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Russo Saga #1
Heat
Love wasn’t for me … not until I met Sydney
I’m a monster. Violence, pain, and power is my life. Nothing soft, nothing pure. My work as a mafia enforcer demands it. In my world, everything soft and pure dies.
Sydney is an angel. Innocent. I have no business dirtying her with my touch.
But I can’t stay away.
I’ve claimed every inch of her over and over again—and it’ll never be enough.
I know I scare her sometimes. But she’s not nearly as frightened as she should be.
Because my demons could destroy her. I’d kill or die to protect her, but what if the biggest danger she faces is me—the ruthless monster in her bed?
Publisher’s Note: This dark romance is intended for adult readers only and may contain triggers for some readers. It contains elements of danger, adventure, steamy scenes, adult language and a guaranteed HEA. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
I’m a monster. Violence, pain, and power is my life. Nothing soft, nothing pure. My work as a mafia enforcer demands it. In my world, everything soft and pure dies.
Sydney is an angel. Innocent. I have no business dirtying her with my touch.
But I can’t stay away.
I’ve claimed every inch of her over and over again—and it’ll never be enough.
I know I scare her sometimes. But she’s not nearly as frightened as she should be.
Because my demons could destroy her. I’d kill or die to protect her, but what if the biggest danger she faces is me—the ruthless monster in her bed?
Publisher’s Note: This dark romance is intended for adult readers only and may contain triggers for some readers. It contains elements of danger, adventure, steamy scenes, adult language and a guaranteed HEA. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
865 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Nicolina Martin
30 books912 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Nicolina Martin is a Swedish born lady who escapes the long, dark winter nights by writing hot contemporary romance/suspense.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 7, 2020
5 “In love with a criminal” stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I destroy. That’s what I do. I know I’ll destroy this too. Her. It makes my heart ache. I should walk away, but I already know I won’t.
WHY didn’t I find this gem of an author sooner....this book is definitely going to my top mafia romance reads. The Russo saga has only just begun and what a dark ride it’s going to be. Every single men in this family is intense and alpha to the core and all I want to do is read all their stories at once. You know it’s going to be epic when you start craving the characters just as I am.
This story was filled with Thrill. Suspense. Darkness. Smut. Romance. It started with a calmness you feel before the coming storm. Like you’re just dipping your toes in the ocean just before the waves crash into you and leaves you a trembling mess. That’s exactly how I felt while reading the first few chapters.
Sydney yearns to be free and adventurous and daring. She wants to stand on her own two feet and live her life to the fullest exactly the opposite of what her parents wants even if it’s coming from their loving instincts. To make it happen she plans a trip to Dominican Republic unaware that she’s going to meet the love of her life pretty soon.
But there was something in his eyes, in his voice, a longing that mirrored my own.
A night before the vacation she ends up at a nightclub with her friend where she ends up meeting a very handsome stranger who screams danger and makes her both hot and mad with just few words. They part ways but fate has other plans.
He looks up, and I’m met by a pair of glittering blue eyes. The shockwave hits me like a blunt force to my midsection and I gasp. Nathan, the bane of my existence last night, and then again, a little while ago, frowns as his mouth falls open, then his face cracks into a wide smile.
“You’re kidding!”
My heart stutters. I don’t know if I should celebrate or run. I inhale shakily. “Nope. That’s definitely my seat.”
His eyes don’t leave mine as he stands. “Girl, you have the worst luck.”
Guess who ends up crashing into her at the airport and also happens to be in the seat next to her making it very hard to resist his looks and charm even if there’s something about him that screams at her to run far away.
My hand hovers over her head and my cock stirs. There is so much I want to explore with this girl. She has awoken a curiosity in me, a lust for life that I haven’t felt in a long time.
Nathan Russo doesn’t believe in love at least not when it comes to him but the way he’s feeling towards Sydney makes him want to make her his. Now that he’s stuck with her he plans to make the most it starting with making a second good impression. It’s just her looks that calls to him but her innocence and how the darkness seems to go away when he’s talking to her.
I want her under me, fucking her senseless, hearing her scream with abandon as she comes, again and again. I want to see her face twist in fear, in pain, and in that final rapture. I’m high on violence, blood, and adrenaline. I want to transfer every fucking bit of that to her. My cock is hard as rock and her eyes dart between my crotch and my face. She looks wonderfully insecure. I’ll destroy every last bit of that innocence. I’ll make her mine.
I have never felt the chemistry so strong and visceral in two characters ever. The banter on the plane ride was filled with flirtation, innuendos, laughter and sexual tension so strong you could feel it through the pages. It started so sweet as if they were on a date and soon the heat and the tension between them took over making it the hottest encounter I have read in my life and it only kept getting better making me crave the enigma that was Nathan in a whole new way.
Just as they land and go their separate ways despite the connection between them, the action and drama takes hold. Sydney tries to forget him but fails miserably, she never knew the sex could be this hot turning her into a naughty vixen even though she’s knows it’s for the better.
”God, you’re sexy when you lose control, Sydney. You were made for this, made to submit.” “No,” I pant, still not in control of my body. Shudders run through me as he keeps moving in me.
“Oh yes.”
Nathan is unable to resist her and wants to explore whatever they have so he ends up seeking her out basically kidnapping her. He likes just how obedient she is, he wants to push her limits and own her mind, body and soul. The question is whether she’ll be able to accept him and the monster he truly is.
And I’ve never felt so vulnerable, so rattled. I don’t know what to make of it. His strong arms feel safe around me now, but the power he wielded over me, how he made me bend to his will—it frightens me. I’m not sure I can handle this. Him. He’s too much.
Their journey to being together wasn’t an easy road. When an ugly situation gets out of control and she sees firsthand the killer he is and runs far away from him even if it hurts too much and leaves them with broken hearts.
He takes my hand in both of his and holds it over his heart. “I do. I’ve never felt it before. Nothing like this. Ever. Your existence haunts me every moment, whether I’m asleep or awake. I’ve tried so fucking hard to get you out of my mind. I tried to fuck you to forget you. I tried to be cruel. But it didn’t work.” He sighs. “I have no other words. I love you. I need you.”
Nathan aka Nate captured my heart with his possessiveness, dominance and protectiveness towards Syd despite him being a cruel human being. My heart broke after listening to his childhood memories and how he’s always felt lonely and that’s exactly why he deserved her. He never once pushed her too hard, always giving her space and waking away but never giving up and fighting for her always.
He looks so forlorn that I do. I do believe him. I’ve never seen a person so close to the edge, hanging on by a mere thread. That thread is me. Us. The responsibility should choke me, but instead I’m awed by the connection I feel.
Syd was a very strong heroine. She never once backed down no matter what life threw at her and it only solidified the fact that she was his match. I loved seeing them together and happy and in love. When he poured his heart out to her, it made me tear up. He was hers just as much as she was his.
I slap her other cheek. Twice. Her body rocks from the impact. She cries out and recoils, but then she comes back, arching, trembling, as I caress her clit, flicking the swollen nub.
“I haven’t even started on mean yet, sweetheart.” I slap her again, enjoying her gasps. “Do you feel your skin getting hotter? How it burns right into your cunt?”
She presses her face into the mattress, her fists clenching. “I don’t know,” she whimpers.
I slap her again. A tremor runs through her and she bucks, moving away from me, but still she doesn’t flee and keeps rocking her hips in pace with my thrusting. I lean over her, my mouth to her ear. “Then why are you still on all fours before me?”
“It’s… It’s good too,” she whimpers.
Also, for the smut alone in this book I would give it a full five stars. They were the most intense, filthiest, dirtiest and erotic scenes I have read so far this year. Especially the ones on the plane, they were scorching. Nathan Russo WILL melt your panties and your ovaries explode. No matter how many times I hear a man calling the woman MINE, it still gets to me Every. Single. Time.
I’m telling you if you are a junkie for an amazing dark mafia romance like me, this one is IT. I’m going obsessed with these Russo men. The author’s writing is brilliant. She doesn’t pulls back when it comes to all the gory details. I wholeheartedly recommend this to all my friends. ♥️
I destroy. That’s what I do. I know I’ll destroy this too. Her. It makes my heart ache. I should walk away, but I already know I won’t.
WHY didn’t I find this gem of an author sooner....this book is definitely going to my top mafia romance reads. The Russo saga has only just begun and what a dark ride it’s going to be. Every single men in this family is intense and alpha to the core and all I want to do is read all their stories at once. You know it’s going to be epic when you start craving the characters just as I am.
This story was filled with Thrill. Suspense. Darkness. Smut. Romance. It started with a calmness you feel before the coming storm. Like you’re just dipping your toes in the ocean just before the waves crash into you and leaves you a trembling mess. That’s exactly how I felt while reading the first few chapters.
Sydney yearns to be free and adventurous and daring. She wants to stand on her own two feet and live her life to the fullest exactly the opposite of what her parents wants even if it’s coming from their loving instincts. To make it happen she plans a trip to Dominican Republic unaware that she’s going to meet the love of her life pretty soon.
But there was something in his eyes, in his voice, a longing that mirrored my own.
A night before the vacation she ends up at a nightclub with her friend where she ends up meeting a very handsome stranger who screams danger and makes her both hot and mad with just few words. They part ways but fate has other plans.
He looks up, and I’m met by a pair of glittering blue eyes. The shockwave hits me like a blunt force to my midsection and I gasp. Nathan, the bane of my existence last night, and then again, a little while ago, frowns as his mouth falls open, then his face cracks into a wide smile.
“You’re kidding!”
My heart stutters. I don’t know if I should celebrate or run. I inhale shakily. “Nope. That’s definitely my seat.”
His eyes don’t leave mine as he stands. “Girl, you have the worst luck.”
Guess who ends up crashing into her at the airport and also happens to be in the seat next to her making it very hard to resist his looks and charm even if there’s something about him that screams at her to run far away.
My hand hovers over her head and my cock stirs. There is so much I want to explore with this girl. She has awoken a curiosity in me, a lust for life that I haven’t felt in a long time.
Nathan Russo doesn’t believe in love at least not when it comes to him but the way he’s feeling towards Sydney makes him want to make her his. Now that he’s stuck with her he plans to make the most it starting with making a second good impression. It’s just her looks that calls to him but her innocence and how the darkness seems to go away when he’s talking to her.
I want her under me, fucking her senseless, hearing her scream with abandon as she comes, again and again. I want to see her face twist in fear, in pain, and in that final rapture. I’m high on violence, blood, and adrenaline. I want to transfer every fucking bit of that to her. My cock is hard as rock and her eyes dart between my crotch and my face. She looks wonderfully insecure. I’ll destroy every last bit of that innocence. I’ll make her mine.
I have never felt the chemistry so strong and visceral in two characters ever. The banter on the plane ride was filled with flirtation, innuendos, laughter and sexual tension so strong you could feel it through the pages. It started so sweet as if they were on a date and soon the heat and the tension between them took over making it the hottest encounter I have read in my life and it only kept getting better making me crave the enigma that was Nathan in a whole new way.
Just as they land and go their separate ways despite the connection between them, the action and drama takes hold. Sydney tries to forget him but fails miserably, she never knew the sex could be this hot turning her into a naughty vixen even though she’s knows it’s for the better.
”God, you’re sexy when you lose control, Sydney. You were made for this, made to submit.” “No,” I pant, still not in control of my body. Shudders run through me as he keeps moving in me.
“Oh yes.”
Nathan is unable to resist her and wants to explore whatever they have so he ends up seeking her out basically kidnapping her. He likes just how obedient she is, he wants to push her limits and own her mind, body and soul. The question is whether she’ll be able to accept him and the monster he truly is.
And I’ve never felt so vulnerable, so rattled. I don’t know what to make of it. His strong arms feel safe around me now, but the power he wielded over me, how he made me bend to his will—it frightens me. I’m not sure I can handle this. Him. He’s too much.
Their journey to being together wasn’t an easy road. When an ugly situation gets out of control and she sees firsthand the killer he is and runs far away from him even if it hurts too much and leaves them with broken hearts.
He takes my hand in both of his and holds it over his heart. “I do. I’ve never felt it before. Nothing like this. Ever. Your existence haunts me every moment, whether I’m asleep or awake. I’ve tried so fucking hard to get you out of my mind. I tried to fuck you to forget you. I tried to be cruel. But it didn’t work.” He sighs. “I have no other words. I love you. I need you.”
Nathan aka Nate captured my heart with his possessiveness, dominance and protectiveness towards Syd despite him being a cruel human being. My heart broke after listening to his childhood memories and how he’s always felt lonely and that’s exactly why he deserved her. He never once pushed her too hard, always giving her space and waking away but never giving up and fighting for her always.
He looks so forlorn that I do. I do believe him. I’ve never seen a person so close to the edge, hanging on by a mere thread. That thread is me. Us. The responsibility should choke me, but instead I’m awed by the connection I feel.
Syd was a very strong heroine. She never once backed down no matter what life threw at her and it only solidified the fact that she was his match. I loved seeing them together and happy and in love. When he poured his heart out to her, it made me tear up. He was hers just as much as she was his.
I slap her other cheek. Twice. Her body rocks from the impact. She cries out and recoils, but then she comes back, arching, trembling, as I caress her clit, flicking the swollen nub.
“I haven’t even started on mean yet, sweetheart.” I slap her again, enjoying her gasps. “Do you feel your skin getting hotter? How it burns right into your cunt?”
She presses her face into the mattress, her fists clenching. “I don’t know,” she whimpers.
I slap her again. A tremor runs through her and she bucks, moving away from me, but still she doesn’t flee and keeps rocking her hips in pace with my thrusting. I lean over her, my mouth to her ear. “Then why are you still on all fours before me?”
“It’s… It’s good too,” she whimpers.
Also, for the smut alone in this book I would give it a full five stars. They were the most intense, filthiest, dirtiest and erotic scenes I have read so far this year. Especially the ones on the plane, they were scorching. Nathan Russo WILL melt your panties and your ovaries explode. No matter how many times I hear a man calling the woman MINE, it still gets to me Every. Single. Time.
I’m telling you if you are a junkie for an amazing dark mafia romance like me, this one is IT. I’m going obsessed with these Russo men. The author’s writing is brilliant. She doesn’t pulls back when it comes to all the gory details. I wholeheartedly recommend this to all my friends. ♥️
dnf
January 10, 2024DNF
H has sex (on page description) with his regular hook up literally 2 seconds after meeting the h and being rejected by her at a nightclub.
H has sex (on page description) with his regular hook up literally 2 seconds after meeting the h and being rejected by her at a nightclub.
April 23, 2019
Book: Heat (Russo Saga Book 1)
Author: Nicolina Martin
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For me this book has been a little bit of a tough one to review because there were lots of good aspects but there were some that I was not so keen on. I want to be clear that there is nothing that I hated or disliked about the book, in fact I did enjoy the story but there were elements that I felt could have been better and this let down the overall feel of the book. It had the potential to be amazing and I think that is why I felt a little let down. Nicolina Martin is an up and coming author and this is the first book of hers that I have read but I can already tell she has the potential to be great.
Heat is a mafia style dark romance that is set in the Dominican Republic where Sydney Lewis is enjoying her first holiday. Sydney has had a relatively mundane life, coming from a middle-class family who are very over protective. But she is almost bored and spends all her time working at the hotel or at home. So she decides to go abroad for her first ever holiday and before she flies she squeezes in a stop-over with her friends in New York to go out on a night out. Whilst enjoying the rare night out, Sydney is having fun with her friends until she is hit on by the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. But his chat up line is dirty and demanding, making it very clear that sex is all he is interested in. Syd is not looking for a one night stand and she makes that perfectly clear, walking away and not thinking anymore about it. Little did she know that fate was about to intervene.
When Nathan Russo is shot down by a gorgeous girl in a club it unnerves him, not only because it is the first time that it has happened in a long time but also because he realised how drawn to her he was. So imagine Nathan and Syd’s shock when they both turn up at the airport the next day and realise they are not only sharing a flight to the Dominican Republic but they are also sat next to each other. After a fast paced, sexually charged flight they part ways going off to different destinations but they find letting go harder than they thought. Nathan knows he needs to concentrate on his business and not get distracted but he can’t help but want more of Syd.
Syd and Nathan’s relationship is dark, dirty and based a lot around sex. Nathan is dominating and rough, taking what he needs and controlling Syd’s body in ways that she didn’t even realise that she wanted. It is incredibly hot and sexy. But Syd is worried that Nathan just wants her sexually and is unable to give her a normal relationship because of his dangerous lifestyle, however Nathan disagrees with this and says it is more than just sex. To me it felt like a lot of emphasis was placed on building the sexual chemistry and giving us some hot and spicy sex scenes, which were great but for me it made the whole relationship seem too superficial.
We are given some basic background knowledge about both of the characters and both of their lives were very intriguing in different ways. I was particularly excited about the possibility of exploring the rest of the Russo clan after we were introduced to Nathans brother. But the characters back stories are never fully explored and this left me with more questions than answers which I always hate. But I know that this is the first book in the Russo series, so there may be a possibility that some of this will be explored in later instalments.
The plot itself has a good feel to it and I like the idea that Nathan is in a dangerous family business but that he wants to get out and I am hoping this is an aspect that is explored further in the series. Sydney as a character was very confusing and it made me question whether I actually liked her. It’s clear she is attracted to Nathan and loves the way her body reacts to his but she can feel that he is dangerous and rather than talking or explaining herself she runs away. Then when he chases her and tries to talk she gets angry and they end up having sex which leads her to believing their relationship is all sexual and the whole cycle starts all over again. I just wanted her to be an adult and communicate a bit more. I think more development around her character might have left me understanding her rationale a bit more.
Nathan’s character was also a bit of a confusing one that was difficult to like. For me his alpha attitude was more possessive and forceful rather than strong and dominant. Although he claimed to love Syd it appeared more that he was drawn to her and felt he needed her. He did not display any of the kind, caring, loving behaviour that I normally like to see in leading men. Also, I found the dangerous side of his behaviour at work to be confusing. One minute he was disgusted in himself and his behaviour but then in the next he was so angry that he wanted to participate. I just found it very perplexing.
As for Nathan and Sydney’s relationship itself I thought that there were some good bits. I enjoyed the beach scene and watching their attempt at getting to know each other and acting normal with each other outside of the bedroom. They displayed some banter and we got to see them interact socially without sex and it was great. But sadly this scene was a rarity in the book and more of these would have enhanced the relationship development. I wanted to see more time when they are having fun, learning about each other and then falling in love. But I’m not going to complain about the sizzling hot sex scenes as they are great!
Overall, there were some really good aspects to this book and I did like reading it. The sex was dark and dirty and the plot had good premise. However, in my opinion I would have liked to have seen less focus on sex and more on character backgrounds and relationship development. I wanted to see the chemistry develop and watch them fall in love and I missed that. But I am looking forward to seeing where the series goes next and if Nathan will be able to stay on the right side. Also I am keen to learn a whole lot more about the Russo clan so am very much looking forward to the next book.
Author: Nicolina Martin
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For me this book has been a little bit of a tough one to review because there were lots of good aspects but there were some that I was not so keen on. I want to be clear that there is nothing that I hated or disliked about the book, in fact I did enjoy the story but there were elements that I felt could have been better and this let down the overall feel of the book. It had the potential to be amazing and I think that is why I felt a little let down. Nicolina Martin is an up and coming author and this is the first book of hers that I have read but I can already tell she has the potential to be great.
Heat is a mafia style dark romance that is set in the Dominican Republic where Sydney Lewis is enjoying her first holiday. Sydney has had a relatively mundane life, coming from a middle-class family who are very over protective. But she is almost bored and spends all her time working at the hotel or at home. So she decides to go abroad for her first ever holiday and before she flies she squeezes in a stop-over with her friends in New York to go out on a night out. Whilst enjoying the rare night out, Sydney is having fun with her friends until she is hit on by the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. But his chat up line is dirty and demanding, making it very clear that sex is all he is interested in. Syd is not looking for a one night stand and she makes that perfectly clear, walking away and not thinking anymore about it. Little did she know that fate was about to intervene.
When Nathan Russo is shot down by a gorgeous girl in a club it unnerves him, not only because it is the first time that it has happened in a long time but also because he realised how drawn to her he was. So imagine Nathan and Syd’s shock when they both turn up at the airport the next day and realise they are not only sharing a flight to the Dominican Republic but they are also sat next to each other. After a fast paced, sexually charged flight they part ways going off to different destinations but they find letting go harder than they thought. Nathan knows he needs to concentrate on his business and not get distracted but he can’t help but want more of Syd.
Syd and Nathan’s relationship is dark, dirty and based a lot around sex. Nathan is dominating and rough, taking what he needs and controlling Syd’s body in ways that she didn’t even realise that she wanted. It is incredibly hot and sexy. But Syd is worried that Nathan just wants her sexually and is unable to give her a normal relationship because of his dangerous lifestyle, however Nathan disagrees with this and says it is more than just sex. To me it felt like a lot of emphasis was placed on building the sexual chemistry and giving us some hot and spicy sex scenes, which were great but for me it made the whole relationship seem too superficial.
We are given some basic background knowledge about both of the characters and both of their lives were very intriguing in different ways. I was particularly excited about the possibility of exploring the rest of the Russo clan after we were introduced to Nathans brother. But the characters back stories are never fully explored and this left me with more questions than answers which I always hate. But I know that this is the first book in the Russo series, so there may be a possibility that some of this will be explored in later instalments.
The plot itself has a good feel to it and I like the idea that Nathan is in a dangerous family business but that he wants to get out and I am hoping this is an aspect that is explored further in the series. Sydney as a character was very confusing and it made me question whether I actually liked her. It’s clear she is attracted to Nathan and loves the way her body reacts to his but she can feel that he is dangerous and rather than talking or explaining herself she runs away. Then when he chases her and tries to talk she gets angry and they end up having sex which leads her to believing their relationship is all sexual and the whole cycle starts all over again. I just wanted her to be an adult and communicate a bit more. I think more development around her character might have left me understanding her rationale a bit more.
Nathan’s character was also a bit of a confusing one that was difficult to like. For me his alpha attitude was more possessive and forceful rather than strong and dominant. Although he claimed to love Syd it appeared more that he was drawn to her and felt he needed her. He did not display any of the kind, caring, loving behaviour that I normally like to see in leading men. Also, I found the dangerous side of his behaviour at work to be confusing. One minute he was disgusted in himself and his behaviour but then in the next he was so angry that he wanted to participate. I just found it very perplexing.
As for Nathan and Sydney’s relationship itself I thought that there were some good bits. I enjoyed the beach scene and watching their attempt at getting to know each other and acting normal with each other outside of the bedroom. They displayed some banter and we got to see them interact socially without sex and it was great. But sadly this scene was a rarity in the book and more of these would have enhanced the relationship development. I wanted to see more time when they are having fun, learning about each other and then falling in love. But I’m not going to complain about the sizzling hot sex scenes as they are great!
Overall, there were some really good aspects to this book and I did like reading it. The sex was dark and dirty and the plot had good premise. However, in my opinion I would have liked to have seen less focus on sex and more on character backgrounds and relationship development. I wanted to see the chemistry develop and watch them fall in love and I missed that. But I am looking forward to seeing where the series goes next and if Nathan will be able to stay on the right side. Also I am keen to learn a whole lot more about the Russo clan so am very much looking forward to the next book.
December 2, 2019
This was a really good book and the first book in a new series too me. Sydney is on a solo vacation she was a tan and a fruity drink when she ends up sitting on a plane next to the hot guy Nate who had approached her in a club she turned him down. These two hit it off and get hot and heavy. Sydney is shy and reserved Mate is a hot sexy Alpha male who dominates her pushing her out of her comfort zone. This book was hot. This was a dark romance full of suspense and murder. Nate and his team taking care of family business they are killers. This book will have you on edge. When Sydney is attacked for the second time by another man and Nate comes to her rescue and she sees how violent he is it scares her. This was a good read and 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.
December 17, 2019
Review of rewritten and much improved new version of Heat. I'm going to waffle a bit first, so let me just say that not only is SO much better than it was, it's now a solid 5 star story.
I read this book when it first came out. I found it to be a pretty decent debut book, it had a few rough edges and weak points, but overall it was an enjoyable enough read. It was easy to see the author had potential, but she still needed to hone her skills a little. Six months or so down the line and I tried Absolution, book #4 of the series. I was blown away by that little gem and bought the second book as soon as it was released, shouting about how good it was everywhere I could. When the author messaged me to say she had improved Heat, I couldn't get my grubby little hands on it quickly enough.
Originally I'd struggled with believing in the connection between Syd and Nathan, I'd found Nathan too arrogant and Syd a little too change with the wind. This time around I fully understood their motives, totally felt their emotions and utterly believed in both their chemistry and their love for one another. The prose not only flowed better but I soon found myself totally absorbed within the story. What was a book with great potential is now simply a great book.
The passion between Nathan and Syd is fiery, there is enough angst to add an edge without it being annoying, and the story is jam-packed full of feels where every single one hit the mark. If you haven't read this before then I really do recommend you give it a try. If you did read the original version, make sure you update it via Amazon and read this much improved version - you won't regret it.
I read this book when it first came out. I found it to be a pretty decent debut book, it had a few rough edges and weak points, but overall it was an enjoyable enough read. It was easy to see the author had potential, but she still needed to hone her skills a little. Six months or so down the line and I tried Absolution, book #4 of the series. I was blown away by that little gem and bought the second book as soon as it was released, shouting about how good it was everywhere I could. When the author messaged me to say she had improved Heat, I couldn't get my grubby little hands on it quickly enough.
Originally I'd struggled with believing in the connection between Syd and Nathan, I'd found Nathan too arrogant and Syd a little too change with the wind. This time around I fully understood their motives, totally felt their emotions and utterly believed in both their chemistry and their love for one another. The prose not only flowed better but I soon found myself totally absorbed within the story. What was a book with great potential is now simply a great book.
The passion between Nathan and Syd is fiery, there is enough angst to add an edge without it being annoying, and the story is jam-packed full of feels where every single one hit the mark. If you haven't read this before then I really do recommend you give it a try. If you did read the original version, make sure you update it via Amazon and read this much improved version - you won't regret it.
Want to read
April 6, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/12/2019)! 🎁
January 6, 2022
Thank you Dark Erotica Authors Laid Bare!!
You reminded me of the dark gems i have,and shame on me,that i still need to read!
Sorry that i took so long,Nicolina Martin,but i will NEVER forget to read ANY of your stories,again!
In fact,i have pre-ordered Punishing Penelope and Finding Fiona on Apple Books straight away….
Because i love each and every story i’ve read so far.
Heat is the first story of the Russo Saga,and it introduces Nate.
He’s the one that’s sent to “punish” and kill whoever does something wrong against the family.
He’s done so ever since his father was killed when he was only 12….
But lately,he feels…well,to be honest…he wants out.
No more killing,no more maiming,no more collateral damage.
Meeting a girl in Club Le Bain on his free night in New York that turns him down,sticks in his mind somehow.
She was someone he would’ve liked to get to know….if he had another life.
But seeing her not only at the airport,but on the same plane to the Dominican Republic gives him a chance to at least spend a little time together.
To play a little with her delectable body…
Sydney finally has a little time to herself,and she plans to treat herself to a well deserved holiday.
Her job at the hotel is consuming her every minute,and she would love nothing more than to start a hotel on her own,with her bestie Jayna.
Going to Le Bain with her gay friend Jesse the night before her flight to the Dominican Republic sounded like a good idea.
Meeting a man that seems to think she’s easy,sticks in her mind and she still thinks about him when she’s about to board her plane.
As it turns out,she’s going to get to spend a little time with him,after all….
A little naughty time…
Leaving eachother at the airport after they land,she doesn’t think she’ll see him again.
They’re going to different places,with different purposes after all…
But Nate isn’t done with her yet,and he turns the heat up between them to a scorching level.
But Syd senses something dark in Nate,and that frightens her…
When he rescues her from being raped,he’s going too far,and she ends whatever they had.
But is that it?
Can they put what they had behind them?
Or is there still hope…..
If Heat is any indication of how the rest of this series will be,then i can’t wait to read the other stories!
Sydney’s struggle of what she feels for Nate,and the fact she knows,deep down,that he’s capable of violence,i understand how hard that is for her.
Nate’s struggle of his growing feelings for Syd,and knowing she’s too good for him,i understand his reasons to change.
Both want eachother,but both have hurdles to take.
Only, when they’re together….oh boy,that HEAT!
You reminded me of the dark gems i have,and shame on me,that i still need to read!
Sorry that i took so long,Nicolina Martin,but i will NEVER forget to read ANY of your stories,again!
In fact,i have pre-ordered Punishing Penelope and Finding Fiona on Apple Books straight away….
Because i love each and every story i’ve read so far.
Heat is the first story of the Russo Saga,and it introduces Nate.
He’s the one that’s sent to “punish” and kill whoever does something wrong against the family.
He’s done so ever since his father was killed when he was only 12….
But lately,he feels…well,to be honest…he wants out.
No more killing,no more maiming,no more collateral damage.
Meeting a girl in Club Le Bain on his free night in New York that turns him down,sticks in his mind somehow.
She was someone he would’ve liked to get to know….if he had another life.
But seeing her not only at the airport,but on the same plane to the Dominican Republic gives him a chance to at least spend a little time together.
To play a little with her delectable body…
Sydney finally has a little time to herself,and she plans to treat herself to a well deserved holiday.
Her job at the hotel is consuming her every minute,and she would love nothing more than to start a hotel on her own,with her bestie Jayna.
Going to Le Bain with her gay friend Jesse the night before her flight to the Dominican Republic sounded like a good idea.
Meeting a man that seems to think she’s easy,sticks in her mind and she still thinks about him when she’s about to board her plane.
As it turns out,she’s going to get to spend a little time with him,after all….
A little naughty time…
Leaving eachother at the airport after they land,she doesn’t think she’ll see him again.
They’re going to different places,with different purposes after all…
But Nate isn’t done with her yet,and he turns the heat up between them to a scorching level.
But Syd senses something dark in Nate,and that frightens her…
When he rescues her from being raped,he’s going too far,and she ends whatever they had.
But is that it?
Can they put what they had behind them?
Or is there still hope…..
If Heat is any indication of how the rest of this series will be,then i can’t wait to read the other stories!
Sydney’s struggle of what she feels for Nate,and the fact she knows,deep down,that he’s capable of violence,i understand how hard that is for her.
Nate’s struggle of his growing feelings for Syd,and knowing she’s too good for him,i understand his reasons to change.
Both want eachother,but both have hurdles to take.
Only, when they’re together….oh boy,that HEAT!
March 3, 2019
Heat is the first story I’ve read by Nicolina Martin and just WOW! Told in dual POV, Nate and Sydney story was so well written and detailed that it will make you tune everything around you out until you have finished reading. With what people call “fate” pushing Nate and Sydney together at multiple times, you can’t help but think they belong together and root for them no matter the situations they are going through. It does have certain situations/triggers that some readers may find hard to read about, but I recommend trying to push through because once you’ve finished I believe you’ll find that it was worth it in the end. Heat is a great story to read if you’re new to Nicolina, as I was, because it gives you a taste of her writing style and leaves you wanting more of the Russo series as they come out!
March 29, 2019
Nathan Russo enters this story in full on "work-mode"!
Ruthless, but with a strange kind of ethics code. At first it seems he is dedicated to his job. But soon there are doubts creeping in.
When he gets a resounding, "No, thank you!" from a slightly ditzy young woman he propositions in a nightclub, he is baffled. As serendipity would have it they meet again. And this time, what starts as a slight tingle, quickly turns into a blaze. They both know they are wrong for each other, but still can't stop.
Through a potent mix of murder, assault, scorching hot sex, a gang war, family obligations, and a see-saw of emotions, those two claw their way to a resolution that will leave you panting and wishing for more!
Great start of a series!
Ruthless, but with a strange kind of ethics code. At first it seems he is dedicated to his job. But soon there are doubts creeping in.
When he gets a resounding, "No, thank you!" from a slightly ditzy young woman he propositions in a nightclub, he is baffled. As serendipity would have it they meet again. And this time, what starts as a slight tingle, quickly turns into a blaze. They both know they are wrong for each other, but still can't stop.
Through a potent mix of murder, assault, scorching hot sex, a gang war, family obligations, and a see-saw of emotions, those two claw their way to a resolution that will leave you panting and wishing for more!
Great start of a series!
May 27, 2022
“There is so much I want to explore with this girl. She has awoken a curiosity in me, a lust for life that I haven’t felt in a long time.”
What happens when a good girls life gets innocently intertwined with the bad guy who’s an assassin for his family that’s the mafia?!
This book captured my attention quickly. Sydney meets this handsome man one day, ends up on the same plane with him and her guard is down with him and she lets herself enjoy the pleasure his company gives her… and more. Something about this man has her melting. Things get heated on the plane under a blanket.. she has never acted this way before.
While these two lives are polar opposite, the vacation she’s going to and his “business” collide once again and they can’t just say goodbye after the plane ride.
They keep meeting up. Hooking up. It’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
When his past, present, and future become known - Sydney is scared. Confused. Possibly heartbroken that this man she’s been seeing, can’t stop thinking about - does very bad things for a living.
Can she handle it?
This book was full of spice. And some drama. A pinch of angst.
It was a perfect romance with the mafia familia as the background of it all.
What happens when a good girls life gets innocently intertwined with the bad guy who’s an assassin for his family that’s the mafia?!
This book captured my attention quickly. Sydney meets this handsome man one day, ends up on the same plane with him and her guard is down with him and she lets herself enjoy the pleasure his company gives her… and more. Something about this man has her melting. Things get heated on the plane under a blanket.. she has never acted this way before.
While these two lives are polar opposite, the vacation she’s going to and his “business” collide once again and they can’t just say goodbye after the plane ride.
They keep meeting up. Hooking up. It’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
When his past, present, and future become known - Sydney is scared. Confused. Possibly heartbroken that this man she’s been seeing, can’t stop thinking about - does very bad things for a living.
Can she handle it?
This book was full of spice. And some drama. A pinch of angst.
It was a perfect romance with the mafia familia as the background of it all.
March 3, 2019
Once again Nicolina Martin has hooked me into her latest story. I really enjoyed Heat and read it in one sitting. It was well written and I loved the character of Sydney. The scenes with her and Nathan worked well and at times was hotter than Hades. I have to admit, even though I could see the sexual attraction and chemistry in Nathan, I didn’t warm to him as a character. There were two many negatives for me but that’s the beauty of a good story, you get immersed in the characters and you do question what they do!
Sydney was sort of Nathan road to Damascus and what a rocky road it was. Characters from previous stories weaved in amongst this tantalising story and I feel there’s lots more coming from these characters in future books
I’ll definitely read more in this series. It’s a well deserved four and a half stars from me
Sydney was sort of Nathan road to Damascus and what a rocky road it was. Characters from previous stories weaved in amongst this tantalising story and I feel there’s lots more coming from these characters in future books
I’ll definitely read more in this series. It’s a well deserved four and a half stars from me
June 1, 2020
It's okay.
Other intimate scene for the Hero when heroine rejects him on first meeting.
HEA.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Dark triggers.
Other intimate scene for the Hero when heroine rejects him on first meeting.
HEA.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Dark triggers.
August 28, 2023
I really enjoyed Sydney's and Nathan's mafia genre story. It reeled me in from the beginning and kept me interested until the last page. It was full of twists and turns and had strong characters both in Sydney and Nathan. They overcame so much in this one story but I never felt that there was so much drama, that it became predictable.
Sydney was a strong female character and was not a "mafia princess" type of character but a woman of substance and strength. Many women of this genre are young inexperienced sheltered women that are exposed to the lifestyle because they are born into it; or because they are "sold" into it resulting in arranged marriages and relationships. Sydney made her own choice when it came to she and Nathan's relationship and he vowed to protect her. She was not someone who knew anything or had been exposed to the Mafia lifestyle and yet chose Nathan knowing that he had a very dark lifestyle.
The Russo Family series has been one I have enjoyed. I highly recommend that you read the entire series.
Sydney was a strong female character and was not a "mafia princess" type of character but a woman of substance and strength. Many women of this genre are young inexperienced sheltered women that are exposed to the lifestyle because they are born into it; or because they are "sold" into it resulting in arranged marriages and relationships. Sydney made her own choice when it came to she and Nathan's relationship and he vowed to protect her. She was not someone who knew anything or had been exposed to the Mafia lifestyle and yet chose Nathan knowing that he had a very dark lifestyle.
The Russo Family series has been one I have enjoyed. I highly recommend that you read the entire series.
March 29, 2019
Heat by Nicolina Martin is book one in the Russo Saga. This is the story of Nathan Russo and Sydney Lewis. Nathan seems to be all about his 'work' until a Sydney encounter, where she tells him no when he tries to pursue her. Fate has them meet again which starts their story of excitement, heat and power. I enjoyed the secondary characters in this book...so I hope to read more of them soon.
April 1, 2021
Holy hell!
I was sucked in from page one, this book completely engrossed me into its web of a story in till the very last word!! Nicolina is one of my new fave authors this year!! I'm excited to read the other books in the Russo saga!
I was sucked in from page one, this book completely engrossed me into its web of a story in till the very last word!! Nicolina is one of my new fave authors this year!! I'm excited to read the other books in the Russo saga!
January 21, 2023
Purchase Amazon September 29, 2019
3.5 Stars
To many draggy parts and some jumpy areas.
I liked it to a point but had some problems with both main characters.
I have a feeling I will enjoy the next in the series more.
3.5 Stars
To many draggy parts and some jumpy areas.
I liked it to a point but had some problems with both main characters.
I have a feeling I will enjoy the next in the series more.
January 11, 2024
Well written mafia romance. The book was filled with erotic and steamy scenes, that did overtake the back story a tad. There was a good amount of angst, disturbing violence scenes and darkish mafia action. I liked that Nathan's character stayed pretty much in the bad boy zone, even when he was with Sydney. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, as some reviews say it's much better. 3.5 stars.🙂
August 21, 2023
This story has sat on my TBR for too long and I am so glad I decided to read this book.
Sydney is a young woman trying to find her place in the world, working hard in the hotel industry and getting promoted with bigger aspirations. She decides to go on a vacation and meets the enigmatic and charming Nathan first in a club in NYC and then on the plane to her destination. And oh my, the mile high club has never been as hot an experience as this.
Sydney struggles with Nathan’s mysterious business but when she sees firsthand what he is capable of she becomes terrified and runs.
Wonderful story with great characters. 💛
Sydney is a young woman trying to find her place in the world, working hard in the hotel industry and getting promoted with bigger aspirations. She decides to go on a vacation and meets the enigmatic and charming Nathan first in a club in NYC and then on the plane to her destination. And oh my, the mile high club has never been as hot an experience as this.
Sydney struggles with Nathan’s mysterious business but when she sees firsthand what he is capable of she becomes terrified and runs.
Wonderful story with great characters. 💛
April 11, 2019
EVERYTHING IN LIFE: LOVE, LOSS, PAIN, JOY
What a great start to this series that is a steamy, dark romance fully of mystery, suspense, danger, passion, and romance. It does contain violence and murder, along with forced submission and dubious consent. Two people will meet by chance at a nightclub in New York, and shockingly enough, again the next day at the airport on their way to the Dominica Republic. One is on vacation; the other is on business. But fate will keep bringing these two together.
The plot will have Sydney and Nate together from New York to the Dominica Republic where he takes this shy reserved woman and dominates her, controlling situations and pushing her beyond her comfort zone. Together, they will join the mile high club while on the plane and before long, he will take over her vacation at a resort and move her to the area he is in taking care of family business.
“That was ten shades of wicked.”
Nate has an uncanny way of avoiding answering questions Syd ask him and instead turns the tables and conversation back to her. The story has two tales taking place, one with Nate and his team taking care of family business—killing and then the one of him and Syd and their erotic romance that has spankings, BDSM elements, and explicit sex scenes. Syd is very confused by her feelings for Nate but when she is attacked for the second time by another man and Nate comes to her rescue, his level of anger and violence scares her.
“I didn’t want to leave, but I can’t stay. I can’t take more. He’s eating me alive. He awakens something in me I can’t put words to. He frightens me and makes me feel safe at the same time. I can’t do it. No matter what I do, I’ll lose. Either I cut him out and lose him, or I say, and lose myself. I don’t know what Nathan is, or does, but he’s no normal business man. He’s dangerous, dark, and I don’t want to know. I don’t want to see him ever again.”
Syd returned to Miami, a different woman that went on vacation. She is haunted by Nate and what she witnessed and trying to pull her life back together. What will she do when after several months Nate shows back up? Will she give him a second chance?
What a great start to this series that is a steamy, dark romance fully of mystery, suspense, danger, passion, and romance. It does contain violence and murder, along with forced submission and dubious consent. Two people will meet by chance at a nightclub in New York, and shockingly enough, again the next day at the airport on their way to the Dominica Republic. One is on vacation; the other is on business. But fate will keep bringing these two together.
The plot will have Sydney and Nate together from New York to the Dominica Republic where he takes this shy reserved woman and dominates her, controlling situations and pushing her beyond her comfort zone. Together, they will join the mile high club while on the plane and before long, he will take over her vacation at a resort and move her to the area he is in taking care of family business.
“That was ten shades of wicked.”
Nate has an uncanny way of avoiding answering questions Syd ask him and instead turns the tables and conversation back to her. The story has two tales taking place, one with Nate and his team taking care of family business—killing and then the one of him and Syd and their erotic romance that has spankings, BDSM elements, and explicit sex scenes. Syd is very confused by her feelings for Nate but when she is attacked for the second time by another man and Nate comes to her rescue, his level of anger and violence scares her.
“I didn’t want to leave, but I can’t stay. I can’t take more. He’s eating me alive. He awakens something in me I can’t put words to. He frightens me and makes me feel safe at the same time. I can’t do it. No matter what I do, I’ll lose. Either I cut him out and lose him, or I say, and lose myself. I don’t know what Nathan is, or does, but he’s no normal business man. He’s dangerous, dark, and I don’t want to know. I don’t want to see him ever again.”
Syd returned to Miami, a different woman that went on vacation. She is haunted by Nate and what she witnessed and trying to pull her life back together. What will she do when after several months Nate shows back up? Will she give him a second chance?
December 6, 2020
Really nice story..... somehow a little different than most mafia stories; a Made Man who kinda gets out in the end. And phew... the intense chemistry between Nathan and Sydney is seriously hawt!
Not a solid 5 star read... but definitely 4 shiny stars!
Read this books as part of the Russo Saga Collection and I will continue with book #2 right away.
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
Not a solid 5 star read... but definitely 4 shiny stars!
Read this books as part of the Russo Saga Collection and I will continue with book #2 right away.
Russo Saga Collection --> https://www.goodreads.com/series/2593...
March 29, 2019
Hold onto your hats,there is a Heat wave a comin’!! Ms. Nicolina Martin introduces us to the Russo Family. This is first installment of the saga and she hits the ground running!! This story grabs you, sucks you in at the very beginning and I don’t think I took another breath till I got to the epilogue!! Ms. Martins does a fantastic job on her character development, making it easier to feel what they feel. You really don’t want to like Nathan, he is a bad guy, or is he?? Can one do bad things and still be inherently good. I think that is the question roaming around in Sydney’s head after thier second encounter she has with Nathan,Nathan Russo. Their relationship ebbs and flows in,out and push and pull and often you can feel that push/pull like you are right in the middle of the ruckus!! One of the more interesting things in this story is that it’s the male lead who wants to be better,do better for her. You get to go inside Nathan’s head. What you see may surprise you!! You don’t often see the raw & vulnerable side of a man. We mustn’t forget to mention the heat both figuratively and literally between these two. If you like it turned up a bit then you will love the love that holds these two together!! I hope you will jump with both feet, into the Russo Saga. It’s going to be an amazing ride! and we’re on!!
This book is most definitely worth your precious time and hard earned money!! Well done Ms. Nicolina Martin!!! Can’t wait for book 2, where we get to meet the next Russo who has a story to tell!!
This book is most definitely worth your precious time and hard earned money!! Well done Ms. Nicolina Martin!!! Can’t wait for book 2, where we get to meet the next Russo who has a story to tell!!
August 20, 2019
All over the place
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's apparently her first full length novel, and as a first effort it's okay, but I have a real problem with these characters.
Spoiler Alert: The first time the female lead meets the male lead, he propositions her for a quickie, which she turns down. Then the very next day when they happen to be seated together on an airplane, she lets him grope her, then follow her to the bathroom and introduce her to the mile high club. They say goodbye, and next thing you know she lets another strange guy but her drinks, and ends up drugged and almost raped. Quick recovery, then when the main male lead sends a stranger to pick her up in a limo, she goes, with no purse, wallet, or passport, and wanders all over by herself. Sees a guy stalking her, but doesn't recognize the one who roofied her. The male lead comes back, they have rough sex, she leaves, he finds her, she says "please don't rape me". He's shocked that she'd think that. Then proceeds to tie her up and have even rougher sex, all the while she's saying no. That's called rape. Then the guy who drugs her comes back and tried to rape her again, at which point the male lead beats him to death. Then they go their separate ways. He changes, comes back, she's all no, no, I can't do this again. Running from him, slapping him, then saying "kiss me". He starts off as a hit man, then by the end he's going to be Mr. Mom while she runs her own hotel.
The writing is okay, the plot and characters, not so much.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It's apparently her first full length novel, and as a first effort it's okay, but I have a real problem with these characters.
Spoiler Alert: The first time the female lead meets the male lead, he propositions her for a quickie, which she turns down. Then the very next day when they happen to be seated together on an airplane, she lets him grope her, then follow her to the bathroom and introduce her to the mile high club. They say goodbye, and next thing you know she lets another strange guy but her drinks, and ends up drugged and almost raped. Quick recovery, then when the main male lead sends a stranger to pick her up in a limo, she goes, with no purse, wallet, or passport, and wanders all over by herself. Sees a guy stalking her, but doesn't recognize the one who roofied her. The male lead comes back, they have rough sex, she leaves, he finds her, she says "please don't rape me". He's shocked that she'd think that. Then proceeds to tie her up and have even rougher sex, all the while she's saying no. That's called rape. Then the guy who drugs her comes back and tried to rape her again, at which point the male lead beats him to death. Then they go their separate ways. He changes, comes back, she's all no, no, I can't do this again. Running from him, slapping him, then saying "kiss me". He starts off as a hit man, then by the end he's going to be Mr. Mom while she runs her own hotel.
The writing is okay, the plot and characters, not so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
Lots of heat, little of everything else
I am so done with this Sydney character. Why did she have to be written as some floozy? This book is a test of my patience and tolerance to crap. Sydney didnt have the backbone that is a primary requirement to be a hotel manager. I take offense cos i have been in the industry for more than 20 years and no hotelier worth her salt will act the way she did. She could not make up her damn mind. One minute she was grinding against Nate, the next she was begging him not to rape her. Not one second later, she said YES when he asked to kiss her. She got attacked in her hotel room, almost raped by some guy, and the next thing she did was get into a car with a stranger to another hotel! And what was with the sticking her tongue out? It could be considerably cute but not when it was done six times throughout the book. And not when it was done in a the middle of a serious conversation. Like seriously, Ms Martin, how doozy can you portray a woman to be? I wonder how you got the inspiration or what research you did to create this awfully spineless, fickle-minded no-idea-what-she-wants mousy girl. Jeez....
I am so done with this Sydney character. Why did she have to be written as some floozy? This book is a test of my patience and tolerance to crap. Sydney didnt have the backbone that is a primary requirement to be a hotel manager. I take offense cos i have been in the industry for more than 20 years and no hotelier worth her salt will act the way she did. She could not make up her damn mind. One minute she was grinding against Nate, the next she was begging him not to rape her. Not one second later, she said YES when he asked to kiss her. She got attacked in her hotel room, almost raped by some guy, and the next thing she did was get into a car with a stranger to another hotel! And what was with the sticking her tongue out? It could be considerably cute but not when it was done six times throughout the book. And not when it was done in a the middle of a serious conversation. Like seriously, Ms Martin, how doozy can you portray a woman to be? I wonder how you got the inspiration or what research you did to create this awfully spineless, fickle-minded no-idea-what-she-wants mousy girl. Jeez....
March 27, 2019
Wow. I'm not sure what all I feel about this story. It drug my feelings through the mud and shoved them into a wringer, and I haven't been able to work them back into straight.
Sydney never thought she would see the man from the bar again, but there he was, just the very next morning, and he started changing her life.
Nathan saw the pretty brunette but she shot him down. Then he sees her again at the airport and things start getting exciting.
I really didn't know what to think about Nathan. I mean, he's not a good guy, but he is a compelling guy. He's very magnetic, which Syd finds out about. I can understand why she does each and everything she does, even if it feels soul destroying.
I think that Sydney is quite sweet and very smart. I do think she's a little naive and overly trusting at times, though. I can relate to bring drawn to the bad boy, but not being sure what to do when you are in his circle.
Altogether, really enjoyable, and 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Sydney never thought she would see the man from the bar again, but there he was, just the very next morning, and he started changing her life.
Nathan saw the pretty brunette but she shot him down. Then he sees her again at the airport and things start getting exciting.
I really didn't know what to think about Nathan. I mean, he's not a good guy, but he is a compelling guy. He's very magnetic, which Syd finds out about. I can understand why she does each and everything she does, even if it feels soul destroying.
I think that Sydney is quite sweet and very smart. I do think she's a little naive and overly trusting at times, though. I can relate to bring drawn to the bad boy, but not being sure what to do when you are in his circle.
Altogether, really enjoyable, and 🌶🌶🌶🌶
March 5, 2019
Heat by Nicolina Martin is the first book in the Russo Saga. I read it in one sitting! I couldn't put it down it has everything I love in a book such as intrigue, drama, danger and so much character chemistry that I didn't want the book to end. Thank God it's a series!!
Nathan and Sydney are two completely different people from different worlds that fate has thrown them together but at what cost? Can Sydney's life ever be the same after her holiday fling? I doubt it!
One thing that stood out to me was the additional characters in Heat like Nathan's brother Christian but more so of Nathan's uncle Salvatore. I'm so intrigued to see what happens in his book.
This five star read will leave you dreaming of Nathan & Sydney long after you be finished Heat and wondering whoes book will be next. I hope I don't have to wait to long!!
Nathan and Sydney are two completely different people from different worlds that fate has thrown them together but at what cost? Can Sydney's life ever be the same after her holiday fling? I doubt it!
One thing that stood out to me was the additional characters in Heat like Nathan's brother Christian but more so of Nathan's uncle Salvatore. I'm so intrigued to see what happens in his book.
This five star read will leave you dreaming of Nathan & Sydney long after you be finished Heat and wondering whoes book will be next. I hope I don't have to wait to long!!
March 28, 2019
I first will say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great, smoking hot story by Nicolina Martin. I think it was professionally written and fast paced. Sydney Lewis is going on vacation by herself for the first time when she meets Nathan Russo at a bar the night before she leaves, Nate hits on Syd and she turns him down. The next day she again runs into him at the airport and surprise, surprise he is sitting right next to her on the plane. I can't help but feel the heat just rolling off these two from the start. This book is so good that the statement Heat will take you on a journey to paradise, through hell, and back is absolutely right. There is many twists and turns to this tale. This books deals with love, adventure, risks, conflicts, and survival. You won't regret picking up this book.
November 26, 2019
This was a great start to the Russo Saga books. In this story, Sydney and Nathan burn up the pages with their passion and undeniable attraction to each other. Sydney starts off resisting Nathan, but each time they have a chance meeting, their attraction sparks anew. The flight was a very hot meeting and Nathan could help me join the mile high club anytime. Life takes over and Sydney has her vacation itinerary while Nathan has people to meet and things to do, but they meet again and the passionate sensual sparks ignite again. There are quite a few bumps in the road, with Sydney encountering a scary happening and Nathan with his work stresses, but they come together each time like fate has taken their lives over. I couldn't put the book down, I needed to keep turning the pages until I got all the answers, which I loved in the HEA we get. I look forward to the next in the Russo Saga!
March 27, 2019
Wow, what a ride!!!!!
Sydney is just trying to save up so she can pursue her dream of owning her own hotel. She refuses to live off her parents money and in doing so she has put everything else on the back burner.
Nathan was raised to do things dirty. Mob lifestyle has been his life but he's been wanting out for a while, but it always sucks him back in.
These two meet in a bar but Syd turns Nate down...he's never been rejected by a woman! It seems that destiny has plans for them. A bit of traveling, some seriously hot loving and quite a body count...this book has it all! I absolutely loved Sydney and Nathan so much, I finished this book in one evening! I can't wait to see what the rest of the Russo's have in store for us!
Sydney is just trying to save up so she can pursue her dream of owning her own hotel. She refuses to live off her parents money and in doing so she has put everything else on the back burner.
Nathan was raised to do things dirty. Mob lifestyle has been his life but he's been wanting out for a while, but it always sucks him back in.
These two meet in a bar but Syd turns Nate down...he's never been rejected by a woman! It seems that destiny has plans for them. A bit of traveling, some seriously hot loving and quite a body count...this book has it all! I absolutely loved Sydney and Nathan so much, I finished this book in one evening! I can't wait to see what the rest of the Russo's have in store for us!
March 7, 2019
This book has it all!! Sex, intrigue and violence with a twist and a love story all rolled into one. A chance meeting changes two lives forever. Ms. Martin has created a look inside the notorious Russo family with well written characters and the story that engages you to the last page. It leaves you wanting more and I’m definitely looking forward to more of the Russo family as the series continues.
March 29, 2019
This is a different type of book. Sydney works at a hotel and she is taking her first vacation, by herself. She meets Nathan, who is not a good man, at a bar in NYC the night before she leaves. He tries to pick her up and she shoots him down. The next day she sees him at the airport and then she sits next to him on the plane. It's just meant to be. The connection between them comes off the page. There are many plot twists and turns, but there is a HEA at the end.
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