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Primal
Sometimes love stories aren’t all fairytales and roses. Sometimes they’re dark, twisted, and weigh on your morals. Being a doctor takes a lot of Sophia’s time and dedication. The last thing on her mind is a man. Her family only seems to care about the fact that she’s single. Always pushing her to date and find her Mr. Right, but she puts all her energy into her work instead. Maxim aka—The Lion—Volkov has the reputation of being a ruthless hunter. He’s a killer, vindictive, cold, and lethal. He’s the youngest Pakhan in the history of the Bratva. One night their lives collide when the security alarm at the clinic goes off, and Sophia sees him. A man who is into some dark dealings, demanding her help. Her life is flipped upside down when she learns there’s a whole world of underground violence happening right under her nose. She is completely oblivious. Sophia uses her wits and sass to get out of the mess she’s in. But finding out she might have been born into a life of crime is a tough pill to swallow. Not only that, but the gruff, blond haired, blue eyed man who’s dictating her every move might just be her undoing. He caught her scent. He’ll never let her go.
274 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2022
365 people are currently reading
2190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 29, 2022
Russian Mafia ✔️
feisty Plus-sized heroine ✔️
he fell first ✔️
OTT JP MMC✔️
check trigger warnings ⚠️
spice 🥵🔥💦🌶️🌶️ degradation and praise 🤌🏻 🤌🏻 all the ( Shlyukha👀, Kotyonok, krasavitsa.”Printsessa...)
Maxim is OBSESSED
❝if I have to tattoo my name on her body, so she gets the memo of who she belongs to in her head, then that’s what I‘ll do. ❞
✨if you want the perfect combination between dark and sweet, spicy and suspenseful. a page turner, and good writing
this is your book.
Maxim and Sophia are sooo perfect together.
She knows how to push his buttons, she's so strong-headed that he push back as much. 🤣
I loved how persistent maxim was all along the book . He wanted her , so he got her. How he showed her how beautiful she was with actions and his " sweet" words.
He powered through her walls and insecurities and made a queen out of them.
❝ You are the strongest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I won’t pretend I’m not anything more than a villain, Sophia. But you never have to worry about me making you feel that way. You are the most precious person in my life, and I’ll spend every day putting all the broken pieces back together again. ❞
I highly recommend it. Can't wait to read the second book and always grateful for this opportunity to ARC it.
feisty Plus-sized heroine ✔️
he fell first ✔️
OTT JP MMC✔️
check trigger warnings ⚠️
spice 🥵🔥💦🌶️🌶️ degradation and praise 🤌🏻 🤌🏻 all the ( Shlyukha👀, Kotyonok, krasavitsa.”Printsessa...)
Maxim is OBSESSED
❝if I have to tattoo my name on her body, so she gets the memo of who she belongs to in her head, then that’s what I‘ll do. ❞
✨if you want the perfect combination between dark and sweet, spicy and suspenseful. a page turner, and good writing
this is your book.
Maxim and Sophia are sooo perfect together.
She knows how to push his buttons, she's so strong-headed that he push back as much. 🤣
I loved how persistent maxim was all along the book . He wanted her , so he got her. How he showed her how beautiful she was with actions and his " sweet" words.
He powered through her walls and insecurities and made a queen out of them.
❝ You are the strongest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I won’t pretend I’m not anything more than a villain, Sophia. But you never have to worry about me making you feel that way. You are the most precious person in my life, and I’ll spend every day putting all the broken pieces back together again. ❞
I highly recommend it. Can't wait to read the second book and always grateful for this opportunity to ARC it.
August 13, 2022
Okay so I hate cliffhangers but I really enjoyed this book!!!
Sophia is a hard working woman she has no time for men that her sister sets up. She already had her heart broken and self-esteem trashed by the ex. But a break in doctors office has her face to face with Maxim and his bleeding brother she's forced to help him but she also learns her dead father worked for them. Shocked and angry she wants nothing to do with them. But mister Max isn't going to let her go now that he's been around her. There relationship is hot and cold Max does try to keep her at arms length but that doesnt work. As for Sophia she tries many many many times to push him away.
Like I did get annoyed at how many times she tells him to leave nothing happen even after they sleep together.. THE SPICE!! MAXXXX!!
Bless Max never gave up even when he had lunch with her family. Beside that there is some mess with other families and a certain ex who drops by. More secerts are out. As for the cliffhangers 😠😠😠😠😠
You better watch yourself Luca.
Slight om drama , no cheating (h ex cheated on her), secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowinsta
29h/37H
Violence
Push away from both more h
Fat phobic
Mention rape
Mention abuse
Edge play
Safe sex
Death of a loved one
Murder
Cliffhanger
Sophia is a hard working woman she has no time for men that her sister sets up. She already had her heart broken and self-esteem trashed by the ex. But a break in doctors office has her face to face with Maxim and his bleeding brother she's forced to help him but she also learns her dead father worked for them. Shocked and angry she wants nothing to do with them. But mister Max isn't going to let her go now that he's been around her. There relationship is hot and cold Max does try to keep her at arms length but that doesnt work. As for Sophia she tries many many many times to push him away.
Like I did get annoyed at how many times she tells him to leave nothing happen even after they sleep together.. THE SPICE!! MAXXXX!!
Bless Max never gave up even when he had lunch with her family. Beside that there is some mess with other families and a certain ex who drops by. More secerts are out. As for the cliffhangers 😠😠😠😠😠
You better watch yourself Luca.
Slight om drama , no cheating (h ex cheated on her), secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowinsta
29h/37H
Violence
Push away from both more h
Fat phobic
Mention rape
Mention abuse
Edge play
Safe sex
Death of a loved one
Murder
Cliffhanger
July 3, 2022
ARC review
Sofia is a doctor who is having a rough time of life. Her ex is an asshole, shes a workaholic, and her family is pushing her to date. One night her clinic's alarm goes off and she finds a bleeding man and his brother (Maxim) inside. Soon she learns that they are Bratva and her life is turned upside down.
There were too many uses of the 'what have I gotten into?' internal dialogue, from both characters. Her because she was suddenly involved with a professional unaliver, and him because he didn't know what had come over him and that Sofia was bringing out a side of him 'he never knew existed'.
Loved that Sofia was a plus size woman, but I really hate the 'my ex hurt my confidence and now I don't feel worthy' trope.
Some of the spice and kink was really hot, but everything sex wise happened way too fast. It was a lot of build up and only a little bit of action. The same thing happened in a few other places too. If you're gonna write a torture scene, make it detailed and brutal, not like you're writing a list of body parts being removed.
Their immediate attraction was cute, but Maxim claiming her upon gazing at her was a little much, in my opinion. But their relationship evolution was pretty sweet.
I don't usually like one POV over the other, but I really enjoyed Maxims POV more than Sofias.
There were some plot holes, even small things that had me really confused or took me out of the scene. Like, he put something in her butt, but it was never explained what, just that it was there. Then in a torture scene there was a metal box, with scratching sounds, that made a mercenary piss himself? I understand in books you have to let the reader have a bit of imagination, but flat out vaguery is obnoxious.
Minor notes:
One use of 'beast' instead of breast, same with the singular use when it should have been plural.
Some really weird grammar and language mistakes throughout. Same with situational errors, like hand and body positioning.
Overall, not the greatest. The book ended with a cliffhanger which was super intense and sad, but the rest was kind of flat.
Sofia is a doctor who is having a rough time of life. Her ex is an asshole, shes a workaholic, and her family is pushing her to date. One night her clinic's alarm goes off and she finds a bleeding man and his brother (Maxim) inside. Soon she learns that they are Bratva and her life is turned upside down.
There were too many uses of the 'what have I gotten into?' internal dialogue, from both characters. Her because she was suddenly involved with a professional unaliver, and him because he didn't know what had come over him and that Sofia was bringing out a side of him 'he never knew existed'.
Loved that Sofia was a plus size woman, but I really hate the 'my ex hurt my confidence and now I don't feel worthy' trope.
Some of the spice and kink was really hot, but everything sex wise happened way too fast. It was a lot of build up and only a little bit of action. The same thing happened in a few other places too. If you're gonna write a torture scene, make it detailed and brutal, not like you're writing a list of body parts being removed.
Their immediate attraction was cute, but Maxim claiming her upon gazing at her was a little much, in my opinion. But their relationship evolution was pretty sweet.
I don't usually like one POV over the other, but I really enjoyed Maxims POV more than Sofias.
There were some plot holes, even small things that had me really confused or took me out of the scene. Like, he put something in her butt, but it was never explained what, just that it was there. Then in a torture scene there was a metal box, with scratching sounds, that made a mercenary piss himself? I understand in books you have to let the reader have a bit of imagination, but flat out vaguery is obnoxious.
Minor notes:
One use of 'beast' instead of breast, same with the singular use when it should have been plural.
Some really weird grammar and language mistakes throughout. Same with situational errors, like hand and body positioning.
Overall, not the greatest. The book ended with a cliffhanger which was super intense and sad, but the rest was kind of flat.
July 17, 2022
Omg YC why you gotta do me like that! Maxim and Sophia are hot! Plus size babe fighting for her right to love herself and be loved by the hot ass Mafia Boss! It was sexy, badass, toxic and I cannot wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.
July 25, 2022
I was super excited to read this book when I heard about it. It had all the elements that would have made it my kind of book, but sadly there were some things that I didn’t enjoy that much and it felt like it was lacking something for me.
I loved the heroine how she was a curvy, intelligent woman, a doctor who didn’t succumb easily in the hero’s web. Although we got to give it to our mafia boss hero for being quite persistent with his love quest towards her.
Some of the things I didn’t enjoy were the insta love and how rushed everything felt, the too many sex scenes when the plot and the characters didn’t give me as much suspense as I wished I would get with such book.
The ending was definitely intriguing and I feel like there’s potential for the series to get better, as this is a debut after all and I always feel in a series that the first one is not usually the best and it makes sense. I can’t wait to see the author up her game in the next ones.
I loved the heroine how she was a curvy, intelligent woman, a doctor who didn’t succumb easily in the hero’s web. Although we got to give it to our mafia boss hero for being quite persistent with his love quest towards her.
Some of the things I didn’t enjoy were the insta love and how rushed everything felt, the too many sex scenes when the plot and the characters didn’t give me as much suspense as I wished I would get with such book.
The ending was definitely intriguing and I feel like there’s potential for the series to get better, as this is a debut after all and I always feel in a series that the first one is not usually the best and it makes sense. I can’t wait to see the author up her game in the next ones.
July 7, 2022
I knew it, I fucking knew where that was headed but did I listen to myself? No. So my fucking heart ended up beating so hard it ripped out of my damn chest. UGH. That cliffhanger is making me stabby!
Primal was a SOLID mafia romance and, as with any mafia romance worth it’s weight in salt, it has a HEFTY trigger list so please make sure you pay attention before diving in! There were a few things that I wasn’t a huge fan of but they were all personal preferences. The main one being that I’m not a huge fan of insta-love & their relationship was very close to insta-love and 100% insta-lust. I also found it slightly saddening that Sofia (FMC) is supposed to be this badass plus-size doctor babe but is constantly tearing her body apart and putting herself down because of her weight. I understand where those thoughts were coming from based off of her background but I just couldn’t get past the “he belongs with someone better” comments almost every time they fucked.
I would definitely still recommend Primal tho! As I said it’s a solid mafia romance and I now need book two asap because I’m invested haha! (Also wanted to add that I’m super impressed since this is the author’s first release!! I’ve found a lot of first time author’s sex scenes can be a tad bit less steamy… Let’s just say was not the case with Y.C.’s and you’re in for a real treat.)
Primal was a SOLID mafia romance and, as with any mafia romance worth it’s weight in salt, it has a HEFTY trigger list so please make sure you pay attention before diving in! There were a few things that I wasn’t a huge fan of but they were all personal preferences. The main one being that I’m not a huge fan of insta-love & their relationship was very close to insta-love and 100% insta-lust. I also found it slightly saddening that Sofia (FMC) is supposed to be this badass plus-size doctor babe but is constantly tearing her body apart and putting herself down because of her weight. I understand where those thoughts were coming from based off of her background but I just couldn’t get past the “he belongs with someone better” comments almost every time they fucked.
I would definitely still recommend Primal tho! As I said it’s a solid mafia romance and I now need book two asap because I’m invested haha! (Also wanted to add that I’m super impressed since this is the author’s first release!! I’ve found a lot of first time author’s sex scenes can be a tad bit less steamy… Let’s just say was not the case with Y.C.’s and you’re in for a real treat.)
January 23, 2024
It was short and rushed. It was unrealistic in the sense that mans got shot in the stomach and didn’t do anything about it for two hours including not putting pressure on it and beating/torturing somebody. Then afterwards he drove back to sophia’s apartment and that’s when he felt the bloodloss? It was described that from sure will that he didn’t pass out. Okay yeah sure. ALSO the freaking fact that they would go ONE round and pass the fuck out. I mean legit black out. After one orgasm. Out like a lamp. Blood loss with a gunshot wound in the stomach won’t get you but one round of sex will.
And then another problem I had was that the last several pages was rushed. I get that it’s a kindle unlimited book but jeez. There’s so much better stuff out there. And better body positivity out there too for plus size FMC. The author also randomly threw in other woman drama for like a page and we didn’t even see this happening from Sophia’s pov? It was just thrown in there. And at the end she gets kidnapped to make you want to read the next book. This all happened within 20 pages. It’s bad man.
Sorry not sorry for rant. I just wasted 200 pages worth of my time.
And then another problem I had was that the last several pages was rushed. I get that it’s a kindle unlimited book but jeez. There’s so much better stuff out there. And better body positivity out there too for plus size FMC. The author also randomly threw in other woman drama for like a page and we didn’t even see this happening from Sophia’s pov? It was just thrown in there. And at the end she gets kidnapped to make you want to read the next book. This all happened within 20 pages. It’s bad man.
Sorry not sorry for rant. I just wasted 200 pages worth of my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
So to preface this review, im currently alpha reading for another first time mafia author and I’ve spent the last few days critiquing her book. So while I was reading this… I couldn’t help but to do the same here.
I feel like the story started out so good & I really liked the MMC. I feel like he was the perfect mafia king. But there were a lot of instances where I feel like the story could’ve been improved. I kept thinking of ways I could’ve helped the author make it better. And that’s on me for alpha reading a similar style book right before this buttttt I just feel like this could’ve been a 5 star read had there been some tweaks. Mostly dialogue. Repeating phrases- like she calls him an ape like 4 times. Some of the spicy scenes were fantastic while others were too quick/ or the details didn’t match up.
The core part of this story was a great idea & I think with more experience, this author could be capable of writing some amazing work.
3 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
I feel like the story started out so good & I really liked the MMC. I feel like he was the perfect mafia king. But there were a lot of instances where I feel like the story could’ve been improved. I kept thinking of ways I could’ve helped the author make it better. And that’s on me for alpha reading a similar style book right before this buttttt I just feel like this could’ve been a 5 star read had there been some tweaks. Mostly dialogue. Repeating phrases- like she calls him an ape like 4 times. Some of the spicy scenes were fantastic while others were too quick/ or the details didn’t match up.
The core part of this story was a great idea & I think with more experience, this author could be capable of writing some amazing work.
3 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
August 17, 2022
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
August 18, 2024
My current book boyfriend is a 🥵 m@fia boss named Maxim, and I’m absolutely obsessed!
If you’re into possessive, dirty-talking, ‘touch her & ☠️’ vibes, you NEED to read this now!
If you’re into possessive, dirty-talking, ‘touch her & ☠️’ vibes, you NEED to read this now!
September 19, 2023
Its the first half of a book, ends on a cliffhanger. Love all the little Russian phrases throughout, but I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed enough to read on.
April 20, 2023
“Don’t you fucking dare ever cover up in front of me again. You’re perfect, milaya. Every single piece of you is perfect.”
Primal by YC Perez was a quick fire, fast paced, instalust mafia romance. The FMC Sophia is one I immediately clicked with and related to. She is plus size and has spent a lot of time and energy into repairing what the past has done to her sense of self worth, confidence, and her love of her body. She repeats positive affirmations constantly but she does have moments where old thoughts and insecurities creep in. But enter the MMC Maxim who makes it his mission to shower her in affection and help her understand what a queen she is and how beautiful she is. He loves her just as she is and anytime she has a vulnerable moment where an intrusive thought pops in her head he is quick to shut that shit down. I loved that so fucking much. Plus this couple has excellent push and pull/give and take. Their verbal battles are sometimes cute, sometimes funny, and sometimes sexy. Sophia isn’t one to take anyone’s shit much less the head of the Bratva and I loved seeing seeing how addicted Maxim became to being told off by her. By the end he knows if she wasn’t putting him in his place then something was wrong. He also has major “hurt her and I’ll end you” vibes.
𝙃𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙚. 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨. “𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
I flew through this book because I found myself invested in this couple. The mafia bits played in the background but the little scenes we got were action packed and bloody. But compared to the romance it did fade a bit into the background which makes sense because Maxim is determined to keep Sophia out of that side of his life.
If you are looking to get a taste of dark or mafia romances, I think this one would be a good one to start with. It’s short, easy to follow, and has a couple with great chemistry.
4.5⭐️ 4🔥
What to expect:
Plus size FMC
Mafia romance
MMC is head of Russian Mafia
Choking
Spanking
Hair pulling
He falls first
Insta-lust
Toys
Squirting
Rough sex
“Who hurt you”
TWs: guns/shooting, side character gets physically abused by her father (not on page but we see the aftermath), violence, quick discussion of past abusive relationships and battle with an eating disorder (anorexia), kidnapping of a MC (not by the other MC), fatphobia towards FMC by side characters, scene of torture/discussion of past torture
Primal by YC Perez was a quick fire, fast paced, instalust mafia romance. The FMC Sophia is one I immediately clicked with and related to. She is plus size and has spent a lot of time and energy into repairing what the past has done to her sense of self worth, confidence, and her love of her body. She repeats positive affirmations constantly but she does have moments where old thoughts and insecurities creep in. But enter the MMC Maxim who makes it his mission to shower her in affection and help her understand what a queen she is and how beautiful she is. He loves her just as she is and anytime she has a vulnerable moment where an intrusive thought pops in her head he is quick to shut that shit down. I loved that so fucking much. Plus this couple has excellent push and pull/give and take. Their verbal battles are sometimes cute, sometimes funny, and sometimes sexy. Sophia isn’t one to take anyone’s shit much less the head of the Bratva and I loved seeing seeing how addicted Maxim became to being told off by her. By the end he knows if she wasn’t putting him in his place then something was wrong. He also has major “hurt her and I’ll end you” vibes.
𝙃𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙚. 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨. “𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
I flew through this book because I found myself invested in this couple. The mafia bits played in the background but the little scenes we got were action packed and bloody. But compared to the romance it did fade a bit into the background which makes sense because Maxim is determined to keep Sophia out of that side of his life.
If you are looking to get a taste of dark or mafia romances, I think this one would be a good one to start with. It’s short, easy to follow, and has a couple with great chemistry.
4.5⭐️ 4🔥
What to expect:
Plus size FMC
Mafia romance
MMC is head of Russian Mafia
Choking
Spanking
Hair pulling
He falls first
Insta-lust
Toys
Squirting
Rough sex
“Who hurt you”
TWs: guns/shooting, side character gets physically abused by her father (not on page but we see the aftermath), violence, quick discussion of past abusive relationships and battle with an eating disorder (anorexia), kidnapping of a MC (not by the other MC), fatphobia towards FMC by side characters, scene of torture/discussion of past torture
August 29, 2022
Primal by @ycperezauthor review
First off I just want to say that I am absolutely in love with this book. This is my first book from this author and it will definitely not be the last book of hers I read.
Please check TW before reading this book.
I loved reading about Maxim and Sophia. When Sophia is getting ready for her date she gets a call that the security alarm at her clinic has been triggered. What she doesn't expect to happen is to find two handsome strangers in her medical clinic and one with a gunshot wound.
Maxim the blond, with the icy blue eyes catches her attention. But, he is a jerk and has a horrible attitude and he is really bossy. Sophia catches Maxim attention because she is curvy, she has red hair. I can not get over the push and pull that Sophia and Maxim have with each other. I also can't get over how obsessed Maxim became with Sophia. I wish someone was that obsessed with me.
First of that ending is going to make me go crazy. I can't be left on that cliffhanger because I need to know answers.
#bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #bookshelf #bookreview #bookreviews #bookreviewer #darkromance #darkromancebooks #mafiaromance
First off I just want to say that I am absolutely in love with this book. This is my first book from this author and it will definitely not be the last book of hers I read.
Please check TW before reading this book.
I loved reading about Maxim and Sophia. When Sophia is getting ready for her date she gets a call that the security alarm at her clinic has been triggered. What she doesn't expect to happen is to find two handsome strangers in her medical clinic and one with a gunshot wound.
Maxim the blond, with the icy blue eyes catches her attention. But, he is a jerk and has a horrible attitude and he is really bossy. Sophia catches Maxim attention because she is curvy, she has red hair. I can not get over the push and pull that Sophia and Maxim have with each other. I also can't get over how obsessed Maxim became with Sophia. I wish someone was that obsessed with me.
First of that ending is going to make me go crazy. I can't be left on that cliffhanger because I need to know answers.
#bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #bookshelf #bookreview #bookreviews #bookreviewer #darkromance #darkromancebooks #mafiaromance
November 6, 2023
WTF was that endingggggggggg!!! The writng in this book was giving very wattpad, the pacing was off???? but I will say the spice was definitely spicing!!!!
July 24, 2022
4.5✨
~~~
“I’m not sure if the universe placed you in my life to be my destruction or my savior, milaya,” I tell her while looking into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Only time will tell, mi amor.”
~~~
Sometimes love stories aren’t all fairytales and roses. Sometimes they’re dark, twisted, and weigh on your morals.
Sophia is a doctor who runs her own clinic, Maxim is the youngest Pakhan in the history of the Bratva, the Russian mafia.
When their lives collide, everything changes for both of them.
{Please check TWs before reading this book!}
~~~
Okay so! Where to start? This isn’t the kind of books I usually read because I’m not really into mafia romances, but the plot seemed very interesting and let me tell you I was not disappointed!
This is the story of Sophia and Maxim, two very stubborn and passionate characters, who come from totally different worlds and backgrounds but who end up falling for each other despite their differences.
I wasn’t really crazy about Maxim being so possessive, but that’s just a personal preference. What I liked, though, was Sophia’s response to his possessiveness, her fierceness and stubbornness really made me love her character.
I also really liked that Sophia is a plus-sized woman like myself, because we don’t get enough representation 🥲 I could totally relate to her insecurities and I really appreciated Maxim’s ways to show her how wrong she is not to love her body, if you know what I mean 👀🔥 This book was ✨steamy✨ and when I tell you that the spicy scenes between Sophia and Maxim were SO good, I mean it.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! The plot is interesting and fast paced, the protagonists are well characterized, and the cliffhanger will make you beg for book 2!
~
Thank you so much YC Perez for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your debut novel, I loved every second of it!❤️
~~~
“I’m not sure if the universe placed you in my life to be my destruction or my savior, milaya,” I tell her while looking into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Only time will tell, mi amor.”
~~~
Sometimes love stories aren’t all fairytales and roses. Sometimes they’re dark, twisted, and weigh on your morals.
Sophia is a doctor who runs her own clinic, Maxim is the youngest Pakhan in the history of the Bratva, the Russian mafia.
When their lives collide, everything changes for both of them.
{Please check TWs before reading this book!}
~~~
Okay so! Where to start? This isn’t the kind of books I usually read because I’m not really into mafia romances, but the plot seemed very interesting and let me tell you I was not disappointed!
This is the story of Sophia and Maxim, two very stubborn and passionate characters, who come from totally different worlds and backgrounds but who end up falling for each other despite their differences.
I wasn’t really crazy about Maxim being so possessive, but that’s just a personal preference. What I liked, though, was Sophia’s response to his possessiveness, her fierceness and stubbornness really made me love her character.
I also really liked that Sophia is a plus-sized woman like myself, because we don’t get enough representation 🥲 I could totally relate to her insecurities and I really appreciated Maxim’s ways to show her how wrong she is not to love her body, if you know what I mean 👀🔥 This book was ✨steamy✨ and when I tell you that the spicy scenes between Sophia and Maxim were SO good, I mean it.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! The plot is interesting and fast paced, the protagonists are well characterized, and the cliffhanger will make you beg for book 2!
~
Thank you so much YC Perez for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your debut novel, I loved every second of it!❤️
July 6, 2022
I didn't realize I needed a Russian mafia romance at the moment. But need it I did. If you want a slow burn romance, this ain't it. I swear this book was on GO the second Maxim and Sophia locked eyes.
Who are Maxim and Sophia you ask? I SHALL TELL YOU. Ladies first...Sophia is a doctor and the head of her own clinic. Much too busy for blind dates but her meddling ass sister who can't mind her own fooking love life keeps setting her up for some anyways. She is a Hispanic, plus size, intelligent beauty who shouldn't settle for anything less than what she wants. Even if her own brain sometimes spews negative bs at her sometimes. Maxim is the head of the Russian mafia. That's all that is required of him. I'M KIDDING (maybe). For a man who didn't want to show love or affection because it was a weakness and he already had enemies (Of course he does. He's the head of the mafia. That comes with the territory), he sure af claimed Sophia crazy fast and had no problem showing her how much he loved that body ody ody. (Yes I'm a fool. That also comes with the territory). Side note...where does one sign up for Russian terms of endearment because that is hot and I'd like it twice please and thank you.
The book does end on a cliffhanger. A deal breaker for some but not for me (I mean sometimes it is..but not this time). For the most part I read this book in one sitting so I'm up for the next one.
Who are Maxim and Sophia you ask? I SHALL TELL YOU. Ladies first...Sophia is a doctor and the head of her own clinic. Much too busy for blind dates but her meddling ass sister who can't mind her own fooking love life keeps setting her up for some anyways. She is a Hispanic, plus size, intelligent beauty who shouldn't settle for anything less than what she wants. Even if her own brain sometimes spews negative bs at her sometimes. Maxim is the head of the Russian mafia. That's all that is required of him. I'M KIDDING (maybe). For a man who didn't want to show love or affection because it was a weakness and he already had enemies (Of course he does. He's the head of the mafia. That comes with the territory), he sure af claimed Sophia crazy fast and had no problem showing her how much he loved that body ody ody. (Yes I'm a fool. That also comes with the territory). Side note...where does one sign up for Russian terms of endearment because that is hot and I'd like it twice please and thank you.
The book does end on a cliffhanger. A deal breaker for some but not for me (I mean sometimes it is..but not this time). For the most part I read this book in one sitting so I'm up for the next one.
July 17, 2022
Sass and Spicy
I was so happy to be chosen for an ARC copy of this book, and it did not disappoint! Perez’s debut was both sassy and spicy! Two of my favourite things! Maxim is a passive alpha-hole who doesn’t take crap from anyone, except the every lovely and strong Sophia, I love that she is a plus-sized main character and and doctor. Their back and forth, witty repartee is excellent! I am excited for book two!
There is a super helpful glossary in the front of the book that helps with Spanish and Russian words in the book! I loved the side plot for his brother and his girl and how it intertwined with the main plot. Her family is problematic and the way they treat her, I think is relatable to a lot of plus-sized ladies. There are a few fade to black scenes (Sad, I know) but there is plenty of spice! The only thing that stops me from giving a full 5 stars is that there were some parts of the story that did feel rushed…slow down kravastia, give us more!
Can’t wait for book two!
I was so happy to be chosen for an ARC copy of this book, and it did not disappoint! Perez’s debut was both sassy and spicy! Two of my favourite things! Maxim is a passive alpha-hole who doesn’t take crap from anyone, except the every lovely and strong Sophia, I love that she is a plus-sized main character and and doctor. Their back and forth, witty repartee is excellent! I am excited for book two!
There is a super helpful glossary in the front of the book that helps with Spanish and Russian words in the book! I loved the side plot for his brother and his girl and how it intertwined with the main plot. Her family is problematic and the way they treat her, I think is relatable to a lot of plus-sized ladies. There are a few fade to black scenes (Sad, I know) but there is plenty of spice! The only thing that stops me from giving a full 5 stars is that there were some parts of the story that did feel rushed…slow down kravastia, give us more!
Can’t wait for book two!
July 17, 2022
Wowowowoow that ending!!!! But wait, let me start from the beginning. I received this ARC in return for a review. I read the first few chapters and could tell it was good but wasn’t in the reading mood, and this is where the amazing author came in. She added a playlist and I decided to listen to it on repeat a few times to get hyped, and it really worked. The playlist really got me excited about the story and so I dove back in, re-read the first few chapters and was hooked! This book was amazing, I loved the development of the story and characters (not too fast not too slow) and I also loved the plot and tension of the situation. Maxim and Sophia were easy to obsess over from the beginning but both of their growth personally and together was effortless! Such good writing! And now to that ending like I said at the beginning wowowow I usually have a love hate relationship with cliff hangers but this was amazing in the best and worst way so dark and yet so hopeful! I can’t wait for the next book!
November 19, 2022
This is a relatively easy mafia read between the head of the Russian mafia and a girl that just inherited her dads responsibility being his personal doctor.
I found the main premise of this book really enjoyable, I think the doctor/mobster dynamic is a very underrated trope and works really well. I think the story was set up well with no plot holes and I enjoyed the secondary characters. I enjoyed the smut but just wished the actual sex scenes lasted longer and was more detailed.
For me I just couldn’t connect with the two MCs as a couple and that’s not on the writing at all as this was really well written for a debut book!
For my personal taste there was just abit too much push and pull for me. The whole “you don’t own me” “yes I do” got abit reparative. However the fmc on her own was interesting and I liked her personality as a individual. I just would have liked to have seen more romance and believed in the love story more in the beginning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶🌶🌶
Curvy fmc
Bravta
Red head fmc
Spanking
A lot of push and pull
I found the main premise of this book really enjoyable, I think the doctor/mobster dynamic is a very underrated trope and works really well. I think the story was set up well with no plot holes and I enjoyed the secondary characters. I enjoyed the smut but just wished the actual sex scenes lasted longer and was more detailed.
For me I just couldn’t connect with the two MCs as a couple and that’s not on the writing at all as this was really well written for a debut book!
For my personal taste there was just abit too much push and pull for me. The whole “you don’t own me” “yes I do” got abit reparative. However the fmc on her own was interesting and I liked her personality as a individual. I just would have liked to have seen more romance and believed in the love story more in the beginning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶🌶🌶
Curvy fmc
Bravta
Red head fmc
Spanking
A lot of push and pull
July 13, 2022
Ughhh, for a debut this was very good. I devoured this book in one sitting and was drawn in and caught up in the whirlwind that is Maxim and Sophia's love story.
I initially found the insta-love/lust is a little confusing. They go from being strangers to Maxim internally claiming her as his almost instantly which didn't seem realistic. It felt very quick and I would have preferred more of a build up, more angst and sexual tension but once they both just gave in to one another, ooft. The spice is spicy and the dirty talk is 🥵
The way Max worships Sophia's body is sexy as hell. We love a plus sized queen and the way he reminds her what an absolute goddess she is, is everything. And the little nicknames in russian are cute AF but then she returns the gesture and calls him Mi Amor had me falling even more for this couple.
I love that Sophia isn't some wilting little flower who just does as she is told. She is a whole grown badass woman who stands up for herself and doesn't let him intimidate her or extinguish her fiery nature. It's one of the things he loves most about her and I love that for her. Maxim also doesn't shy away from who he is and reminds Sophia that he is a villian but she loves him anyway, just like he deserves.
I hope the second book is on it's way cos that ending was no freaking joke and I'm *on edge* 💀
I initially found the insta-love/lust is a little confusing. They go from being strangers to Maxim internally claiming her as his almost instantly which didn't seem realistic. It felt very quick and I would have preferred more of a build up, more angst and sexual tension but once they both just gave in to one another, ooft. The spice is spicy and the dirty talk is 🥵
The way Max worships Sophia's body is sexy as hell. We love a plus sized queen and the way he reminds her what an absolute goddess she is, is everything. And the little nicknames in russian are cute AF but then she returns the gesture and calls him Mi Amor had me falling even more for this couple.
I love that Sophia isn't some wilting little flower who just does as she is told. She is a whole grown badass woman who stands up for herself and doesn't let him intimidate her or extinguish her fiery nature. It's one of the things he loves most about her and I love that for her. Maxim also doesn't shy away from who he is and reminds Sophia that he is a villian but she loves him anyway, just like he deserves.
I hope the second book is on it's way cos that ending was no freaking joke and I'm *on edge* 💀
July 16, 2022
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
I tried to like this dark, mafia romance novel, but I couldn't say I liked it, much less enjoyed it.
The writing was generic and rather bland. I went through this expecting it to be better, but I couldn't find anything interesting until the very end. Nothing, not even the plot, the characters, or the romance. Everything was pretty awful. I also noticed a few typos and felt the writing could have been better.
Overall, I didn't like it, and I wasn't thrilled with the cliffhanger. I did, however, like the cover, and I believe that was the only thing I liked about this book. But I'd take a chance on this one. Hopefully, the following will be better.
I tried to like this dark, mafia romance novel, but I couldn't say I liked it, much less enjoyed it.
The writing was generic and rather bland. I went through this expecting it to be better, but I couldn't find anything interesting until the very end. Nothing, not even the plot, the characters, or the romance. Everything was pretty awful. I also noticed a few typos and felt the writing could have been better.
Overall, I didn't like it, and I wasn't thrilled with the cliffhanger. I did, however, like the cover, and I believe that was the only thing I liked about this book. But I'd take a chance on this one. Hopefully, the following will be better.
July 17, 2022
“𝕐𝕠𝕦'𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕠𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣.”
.
ARC Review
.
Primal is a dark mafia romance with insta love. Check trigger warnings before reading.
.
Sophia is supposed to be going on a date that her sister set her up for. But when the security alarm in her clinic goes off instead of the date she is going to see what is happening at the clinic. When she gets there she definitely doesn't expect to see Maxim, the mafia boss and his brother. And from that moment her life gets turned upside down.
.
I like this book. This is an insta love story when he fell first and he fell hard. The story is fast paced and I would love a little slower development, but I still enjoyed reading it. I knew about the cliffy and sort of knew what was going to happen but the last paragraph was super uncalled for and why would you do this to me? I'm definitely going to read the second book because I have some questions that I hope I'm going to get an answer to.
.
And once again I can't end this review without telling you that Maxim has a dimple.
.
ARC Review
.
Primal is a dark mafia romance with insta love. Check trigger warnings before reading.
.
Sophia is supposed to be going on a date that her sister set her up for. But when the security alarm in her clinic goes off instead of the date she is going to see what is happening at the clinic. When she gets there she definitely doesn't expect to see Maxim, the mafia boss and his brother. And from that moment her life gets turned upside down.
.
I like this book. This is an insta love story when he fell first and he fell hard. The story is fast paced and I would love a little slower development, but I still enjoyed reading it. I knew about the cliffy and sort of knew what was going to happen but the last paragraph was super uncalled for and why would you do this to me? I'm definitely going to read the second book because I have some questions that I hope I'm going to get an answer to.
.
And once again I can't end this review without telling you that Maxim has a dimple.
September 9, 2022
3.5⭐️
I loved how Sophia and Maxim’s world collide. He’s the Pakhan and now, against her wishes, she’s the Bravta’s on call doctor. She is feisty and constantly stands up to Maxim which he feeds off of. He’s never had a woman affect him this way so what does he do? Makes her his of course.
There’s a lot of back and forth between them. They both are struggling to accept the relationship between them but when they finally do the chemistry is so good. I love Maxim. He’s controlling and obsessive but his sarcastic attitude and playfulness had me swooning. She is so hot and cold with him for most of the book but by the end she realizes she’s in too deep and develops feelings for him.
A few things were a little muddy and a little too vague for me, I wanted more in depth spice and more of a look into Maxim’s dealings. But this cliffhanger has me impatiently waiting for the next book.
I loved how Sophia and Maxim’s world collide. He’s the Pakhan and now, against her wishes, she’s the Bravta’s on call doctor. She is feisty and constantly stands up to Maxim which he feeds off of. He’s never had a woman affect him this way so what does he do? Makes her his of course.
There’s a lot of back and forth between them. They both are struggling to accept the relationship between them but when they finally do the chemistry is so good. I love Maxim. He’s controlling and obsessive but his sarcastic attitude and playfulness had me swooning. She is so hot and cold with him for most of the book but by the end she realizes she’s in too deep and develops feelings for him.
A few things were a little muddy and a little too vague for me, I wanted more in depth spice and more of a look into Maxim’s dealings. But this cliffhanger has me impatiently waiting for the next book.
July 28, 2022
Ok yaaas! I will forever be obsessed with Mafia reads, especially Russian Mafia. Sophia and Maxim were such a fun couple, like literal perfection! I absolutely loved just how feisty she was and didn't just immediately fall for Maxim. But perhaps what I loved the most was this bad ass man, in the Russian Mafia took one look at Sophia and instantly fell in love.
They may have clashed at first but we all knew where it was going, or atleast we hoped it would go there. However, I think what we really need to talk about is that God Damn ending! I cannot believe we were left stranded like that, I am in desperate need of book two and I mean DESPERATE.
They may have clashed at first but we all knew where it was going, or atleast we hoped it would go there. However, I think what we really need to talk about is that God Damn ending! I cannot believe we were left stranded like that, I am in desperate need of book two and I mean DESPERATE.
July 19, 2023
Meh was a nice quick read ig
But it totally felt like i was reading a watpadd fanfiction or something
I didnt even highlight any quotes i just really wanted to get to the plot
The ending was shockingly bad i honestly thought it went so quick like they were dying to finish and get rid of the book
Hate the fact that we were also left on a cliff-hanger-but-not-really-cliff-hanger. Dont know how to explain that properly without revealing anything
But it totally felt like i was reading a watpadd fanfiction or something
I didnt even highlight any quotes i just really wanted to get to the plot
The ending was shockingly bad i honestly thought it went so quick like they were dying to finish and get rid of the book
Hate the fact that we were also left on a cliff-hanger-but-not-really-cliff-hanger. Dont know how to explain that properly without revealing anything
July 22, 2022
I need book 2 ASAP! I’m invested! I didn’t realize this was a duology.
This is a mafia romance, with a strong plus size heroine and possessive male. Maxim falls for Sophia at first sight. Their story is very well written and developed. Although they fall for each other quickly their relationship doesn’t feel rushed.
I really enjoyed book 1 and can’t wait for book 2.
This is a mafia romance, with a strong plus size heroine and possessive male. Maxim falls for Sophia at first sight. Their story is very well written and developed. Although they fall for each other quickly their relationship doesn’t feel rushed.
I really enjoyed book 1 and can’t wait for book 2.
August 2, 2023
We get it. She belongs to you.
I swear, this guy could say she belonged to him ten times in a single conversation, and still managed to say it in his inner monologue several times as well.
To describe the book as fast as possible: he would demand stuff of her, she would get mad, they would have sex constantly, she would be mad some more.
No plot.
No connection.
No depth.
Agh.
I swear, this guy could say she belonged to him ten times in a single conversation, and still managed to say it in his inner monologue several times as well.
To describe the book as fast as possible: he would demand stuff of her, she would get mad, they would have sex constantly, she would be mad some more.
No plot.
No connection.
No depth.
Agh.
July 2, 2024
It did the job.
Read
August 9, 2023The scenes were 😮💨😮💨
But a cliffhanger with no second book details even out yet?! I HATE IT HERE.
But a cliffhanger with no second book details even out yet?! I HATE IT HERE.
July 13, 2022
Give me all the Mafia, plus size heroines, he fell first vibes all day long!🥵
I mean Maxim😍🥵
I swear this book along with other Mafia books make me want a mafia man to come steal me away and make me feel these type of things🤣 seriously but not seriously if you know what I mean 😉
I mean Maxim😍🥵
I swear this book along with other Mafia books make me want a mafia man to come steal me away and make me feel these type of things🤣 seriously but not seriously if you know what I mean 😉
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