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Russian Tattoos #1
Obsession
Falling in love isn’t a crime—but falling in love with a Russian mafia boss could be deadly.
Competitive tennis player Carter Cook wants a taste of freedom. Her overprotective father monitors every aspect of her life, so when he becomes employed by Vladimir Ivanov—a sexy Russian with an array of tattoos and an accent that weakens her knees—a bit of danger is within Carter’s grasp. Behind her father's back, she enjoys spending time with Vladimir at his lavish estate. But is he really the upstanding businessman she believes him to be?
Vladimir Ivanov reigns as godfather of a Russian mafia crime ring.
Vladimir spent five years of his life in a Siberian prison camp and has earned every tattoo inked into his skin. He is a powerful man who gets what he wants, and after stalking the gorgeous tennis player for years—he wants Carter. A little charm melts her heart, and behind the scenes, he orders his henchman to track her every move.
He’s a tattooed stick of dynamite ready to blow at the slightest spark.
As their romance reaches deadly levels, Carter senses something’s not right. When she’s lured into a compromising position at the hands of a shady European drug dealer, she calls in Boris, Vladimir’s right hand man, to rescue her—without telling Vladimir. With his authority questioned, he sets out to teach Carter a lesson about loyalty she’ll never forget.
When Carter realizes she's in too deep, she must fight for her freedom before the attraction turns fatal.
But the Russian bratva plays for keeps, and Vladimir’s fierce lust to possess her spirals their romance out of control.
Competitive tennis player Carter Cook wants a taste of freedom. Her overprotective father monitors every aspect of her life, so when he becomes employed by Vladimir Ivanov—a sexy Russian with an array of tattoos and an accent that weakens her knees—a bit of danger is within Carter’s grasp. Behind her father's back, she enjoys spending time with Vladimir at his lavish estate. But is he really the upstanding businessman she believes him to be?
Vladimir Ivanov reigns as godfather of a Russian mafia crime ring.
Vladimir spent five years of his life in a Siberian prison camp and has earned every tattoo inked into his skin. He is a powerful man who gets what he wants, and after stalking the gorgeous tennis player for years—he wants Carter. A little charm melts her heart, and behind the scenes, he orders his henchman to track her every move.
He’s a tattooed stick of dynamite ready to blow at the slightest spark.
As their romance reaches deadly levels, Carter senses something’s not right. When she’s lured into a compromising position at the hands of a shady European drug dealer, she calls in Boris, Vladimir’s right hand man, to rescue her—without telling Vladimir. With his authority questioned, he sets out to teach Carter a lesson about loyalty she’ll never forget.
When Carter realizes she's in too deep, she must fight for her freedom before the attraction turns fatal.
But the Russian bratva plays for keeps, and Vladimir’s fierce lust to possess her spirals their romance out of control.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
290 people are currently reading
5657 people want to read
About the author
Kat Shehata
17 books372 followersKat is a New York Times Bestselling author—with the help of a psychic.
After teaming up with world-renowned psychic Sylvia Browne, Kat co-wrote and published Animals on the Other Side. The book was a hit and landed on the New York Times Bestseller list. Kat and Sylvia went on to publish and promote three more successful titles, and the books were all featured on The Montel Williams Show.
Kat’s writing career took a romantic turn when a love story about a mob boss and a troubled young woman wouldn’t get out of her head. After spending years writing The Russian Tattoos Trilogy, a new couple, Evelyn and Leo, the main characters of Drawn to Death, demanded her attention.
When Kat is not reading or writing romantic suspense, ghost thrillers, or murder mysteries, she enjoys long walks and traveling with her husband. She splits her time between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Boca Raton, Florida.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Wilmington College, a professional writing certificate from the University of Cincinnati, and a master’s degree in creative writing from Spalding University. She has won two Benjamin Franklin Awards and Killer’s Nashville’s Claymore Award for Best Suspense.
After teaming up with world-renowned psychic Sylvia Browne, Kat co-wrote and published Animals on the Other Side. The book was a hit and landed on the New York Times Bestseller list. Kat and Sylvia went on to publish and promote three more successful titles, and the books were all featured on The Montel Williams Show.
Kat’s writing career took a romantic turn when a love story about a mob boss and a troubled young woman wouldn’t get out of her head. After spending years writing The Russian Tattoos Trilogy, a new couple, Evelyn and Leo, the main characters of Drawn to Death, demanded her attention.
When Kat is not reading or writing romantic suspense, ghost thrillers, or murder mysteries, she enjoys long walks and traveling with her husband. She splits her time between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Boca Raton, Florida.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Wilmington College, a professional writing certificate from the University of Cincinnati, and a master’s degree in creative writing from Spalding University. She has won two Benjamin Franklin Awards and Killer’s Nashville’s Claymore Award for Best Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
July 16, 2018
CLIFFHANGER
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
I came across this book while looking for another and since I liked the blurb and all the reviews looked good I decided to give it a try.
I made it to 20%.
I found it a bit creepy really. Vladimir is a Russian billionaire who's obsessed with Carter to the extent that I suspect he orchestrated a meeting with her father and offered him a job. I suspect he's the reason he needed a job so badly in the first place but I didn't read that far. The reason he appears to be obsessed is because he was in love with her sister before she died.
Carter's still at college Vladimir gets her fired from her job so he can hire her and see her daily. He gives her alcohol even though she's not yet twenty-one. Okay so I've no real issue with drinking since I'm British and our drinking age is eighteen but it's the fact that he encourages her. One Friday after drinking with him Carter promises that's she's not going to be drinking or hanging out with boys just a hockey game then girls night in with her friend Kiki.
Of course she's lied she goes to a house party and drinks then when she can't sleep she's wandering the streets at 5.30am looking for a coffee shop!
My issues are:
Vladimir is a man not a boy and he’s also the pakhan. Now while he may have been in love with her sister Carter is so immature and irritating it's totally unbelievable that he's drawn to her at all.
She annoyed the hell out of me.
So I got to 20% and I just couldn’t read anymore, life is just too short. So I decided to read the reviews incase anyone else had the same concerns but mentioned that it picked up.
What I did discover is apparently it's a cliffhanger. The first in a trilogy where the other books are not released yet.
I hate unannounced cliffhangers and while you could argue I should have checked first just how difficult is it to put 'CLIFFHANGER' in the blurb.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
I came across this book while looking for another and since I liked the blurb and all the reviews looked good I decided to give it a try.
I made it to 20%.
I found it a bit creepy really. Vladimir is a Russian billionaire who's obsessed with Carter to the extent that I suspect he orchestrated a meeting with her father and offered him a job. I suspect he's the reason he needed a job so badly in the first place but I didn't read that far. The reason he appears to be obsessed is because he was in love with her sister before she died.
Carter's still at college Vladimir gets her fired from her job so he can hire her and see her daily. He gives her alcohol even though she's not yet twenty-one. Okay so I've no real issue with drinking since I'm British and our drinking age is eighteen but it's the fact that he encourages her. One Friday after drinking with him Carter promises that's she's not going to be drinking or hanging out with boys just a hockey game then girls night in with her friend Kiki.
Of course she's lied she goes to a house party and drinks then when she can't sleep she's wandering the streets at 5.30am looking for a coffee shop!
My issues are:
Vladimir is a man not a boy and he’s also the pakhan. Now while he may have been in love with her sister Carter is so immature and irritating it's totally unbelievable that he's drawn to her at all.
She annoyed the hell out of me.
So I got to 20% and I just couldn’t read anymore, life is just too short. So I decided to read the reviews incase anyone else had the same concerns but mentioned that it picked up.
What I did discover is apparently it's a cliffhanger. The first in a trilogy where the other books are not released yet.
I hate unannounced cliffhangers and while you could argue I should have checked first just how difficult is it to put 'CLIFFHANGER' in the blurb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2017
***** 4.5 'Something Good' Stars *****
I regret nothing. I'm so happy that I got a chance to read Russian Tattoos. It wasn't what I was expecting.
I understand why some of the readers don't like Carter. She acts young and makes some bad decisions. But I can't blame her because she just wants to be a normal college girl. It also doesn't help that her beauty attracts the wrong attention.
My connection with Carter grew stronger the deeper I got into the story. I loved her thought process, humor, strength, and goodness. It's not surprising that a mafia boss would be obsessed with her.
Vladimir has always watched Carter from afar. To keep her safe, they could never meet. Being public with her would only expose her to danger. But when he heard that Carter's father was in debt and jobless, Vladimir comes to the rescue and offers him a legit job.
There were moments where I wasn't sure if I should hate or love Vladimir. He's a romantic hero one minute, and then later he's the ultimate jerk. Some of the scenes were pretty abusive... but I loved every single moment in the story.
Vladimir and Carter's attraction is strong, but there are no big sexual scenes since Carter is saving her V card for marriage. The story wasn't as bloody or erotic as I thought it was going to be, but there was still a lot of sexual tension between the characters. And the ending.... I need book 2 now.
I regret nothing. I'm so happy that I got a chance to read Russian Tattoos. It wasn't what I was expecting.
I understand why some of the readers don't like Carter. She acts young and makes some bad decisions. But I can't blame her because she just wants to be a normal college girl. It also doesn't help that her beauty attracts the wrong attention.
My connection with Carter grew stronger the deeper I got into the story. I loved her thought process, humor, strength, and goodness. It's not surprising that a mafia boss would be obsessed with her.
Vladimir has always watched Carter from afar. To keep her safe, they could never meet. Being public with her would only expose her to danger. But when he heard that Carter's father was in debt and jobless, Vladimir comes to the rescue and offers him a legit job.
There were moments where I wasn't sure if I should hate or love Vladimir. He's a romantic hero one minute, and then later he's the ultimate jerk. Some of the scenes were pretty abusive... but I loved every single moment in the story.
Vladimir and Carter's attraction is strong, but there are no big sexual scenes since Carter is saving her V card for marriage. The story wasn't as bloody or erotic as I thought it was going to be, but there was still a lot of sexual tension between the characters. And the ending.... I need book 2 now.
October 5, 2017
This was a really good book. Competitive tennis player Carter Cook wants a taste of freedom. Her overprotective father monitors every aspect of her life. When her father who is out of work gets a job from a Russian businessman Vladimir Ivanov who is a sexy Russian mob boss with tattoos. Carter had an older sister Sophia who died in a car accident. Vladimir had a ruthless underboss Boris who mad it his mission to teach the young naïve Carter some painful lessons. When Carter starts working for Vladimir she lies to her father about it and she begins lying to Boris and Vladimir about her neighbor and a guy she meets at the gym and it gets her in trouble. I wanted to slap her at times she when she learns about the tattoos and the fact that he is a mafia boss she stays because they threaten her and her family even when the beat her coach up. This was a really good read that I would have given a 5 if Carter was less stupid. I liked that although Boris was tough on her he did have her back when she called him. I was a little surprised by the ending and when they were in the restaurant she tried to help her father and she got in trouble. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 22, 2016
The unhinged "hero" who suffers from some sort of personality disorder ... the most stupid female creature as the "heroine" ... various scenes where said heroine is beaten up, threatened and raped ... one dimensional secondary characters ... flimsy excuse of a plot and you have Russian Tattoos Obsession IN A NUTSHELL ...
I honestly wish this sad attempt at romance writing was a joke unfortunately it's the real deal, well according to Kat Shehata !! This is not DARK or in no way or shape a LOVE STORY, rather a dysfunctional tale about bad guys and dumb girls
THE END
do yourself a favour, avoid this one like the plague CHEERS :)
August 3, 2021
Read to 72% then skimmed to the end - I really wanted to like this, but it’s just not clicking. Love the idea but the execution isn’t good.
- the h is 19 (virgin) but acts 15 (so much so that I had to go looking for her age because I was confused)- a pathological liar - constantly doing the opposite of what she’s told and getting herself in dangerous situations - she seems to be attracted to any character with a dick, except her father. Thank gawd for small blessings. 🙌🏻
- the H is, apparently 27 👀🧐 and the Pakhan or “the boss”… again, he doe s not act his age at all. I could have SWORN he was in his 50s, until I went looking for his age too… yeah. 27 would not have been my guess. 😬
- so here we are with 2 characters who are supposed to be into each other but are emotionally 15 and 50. 👀 Obviously, they have tons in common and the sexual tension is off the charts. 👀🤡 Sure thing. 👍🏻😐
- so, there’s so little sexual tension or chemistry that they might as well be strangers in a dentist waiting room… and really they ARE virtually strangers because they spend so little time on page together. She spends waaaaay more time with her bodyguard/babysitter, Boris, and THEY actually have some tension and chemistry… so much so, I actually started to think that maybe this is one of those bait-and-switch books and 🎉*SURPRISE*🥳 *Boris is the actual H*🎉 … so I went searching reviews… and no. She really is shipped to the elderly man in a 27-year old body who is more creepily unhinged than sexily obsessed. Awesome. 👍🏻🤡
- speaking of “obsessed”… the only reason the Pakhan has latched on to our tweenager is because she looks exactly like her older dead sister, who he was madly in love with and had planned to marry, before her untimely death. Fan-f*cking-tastic. 😐👀🥳
- the h is treated to all kinds of abuse by the H and his henchman including being sexually violated by a sketchy doctor while being held down by 5 men. They all saw her naked and watched the doctor basically rape her with his (ungloved) fingers, while “checking that she was still pure”. 🤢🤮 Some even taunted her while it was happening. 🤯 This is their boss’ girl. 👀 Yeah, he doesn’t know about it, but not a one of them were nervous that their completely obsessed and unhinged boss might not appreciate this handling of his “princess”??? Suresuresuresuresure 👍🏻
Anyhoo… I might have kept reading, out of curiosity, if there was a spark of real chemistry and sexual tension here, but mostly I feel annoyed and creeped out. The one sex scene is boring and not detailed. It ends in a cliffy but I can’t be bothered to keep reading to see if this mess improves.
2-stars because I liked the premise. 🤷🏼♀️
- There is no OW on page… but there were a couple hints dropped that *maybe* the H has other “girls”. 🤷🏼♀️
- no cheating
- the h is 19 (virgin) but acts 15 (so much so that I had to go looking for her age because I was confused)- a pathological liar - constantly doing the opposite of what she’s told and getting herself in dangerous situations - she seems to be attracted to any character with a dick, except her father. Thank gawd for small blessings. 🙌🏻
- the H is, apparently 27 👀🧐 and the Pakhan or “the boss”… again, he doe s not act his age at all. I could have SWORN he was in his 50s, until I went looking for his age too… yeah. 27 would not have been my guess. 😬
- so here we are with 2 characters who are supposed to be into each other but are emotionally 15 and 50. 👀 Obviously, they have tons in common and the sexual tension is off the charts. 👀🤡 Sure thing. 👍🏻😐
- so, there’s so little sexual tension or chemistry that they might as well be strangers in a dentist waiting room… and really they ARE virtually strangers because they spend so little time on page together. She spends waaaaay more time with her bodyguard/babysitter, Boris, and THEY actually have some tension and chemistry… so much so, I actually started to think that maybe this is one of those bait-and-switch books and 🎉*SURPRISE*🥳 *Boris is the actual H*🎉 … so I went searching reviews… and no. She really is shipped to the elderly man in a 27-year old body who is more creepily unhinged than sexily obsessed. Awesome. 👍🏻🤡
- speaking of “obsessed”… the only reason the Pakhan has latched on to our tweenager is because she looks exactly like her older dead sister, who he was madly in love with and had planned to marry, before her untimely death. Fan-f*cking-tastic. 😐👀🥳
- the h is treated to all kinds of abuse by the H and his henchman including being sexually violated by a sketchy doctor while being held down by 5 men. They all saw her naked and watched the doctor basically rape her with his (ungloved) fingers, while “checking that she was still pure”. 🤢🤮 Some even taunted her while it was happening. 🤯 This is their boss’ girl. 👀 Yeah, he doesn’t know about it, but not a one of them were nervous that their completely obsessed and unhinged boss might not appreciate this handling of his “princess”??? Suresuresuresuresure 👍🏻
Anyhoo… I might have kept reading, out of curiosity, if there was a spark of real chemistry and sexual tension here, but mostly I feel annoyed and creeped out. The one sex scene is boring and not detailed. It ends in a cliffy but I can’t be bothered to keep reading to see if this mess improves.
2-stars because I liked the premise. 🤷🏼♀️
- There is no OW on page… but there were a couple hints dropped that *maybe* the H has other “girls”. 🤷🏼♀️
- no cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
09/27/20 currently free in Dynasty: A Mafia Collection
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086VS9TD5?...
Vladimir Ivanov comes into Carter Cook's life an answer to her families prayers. Giving her dad a new tech job, after being laid off past the point of stability. She's instantly attracted by the beautiful Russian, who also happens to be a former love of her deceased older sister. Initially that connection is what draws him into her life, but her resemblance to her sister also pushes him to take it in another direction. On the surface Carter is a bubbly, tennis obsessed coed, but that hides a wild streak that doesn't mesh well with the secret world Vladimir rules over. He also hides a monster under his skin. Combined with her pathological inability to follow rules, could spell disaster for them as a couple.
Vladimir and Carter are the couple I'm supposed to root for, but his father figure Boris actually has all the chemistry with this heroine. Boris is scary, rigid, and not afraid to hurt even the ones he loves in order to teach a lesson in respect. Vladimir is like a specter in this book floating in out to ruin better scenes began by Boris. He is physically beautiful, but tends to be more hole, than alpha.
Carter is kind of a beautiful idiot. Any guy halfway decent looking, and she follows like a puppy. Unsure how she stayed a virgin this long because she is a magnet for douches, and surprised all of them understand the concept of "no means no".
Though it wasn't a perfect read, still managed to keep me engaged. I'm hoping the second book gives everything I need.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086VS9TD5?...
Vladimir Ivanov comes into Carter Cook's life an answer to her families prayers. Giving her dad a new tech job, after being laid off past the point of stability. She's instantly attracted by the beautiful Russian, who also happens to be a former love of her deceased older sister. Initially that connection is what draws him into her life, but her resemblance to her sister also pushes him to take it in another direction. On the surface Carter is a bubbly, tennis obsessed coed, but that hides a wild streak that doesn't mesh well with the secret world Vladimir rules over. He also hides a monster under his skin. Combined with her pathological inability to follow rules, could spell disaster for them as a couple.
Vladimir and Carter are the couple I'm supposed to root for, but his father figure Boris actually has all the chemistry with this heroine. Boris is scary, rigid, and not afraid to hurt even the ones he loves in order to teach a lesson in respect. Vladimir is like a specter in this book floating in out to ruin better scenes began by Boris. He is physically beautiful, but tends to be more hole, than alpha.
Carter is kind of a beautiful idiot. Any guy halfway decent looking, and she follows like a puppy. Unsure how she stayed a virgin this long because she is a magnet for douches, and surprised all of them understand the concept of "no means no".
Though it wasn't a perfect read, still managed to keep me engaged. I'm hoping the second book gives everything I need.
July 19, 2016
A side of the Bratva like I've never witnessed before! The drama earned this story a five star rating. My review is based solely on the story and drama.
Vladimir is a crazy ass deranged Pahkan. Boris, his right hand, is one elevator ride short of reaching the top floor. Vladimir lost the love of his life in a tragic accident. Years later after stalking and manipulating circumstances, Vladimir infiltrates Sophia's family by offering her father a job and claiming Sophia's sister, Carter, as his own. The two girls are night and day. Sophia was an angel, a good girl. Carter has issues and act out. The methods Vladimir and Boris use to teach Carter how to behave as a proper Pahkan's wife are brutal and friggin mind blowing! Personally, I would have learned after the first lesson but Carter has some self destructive shit going on!
I feel like this story ended on a cliffhanger but there is nothing to indicate a sequel. Yes I want more in spite of the book issues!
Five stars because Carter's actions and the consequences resulting from those actions are just that damn good!
Vladimir is a crazy ass deranged Pahkan. Boris, his right hand, is one elevator ride short of reaching the top floor. Vladimir lost the love of his life in a tragic accident. Years later after stalking and manipulating circumstances, Vladimir infiltrates Sophia's family by offering her father a job and claiming Sophia's sister, Carter, as his own. The two girls are night and day. Sophia was an angel, a good girl. Carter has issues and act out. The methods Vladimir and Boris use to teach Carter how to behave as a proper Pahkan's wife are brutal and friggin mind blowing! Personally, I would have learned after the first lesson but Carter has some self destructive shit going on!
I feel like this story ended on a cliffhanger but there is nothing to indicate a sequel. Yes I want more in spite of the book issues!
Five stars because Carter's actions and the consequences resulting from those actions are just that damn good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2017
This book gave me a lot of insight into the Russian mafia and the tattoos that go with it. The romance, was just meh! The H (russian mafia kingpin) is not around for most of this series and the h is left to fend for herself - which she does - usually unsuccessfully (probably because she isn't the brightest tool in the box). She rushes into danger even after she's been warned and does nothing but make trouble for herself and the H. An otherwise engaging story lost a couple of stars for this dumb female. An ok read.
note to self: I need to stop reading mafia romance since I just cant seem to drum up any respect for the protagonists.
note to self: I need to stop reading mafia romance since I just cant seem to drum up any respect for the protagonists.
Read
October 18, 201720% DNF. I tried. It just didn't feel like it was going anywhere.
January 17, 2016
I wanted to give it more because it was written great but most of it I actually felt like wow are you really that stupid !!
So big Russian boss goes after dead girlfriends sister because look a like. He admits it. Which that would make me wanna step back and think creepy !
Then she practically gets abused and never says anything. And forgives him then says she'll marry him but pisses him off and he hurts her and leaves her locked outside with some bad men who hurt her.
Like wow girl you really did bring this on yourself !! Specially after making out with him and him calling you your dead sisters name !! Like really ?!?
I don't know if I'll read the next book it's kinda creepy. I did enjoy some of it but after a while it went downhill :-(
So big Russian boss goes after dead girlfriends sister because look a like. He admits it. Which that would make me wanna step back and think creepy !
Then she practically gets abused and never says anything. And forgives him then says she'll marry him but pisses him off and he hurts her and leaves her locked outside with some bad men who hurt her.
Like wow girl you really did bring this on yourself !! Specially after making out with him and him calling you your dead sisters name !! Like really ?!?
I don't know if I'll read the next book it's kinda creepy. I did enjoy some of it but after a while it went downhill :-(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 18, 2016H goes after h because she is his dead girlfriends sister and they look alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2016
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Russian Tattoos - Obsession is book one in the series and is a Romance, Suspense written by Kat Shehata. I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review through Xpresso Book Tours .
3.5 What the Hell Did I Just Read Stars!
The Review:
Not all is what it seems! That should be the theme of this book.
Russian Tattoos left me with mixed emotions. I liked it. I really did. I loved the writing which was very well done. But about half way through it I began to wonder what the hell I’d gotten myself into. This book evoked all kinds of emotions. Laughter at Carter’s outrageous antics and circumstances, fear and dread over the consequences of her crazy actions, confusion at trying to figure out what exactly was going on and what role everyone was supposed to be playing, and suspicion over questionable actions by key players. There was definitely something going on behind the scenes we the readers weren’t getting the whole story to. Boris and Vladimir were both such a contradiction and you couldn’t get a clear picture as to who they really were. And then it all blows up and you're left reeling from everything.
This book was different and it had me frantically turning the pages to see what happened next. I liked the story and for the most part, I liked the characters, but solely for the parts they played within the story. And as I said before, this book left me really confused. Carter’s bravery, snark and inventive personality were fun to read but I also couldn’t get over how incredibly stupid and naïve she was. All the signs of her impending peril were there but she ignores them all. And for what? I couldn’t see where all the illusion of Vladimir being a good man can from. She definitely had blinders on. There was so much tension as the relationship between Carter and Vladimir was building and Carter found herself falling deeper into the Russian's world, it left me wondering how she couldn’t see all the troublesome signs and why she never spoke out.
This wasn’t really a love story and there was very little romance involved between her and Vladimir. I don’t think there was supposed to be either. Vladimir is beyond creepy. He’s got an aire of mystery about him and you are constantly questioning his personality and his sanity. You question if he is a good guy who is just as out of the loop as he was portrayed to be or was he a bad guy and really the puppet master behind the curtain. It’s obvious his instability and demons are boiling just below the surface even as he portrays himself as a posh businessman. And when he turns on you ... he REALLY turns on you.
I could never understand Carter’s actions or resolve though. And that’s why I didn’t give this one more stars. To fear someone’s actions to the point of watching every word and move you make, there can be no true trust or love involved. She was very brave but also completely out of her depth. I think she had a false sense of security because of her sister. Or maybe she was just in so deep, by the time she realized she was screwed, there was no way to get out unscathed.
And Boris? Wow. He was a real Jekyll and Hyde! One minute he was sinister and mean, the next he was comforting and supportive. But he was definitely filled with evil and a sense of wrong from the beginning.
And that’s where all the confusion comes in at. You just never know who is going to turn on you in an instant. There is no safe place. There is no good. There is no clear path. And I loved that I couldn’t figure it all out instantly!
The Wrap Up:
I enjoyed this book. I really did. I love dark reads and I love books that twist you up while you read them but I also like smart characters and a clear cut plot. I thought some of the character actions were over the top and very naïve and some of the plot points were questionable.
Regardless of the confusion, I’m definitely hooked and after that intense and disturbing cliffy, I can’t wait to read book two to see what happens next! Like I said, mixed feelings but I’m game for more!
Russian Tattoos - Obsession is book one in the series and is a Romance, Suspense written by Kat Shehata. I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review through Xpresso Book Tours .
3.5 What the Hell Did I Just Read Stars!
The Review:
Not all is what it seems! That should be the theme of this book.
Russian Tattoos left me with mixed emotions. I liked it. I really did. I loved the writing which was very well done. But about half way through it I began to wonder what the hell I’d gotten myself into. This book evoked all kinds of emotions. Laughter at Carter’s outrageous antics and circumstances, fear and dread over the consequences of her crazy actions, confusion at trying to figure out what exactly was going on and what role everyone was supposed to be playing, and suspicion over questionable actions by key players. There was definitely something going on behind the scenes we the readers weren’t getting the whole story to. Boris and Vladimir were both such a contradiction and you couldn’t get a clear picture as to who they really were. And then it all blows up and you're left reeling from everything.
This book was different and it had me frantically turning the pages to see what happened next. I liked the story and for the most part, I liked the characters, but solely for the parts they played within the story. And as I said before, this book left me really confused. Carter’s bravery, snark and inventive personality were fun to read but I also couldn’t get over how incredibly stupid and naïve she was. All the signs of her impending peril were there but she ignores them all. And for what? I couldn’t see where all the illusion of Vladimir being a good man can from. She definitely had blinders on. There was so much tension as the relationship between Carter and Vladimir was building and Carter found herself falling deeper into the Russian's world, it left me wondering how she couldn’t see all the troublesome signs and why she never spoke out.
This wasn’t really a love story and there was very little romance involved between her and Vladimir. I don’t think there was supposed to be either. Vladimir is beyond creepy. He’s got an aire of mystery about him and you are constantly questioning his personality and his sanity. You question if he is a good guy who is just as out of the loop as he was portrayed to be or was he a bad guy and really the puppet master behind the curtain. It’s obvious his instability and demons are boiling just below the surface even as he portrays himself as a posh businessman. And when he turns on you ... he REALLY turns on you.
I could never understand Carter’s actions or resolve though. And that’s why I didn’t give this one more stars. To fear someone’s actions to the point of watching every word and move you make, there can be no true trust or love involved. She was very brave but also completely out of her depth. I think she had a false sense of security because of her sister. Or maybe she was just in so deep, by the time she realized she was screwed, there was no way to get out unscathed.
And Boris? Wow. He was a real Jekyll and Hyde! One minute he was sinister and mean, the next he was comforting and supportive. But he was definitely filled with evil and a sense of wrong from the beginning.
And that’s where all the confusion comes in at. You just never know who is going to turn on you in an instant. There is no safe place. There is no good. There is no clear path. And I loved that I couldn’t figure it all out instantly!
The Wrap Up:
I enjoyed this book. I really did. I love dark reads and I love books that twist you up while you read them but I also like smart characters and a clear cut plot. I thought some of the character actions were over the top and very naïve and some of the plot points were questionable.
Regardless of the confusion, I’m definitely hooked and after that intense and disturbing cliffy, I can’t wait to read book two to see what happens next! Like I said, mixed feelings but I’m game for more!
December 5, 2016
This book was pretty awful, but I was expecting a stupid trashy romance novel, so the bar was set pretty low to begin with. Then you figure in that there's not a whole ton of romance and only like one sex scene..., so it falls below the "trashy romance" low expectation mark and it's that much worse...who'd have thought it possible?
The whole plot basically revolves around a young girl whose father is hired into a legitimate job with the boss of the Russian Mafia. She then ends up the object of said boss' lust. Sort of.
We spend the first half of the book seeing Carter interact with the bratva's sovietnik, and not really much of the boss, at all -- it was an annoying plot delay, because you can't have a romance novel if the two main characters are never in the same god damned room for long. The middle half of the book deals with Carter totally oblivious as to the fact the boss has a thing for her, and why: more he's misplacing the lust on to her because he had a thing with her (now dead) sister, who Carter is the spitting image of. It's weird and gross and Carter's oblivious to it. After she figures it out she still doesn't get it, until she finally gets it. Then she spends the second half of the book being a moron for other dumb reasons, and there's some violence and abuse and unbelievable rationale from everyone in the damned book and bunch of dumb plot devices.
Then the story ends and no one cares.
They sort of talk about Russian Mafia tattoos in the book, but nowhere near the extent it's an "obsession" or that it even deserves to be mentioned in the title.
Glad this book was free because it was that bad!
The whole plot basically revolves around a young girl whose father is hired into a legitimate job with the boss of the Russian Mafia. She then ends up the object of said boss' lust. Sort of.
We spend the first half of the book seeing Carter interact with the bratva's sovietnik, and not really much of the boss, at all -- it was an annoying plot delay, because you can't have a romance novel if the two main characters are never in the same god damned room for long. The middle half of the book deals with Carter totally oblivious as to the fact the boss has a thing for her, and why: more he's misplacing the lust on to her because he had a thing with her (now dead) sister, who Carter is the spitting image of. It's weird and gross and Carter's oblivious to it. After she figures it out she still doesn't get it, until she finally gets it. Then she spends the second half of the book being a moron for other dumb reasons, and there's some violence and abuse and unbelievable rationale from everyone in the damned book and bunch of dumb plot devices.
Then the story ends and no one cares.
They sort of talk about Russian Mafia tattoos in the book, but nowhere near the extent it's an "obsession" or that it even deserves to be mentioned in the title.
Glad this book was free because it was that bad!
January 12, 2016
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
OMG, this book! I am still speechless and amazed at this gem of a book! It was heart breakingly amazing. Horribly brilliant and I am desperate to read more of this story!
Anyone who knows me, understand that I love a devastating story almost as much as I love a HEA story. This book gave me the chills. I found myself completely invested. Three times, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks, unable to pull my eyes away for my kindle to compose myself. Kat, slade this story and she has me as a fan from this day forward, for sure!
I don't want to spoil this read for anyone but this book will leave you emotionally spent but in a wonderful way. Vladimir, the pakhan aka boss of this Russian mafia story, is... Hmm... Anything I say here will tell you too much, but I will say that I was rooting for him for the better part of the book. Until... Gosh, I want to smack him! And Boris! WTF! Argh, the main character Carter was so naive when she accepted help from Vladimir. She hadn't realized what she was getting herself into at all and often times, I wondered how the heck she was going to make it through without killing herself. This is how dark her life had gotten since the Russian's entered her life.
I am rooting for her and only her. The rest, I hope they get what they all deserve.
Wonderful read and I am counting the days until Book 2 is released.
OMG, this book! I am still speechless and amazed at this gem of a book! It was heart breakingly amazing. Horribly brilliant and I am desperate to read more of this story!
Anyone who knows me, understand that I love a devastating story almost as much as I love a HEA story. This book gave me the chills. I found myself completely invested. Three times, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks, unable to pull my eyes away for my kindle to compose myself. Kat, slade this story and she has me as a fan from this day forward, for sure!
I don't want to spoil this read for anyone but this book will leave you emotionally spent but in a wonderful way. Vladimir, the pakhan aka boss of this Russian mafia story, is... Hmm... Anything I say here will tell you too much, but I will say that I was rooting for him for the better part of the book. Until... Gosh, I want to smack him! And Boris! WTF! Argh, the main character Carter was so naive when she accepted help from Vladimir. She hadn't realized what she was getting herself into at all and often times, I wondered how the heck she was going to make it through without killing herself. This is how dark her life had gotten since the Russian's entered her life.
I am rooting for her and only her. The rest, I hope they get what they all deserve.
Wonderful read and I am counting the days until Book 2 is released.
August 5, 2019
This was awful! I hated Carter. She made one dumb decision after another. Based on the way she acted I would have thought she was 14, but she was actually 19. Everyone treated her like a child. Even though she was legally an adult, she had a 10 o'clock curfew. She was a pathological liar. She wouldn't have had half of the problems she did if she hadn't lied about pointless shit. It annoyed me that she was into almost every guy she met. With her interests in men, it was hard to believe she was a virgin.
Vladimir and Boris were horrible people. I'd barely even call the relationship between Vladimir and Carter a romantic. Nothing about it was normal. It was clear from the start something was off with Vladimir since his interest in Carter was that she looked just like her dead sister who he happened to be love with. I didn't feel like they had any chemistry. Vladimir was controlling. He was cruel because he allowed his henchmen like Boris to abuse Carter.
I couldn't get into this book. I wouldn't have finished it if it weren't part of a reading challenge. I didn't like any of the characters. The mafia angle was downplayed until the end. It was hard to buy into the romance when Vladimir had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I'll pass on the rest of the series.
Vladimir and Boris were horrible people. I'd barely even call the relationship between Vladimir and Carter a romantic. Nothing about it was normal. It was clear from the start something was off with Vladimir since his interest in Carter was that she looked just like her dead sister who he happened to be love with. I didn't feel like they had any chemistry. Vladimir was controlling. He was cruel because he allowed his henchmen like Boris to abuse Carter.
I couldn't get into this book. I wouldn't have finished it if it weren't part of a reading challenge. I didn't like any of the characters. The mafia angle was downplayed until the end. It was hard to buy into the romance when Vladimir had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I'll pass on the rest of the series.
June 3, 2016
There's not amount of words in this world to express how much I hate this book, I got that it was a dark romance but what I read wasn't dark it was rubbish!!! I don't even want my money back, keep it but erase this horrendous book off my mind. Times like this are when I ask myself why Goodreads hasn't added the 0 stars options or more like - 10. I'm scarred for life with this Author, and although it's been a while since I read this thing I just had to scream to the world my feelings towards this "book" I might be able to save a fellow reader, and if you're going to read it: good luck my friend, hope you like it and enjoy it, if not welcome to the club.
January 13, 2016
Surprisingly good.
You are warned! Cliffhanger!
You are warned! Cliffhanger!
February 22, 2016
This was so bad that I don't even have the words to describe how bad it was! I dunno what the hell I was expecting but it wasn't this crap. 300 pages and no fucking ending!
What I hated about this story... the characters were all flat, there was no depth to them. I wish Carter had wised up a bit earlier but then again she was portrayed as a dumb child. Vladimir was your average Russian monster (REALLY STERYOTYPE MUCH?!?). The entire story was full of abuse, it felt like the author really hates women and Russians. I was sickened after finishing this story and I would really like to go back in time and gouge my eyes out before I read a word of this bullshit!
What I hated about this story... the characters were all flat, there was no depth to them. I wish Carter had wised up a bit earlier but then again she was portrayed as a dumb child. Vladimir was your average Russian monster (REALLY STERYOTYPE MUCH?!?). The entire story was full of abuse, it felt like the author really hates women and Russians. I was sickened after finishing this story and I would really like to go back in time and gouge my eyes out before I read a word of this bullshit!
January 15, 2016
Wow this was really good, this is a new author for me and I really like the mafia genre so when I saw the teasers for this book I knew I had to read it and it just kept me captivated. There are so mant twists and turns that leave you guessing. I will be honest and thought a Valdimers interest with Carter was a little strange at first but as the story progresses it becomes more apparent as to the reasons. I was sad at the end but I see that I will eventually see Vald and Carter again.
April 16, 2016
Horrible, horrible, horrible. I'm pissed at myself for finishing it.
Want to read
August 2, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/2/2019)! 🎁
August 6, 2017
5 Stars!
Edgy. Sexy. Suspenseful. Intense. Dark(ish). Kat Shehata has an explosive, heart pounding series out that will leave you on the edge of your seat...gripping the pages...and gasping for air. I'm not sure how I've missed this author in the past but you can be sure she's on my radar now.
The Russian Tattoos trilogy has quickly become an addiction of mine I do not want to shake. Addicting. Captivating. Intriguing. Mysterious. Gritty. Raw. These three books following Carter and Vladimir were simply brilliant and I could not get enough of them and their twisted journey.
And yes I know, while I'm not a huge lover of the angstier, darker storylines... something about these books just drew me in and before I knew it, I was three books deep.
Get ready for your new obsession...
In book one of this tantalizing trilogy, we are introduced to quite the pair... and the story they have laid out for the rest of this series with loads of questions left unanswered.
Carter... young, naive, genuine, talented tennis player.
Vladimir... dirty, cunning, twisted, Russian boss.
When their world's collide, nothing will ever be the same.
From the moment that these two met, it was an instant connection.... a spark that neither could deny. Hers purely physical with all kinds of questions with no clear answers she wanted to *try* to solve. And freedom, just a taste drove her right into a web she never saw coming. Vladimir is quite the opposite of her in every way. Dark, brooding, sly, mysterious, and completely fascinating... he's a puzzle that is slowly piecing together... one I cannot wait for.
Secrets. Lies. Deceit. Murder. Mayhem. It's gonna get ugly, dark, twisted, complicated and all kinds of confusing but a web has been weaved and now they are all tangled up.
If you have a secret addiction to mafia romances like myself then Kat Shehata is definitely a go to read!
I recommend this book and series!
Review Post >> https://reneeentress.blogspot.com/201...
Edgy. Sexy. Suspenseful. Intense. Dark(ish). Kat Shehata has an explosive, heart pounding series out that will leave you on the edge of your seat...gripping the pages...and gasping for air. I'm not sure how I've missed this author in the past but you can be sure she's on my radar now.
The Russian Tattoos trilogy has quickly become an addiction of mine I do not want to shake. Addicting. Captivating. Intriguing. Mysterious. Gritty. Raw. These three books following Carter and Vladimir were simply brilliant and I could not get enough of them and their twisted journey.
And yes I know, while I'm not a huge lover of the angstier, darker storylines... something about these books just drew me in and before I knew it, I was three books deep.
Get ready for your new obsession...
In book one of this tantalizing trilogy, we are introduced to quite the pair... and the story they have laid out for the rest of this series with loads of questions left unanswered.
Carter... young, naive, genuine, talented tennis player.
Vladimir... dirty, cunning, twisted, Russian boss.
When their world's collide, nothing will ever be the same.
From the moment that these two met, it was an instant connection.... a spark that neither could deny. Hers purely physical with all kinds of questions with no clear answers she wanted to *try* to solve. And freedom, just a taste drove her right into a web she never saw coming. Vladimir is quite the opposite of her in every way. Dark, brooding, sly, mysterious, and completely fascinating... he's a puzzle that is slowly piecing together... one I cannot wait for.
Secrets. Lies. Deceit. Murder. Mayhem. It's gonna get ugly, dark, twisted, complicated and all kinds of confusing but a web has been weaved and now they are all tangled up.
If you have a secret addiction to mafia romances like myself then Kat Shehata is definitely a go to read!
I recommend this book and series!
Review Post >> https://reneeentress.blogspot.com/201...
January 11, 2016
I have to be honest, I didn't know this author's work, but the blurb of this book completely attracted me!
Now that I've read it, I'm in a state of confusion and quite dumbfounded because I never thought it would be this good!
Why confused tho? Well, there are secrets everywhere, the twists are so big that left my mind in knots and the end promises so much more, that I cant, honestly, wait for the next book, because this cant be a standalone!!! No way!
Vladimir is the boss of a Russian mafia crime ring. Rich, sexy, tattooed, confident and dangerous, very dangerous. He's obsessed by Carter, a 19 year old student with a passion for tennis who wants to live her life without her father scrutiny. As soon as Vladimir offers her a job, she accepts it but little did she know how much her life would turn. Carter see's herself involved in a dangerous situation where lust and fear almost gets her killed... several times.
The characters are well constructed and believable, Carter's a very strong young woman but somehow broken because she's been growing up with the sentiment of guilt inside of her. Vladimir is so much more than we get to know in this story, but I'm sure the reasons for this will be told later and we will understand the whys and the whens of his mysteries!
I loved the way how the Russian culture was introduced in this story. I could find myself searching about some words or even certain Russian habits to get to know more about them. The tattoos were pretty interesting for instance. So in this story, you can expect some violence, romance, secrets, twists and turns that will keep you on the edge with its intensity!
Now that I've read it, I'm in a state of confusion and quite dumbfounded because I never thought it would be this good!
Why confused tho? Well, there are secrets everywhere, the twists are so big that left my mind in knots and the end promises so much more, that I cant, honestly, wait for the next book, because this cant be a standalone!!! No way!
Vladimir is the boss of a Russian mafia crime ring. Rich, sexy, tattooed, confident and dangerous, very dangerous. He's obsessed by Carter, a 19 year old student with a passion for tennis who wants to live her life without her father scrutiny. As soon as Vladimir offers her a job, she accepts it but little did she know how much her life would turn. Carter see's herself involved in a dangerous situation where lust and fear almost gets her killed... several times.
The characters are well constructed and believable, Carter's a very strong young woman but somehow broken because she's been growing up with the sentiment of guilt inside of her. Vladimir is so much more than we get to know in this story, but I'm sure the reasons for this will be told later and we will understand the whys and the whens of his mysteries!
I loved the way how the Russian culture was introduced in this story. I could find myself searching about some words or even certain Russian habits to get to know more about them. The tattoos were pretty interesting for instance. So in this story, you can expect some violence, romance, secrets, twists and turns that will keep you on the edge with its intensity!
February 26, 2016
Okay for all my dark and twisted ladies who love dark read this is for you. I have read my fair share of dark but this is dark. There was a lot going on most of the time so it can be kind of confusing but once you get use to it its smooth sailing from their.
Carter Cook is the main heroine in the story, is a college student and a competitive tennis player. I could sort of relate to her because like her I also had over protective parent. She just wanted her freedom to do what she pleased.
Warning to the sensitive readers their are some scenes that can push your limits. One thing that I did not like was that the Carter can be kind irritating. The second is that I really didn’t se much of romance going on so that loses a star from me. Over all I’m kind of on the fence about this book. I liked because it was well written and I like dark reads but it was lacking in some areas. That being said read at you own risk their is a cliffhanger.
*ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Carter Cook is the main heroine in the story, is a college student and a competitive tennis player. I could sort of relate to her because like her I also had over protective parent. She just wanted her freedom to do what she pleased.
Warning to the sensitive readers their are some scenes that can push your limits. One thing that I did not like was that the Carter can be kind irritating. The second is that I really didn’t se much of romance going on so that loses a star from me. Over all I’m kind of on the fence about this book. I liked because it was well written and I like dark reads but it was lacking in some areas. That being said read at you own risk their is a cliffhanger.
*ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 19, 2016
I am actually at the 3.5 stars on this one but since Amazon won't let me do that.....
I want to love this book because I can see so some serious potential but I can't like Vladimir...at all. I just don't feel anything but dislike for him. I think he could be an amazing alpha male if he wasn't such an obsessive and abusive man. When Carter is covered in bruises and beaten by his right-hand man he just excuses the behavior as how it is and doesn't do anything to correct it. Carter is ripe for being okay with a relationship like this because she has been suffering emotionally for years due to the death of her sister. The fact that Vladimir was in love her sister and she looks just like her sister leaves you always wondering if it's the sister or Carter he wants and I don't think there was a conclusion to that. I never really feel a connection between Carter and Vladimir. I wanted Carter to get some backbone and stand up for herself but she gives in so easy. I know that the threat was there when it came to her family but I feel like I was missing something.
I want to love this book because I can see so some serious potential but I can't like Vladimir...at all. I just don't feel anything but dislike for him. I think he could be an amazing alpha male if he wasn't such an obsessive and abusive man. When Carter is covered in bruises and beaten by his right-hand man he just excuses the behavior as how it is and doesn't do anything to correct it. Carter is ripe for being okay with a relationship like this because she has been suffering emotionally for years due to the death of her sister. The fact that Vladimir was in love her sister and she looks just like her sister leaves you always wondering if it's the sister or Carter he wants and I don't think there was a conclusion to that. I never really feel a connection between Carter and Vladimir. I wanted Carter to get some backbone and stand up for herself but she gives in so easy. I know that the threat was there when it came to her family but I feel like I was missing something.
March 16, 2016
Obsessed
Brilliant, funny, and a little different story about the Russian mob. Vladimir loves Carter. Or does he? Who does Carter, a college tennis player, want - Vladimir or her longtime crush Ryan? What does Carter want - in the Russian mob or out? Does she even have a choice? What is different about this is the absolutely perfect blend of Young Adult and New Adult. For such a story to be so readable by both audiences is a testament to the talent of Kat Shehata. Indeed, I recommend it to ages 13-up.
Brilliant, funny, and a little different story about the Russian mob. Vladimir loves Carter. Or does he? Who does Carter, a college tennis player, want - Vladimir or her longtime crush Ryan? What does Carter want - in the Russian mob or out? Does she even have a choice? What is different about this is the absolutely perfect blend of Young Adult and New Adult. For such a story to be so readable by both audiences is a testament to the talent of Kat Shehata. Indeed, I recommend it to ages 13-up.
July 31, 2016
#review @KatShehata
Russian Tattoos Obsession
QueenZany 4 Star Review
Russian Tattoos Obsession
by Kat Shehata
Heck yes!! A quick Russian Mafia book!! That is gritty, dark and raw!!
Yes it's not for the faint of heart. But enjoy these types of books. Has the power to take you to another realm. In this case it's a visual effect. Which would be perfect for a series adaptation. At least in my mind. Im now hooked on this series!
Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
Russian Tattoos Obsession
QueenZany 4 Star Review
Russian Tattoos Obsession
by Kat Shehata
Heck yes!! A quick Russian Mafia book!! That is gritty, dark and raw!!
Yes it's not for the faint of heart. But enjoy these types of books. Has the power to take you to another realm. In this case it's a visual effect. Which would be perfect for a series adaptation. At least in my mind. Im now hooked on this series!
Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
July 19, 2018
Very dark but all in all a great book! 👍
The heroine actually annoyed my by how much she changes her mind 🤣
The heroine actually annoyed my by how much she changes her mind 🤣
July 23, 2017
Mixed review…
I am not sure how to review this book I can honestly say I have never read a book before that I found so enjoyable but at the same time struggled with large sections of the plot as well as the characters…
Mafia/Bratva romance is one of my go to genres and I really loved the premise of this story..Carter is a sassy, gifted tennis player.. and Vladimir is the intimidating boss of her Father….their relationship from the start is complex housed in a web of deceit and secrets as gradually she is drawn into his Bratva world…
This book was well written and there was an underlying atmosphere of menace and sexual undercurrent which held my attention throughout.. the characters individually were interesting and well described with an enigmatic hero and a strong willed, rather naive, heroine however the behaviour of both the two main characters and Boris, Vladimir’s ‘advisor/enforcer’ was inconsistent; so much so, in fact, that at times it seemed like there were six main characters; Boris acted like an avuncular babysitter and then like an abusive thug; Carter became objectionable and reckless and the sophisticated Vladimir was attentive and sweet until he wasn’t…none of these personality switches were believable and in the end the relationship between Carter and Vladimir did not feel genuine….
There is plenty of welcome humour in addition to the drama; I loved the scene early on with the dart tag game…in contrast however there were also some very sinister and dark scenes which did not sit comfortably with the overall feel of the book…I love dark stories but on this occasion the change seemed too extreme…not only the characters and the atmosphere of the book but also the plot itself had a number of inconsistencies including subsidiary potential love entanglements who appeared to be important elements in the story and then disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived…
Now here is the thing despite all my concerns I really was gripped by this story… there were holes and at times I felt frustrated by the characters but nevertheless as the book progressed I became more and more intrigued and as the final page turned I immediately picked up book number 2 to delve into the next episode…..This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads...
I am not sure how to review this book I can honestly say I have never read a book before that I found so enjoyable but at the same time struggled with large sections of the plot as well as the characters…
Mafia/Bratva romance is one of my go to genres and I really loved the premise of this story..Carter is a sassy, gifted tennis player.. and Vladimir is the intimidating boss of her Father….their relationship from the start is complex housed in a web of deceit and secrets as gradually she is drawn into his Bratva world…
This book was well written and there was an underlying atmosphere of menace and sexual undercurrent which held my attention throughout.. the characters individually were interesting and well described with an enigmatic hero and a strong willed, rather naive, heroine however the behaviour of both the two main characters and Boris, Vladimir’s ‘advisor/enforcer’ was inconsistent; so much so, in fact, that at times it seemed like there were six main characters; Boris acted like an avuncular babysitter and then like an abusive thug; Carter became objectionable and reckless and the sophisticated Vladimir was attentive and sweet until he wasn’t…none of these personality switches were believable and in the end the relationship between Carter and Vladimir did not feel genuine….
There is plenty of welcome humour in addition to the drama; I loved the scene early on with the dart tag game…in contrast however there were also some very sinister and dark scenes which did not sit comfortably with the overall feel of the book…I love dark stories but on this occasion the change seemed too extreme…not only the characters and the atmosphere of the book but also the plot itself had a number of inconsistencies including subsidiary potential love entanglements who appeared to be important elements in the story and then disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived…
Now here is the thing despite all my concerns I really was gripped by this story… there were holes and at times I felt frustrated by the characters but nevertheless as the book progressed I became more and more intrigued and as the final page turned I immediately picked up book number 2 to delve into the next episode…..This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads...
January 22, 2016
---Read and reviewed for The Bookery Review---
I knew nothing about this book or about this author when “Russian Tattoos – Obsession” landed on my Kindle.
“Russian Tattoos” is Kat Shehata debut’s novel in this genre and I must say that she did a wonderful job.
This story is so much more than what is in the blurb.
It took only a couple of minutes to finish the first chapter and I was wondering: what the hell?? After this moment, you know there’s so much more than the story can tell.
Carter is a nineteen year old student and a brilliant tennis player that still lives with her family when her father, suddenly, gets a job working for Vladimir Ivanov, a twenty seven year old Russian and CEO of a high rated company.
From the beginning of the story, I started to realize that things didn’t match. That there are missing pieces everywhere. Why Is Vladimir obsessed with Carter? That’s the main question.
The story is told from Carter’s POV which allows us to feel what she’s experiencing in each moment. There’s a lot of tension and some scenes are very disturbing. She’s young and naïve and Vladimir is anything but. Add Boris, Vladimir’s right hand and a man with no boundaries. His life is dedicated to protect the pakhan, no matter what and no matter who.
When I reached the 70% mark, I found myself questioning everything and everybody. Is this really what it seems? I trusted no one at that point.
At first, I didn’t understand Carter very well. But as the story evolves, I realized that she’s playing her own game too and that she’s a strong woman, capable of dealing with Vladimir’s dark side.
Everything is very suspicious but one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of something HUGE! It’s like if we are getting only a taste of what is yet to come. I believe the next book will be very intense and I sincerely hope that we can put together all the missing pieces. I can’t wait to see where the story is going to take me. The end speaks for itself: “Forever is a long time, lapsha.”
I had no expectations whatsoever about this book but in the end I found it very interesting and very intense and I loved all the twists and turns. The characters are strong and the plot is well conceived. I even learned a few words in Russian. And it’s very interesting to know about the meaning of the tattoos. After all, everything in this book happens for a reason (which is yet to find out).
I give it 4 stars.
I knew nothing about this book or about this author when “Russian Tattoos – Obsession” landed on my Kindle.
“Russian Tattoos” is Kat Shehata debut’s novel in this genre and I must say that she did a wonderful job.
This story is so much more than what is in the blurb.
It took only a couple of minutes to finish the first chapter and I was wondering: what the hell?? After this moment, you know there’s so much more than the story can tell.
Carter is a nineteen year old student and a brilliant tennis player that still lives with her family when her father, suddenly, gets a job working for Vladimir Ivanov, a twenty seven year old Russian and CEO of a high rated company.
From the beginning of the story, I started to realize that things didn’t match. That there are missing pieces everywhere. Why Is Vladimir obsessed with Carter? That’s the main question.
The story is told from Carter’s POV which allows us to feel what she’s experiencing in each moment. There’s a lot of tension and some scenes are very disturbing. She’s young and naïve and Vladimir is anything but. Add Boris, Vladimir’s right hand and a man with no boundaries. His life is dedicated to protect the pakhan, no matter what and no matter who.
When I reached the 70% mark, I found myself questioning everything and everybody. Is this really what it seems? I trusted no one at that point.
At first, I didn’t understand Carter very well. But as the story evolves, I realized that she’s playing her own game too and that she’s a strong woman, capable of dealing with Vladimir’s dark side.
Everything is very suspicious but one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of something HUGE! It’s like if we are getting only a taste of what is yet to come. I believe the next book will be very intense and I sincerely hope that we can put together all the missing pieces. I can’t wait to see where the story is going to take me. The end speaks for itself: “Forever is a long time, lapsha.”
I had no expectations whatsoever about this book but in the end I found it very interesting and very intense and I loved all the twists and turns. The characters are strong and the plot is well conceived. I even learned a few words in Russian. And it’s very interesting to know about the meaning of the tattoos. After all, everything in this book happens for a reason (which is yet to find out).
I give it 4 stars.
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