3.5 stars

This was super intense and hot. It starts out really fast paced and jumps right in. I like that Natalie’s bewildered by this crazy situation and rolls with it. She was stubborn and challenging and sometimes a bit too accepting but I liked her fire. Sevastyan is gruff, commanding, and all consuming, he's basically a complicated mess and I wanted to know why the entire time and loved learning anything about him. These two have a lot of push and pull together, crazy chemistry that's heat filled, and I thought they were intriguing. I was great watching them come together, it could be such a battle because of their personalities but also super passionate because they were drawn to each other.

The writing was really good with great character development overall. The pace was decent for me though on occasion some parts felt drawn out. This was about the same time I'd get frustrated with both Sevastyan and Natalie and want to yell at them because they could be a little over the top stubborn. There's mild drama with a very light suspense element, a lot of heat with some BDSM elements in play. I thought the sexy time scenes were well written and descriptive.

Overall I really liked the story. I was excited while reading and anxious for what was going to happen next. I loved the conflict waging inside Sevastyan and the personal battle he was facing. I'm a sucker for that "moment" when things click for the hero and this was a great one. The main theme throughout was intense and hot, definitely intriguing. It was a crazy good ride!

I’m not sure why I put this book off for so long, it’s not like Kresley Cole hasn’t proved herself to me over and over with her different genres. If you are new to her writing, let me tell you that this is probably one of her hottest (dirtiest?) stories that I’ve read of hers. Aleksandr could get anyone’s blood pumping with the things he does and talks about doing to Natalie. Plenty of Kresley’s usual snark and funny one-liners, a healthy dose of suspense, and major Alpha scenes from her Russian Mafia enforcer inside and outside of the bedroom. You will want your own private jet bedroom and a Russian sauna after reading this story, because holy smokes . . . you will need a cigarette for sure. Kresley does a great job with all of the characters; you are involved with their lives and backstories, plus you find yourself feeling Natalie’s emotions where Aleksandr is involved. Your heart will hurt for them both at some point but the end is so worth it.

Due to downloading difficulties, I was not able to read this book.