thoughts
Rating: 4
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
First time I've ever read anything by this author but after reading this one I will be checking out more of her books.And While this is the second book in a series I had no trouble understand what was going on with the story line or the main characters themselves. Plus this is one type of romance I always seem to go for which is where one of the main characters is either a cop,in the mob, or a solder. And they seem to be a bit dark and dangerous but in a good way. And the women are strong willed and smart and know what they want from the very start .With that said I want to thank the publishers for inviting me to read and review it

This is my first Rhenna Morgan book that I've picked up but the story sounded like a dangerous story with a great romance in it, so I was eager to give it a try. I loved how the characters were crafted - and not just the main characters - they were given depth, vulnerablity and unique personalities that suited them and their stories well.

The story itself moved along at a good pace, even if there were a few spots where you hoped for a little more information and the romance between Cassie and Vir was expertly crafted. While this one can be read as a standalone, I'm eager to go back and pick up the first once since I'm sure there are things that further connect the two when both are read.

Morgan's writing style was easy to read and fun. I loved Aunt Frieda especially as her attitude and sass was perfectly portrayed in the story while also not stealing the limelight from Cassie and Vir. This was a great story with a mystery that kept you wondering for quite a while and I definitely recommend it.

Hers to Tame
NOLA Knights #2
by Rhenna Morgan
4 stars
M/F Romance (mafia)

Hers to Tame is book two in the NOLA Knights series by Rhenna Morgan.
Is the second story in the spin-off series from Rhenna Morgan's Men of Haven books. This book takes off right from the ending of the first book. I highly recommend that you start with His to Defend, which tells Sergei and Evette's story.

Cassie is an beautiful, very determined lady intelligent, who faces trouble with and is independently resilient. Cassie, is a g 25 year old, reporting on an investigation of a series of events in the dark underworld, of Good Ole Nola. This has her her back into the direct line of the very Alph Kir Vasilek. Kir is one smoking hot guy....swoon worthy in every way. Cassie McClintock, knows he can’t stop thinking of her. Even though she has ghosted him.

Kir Vasilek, has been raised in the Russian mob, a member of Sergei's family residing in the USA, Fiercely devolved to his family also puts in some unscrupulous dark dealings. He is quite, with old fashioned manners, I have weakness for bad-boy, mafia-type guys...So he definitely grabbed my attention. The Russian accent alone will stop me in my tracks... He is also charismatic, possessive, and when these Russian Guys make up there minds you have no choice but fall under their hypnotic eyes.

“It was bad enough that he had a way with words, but paired with his accent and the sexy rumble of his voice, physical foreplay was a bonus more than a necessity."

“I am an honorable man, and—no matter my line of work or present affiliations—you will always be safe within my care”

A thrilling paced....passionately hot, mystery that focuses on family and ultimately loyalty. Well developed characters, I especially enjoyed Cassie’s aunt who adds some of the best comic timing with her banter, whit and humor.
It was brilliantly executed written storyline, that grab and hold your attention from start to finish.

I am definitely looking forward to what happens with Roman and Bonnie's story, in the next installment.

Thank you so much to Rhenna Morgan, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to read and review.

Remember when a French writer, Honore de Balzac says that; "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime."

It probably works as “behind every great mafia story, there is a great author and a sexy hero trying to keep his love-dovey safe,” for this novel. Hers to Tame is without exception It is the second book of Nola Knight written by Rhena Morgan which is going to be released in March 2020. The setting of the novel is very interesting. I barely read any mafia stories ever since I read Mario Puzo and his ‘The Godfather’ thing tho and to me those mafia guys are always portrayed in a sexy way – except for Clemenza and Luca Brasi in the Godfather LOL! But imagine those young Don Vito Corleone, Michael or Santino Corleone; aren’t they sexy? However, instead of taking those sexy Mediterranean mafias, Rhena Morgan portrays the Russian mafia.

Full review: https://literatureisliving.wordpress.com/2020/03/25/hers-to-tame-by-rhenna-morgan/

4.5 Stars The second book in the NOLA Knights, Hers to Tame, is a well delivered mafia romance.
Kir & Cassie are compelling characters and along with the engaging story and support cast made this a truly fabulous read. I recommend if you haven’t read this book and series yet, you jump in and grab your copy.

Well, I never imagined I’d be into a series about ‘honourable’ mobsters but I’m totally sold on this wonderfully escapist read.

The chemistry between the two main characters is incendiary from their first interaction to the close of the story. Cassie is a good reporter but it’s not what she really wants to do with her life. Having grown up in a home where only logic and academic excellence were rewarded , she was a black sheep. That experience has left her insecure about her worth and too frightened to pursue her dreams of being a photographer. Thank goodness for her aunt Freida who has her back no matter what and encourages her to step out of the shadow of her very uptight family. She’s determined to make it on her own in her second choice profession. Her sense of independence and commitment to her job come through in the first few chapters. Then that all changes.

Kir enters her life and turns it upside down and inside out. He’s the right hand man to the leader of one of the most powerful mafia families in New Orleans. A position he takes seriously and has much pride in, given the dark and difficult conditions of his past. He’s not a man who handles emotions very well, neither his own nor anyone else’s but he’s a man who’s determined to serve and protect those he loves. When Cassie enters that very small circle of affection, he embraces the opportunity to bring a piece of that light into his life.

Yes, I had to roll my eyes a few times at the crazy alpha moves and bold to the point of oppressive statements that sometimes came out of his mouth. However, they’re completely in context for the type of novel and the character that has been painted; even from the first book. Perhaps our determined and independent heroine falls a little too easily into his arms and accepts all the strings that come with living a life within ‘the family’ but I couldn’t help but enjoy the escapist drama.

Once again, the twists this story took surprised me a bit. I was convinced one particular character would be the key to the trouble but it went an entirely different way, one which was far more entertaining!

I enjoyed catching up with Evette and Sergei from Book 1 and I look forward to reading Roman’s story in book 3!

I was rather excited to sign up for this book when Harlequin emailed me about it. It seemed to me that it was a suspense/mystery/romance book. I haven’t read many of those because I tend to like just the straight up romances. However, a few months ago I read a mystery/romance book and really enjoyed reading it so I figured why not. I was excited to read it.

Cassie is a reporter. She had a in with Kir a Russian who has ties to the mafia, she thinks. While working with Kir she get romantically involved. She decides that she needs to cut ties so she does. However she wasn’t prepared to get back in contact with him. When she does all bets are off this time and she is in for a wild ride. To be honest up front. I was not a super fan of this book. I mean it was good and was pretty steamy but I was not a fan of the mafia, mystery, suspense sections. I wanted to like it. I mean it didn’t really affect my star rating of the book. I still gave it 4 stars.

Cassie spoke to me on a level. The whole trying to please her family. Her parents are both smart and so is her brother and here she went to school and became a reporter then at the end she decided to become a photographer. She lived her whole life trying to please her parents to no avail it would seem. She did have the support and love of her Aunt Frieda. I know what its like to live in the shadow of another family member. While it may not have been that for real, that is how I grew up feeling. My brother is smart and went to a prestegious college (Notre Dame) while I never finished Community College. My parents always supported me no matter what but I still always felt second best. With that being said I can relate to how Cassie’s family issues. I will defienely be reading some of the other books in this series.

Having just read His to Defend just prior to this book, I was excited to continue this series. Just as the blurb for the first book used the Russian word "vor", the blurb for this book uses "avtoritet", which means a person of significant authority. In this case, Kir Vasilek is Russian mob boss Sergei Petrovyh's right-hand man, and is closer than a brother to him. Kir would do anything for Sergei and for the rest of his family.

Agreeing to work with tv news anchor Cassie McClintock behind he scenes by sharing certain critical information with her, which will help to drive her career, leads to complications for Kir. The two shared a hot night together, but both agreed things between them would just be business. When Kir's family is threatened by a rival mob family, he goes to Cassie again. As Cassie begins investigating things in order to help Kir, sparks fly hotter than ever.

Kir's family ribs him that he just might have been bitten by the same bug that got Sergei. If so, what will he do about it? Furthermore, what will Cassie do when she realizes that her life will soon change forever?

I loved both books in this series, but this one had a sharper edge for me. Both books are ultra spicy, but considering the fact that Cassie was had a public image, I could not imagine how any chance for a future could be had. I loved the emotions the pair shared, the danger around every corner, the burning passion between them and the resolution of the ever-present conflicts.

Having devoured both books in the NOLA Knights series, I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy Mine to Keep, as I was clearly able to see who the characters would be in the story. I have no doubt I will devour that story as well.

Many thinks to Carina Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I really liked this one! The whole first half of this book had my heart acting all soft and gooey and my cheeks were blushing… like dang this book was some mushy chocolate velvet cake!!

First off Cassie is a really smart reporter (we love are smart girls) and she originally met Kir when she interviewed him for a story a few months back. Long story short the two shared some very lovely dinner/sexy steamy filled nights together before Cassie decided to screw her head back on and abandon her heart and not go on a third date with Kir. That being said their paths become intertwined again after Cassie decides she needs to dig up some more info (she’s in desperate need of a winning story) and Kir decides that he wouldn’t mind having a cute blonde around to help him solve some mysteries revolving around his mafia.

The second half got a little too marriage vibes, I will whisk you away to my house, marry me etc… I just thought it moved a little too fast here (it had only been four days) However I still loved Kir’s protectiveness and the way he treated Cassie was with respect and he really encouraged her to go after her dreams which I loved!!

Overall this was a really cute mafia themed romance that was rather low violence, and low angst for a mafia romance read (was not expecting that!) but I didn’t mind because it gave us a chance to focus on the great family dynamics, friendships, and romances developing throughout! I recommend this one to lovers of low angst romance and mafia themed romance!

**A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for an an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own**

With my love for adult romance novel’s on the rise, I knew HERS TO TAME was a must-read for me. Second chance romance, FTW! In addition, I have an unhealthy obsession with organized crime, so this was just a PERFECT bonus.

Just so you know, this is the second book in a series, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment in the slightest. But, I will for sure going back to read book one, HIS TO DEFEND, because I must know about Sergei! Below, find our more about HERS TO TAME, and check out my review!

First, I have to admit, HERS TO TAME is freaking HOT. The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts. Not knowing the full story behind their encounter at first, I was anticipating their reunion all the same.

As I mentioned, I have a soft spot or weakness if you will, for organized crime. Quite frankly, I loved getting into the story with Kir and how their organization is run within New Orleans. Naturally, we have murder & revenge here, and have both Kir and Cassie dive into the investigation was delightful!

Relationship wise, I loved how well Kir and Cassie balanced each other out. Both are stubborn, and Kir is nothing short of an alpha male, yet Cassie is not someone to be submissive. Yet, the idea of someone taking care of her, and bringing her into a family, hit her hard and was something that you can tell she needed.
I also loved that the angst was very low in this one. Tension, yes! But, I never got that dreadful feeling of something hindering their HEA, save for themselves, of course. Cassie had a tendency to get down and gloomy, she knew enough about herself to know what she wanted, and what she was able to handle. I love that.

We also get a lot of fun scenes with Kir’s family and Cassie’s aunt Frieda. These were lighter moments to balance out the tension of the storyline.

Actually, several parts are laugh out loud funny!

Overall, I really enjoyed HERS TO TAME. Full of intrigue, action, and a sexy alpha male, this one isn’t to miss!

This book would be perfect for romance lovers who don’t like dark romances but enjoy an alpha male. Kir and Cassie have an intense connection and I think the second chance romance aspect was a great choice for them. It made everything feel more realistic when things between them start moving at a quick pace. Kir’s family and Cassie’s Aunt brought so much to the story that I absolutely loved when they were on the page. Despite this being a mafia romance there was not a lot of action and the story definitely started dragging with all the talk and building of Cassie and Kir’s relationship. I appreciated when there was more people added to the story because it kept the momentum going. The end of the book did finally have the action I was hoping for but unfortunately it was mostly done off the page. Keep scrolling to read an excerpt and get a glimpse of the connection Kir and Cassie have.

Rhenna Morgan is one of the most intelligent authors I know and I always look forward to the release of her latest book. She is a consummate researcher, focusing on the details that make her characters jump off the page and into your heart. Which makes this book all the more exciting because some of my favorite Men of Haven characters make surprise cameos!!

Her NOLA Knights series is full of danger and suspense and “Hers to Tame” was so riveting that I read it twice!! I fell in love with Kir, the sexy, second in command to Sergei, who we met in “His to Defend.” Kir is fiercely loyal, devoted to his family and when it comes to Cassie, his love for her is powerful and everlasting. He is her protector, her confidant, and her forever, and he will stop at nothing to ensure her safety. He is a powerful, imposing man, who is also thoughtful, romantic and knows what he wants. Kir never forgot about the steamy nights he spent with Cassie and when she suddenly reappeared in his life on the night of his birthday, he knew that she was the only present he could have wished for. Cassie replays her nights with Kir with wistful longing, and she regrets how she left things, which is why she felt it necessary to apologize to him. Kir is the most handsome and magnetic man she had ever met and she was drawn to him in ways she could not explain. Their connection was magical and heartfelt, but it was also surrounded by danger and a life she didn’t really understand.

Can Cassie’s heart and mind agree to a life with Kir and all that it comes with?
Kir loves Cassie more than life itself, but will it ever be enough?

I don't read much in the mafia-type romance trope, but every once in a while, I'll hear about one that piques my interest. Such was the case with Hers to Tame, and I have to say that it did live up to its reputation. The story held my interest from the beginning with a good mix of terrific characters, fast-paced storyline, and even a bit of suspense. But the thing that most won me over was this couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Kir and Cassie. Their chemistry is off the charts and almost every time Kir speaks, I fell a little harder. This is part of a series, but it works just fine as a standalone, but I will say that I now feel the need to read the first book - not because I feel like something was missing here, but because I want more of this world. All in all, a seriously good read in the genre.

Set in the vibrant beauty of New Orleans, Rhenna Morgan's 'Hers to Tame' doesn't waste a moment; it gets right down to the action, while also giving us an acquaintance in Cassie and Kir that is already established (thank you, woman; there is so much nuance that lies beyond the initial push/pull of will they or won't they because yes they will and we all know it).
Cassie is a smart, strong lead whose voice jumps loudly off the page and she meets her match in Kir who is a tough (but good, in his way) guy.
A fantastic read for those who like their romance injected with a healthy dose of intrigue!

Hers To Tame is the second book in the NOLA Knights series. This delicious story is about a journalist (who plays by the rules – kind of) who falls for a Russian alpha male who makes his own rule.

This book is everything I enjoy in a romance novel. The story is interesting and captivating even if I felt it drag a couple of times. The twist at the end is one I did not see coming and always a nice surprise. I would have liked a bit more there, but the twist is still wonderfully well executed. The writing was enjoyable and easy to read despite Cassie’s fetish for words.

The chemistry between Cassie and Kir was present throughout the book. Kir is a true alpha male and a great character even if I felt like he did a 360 a bit fast, but seriously, he could teach a few things to all men in general. LOL The romance was steamy and worked for me. I highly recommend this book.

I’ll be honest and say that I did not realize it was the second book in the series when I started reading. Quite frankly, this book can be read as a standalone. I now know who the main characters were in the first book and a bit of their history. I’m excited to read about the next book. I did read the excerpt for the next book and let me say that I will be reading it for sure. The story starts strongly. Go and read the book first and prepare to fall in love with these characters. I also love Cassie’s aunt.

Cassie McClintock is trying to rebuild her career as a reporter by writing stories about a crime syndicate. She met a man from the syndicate who fed her information, but should she go down that path again?

Kir Vasilek is part of a syndicate along with his adopted family members. He is driven and he is very protective of the ones he loves. After a brutal murder of one of his own he reaches out to a reporter he worked with to see if she has any valuable information.

When Cassie and Kir meet again, sparks fly. Can they keep their business relationship just business? What happens when Cassie is threatened and Kir vows to protect her at all costs?

This was a fast paced mystery that focused on family and loyalty. I loved the mystery and also loved the characters, especially Cassie’s aunt who was so full of whit and humor. It was brilliantly written and I enjoyed the story. Thank you so much to Rhenna Morgan, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to read and review.

(3.5 stars rounded up)

While Hers to Tame is the second of the NOLA Knights series, I had no issue jumping in as a standalone. Morgan has brought New Orleans alive with lovable characters and a delicious, steamy second chance romance with a couple that just seem to fit. I loved that Morgan gave Cassie her moments to shine and secure her place in his family. Cassie was complex, but even with her flaws she the sort of heroine that you have no problem rooting for!

I enjoyed the romance between Kir and Cassie, though there was a curious lack of tension or obstacle. For the most part, the relationship was smooth sailing with little to prevent the two from getting their HEA. Additionally, for mafiya, Kir wasn’t the anti-hero I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, he was still swoon-worthy in his alpha moments and cloaked protective rage but I wish the dubious parts of his “business” had come up in a more concrete way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this contemporary romance! Frieda was by far my favorite character as she provided some very necessary comic relief and lightened Cassie’s gloomy thoughts. It seemed to me that Kir was doing more of the taming than Cassie but watching them build a solid foundation of trust was heartwarming. If you are looking for a lower angst, deliciously steamy read with an alpha that does all he can to protect his lady love, then this needs to be on your TBR!

I’m looking forward to reading Roman’s story next!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviews have been posted to Goodreads, Bookbub, Amazon (pending approval), and B&N

Hers to Tame is another amazing read by Rhenna Morgan. Once again we visit our Russian friends on the historic streets of New Orleans, getting to spend some time not only with the characters we can't get enough of but with the men and women who started it all. This story was done with great detail and had a solid storyline with Kir and Cassie; while also weaving in beloved characters from the Men of Haven series. Not many authors can pull off what has been done by Rhenna and make it look effortless. I can't wait to see what happens with Roman and Bonnie's story. Though, I know it will captivate us; just like all of the other books have in these two series.

I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Netgalley and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.

This is the 2nd book of a series. I did not read the first book and I didn't seem to have any trouble understanding what is going on.
Kir is a bodyguard/right hand man to one of the most powerful crime syndicates in New Orleans. He has stayed single for many years. He keeps a cool head no matter was is sent his way so he can protect those he loves. Cassie was the one who got away and she is now back into his life and he is making sure it stays that way. To say he is the bad boy is an understatement but Kir makes you feel like Cassie and his family are the most important things in the world and to keep Cassie in his life he will do anything. I loved getting to know his "family" and they make you want to be a part of it even though you know it is dangerous and your life will always be in danger being a part of them. They make you feel loved and important. I could not put this book down.

Kir doesn't do relationships, he doesn't want the commitment or to be tied to one woman. Until he meets Cassie that is. She can't help but be drawn to him, but with his mafia ties, she's frightened of getting too involved with him. Once they come into contact again she can't help but be drawn to him. Their relationship quickly goes from just starting out to full-on almost overnight.
On the whole, I like the relationship between Cassie and Kir. I'm not completely on board with overbearing men, which is certainly what Kir is. Cassie could give as good as she got most of the time, but he was a little bit much. The chemistry between them worked well and I liked them as a couple.
This is the first book in this, or the associated series, that I have read. I don't think it really mattered. The only point that I thought that more knowledge of the series might have helped was when the 'family' flew in to see them and there was talk of the wives and mothers. I had no idea who they were and not having already met them in previous books, for me they added nothing to the story.
I enjoyed Hers to Tame and would be more than happy to give the other books in the series a go.