that as long as it's not bothering her and her marriage to the point where it's creating a drift. That's not her being naive. It's her deciding what she wants out of her life and how she'd rather live it in a world where everything is a mess and Dangerous.

And I just want to quickly say how much I adored the banter between Anton and Ivan, his best friend and lawyer. It's nice to read some if their lighthearted conversation when things are heavy and dirty.

I cannot explain how much I loved this book and how much I'm enjoying the series. I'm anxious to start the next book after reading the little snippet at the end....
Profile Image for Sabrina.
432 reviews28 followers
March 6, 2016
When I read the title I didn't actually expect the DAILY life of our king and queen!
Too slow at some points and less guns at others....still with some drama, suspense and lovemaking to keep me going!!

On to the next one!
Profile Image for Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe.
470 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2015


The story picked up seven months into Viviana’s pregnancy.

Yes, I love Anton and Vine and there are still some mafia stuff that needs to be done, but I was a little disappointed actually. Of course, more blood were actually spilled but the overly love was too much for me it kinda come across as sappy for me. I mean, okay, I know Anton’s character and I actually the efforts he had gone through and the sweetness of it all, but I think it was so much it is more of being a showy for me. Although I still enjoy Anton’s jealous tendency. It cracks me up a lot.

I guess what I’m saying is that I wanted more action, more dangerous stuff, more threats. Of course, it was there but Anton being overly emotional is not really enjoyable for me.

Still, I love them both and enjoy reading this.


Reading Order:
The Arrangement (The Russian Guns, #1) by Bethany-Kris The Life (The Russian Guns, #2) by Bethany-Kris The Score (The Russian Guns, #3) by Bethany-Kris

Profile Image for Priscilla .
525 reviews33 followers
November 11, 2021
So loved seeing Anton and Vine in this new chapter of their lives as newlyweds and expecting their first child. Loved the action and suspense just loved seeing them together this couple really loves each other. Anton as a daddy was so adorable be still my ovaries. And and i liked Vine as a mob wife.
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews338 followers
May 2, 2015
Unfortunately for me this is one of those reviews that is hard to write without giving away spoilers so I am going to be purposefully vague in this review. Everything that I loved about this story would give things away! I will have to just say that The Life was an excellent continuation of The Arrangement. If you are a fan of contemporary mob stories this series is definitely a need to read.

I enjoyed that a large part of the book deals with the building of trust between Vine and Anton as well as them continuing to develop their relationship during what is an extremely stressful time. Man it's hard to be vague and not give away details! Anton is determined to keep his new family safe as past and current dangers threaten the happiness that he is trying to provide for Vine. I for one, do not mind a hero who will do whatever is necessary to take care of his own. That's one of the pleasures of reading a mafia book for me. A strong male character who deals fiercely and yes, sometimes violently, with anything that attempts to harm what he considers his. Yes, I'm guilty of loving a good bad boy and Anton doesn't disappoint!

The Life is a "suck you in" read and I look forward to reading book 3, The Score, when it's released October 27th. There's even a sneak peek into it at the end of The Life that will have you marking your calendar for The Score's release.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,582 reviews63 followers
November 10, 2016
This is continuation of Vine and Anton's story. Vine now knows the truth of her heritage and she was mad at first but she understands why Anton could not tell her this truth.

Anton and Vine grow together as a couple and Anton has to protect Vine from the threats aimed at him and her as individuals and as a couple. He continues to demonstrate his utter love and devotion to her and this puts her in jeopardy because of course his enemies will use his love for her against him.

Another great chapter in this great mafia love story. I looking forward to reading book 3, now that they are married and have their first child.
Profile Image for Snow.
2,215 reviews669 followers
January 15, 2016

Another Awesome Work By Bethany-Kris...
It's been awhile since I started the Russian guns series...I loved Anton and Viviene in book 1, so even if I was "taken" away from reading the book 2 right away, I had no trouble coming back into the mobster's environment even after several loooong months...
and that's the beauty of Bethany's writing style, it grips you and doesn't let go until you are mind blown...
Profile Image for Joymzz.
615 reviews20 followers
January 22, 2015
My god! I totally forgot what rating I gave the first one but this book was out of this world. I honestly love every minute of. I just can't get over all of the emotions I got out of this one. Great ending also.
I already read the review of book 3 and it's flipping scary! I can't see Anton in jail, I just can't. Sigh. But no matter what I can't wait to read it.
Profile Image for Elfina Renee.
612 reviews209 followers
May 24, 2015
Sopranos meet Good Fellows and the God Father. For some reason book two was the better read. Sure in book one the author was building up the characters and storyline. But The Life was way more intense, with a lot of drama and action.
Profile Image for Soshi_fan.
92 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2014
If you love mob/mafia novels you need to read this series. It hits all the right spots. The only downside is the wait for the third and final novel. There's a sneak peak at the end of this novel that leaves the reader at the edge of her seat.5+ stars for this one.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
143 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2021
Amazing!

I’m not sure how Bethany continues to put do herself, but she does!

Book 2 of Anton and Viviana’s story and I am completely wrapped up in it. They have such a unique connection and a deep and profound love for one another. They find their equal counterpart in each other. Add in the crazy life that is Bratva and we see our King and Queen making moves that may have severe consequences. Guess we’ll have to see in book 3!
Profile Image for Shirley.
666 reviews
April 25, 2017
3.5 - 4 Stars

After reading the first 50% of this book I felt it was dragging a little and put it to bed for a wee while. After having a rest I started it back up again and boy am I glad I did as I really enjoyed the second half, it certainly kicked up a notch after about 55-60%
I do think this could have been a much shorter book but I still ended up really liking it.
Profile Image for Nina Kramm.
110 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2021
No funcionó este libro para mi 😒😟😒😟demasiado casero y aún muy centrado en sus vidas y su amor perfecto. Y cuando la cosa se puede poner sangrienta, se corta y solo te relata el recuerdo de lo que sucedió. No leeré el tercero enseguida, lo dejaré para más adelante para finalizar la trilogía (pero no seguiré leyendo más allá de eso)
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
465 reviews49 followers
August 20, 2014
I have been harassing Bethany-Kris for this book since the moment I finished the Arrangement. Anton and Vine are probably one of my favorite mafia couples and I just can't get enough of them! The Life picks up a few months after The Arrangement left off and in true Bethany Kris fashion it is jam caked with drama and suspense. This story took some surprising turns that left me panicking; I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Vine is diagnosed with gestational diabetes and being pregnant her emotions were all over the place. Anton is struggling with talking on the role as a father and husband, the impending death of his father, and of course, the mafia life. Tension runs high in this story as strange occurrences have Anton on high alert. Tatiana and the Jersey mob return stirring up trouble and Anton is struggling with how to keep his family safe. I love that even as a ruthless mob leader, the love and compassion he has for Vine just shines through the pages.

This book was one hell of a roller coaster ride and I can't wait for book 3, which I believe has a release date set for October. The Life does leave off with a HEA but a sneak peak of book 3 is there and let me tell you...it will leave you panting for more. The Life is an easy 5 star read that i highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lauren Taylor.
19 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2014
I am so mad @ myself for reading this book so fast but it was soooooo good, I just couldn't put it down. This book begins a few months after book 1 ended, with Vine in her last trimester & she and Anton are now married. They are blissfully happy but a series of strange events begin to concern Anton & then Vine is diagnosed with gestational diabetes so he keeps all of his concerns from her. This leads to tension & hurt feelings especially with Vine's hormones out of whack. Wow....it's hard to write this without any spoilers....but anyway, Tatiana (BITCH) is back in book 2, along with the Jersey mob led by her father. Lives are in danger & Anton is doing all he can to keep himself & his family safe. I can't wait for the conclusion in book 3......although there is no cliffhanger per se....there IS a sneak peak @ book 3 that had my heart pounding!!! This was a definite 5 stars for me! Let me also add....I think book 3 will be released soon so those of you who prefer to wait till all books in a series are out....GET READING ON BOOK 1 NOW!!!!! (This means you Robin & Chelsea)
Profile Image for tyrianpurple.
478 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2014
Boring.
Bored me to the sleep. And i forced myself to finish this book.

In 30% end, the story began to develop into something more interesting.
The majority of this book tells us about the progession of trust between Vine-Anton. Plus all the pregnancy issues.

Even at the more interesting part, it gave major dissapointment, like,
#1
the most anticipated war scene is being cut out. after teasing ME, more than half of the book. just like that? ok.
#2
Also, the labor scene is being cut out. so then whats left to read?
#3
Ofcourse, Daniil last wisdom is being cut out too.

Overlooking those three issues above, i gave some insight. Seems the author has a phobia for real moment confrontation right at it supposedly went down. So, instead, she unconciously avoid the scene and only display it later as an aftertought after the damage is done. this kind of condition somehow makes the storyline flow up and down.
Profile Image for Erin Tanner.
Author 11 books169 followers
August 8, 2014
This was a fantastic sequel. I loved how the story picked up with the lives of Anton and Vine. The author paints a clear picture of how much these two love and care for one another. I also really appreciated that even though we can clearly see that Anton is a man who loves his wife and will do anything to show her, the author wasn't afraid to show his ruthless side and all of the bloodiness associated with living "the life." The author does a great job of making you root for Anton despite knowing what he does for a living. It is only a talented character builder and writer that could pull off something like that and Bethany-Kris is such a writer. The betrayal I did not see coming so you're in for a surprise. You're also in for a bit of sadness as we say goodbye to someone important to both Anton and Vine. 5 stars. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Johnnie-Marie Howard.
1,111 reviews34 followers
August 23, 2014
Wow I can't get my head to stop spinning around. The author has once again blew me away with another great novel. I'm happy to say I have a new favorite author to add to my ever growing list. The main characters are out of this world wonderful, you can't get enough of the romance you end up craving more and more. :) The story seems like it has multiple POVs but really its just the way it reads. I do however recommend that you read book 1 first as it all blends rather well together.


***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com/2014... ***


Profile Image for Sonya.
147 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2014
A superior follow up to Book 1, The Arrangement. It seems to me the author truly dotted all of the "I's" and crossed all of the "T's".
Profile Image for Wendy Koenig.
Author 30 books23 followers
October 2, 2014
Sexy, steamy, romantic, and thoroughly tough. I love this book, but I read it out of order. Now I have to go back and read the first book. HAVE TO. Good job. Good author.
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