Sven The first moment I laid my eyes on her, I hated her more than any of my family’s enemies. She was clad in a long, white gown, being dragged down the aisle by a dubious ally. She’s nothing but a hindrance, a headache I don’t want, and a constant reminder that I made a grave mistake. The moment I put my mark on her it solidified to the world she’s mine, but it doesn’t matter. To this day she’s still fighting me, and I doubt it’ll ever change. Yet I’m captivated by her strength. Women like Ema aren’t meant for men like me. She doesn’t fit in my world, and she doesn’t want to be in it. None of that matters when an enemy makes an attempt at her life. She’s mine even if she doesn’t want to accept it. I’ll be damned if she’s ever taken away from me.
Rae is a daydreamer, nurse, bookworm, nature enthusiast, wife, momma, animal activist and an optimist. She has lived her entire life in NYC and loves to travel with her family. She believes that sweets should have a larger piece of the nutritional pyramid and that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the best TV shows ever invented. When she is not working as a nurse in her community, she can either be found reading, writing, or taking a walk while listening to music. She has been writing books in her mind for as long as she can remember but decided that maybe there were others out in the world that would find joy in the words she would put down on the page.
Style: Dark Mafia Romance Story: 3.5/5 Enjoyment: 4/5 Dark Level: 2/5 Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD Triggers: Yes Violence: Yes Male: Intense, Possessive & Obsessive Series: Book 1 Pages: loc. 3839 Audio: N/A Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY: Damnnnnnnnn...., this story was very intense. It’s things that are wrong that reads so good. This was dual POV and I can say, Sven’s POV is dominant throughout the book, and it’s a good thing because he is so intense that I needed to experience his thoughts and emotions. The best way to describe this book, if you know the movie War of the Roses, it’s War of the Roses on steroids, but instead of getting a divorce, they are getting married.
The hate is real and the passion from the hate is real. It’s not a deep-rooted hate, but it’s there the day of the wedding and the following days; you felt it. Sven has his life in order. He doesn’t want to get married, and he likes his life the way it is. When Marko, the head of the Juric Family gives Ema to Sven to bond the two families, intensity from both Ema and Sven not wanting that marriage was felt. Although Sven did not want the marriage, he was obsessive and possessive, which led to a burst of anger. Ema was a hellion spitfire. She was intense as well, but she had a drive for acting the way she did. The mystery of the story, I already knew who it was, but doesn’t matter, this story read so good for me, and it’s mainly because of my type and Sven is it.
CHEMISTRY: The scene that has me clutching my pearls was Sven’s and Ema’s trip to Vegas. Ladies, Sven brought new meaning to the word CAVEMAN. His possessiveness led him to not think which gave me some good physical chemistry when it exploded. Throughout the story their passion became so much more appealing.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS: There were a few secondary characters that were involved that added to the story. Dagger, he is a hit man from the story. I actually read his story months ago and didn’t realize it was the same Dagger from Saving Valentine. That book was good as well for me as it was a quick read.
Overall, this was intense, probably won’t be for everyone, depending on how you like your men. I enjoyed the book even though it was easy to fire out. I look forward to book 2.
✰✰Triggers: rough handling of heroine, chained up and child abuse.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✴️✴️ONE FASCINATING ADVENTURE✴️✴️ Crushing cabbies cal! Rae delivers with this tough as nails 100% on point realism, packing a punch and laying it out, serving up some fearsome facts, terrifying truths and dangerous pursuits, serving up one incredibly tantalizing, ground shaking, sinfully titillating, seriously kick@ss, rock-my-world rollercoaster, bringing the heat and busting down walls, blasting this baby to staggering heights. One edge of your seat, action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting wild ride, brimming with riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, brutal tactics, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and nailbiting situations ensue, revving up the exuberance and vigor, jetting this jewel to life spectacularly. Attributes and ingenuity in every thread you unravel with each page, your lured into this tangled web so securely and precise, attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding, exposing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, putting our characters through their paces, fusing this bad boy together seamlessly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, bringing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Rae, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
It's no secret I'm a huge Rae B Lake fan. I love anything and everything that she writes but, I really freakin LOVE this book! It's an excellent beginning to a new series and it's complete perfection. I was pure livid one minute then laughing the next. Ema kept Sven all tied up in knots. She's not what he expected at all and it's eating him alive that she won't submit. Sven Kokot is one of Marko Jurik's most trusted men. Ema is the daughter of Filip Sever and niece of Ivan Sever. These two are thrown together to form an alliance between the families and you better believe it's not an easy path. Ema gives Sven a run for his money to say the least. Patience is definitely not Svens strongest attribute and it's gone when it comes to dealing with Ema. There's lots going on in this book and it keeps your attention all the way through. I couldn't put this book down. It was a cover to cover read in one sitting.
Holy fuck 🙈 These two almost killed each other with all this hate 🙈
This is a mafia story. It's really dark and might trigger some people because of the way that these men kill their enemies 🙈. Man..they're brutal.
We have two main characters here..Sven and Ema that are forced to marry in order to unite their families. He doesn't like her and she doesn't like him. Actually they both hate each other and boy..I have never read such intense relationship between a couple before.
The gave hell to each other! I was really, so afraid that one of them might die from all this war that was unleashed between them. Gosh..Sven was a raging fire and Ema was the matches 🙈
The atmosphere was explosive. Their chemistry was intense and they fucked each other with such force and passion that resulted in the smuttiest scenes 😈
Pff..they both were VERY intense characters. They wouldn't appreciate or respect each other and that lead to the escalation of their war 🙈.
This is a dark mafia romance that will push your limits 😈.
This was Just Okay. I didn’t skim so 3.5 stars. It’s told mainly from the H’s POV so I don’t feel the the FMC is as well developed— also her chapters are usually just a rehash of Sven’s chapter so it’s too repetitive and redundant😂. There was potential but it was just missing that special something. I’ll try another of the authors books though.
This was one wild ride. Dark, intense, sexy, and crazy hot chemistry. I was not ready for Sven but am glad I read this. Ema is not a wallflower either and I loved how she gave as good as she got.
2.75 rating I am only half way through this book but have to be honest in my review of this story. I generally get through an entire book before writing a review but this story and the cast of characters is decades behind in it's theme and actions. I am an avid reader of Mafia genre and find this Mafia family too old school for me. I feel as though this story should have been cast in the 1960's-1980's. I enjoy authors in this genre who take their style of writing to the current time; not one that has a storyline that is decades old. I have read some very dark Mafia genre and have been able to connect with the villain's and their actions. The roots of this Mafia goes to Croatia but their leader is a Pakhan. I have read enough of Russian Mafia stories to know that their treatment of women is VERY different in many of their novels vs., this particular family.
The entire operation is led by a sick, depraved leader who is as noteworthy as a cockroach. The whole tattoo on the face thing to Sven's new bride Ema was a red flag for me. Who does that kind of thing to a woman? I need to find something redeeming in the characters to become invested in the story. Sven makes an effort but it's just that...an effort. The way Ema is treated in this story to date is humanly degrading. There is a fine line between entertainment in "dark story lines" and depravity. When main characters actions dictate their image or personality all the do-over's or attempts to rectify their bad actions can't change who they really are. Mafia genre doesn't always have a traditional HEA but often ends with the WOMAN making the concessions and adapting to the life. It's can be a very one-sided arrangement but one that is chosen by that character, not one forced upon her.
Sven's character is okay but he certainly is no hero. He is too busy satisfying his crazed leader and the Mafia family he belongs to. Ema is feisty and the best character in this book too date but is outnumber by the number of monsters that go "boo in the night". Her father is a douchebag...."sorry dad take the bullet before you sell your innocent daughter back into your horrible family".
I will try to finish this book but may return it to KU. Some may find this book entertaining especially those who haven't read allot of Mafia genre. There are plenty of authors out there who do a really good job with dark, feral characters associated with this genre whom have some aspects of humanity that is necessary even in the darkest of story lines.
Sven's Mark (Juric Crime Family, #1) by Rae B. Lake will have you on edge with this dark, violent look into the Juric Crime Family. Sven who is the adopted son of Marko Juric is about to get punished for a surveillance mistake and finds his life is about to change. Now he is told he will be getting married to Ivan Sever's niece Ema to form an alliance. Ema is a feisty, headstrong frustrating young woman with a sassy mouth who was beaten and threatened by her Uncle and is told this marriage will take place if she wants to save her sisters from being sold. Sven and Ema will butt heads at their wedding,and things will escalate from that moment as Sven will have a hard time dealing with Ema. Sven knows that he has to stay in this marriage, mark Ema as his in order to keep her safe for a year or the alliance between these two families will end. Will he be able to break Ema down and make her submit to him? The chemistry between these two is dark, violent and explosive leading up to sexual connection with plenty of steamy moments. Ema is bringing out feelings in Sven that he doesn't want but finds that he will kill anyone who takes what is his, can this woman who has turn his home and life upside down ever be subdued? Will Ema finally stop fighting Sven and come to see that she has fallen in love with this man that she thought she hated? As soon as Sven lowers his guard, he and Ema open up to each other and finally confess their true feelings for each other, has Sven finally met his match with this woman? But their peaceful existence is about to break apart when strange things begin to happen in his home leaving him doubting Ema and now they are being pulled apart by an unknown enemy who is working with another. Sven now is dealing with threats from his family, thinking his wife is cheating on him and doubts about the deal between Ivan Sever and the Juric family. When he can no longer deal with punishing Ema they try again but soon Ema's life will be in danger. Sven, his brothers and friends are about to reek havoc on this person to save the woman he loves. This story will pull you in from beginning to end in this violent, dark world of the Juric Crime family as you witness the love between Sven and Ema who are true soulmates and partners for life. Well done Rae, you have given your readers a thrilling, dark romance story! Can't wait for the next book in the Juric Crime Family!
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check By the time you’ve figured out who is who and how deep hate can run, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! Can’t say I didn’t warn you. (Believe me when I say you won’t put it down until the last page is read…you will find yourself getting upset cause someone called, texted or bothered you while reading this one, you will find yourself up at ungodly hours just to finish it knowing you have to be at work early (like 3am early) the very next day) YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!! Okay these two are a hot mess, pig headed, stubborn, and borderline hate one another. The mob is in need of allies to gain more connections Sevn never wanted to get married, yet he was promised to Ema. Ema didn’t want to be a part of that world and she especially didn’t want to marry anyone from it. Her Uncle forces her to marry Sevn by threating to hurt/kill her family. But the fireworks doesn’t start until they are thrown together she fights him and he fights her it is a thin line between love and hate and these two walk that line daily. Will the fighting stop long enough for them to see if they can make the situation work for them to see if they are pawns or war starters, will he be able to protect Ema, who can the two of the trust and will there be happiness for them?
The adopted son and Sovietnik to Marko Juric, Sven Kokot knows that he has to do his part for the family by marrying. However, he never thought he would be blindsided into the marriage. His bride to be is not happy about the arrangement and she’ll fight as hard as she can to avoid the marriage. She’s the niece of Ivan Sever, the head of the Sever crime family. The Sever and Juric crime families have a truce and to make it stronger a marriage is put forth.
When Sven’s betrothed comes to the alter, she is fighting her uncle, but she also looks pained. When Sven finds out why, he is angry. He may not want this marriage either, but he will not stand by and let anyone hurt what is his. Sven has a lot of obligations to his family, above all he must obey his Pakhan’s orders and when he keeps putting things off he finds himself in danger from his adoptive father and Pakhan.
Ema Sever’s father took her and her sisters away from the family business, so they’ve been living their lives in Alaska, until she was taken from her family and told that she was to be married, tomorrow. She has a few reasons why she doesn’t want to leave her family and be married, but no one has listened or believed her in the past so now she will have to find a way to get back home to her sisters.
I really liked this story, and the characters were great. The story drew me in from the beginning and help onto me until the end. The betrayal, twists, and secrets only added to the story and Sven and Ema had a lot to overcome. I give the story a 4-star review and I look forward to Josip’s story next.
Readable book. But not a fan of women being beaten and chained like dogs.
Readable book. But not a fan of women being beaten and chained like dogs. Plus men in the book has such disrespect towards women as if they not human. Degrading. And though main female H put up a fight in the beginning, within 5min she was giving in and than she is in love. All because he is handsome and they had sexy time. That gives a totally wrong message. I understand its a book and really a fantasy, but why women can't be strong through all the book and not turn into a blubbering fool the moment guy takes off his shirt. That's pathetic. I was cringing through the book. First thing he done to her is slap her hard on her face, than next he beat her bottom so hard there were blue and black bruises and she couldn't sit down, than he tied her up like a dog. And constantly repeated that he is gonna break her. Thats not sexy, that's abuse. How any women falls in love with such man. And than it was just well it happened, no proper apology or growelling. Just brushed it off. And than they became lovey dovey. No matter how good man is to you after a while when he catches feelings, what he did in the beginning was not alright. At least main H should have made him work harder for eve thing he put her through. That's my review😊 Sorry if it's harsh!!!
So here is the first book in the series and let me tell you how excited I am. REALLY FREAKING EXCITED. So remember the Juric Family from the Wings of Diablo series, yes we get a taste of the family now. So we have Sven who is dominant, he is all alpha male in every way. However, he does not tolerate a lot of things. So he finds out that he is getting married and he is not liking this. Ema, found out the same thing and was shipped away immediately. So not going to lie, these two are stubborn as they get. The are constantly fighting and one time was pushed to far. Ema does not want to compromise, but Sven is doing it to satisfy the family. So will Ema finally get past her on issues to see that she is not the only who did not want the marriage. There is something else going on which is testing Sven loyalty to the family and relationship with Ema? Can they both work together to find out what is really going on? Can both Ema and Sven actually have love despite how their relationship came to be. You will need to check this story out. I cannot wait to see where this series will go.
Sven is the adopted son of Marko Juric. He is his Pahkan, his leader, his adopted father and the man whom he has pledged his loyalty and servitude and for whom he would do anything. So when Marko tells him that he is getting married to help sign a truce with the Sever family, he accepts. He marries the next day with Ivan Sever’s niece, Ema, who is not happy with the news either. Ema fights tooth and nail to avoid the wedding, and even though she doesn’t succeed, she continues to fight for her freedom every step of the way. She wants to go back to her home with her parents and sisters, but Sven won’t let her. Sven must stay married to her for at least a year and she has to bear his mark for the deal to stand. Both Sven and Ema are 2 people with very strong personalities and characters and their fights are epic, so are their moments of passion. But someone threatens the marriage by making Sven doubt of Ema. Will this arranged marriage survive? Will it become real? I recommend the book, it’s very entertaining.
Sven and Ema are a match made in Hell! Stubborn and pig headed are all I can come up with to describe these two. Neither of them want to be together, but when the mob needs to make allies to further their own agendas people are sacrificed. Sven never wanted to get married but the Juric’s promise him to Ema. Ema was forced from her home by her Uncle Sever and forced to go by threatening her father, mother and sisters. Ema fought tooth and nail against Sven. They say love and hate are emotions that are not far off from one another. Can Sven ever get Ema to stop fighting long enough to realize that they are both stuck in an impossible situation? Will the Sever Family go against the promise made to the Juric Family or will Sven and Ema be two pawns used to start a war? Can anyone in the “families” be trusted or is there an outsider trying to find away into their lives?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have recently become a fan of this genre of books, but this one left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I get Sven is the big bad villan in this story, like a lot of the MMC in these stories are. However, this is probably the first one I read where the MMC is physically abusive towards the FMC. He slaps her on their wedding day, he nearly pulls her hair out, and he spanks her with a wooden spoon leaving her on the floor crying. It makes him no better than her uncle who had a legit collar around her neck that shocked her. Yes she fighting for her freedom, but can you blame a girl. And what was it with Sven's absolute abhorrence to Ema' cursing. His mouth is just as bad as hers! He can curse and disrespect her, no problem, but she cant. GTFOH! They eventually find a rhythm but then it goes down the drain because he doesn't believe that she's not cheating on him and he resorts to locking her up, again. Usually the MMC is the one saving his girl from abuse, not dishing it out himself.
We finally meet the Juric Family! To be honest, I didn't think I was going to finish this book because I was ten chapters into an aggravating read. I really couldn't stand Sven or Ema. In the first ten chapters, the only person I liked was Olive. It was a constant struggle between these two because neither wanted to be in the situation or arrangements made by their families. We get that, but damn it was annoying.
Then...
The book got a whole lot better because they started getting to know each other. Here's a hint: Olive suggested this at the beginning! Anyways, the book finally got to a point that I was captured again! Absolutely loved the story. Okay, after the first aggravating ten chapters. However, I understand the point of the chapters. I really do! I enjoyed this book a lot! You will too! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Es un milagro que haya terminado con la lectura, una cosa que no me gusta en los libros es la violencia hacía la mujer cosa que acá hubo y en exceso.
Entiendo las circunstancias y se que es dark romance y mundo mafioso pero no me gusta la forma de ser de Sven, es violento, humilló a Ema, la trato de mentiroso e infiel ( aún sabiendo que ella fue abusada y que no confiaba en los hombres) Y SOPRESA ELLA SE ENAMORA de su maltratador 💀 Tal vez si el no fuera tan agresivo verbalmente y físicamente el libro estaría un poco mas soportable. Es la primera vez que me cuesta tanto un libro sobre mafia.
DEFINITIVAMENTE NO ERA UNA LECTURA PARA MI (No entendo porque tiene 4 ⭐ no juzgo pero no se las merece.
They both have to do what they are asked/told to do for the family. Sven doesn’t want a wife, but for the joint venture and for the family he will do what he must to survive. Ema, was living her life the way she wanted, and enjoys it. When her uncle grabbed her and forced her to do what he wanted, she knows she has no choice, except to try to make the best of it that she can. They fight like cats and dogs, but underneath the fighting is a sexual attraction so strong that it can not be denied. When they finally come together its explosive and it takes them both to the stars. They forge a bond that is unbreakable and a team that no one can come between.
Ema and Sven are forced into an arranged marriage to strengthen the relationship of two crime families. Ema has been through some horrific ordeal and is a hellcat. Sven demands respect and control at all times. He is the adopted son of Marko the head of the Juric Family. Alex a longtime friend of Ema's shows up at her wedding and follows her. Strange things are happening and someone is breaking into Sven's house after they are married. Sven and Ema are becoming stronger each day especially after she tells him about her horrific experience at the age of 17. He promises her that he will keep her safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a marriage that was a shotgun one to say. She was drug down the isle to marry the man that was her enemy. She is a strong-willed woman that hates him just as much as he hates her. But they are made to marry, and there is nothing they can do about it. These two will fight and have your emotions on overload. It also does not matter that they hate each other but they are married so that means she is his. And his to protect. Nothing will change that aspect. So they will be together no matter what happens as far as he is concerned. Can they get a HEA and lean to get along and live peacefully?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sven is the first book in the Juric Crime Family series. I was enthralled from the very first page. Sven is dominate, powerful and callous. Ema is full of fire and sass. When they are forced to unite as husband and wife that’s when the storm starts.
“Not wanting to gag and bind you might be good for both of us.”
Their chemistry is hot. Their fights are turbulent. And their fight to win is strong.
“I don’t think I have ever been tortured so thoroughly.”
A fantastic read that will keep you entertained from beginning to the end!!
Sven is Markos right hand man and to form an alliance with the sever family he agrees to marrying Ema. Though Ema is nothing like he expected, and that sendsbhim for a spin. Ema knew her fate but was determined to make her own destiny through it. Ema and Svens story keeps you on your toes woth their push and pull desires. But can Sven keep her safe when his enemies set their sights in her. This is well written with a great story line and chemistry bursting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sven and Ema are totally opposite of each other. So when they are thrown into a marriage that neither one of them wants, it is an uphill battle. Ema is not the kind of person to roll over and do as she's told. She fights Sven tooth and nail because she feels like he is trying to rule her and break her. Once they both stop fighting and start working together things start to fall into place. But then somebody takes what belongs to Sven and all he can think of is to get his wife back and make the person pay for ever doing something so stupid. And pay he will, with his life.
Ema and Sven where to marry to bond them and the family together. But for these two who didn’t want it at all, well this made this story so much hotter and you feel the passion with every breath Ema breathed! She has so much spirt, you had to love her and he’s exploding just went out the window. But now she’s his and now he’ll protect her. I can’t wait to see how the next book goes by this new author for me. I enjoyed her writing and imagination.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
How the fuck is this rated so high?!? Mind fucking blown 🤯 This has got to be one of the most annoying mafia books I’ve ever attempted to read stopped at 53%. The characters are so awful I just couldn’t anymore. The female lead is seriously bipolar with her attitude/decisions…tries to get to her family claiming she needed to save them when someone already said if she left they would kill them all 🤔 dumbass still tries to leave…acts like an idiot child…and then the male lead hardly acts as a mafia male…the way he speaks is ridiculous…I’m just done with this.
Sven and Ema will have your emotions all over the place. They are totally opposites forced together to form an alliance between the families. In the beginning Sven thinks he has made a drastic mistake in agreeing to marry Ema but she is nothing like he thinks. She isn’t submissive and goes up against Sven proving to be a handful but when her life is in danger from one of his enemy’s he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. This action-packed story is filled with drama that keeps you glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sven has always been right on info for the family one mistake changes everything for him. Forced to prove his loyalty he continues to prove his loyalty to the Juric family. Ema was taken from her home,forced to marry someone she didn't know. They started off hating yet they ended up loving each other. Sven will get to the bottom of the terrifying stalking that happens to his wife and soon the secrets will be learned. This book had me hooked from start to end as Sven and Ema find the HEA
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the start of as new series. Sven is a member of the Juric Crime Family. Ema is the niece of Ivan Sever. Ivan is forcing Ema into an arranged marriage to reinforce the truce between the families. Sven and Ema start out with a hate/hate relationship that turns into something more. To find out what happens, you will need to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! What a way to start this new series! This is book one of "Juric Crime Family". It checks all the boxes off for me with a fantastic plot and characters. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you don't. I love that in a book. It makes you think about the story even more. Sven and Ema kept my attention the entire book. They are intense in their banter and chemistry. It is a must read in my opinion. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!