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The Russian Guns #5.5
The Jersey Vignettes
Ana Avdonin had always been a little difficult. Particular, hard to please, and she didn’t deny any of it. As a Bratva princess and the daughter of Anton Avdonin, she was taught that if—not when—she chose to have a man stand by her side, he should be worthy of the position.
When Koldan Vasin swept into her life like a hurricane, he quickly turned everything that Ana thought she knew upside down. He’d always called her beautiful even at her ugliest; even in her worst moments, she was so beautiful to him.
From engagement, to a wedding, a move to Jersey, and even children, the snapshots of Ana and Koldan’s life haven’t always been perfect, but they have been honest, filled with love, and painfully real.
Loving is the easy part.
Living is what’s hard.
***
PLEASE NOTE: The Jersey Vignettes is an 18k COMPANION novella to The Russian Guns series. It follows a decade of time in the life of Ana and Koldan Vasin from marriage, and far beyond. It is NOT to be read as a standalone in the series.
When Koldan Vasin swept into her life like a hurricane, he quickly turned everything that Ana thought she knew upside down. He’d always called her beautiful even at her ugliest; even in her worst moments, she was so beautiful to him.
From engagement, to a wedding, a move to Jersey, and even children, the snapshots of Ana and Koldan’s life haven’t always been perfect, but they have been honest, filled with love, and painfully real.
Loving is the easy part.
Living is what’s hard.
***
PLEASE NOTE: The Jersey Vignettes is an 18k COMPANION novella to The Russian Guns series. It follows a decade of time in the life of Ana and Koldan Vasin from marriage, and far beyond. It is NOT to be read as a standalone in the series.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2016
17 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Bethany-Kris
107 books4,254 followersThe 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 1, 2020
More Avdonin Family🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻. Shattered was suppose to be the last in the series but this author loves to acknowledge her readers by giving them more of characters they love. It’s a gift she gives and I am so thankful that she is so generous.
The Jersey Vignette is about Ana Avdonin and Koldan Vasin. Chapters in their life from their engagement to their present day. It’s all wonderful and touching and just perfectly told. While I loved the epilogue in Shattered, getting some of Ana’s story really solidified my joy and contentment with the Avdonin and Vasin Bratva family.
The Jersey Vignette is about Ana Avdonin and Koldan Vasin. Chapters in their life from their engagement to their present day. It’s all wonderful and touching and just perfectly told. While I loved the epilogue in Shattered, getting some of Ana’s story really solidified my joy and contentment with the Avdonin and Vasin Bratva family.
July 5, 2019
I've said it before ... I absolutely adore the way BK writes her characters, how all consuming their love is for each other and this one was no exception.
We've already seen Ana and Koldan's love story in previous books in the series, this one is focused on getting to know them a bit more now that they're married, as well as tying up all the stories in this series and seeing some of my favourite characters living their happy in the future.
4.5 stars.
We've already seen Ana and Koldan's love story in previous books in the series, this one is focused on getting to know them a bit more now that they're married, as well as tying up all the stories in this series and seeing some of my favourite characters living their happy in the future.
4.5 stars.
January 3, 2016
Delivering another five star award winning read Bethany-Kris has neatly and effectively tied all the loose ends of the Russian Guns. Parting from the Avdonin family is like losing a piece of yourself. You’ve watched them grow, dodge bullets, explosions, and overwhelming grief. No this isn’t your average touchy, feel good daytime wanna be television show. Its life in the fast lane where mistakes can get you killed and parting is such sweet sorrows.
Ana Avdonin from the moment of birth was a Bratva princess but Anton and Viviana raised her to be a queen. Often difficult and spoiled to the core she’s finally grown. Separating childhood dreams and the safety of Little Odessa she’s ventures into her new role on the Jersey shore's as Koldan’s wife.
Life has its ups and downs, a constant balancing act of adjustments for the couple as, violence threatens to erupt and the Bratva defends their territories from outside invaders.
March 16, 2017
Good addition to the series. You find out about the kids (of both Ana and Demyan) and who becomes what in the bratvah. Some unexpected action for so short a story. Koldan is a great husband and father and their love is so sweet. Sad to see the series officially end though. It was my first mafia series and it remains one of my favorites.
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March 2, 2016The Jersey Vignettes is LIVE!
Find it here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jersey-Vignette...
Find it here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jersey-Vignette...
May 15, 2016
I should have read this sooner but I was saving it for when I needed my Russian Gun Series dosage.
And as usual this was simply perfect. This was Ana and Koldan's story and it was exactly what I needed. I love this series. I love the characters. I love the actions. I absolutely love the progression of these characters and their lives. I love everything about this series and now that I've read the final novella it truly feels like the end. Huh... maybe that's why I didn't read this sooner.
And as usual this was simply perfect. This was Ana and Koldan's story and it was exactly what I needed. I love this series. I love the characters. I love the actions. I absolutely love the progression of these characters and their lives. I love everything about this series and now that I've read the final novella it truly feels like the end. Huh... maybe that's why I didn't read this sooner.
January 10, 2016
I loved this whole series, but we are leaving one person out! Sophia !
January 7, 2016
The Russian Guns series is certainly one of the few mafia series that I have loved and will always feel the need to re-read.. The Jersey Vignettes is a somewhat harmonious conclusion to a series that had its fair share of tragedy, drama, bloodbath and what not.
This novella gives us insight into the life of Ana and Koldan, from their married life together to the birth of their three adorable children. I wanted to know more on this particular couple and Bethany-Kris certainly delivered! Ana and Koldan together are simply explosive. The way that he worships is simply swoon worthy.. The Bratva Princess finally had partner who was worthy of her. Though they live a complicated life life within the dark world of the russian mafia, they are always honest to each other. Their love is simply real in their tainted world. I do hope that the lovers of this series will enjoy this beautiful conclusion to the Russian Guns series as much as I did.
Bethany-Kris, this was just perfection personified- Ana and Koldan's story is simply a beautifully sweet one!
~ Divya
This novella gives us insight into the life of Ana and Koldan, from their married life together to the birth of their three adorable children. I wanted to know more on this particular couple and Bethany-Kris certainly delivered! Ana and Koldan together are simply explosive. The way that he worships is simply swoon worthy.. The Bratva Princess finally had partner who was worthy of her. Though they live a complicated life life within the dark world of the russian mafia, they are always honest to each other. Their love is simply real in their tainted world. I do hope that the lovers of this series will enjoy this beautiful conclusion to the Russian Guns series as much as I did.
Bethany-Kris, this was just perfection personified- Ana and Koldan's story is simply a beautifully sweet one!
~ Divya
January 5, 2016
Another great book by this incredible author. I have absolutely loved evey book I have read of hers. The only problem with this is that this series is finally over. It was great that she put this out for her fans so we could get a glimpse of Ana's and Kolden's lives together and it did not disappoint. This series is a must read for anyone.who loves the organized crime genre but even if that's not one of your favorites it worth the read.
June 10, 2016
Great book......
Great book I loved it so much. It was just the right ending to the series. I know you said it was a stand alone but it was a nice ending. Wish there was more to come. Would recommend it to anyone who would read it.
Great book I loved it so much. It was just the right ending to the series. I know you said it was a stand alone but it was a nice ending. Wish there was more to come. Would recommend it to anyone who would read it.
June 22, 2016
*Read thru Kindle Unlimited*
October 24, 2017
This was certainly a vignette but I don't know if I am a fan of this type of story telling outside of a couple that I already know and though we were there for their start in Demyan & Ana, Jersey is no Little Odessa and I was looking forward to getting some insight into not just Koldan but Adrik, Sophia and maybe even Cora. It recalled pieces of the life Ana and Koldan make together, from babies to attacks on their family but I left feeling unsatisfied with many questions and at least ONE chapter in Koldan's POV would have been appreciated as I truly don't understand why they didn't get their own novel.
What we got however, was good. So good, I hope Bethany decides to revisit this novel if only to show their kids as adults. A different family in a different State with different rules. The dynamics are amazing and we got to see the ruthless side of Koldan and the result of Ana's deepest fear, how the Bratva side could affect her family life.
Love, sex, marriage and family. The Jersey Vignettes was more than shots of Ana and Koldan's life. It was also a grand epilogue that gave updates in both Jersey and Little Odessa. My only regret is its length.
What we got however, was good. So good, I hope Bethany decides to revisit this novel if only to show their kids as adults. A different family in a different State with different rules. The dynamics are amazing and we got to see the ruthless side of Koldan and the result of Ana's deepest fear, how the Bratva side could affect her family life.
Love, sex, marriage and family. The Jersey Vignettes was more than shots of Ana and Koldan's life. It was also a grand epilogue that gave updates in both Jersey and Little Odessa. My only regret is its length.
November 3, 2020
This book has as MCs Ana and Koldan who appeared in the previous book but the book was more focused about Demyan. This one is completely about them: their love story, their wedding, the birth of their 3 children, 2 books and a girl(Anton is so happy for this one bc Koldan will experience the pain of giving away his daughter to another man when she gets married, the same as him).
At the end of the book is a little scare but in general is love story.
I had already read all the BK books and although Anton is not my number 1 mobster(Cross Donati and Gian Guzzi are the ones), I must say that he has earned a place in my ❤️.
At the end of the book is a little scare but in general is love story.
I had already read all the BK books and although Anton is not my number 1 mobster(Cross Donati and Gian Guzzi are the ones), I must say that he has earned a place in my ❤️.
October 2, 2017
Sweet
This last installment was short and sweet. Focusing on the Vasin family, specifically Koldan and Ana. Im a little disappointed. I expected more but I guess the story of the Russian Bratva families had to end somewhere. It was six books after all. I highly recommend the entire series. Bethany Kris is an extraordinary story teller that draws you into the lives of these characters and holds you hostage until the very end.
This last installment was short and sweet. Focusing on the Vasin family, specifically Koldan and Ana. Im a little disappointed. I expected more but I guess the story of the Russian Bratva families had to end somewhere. It was six books after all. I highly recommend the entire series. Bethany Kris is an extraordinary story teller that draws you into the lives of these characters and holds you hostage until the very end.
June 28, 2017
4 & 1\2 ☆'s
Yeah, loved this series. This can not be read as a stand-alone. But, the best ending for this family. Good story plot from beginning to end, good secondary characters, sexy alphas, strong women, the love of family & the family.
Yeah, loved this series. This can not be read as a stand-alone. But, the best ending for this family. Good story plot from beginning to end, good secondary characters, sexy alphas, strong women, the love of family & the family.
March 10, 2019
Goodbye Avdonins...
I've been enamored with the Avdonin family from the first page of the "Russian Guns" series and this insight into Ana's life neatly tied the bow! Thanks, Bethany-Kris, for the excellent series!!!
I've been enamored with the Avdonin family from the first page of the "Russian Guns" series and this insight into Ana's life neatly tied the bow! Thanks, Bethany-Kris, for the excellent series!!!
May 31, 2019
Can’t believe I’m actually saying goodbye to this family for awhile...this is so bittersweet! Can’t wait to read about Vera and Roman soon (i hope)
Loved to see more of Ana and Koldan, and their kids!
Loved to see more of Ana and Koldan, and their kids!
May 20, 2022
This was a happily ever after novella for Ana and Koldan. I absolutely loved this couple and getting to see there family grow. I wished there was a bit more detail for some of the scenes, but it was still great.
August 10, 2020
I read this one out of order I think but all in all it had many cute insights.
May 20, 2023
It was good to read about the gang, but ultimately uneventful.
November 26, 2023
I loved Ana and Koldan so much. This should've been a full 200-300 pages book.
May 23, 2016
I hate to say good bye. And I won't, I'll probably re-read this whole series over and over again just because.
This is the third time that I went crazy following a book series, wishing that they will just continue to go on and on and on and being so ecstatic knowing that there's another book coming. I am so glad I pursued reading the book, I stopped reading after I finished the 'The Arrangement' because I'm just happy they live happily. Luckily for me, I continued to read 'The Life' after so many months. Just like that, I am hooked and continued to read until this book.
There's so much to learn in this book, it is so far different from how other authors portrayed love. Funny how murder, killing and love be conveyed in the whole series, it's like guns and roses.
It makes me so happy how there are no hindrances, negativities and excuses portrayed by the characters once they love someone. When it is love, it's love, as simple as that. You don't have to push the person away just because you are scared or been scarred by life. You let them love you and you love them in return, just like that.
For that alone, I adore Bethany - Kris, the author so much. Your style of writing is simply extraordinary. You depicted your characters to be the cruelest monsters and yet be the most admirable gentlemen when they fall in love.
Why I fell in love in this book is simple, I may not like some of its language, but still there's no BULLSHIT attached with the story. No unnecessary dramas and all. Yet, it made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Ending it with Ana's story is just pure genius and perfect. As much as you want to have more, it's perfect this way. It's perfect to close it with Ana's story.
The Russian Guns series is really amazing, I'm so glad I had my chance to encounter it.
This is the third time that I went crazy following a book series, wishing that they will just continue to go on and on and on and being so ecstatic knowing that there's another book coming. I am so glad I pursued reading the book, I stopped reading after I finished the 'The Arrangement' because I'm just happy they live happily. Luckily for me, I continued to read 'The Life' after so many months. Just like that, I am hooked and continued to read until this book.
There's so much to learn in this book, it is so far different from how other authors portrayed love. Funny how murder, killing and love be conveyed in the whole series, it's like guns and roses.
It makes me so happy how there are no hindrances, negativities and excuses portrayed by the characters once they love someone. When it is love, it's love, as simple as that. You don't have to push the person away just because you are scared or been scarred by life. You let them love you and you love them in return, just like that.
For that alone, I adore Bethany - Kris, the author so much. Your style of writing is simply extraordinary. You depicted your characters to be the cruelest monsters and yet be the most admirable gentlemen when they fall in love.
Why I fell in love in this book is simple, I may not like some of its language, but still there's no BULLSHIT attached with the story. No unnecessary dramas and all. Yet, it made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Ending it with Ana's story is just pure genius and perfect. As much as you want to have more, it's perfect this way. It's perfect to close it with Ana's story.
The Russian Guns series is really amazing, I'm so glad I had my chance to encounter it.
September 14, 2016
This book is about Ana's story that we've missed in the previous book quite awesome ending to a great series
January 5, 2016
Bethany-Kris made me fall in love with the mafia in her Russian Guns series. I had never read any of her books before I read the Arrangement. Anton Avdonin puts alpha males to shame. As a Russian mafia boss, he is on a completely different level. Intense, rough and unforgiving are ways to describe him. Unless of course, he is with his family. The Russian Guns series takes us through Anton's life and that of his family. It is one of my ultimate favorite series. I recommend it to all romance lovers....especially mafia romance lovers. Bethany-Kris writes mafia romance like no other. She is in a league all of her own.
Thank you, Bethany-Kris, for the Russian Guns series. Thank you for the Jersey Vignettes. A peek at how Ana Avdonin's life turned out. She has always been close to her father.
"She couldn’t count the amount of times in her life where her father had been the only person able to give her a sense of security, total support and unconditional love."
As a grown woman, she can't stay daddy's little girl. That is where this story takes us. Her life with the crazy sexy hot Koldan Vasin. It is a must read for all Russian Guns fans. If you aren't a fan, become one today starting with the Arrangement.
Thank you, Bethany-Kris, for the Russian Guns series. Thank you for the Jersey Vignettes. A peek at how Ana Avdonin's life turned out. She has always been close to her father.
"She couldn’t count the amount of times in her life where her father had been the only person able to give her a sense of security, total support and unconditional love."
As a grown woman, she can't stay daddy's little girl. That is where this story takes us. Her life with the crazy sexy hot Koldan Vasin. It is a must read for all Russian Guns fans. If you aren't a fan, become one today starting with the Arrangement.
September 18, 2016
Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful series! I felt so connected to every character and every emotion and action they did, I experienced the same feelings. The writing capture every situation so well! So raw, powerful, sexy and loving...Love this series so much! I will definitely re-visit this series again. It maybe taboo to root for the criminal but I rooted for Anton and his family every step of the way! Recommend 100%!
And to add, Koldan...gawd!!! When we were introduced to him back in "Demyan & Ana", he got my attention. To have a man support you like he does, love it. Him and Ana fit so well together, like a repeat of Anton and Vivana's love and devotion. It's so nice to image they all live a happily ever after for entirety.
Thank you so much for this wonderful series! I felt so connected to every character and every emotion and action they did, I experienced the same feelings. The writing capture every situation so well! So raw, powerful, sexy and loving...Love this series so much! I will definitely re-visit this series again. It maybe taboo to root for the criminal but I rooted for Anton and his family every step of the way! Recommend 100%!
And to add, Koldan...gawd!!! When we were introduced to him back in "Demyan & Ana", he got my attention. To have a man support you like he does, love it. Him and Ana fit so well together, like a repeat of Anton and Vivana's love and devotion. It's so nice to image they all live a happily ever after for entirety.
January 5, 2016
This is an extended ending which touched on Ana & Koldan's life a few years into their marriage.
It is heartwarming, bittersweet and yet stil a mafia romance til the end. It reminds me of Anton& Vine's story at the beginning, how their life has almost come to a full circle, and portraying peace and happiness that now surrounded Ana & Demyan after the turmoils in previous books.
It gives some insights to Anton's feeling towards Ana and oh it really bring tears because it simply shows how the love was neverending.
I absolutely love it, it simply makes your heart flutters, maybe shed a tear or two, and at the end, i am stil not ready to say goodbye to the family.
It is heartwarming, bittersweet and yet stil a mafia romance til the end. It reminds me of Anton& Vine's story at the beginning, how their life has almost come to a full circle, and portraying peace and happiness that now surrounded Ana & Demyan after the turmoils in previous books.
It gives some insights to Anton's feeling towards Ana and oh it really bring tears because it simply shows how the love was neverending.
I absolutely love it, it simply makes your heart flutters, maybe shed a tear or two, and at the end, i am stil not ready to say goodbye to the family.
January 26, 2016
The Jersey Vignettes: A Russian Guns Novella
Ana is my favorite character from the Avdonin family. This nugget is an enlightening look at Mrs. Ana Vasin, The Boss Koldan's queen bee. A mom to a growing family, Adrik Nicoli, Daniil Koldan and baby Sasha Viviana. A Bravta princess/daughter to Anton & Viviana. And a very strong-willed sister to Demyan...lol.
This is a wrap for the Russian Gun series and a goodbye/buy (worth the coins). I appreciate closure with this particular series because it is my FAVORITE intro to a new genre of novels. Thanks to the author, Bethany-Kris. Yeesssss. Enjoy the read--my book club did!
Ana is my favorite character from the Avdonin family. This nugget is an enlightening look at Mrs. Ana Vasin, The Boss Koldan's queen bee. A mom to a growing family, Adrik Nicoli, Daniil Koldan and baby Sasha Viviana. A Bravta princess/daughter to Anton & Viviana. And a very strong-willed sister to Demyan...lol.
This is a wrap for the Russian Gun series and a goodbye/buy (worth the coins). I appreciate closure with this particular series because it is my FAVORITE intro to a new genre of novels. Thanks to the author, Bethany-Kris. Yeesssss. Enjoy the read--my book club did!
January 6, 2016
5 emotional stars, sad to see this series come to an end.
I don't know what to say. I loved this novella! So sad to see this wonderful series comes to an end. Bethany Kris, you rock! I flipping loved this book, if you have not read this series you are missing out. Reading Ana and Koldan's story was so bittersweet to read, felt there love for each other in every page, and once I got to 85 % I had to read slower because I did not want it to end....
Full Review here: http://juliaromanceposts.blogspot.com...
I don't know what to say. I loved this novella! So sad to see this wonderful series comes to an end. Bethany Kris, you rock! I flipping loved this book, if you have not read this series you are missing out. Reading Ana and Koldan's story was so bittersweet to read, felt there love for each other in every page, and once I got to 85 % I had to read slower because I did not want it to end....
Full Review here: http://juliaromanceposts.blogspot.com...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews