Loved it
Loved it.. Although I would if liked it to be longer than it was... I wanted more .... But nevertheless I loved it....
Sofia: My wedding day. I should be elated. I’ll become Sofia Semenov, wife to Maxim Semenov, the Pakhan of the Semenov Bratva. But Maxim’s a complete stranger to me. He’s not a prince on a white horse. Maxim’s the ruthless devil in disguise. Hating him should be easy but when Maxim’s able to consume me with one lethal kiss, it's hard not to fall for the devil.
Maxim: A simple business transaction. That was all Sofia equated to. Her father promised me a different daughter but after a tragic shooting, I had to settle for Sofia instead. Sofia Bianchi is nothing what I expected. She’s beautiful and fierce, and it doesn’t take long for me to realize she’s fit to be my queen.
Excerpt:
One of Maxim’s men opened the heavy wooden doors. Sofia couldn’t see the crowd gathered there, given she was at the back of the line.
Someone handed her a bouquet of blood-red roses. The veil got in Sofia’s face once again, and she was tempted to take it off along with the ridiculous diamond tiara.
Only a little more, Sofia told herself. After this charade of a wedding was over, things would be easier, or so she hoped.
“Breathe,” Sofia whispered to herself.
The procession began. Since looking at the guests unnerved her, she decided on one focal point—the altar and the simple wooden cross looming above everything else in the church.
A wizened priest stood on the steps, and next to him stood Sofia’s future husband.
Maxim looked perfect in a tuxedo, just like he did in a suit and tie. His steel-colored gaze met hers, and Sofia’s breath hitched. Her heart hammered. Lorenzo soon took his place by Sofia’s side, but she hardly noticed his presence. He would drag Sofia to the altar if need be, Sofia knew, but she walked out of her accord.
Then it was only Maxim and Sofia standing in front of the priest.
Most of the time, Maxim’s expression was difficult to read, but standing this close, Sofia could see the vicious hunger in his eyes, and something else. A hint of cruelty.
Sofia’s pulse quickened. No man had ever looked at her the way he did. Most men Sofia passed on the street barely gave her another glance, but Maxim looked upon her like a feast.
Sofia shuddered. Her nipples tightened under her lace bra, and she felt moisture gather between her legs.
The veil got in her face again, and she desperately blew at the fabric. As the priest continued in his monotone voice, Maxim reached out and ripped the veil away, somehow keeping the tiara still poised on her head.
“Much better,” Maxim said, smiling.
Sofia shivered, and what little courage she’d managed to summon disappeared completely.
Loved it.. Although I would if liked it to be longer than it was... I wanted more .... But nevertheless I loved it....
This was quick, fun and a little bit steamy! Typical love story where a daughter has to marry the mafia in order to become allies. Maxim was arranged to be married to Lorenzo’s daughter, Aurora. When they were about to meet Maxim, they were ambushed, and Aurora protected her sister. Before her dying breath, she asked her to protect their family. Fast forward, since her sister is dead she has to marry Maxim. Sofia is the black sheep of the family but later on as the story progresses, she decided to marry Maxim. It was definitely short so there is not much character development. However, I did enjoy Sofia’s character because she was strong. If you want a short story, fast paced mafia romance then this one's for you. I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with an E-ARC. Know that this review and opinions are all mine.
A quick and steamy mafia romance?! I loved it! Sparks are flying immediately! This was what I expected from a mafia romance, I loved Sofia and how strong she was.
This was a new author for me . I never read anything from this author before but for the most part I really liked this book. I thought the whole story was amazing. I honestly didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with on the next book they write. I usually judge a book from the cover because for me it shows if it’s going to be interesting or not and I loved the book
Demented Devil is the story of Sofia Bianchi and Maxim Semenov. This arranged marriage starts out as a business transaction with the uniting of two families. But Maxim and Sofia have a spark from the beginning that only grows until it explodes between them. They are drawn to each other, even as they fight each other and their attraction. Maxim was not expecting Sofia in a lot of ways and she definitely was not expecting Maxim. But as Sofia starts to see things differently things become much more intimate between them. This is a short and entertaining read. The story-line is nicely crafted and the characters are both interesting, I loved Sofia and her strength. I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Demented devil was an delightful amazing wonderful dark romance story with entertaining characters
Sofia takes her sister's place in an arranged marriage after her sister dies. Sofia is unlike any woman Maxim has ever known and this has him drawn toward her even more. Sofia goes along with everything but its not long before she sees Maxim in a different light. Soon things heat up between them. Will this arranged marriage turn into something deeper between them? This is a great story and will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. It's a book that any book lover would enjoy.
A well written story that had good drama and a wonderful cast of characters. I loved their dynamic which I found intriguing and quite captivating. The story had a bit of suspense which heightened the drama. Nicely done.
Sophia's sister Aurora was supposed to marry Maxim, to united the two crime families. When her sister is taken out by a snipper, Sophia takes her sister place to wed Maxim. Sophia is used to being the disappointing sister, but steps into the role as Maxim's wife and does not disappoint him. Maxim is intrigued by Sophia, the attraction between them is hot. It is not long before Maxim is doing things to please his wife.
At first, I thought the plot of one sister taking the place of the other sister in an arranged marriage to save an alliance between powerful crime families was going to be a frustrating read. Usually, the FMC are all piss and vinegar, full of fight, making their situations harder than they have to be. These females usually know what is expected of them before going into the marriage. Heck, they are from crime families. Most books have the woman marrying for advantages, not for love. Yet, the character almost always get bratty and fight these exhausting battles. This story felt more . . . I don't know, idealistic to me. Sofia knew what situation last before her. She knew that part of her wanted to rant and rale, but also knew it would get her nowhere. It may even make Maxim be cruel or hate her. She chose to allow herself to see situations in a different perspective, this a different light. A house that could be just another prison, fortified and heavily guard; she chose to she as a palace that her husband wasn't to keep protect, a safe sanctuary for her. I appreciated this mindset in the characters because it is a short book, so it is fast-paced. Having characters that never said "I love you" or were overly loving right off the bat kept ensuring grounded. It allowed for the growth and development that would, I feel, naturally take place without that forced and fake feeling. I really enjoyed this book and hope there will be a story about Lev. That dark soul needs it.
Awesome bratva book! This was a great book! Wasn't sure if I was going to like it but Winter Sloane outdid herself. This is a great love story that doesn't start as a love story but as family obligations! Good book!
A story of mobsters where each one knows their role and fulfills it perfectly, easy to read with its dark scenes and its share of eroticism. Good characters and interesting plot
I've read several books written by Winter Sloane; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books. The story is about Sofia & Maxim; her father arranges their marriage after her sister gets killed. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
4 Stars for Demented Devil by Winter Sloane This is a new author for me so it was great to discover her work. What I loved : Quick read Mafia setting Arranged marriage Great characters in Sophia and Maxim Happily Ever After Great story !
brooding all the makings of a deliciously story that can be read in an hour or so
Great book loved it. The story was awesome
A fantastic, riveting read. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Will read more from this author.
A relatively short mafia, arranged marriage novella, filled with action, violence, and romance. A business transaction between Maxim and Sofia's father resulted in her father promising her hand in marriage to him - well, after the promised daughter was tragically ruled out. Definitely wasn't disappointed with this one - I really enjoyed it. I liked the interactions between Sofia and Maxim, and the development between them. They go from complete strangers to being in an arranged marriage to lovers. They definitely got something they didn't expect out of it - it was more than they expected. Everything is paced out and plays out really well. The storyline and the characters are developed really well, and the way everything plays out really holds your interest throughout. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Winter Sloane. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An alternative arranged marriage. Sofia nor Maxim expect to see each other in a different. She was not the woman he was supportive marry however he learns she is the right one. She did not want to get marry and was less than thrilled but she also realizes he isn’t what she expected.
My wedding day. I should be elated. I’ll become Sofia Semenov, wife to Maxim Semenov, the Pakhan of the Semenov Bratva. But Maxim’s a complete stranger to me. He’s not a prince on a white horse. Maxim’s the ruthless devil in disguise. I enjoyed this book. It was an exciting read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Maxim is ruthless, and the Pakham of the Semenov Bratva, and there is an arranged marriage in place as an alliance between two mafia families. Sofia’s sister was supposed to marry Maxim, but when tragedy strikes, she must take her sister’s place to save her family. This is a quick fast paced read, which has family, violence, action, turmoil, and mystery, which leads to an addictive page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a quick, Mafia arranged marriage romance. It follows Maxim and Sofia. While I would have loved for it to be a longer read it is still very enjoyable. I really liked Maxim and Sofia together; they had some really sweet moments.
Demented Devil by Winter Sloane I don't know how Winter Sloane does it. She turns oout book aafter amazing book. I have have read one I did not like that she wrote. The story and characters, Sofia and Maxim, are beautifully written and nicely developed. I ejoyed the journey and addition of secondary characters. This is an awesome read. A definite must have. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love mafia romances. Maxim and Sofia have an arranged marriage. Maxim did not think that he would fall for her. Good read and romance.
Demented Devil by Winter Sloane. I enjoyed the authors writing style and creativity in the complexity of her characters in this short fast paced story. Age gap romance with plenty of darkish drama, unexpected attraction for both Maxim and Sofia, and well-deserved HEA. I recommend this book and author to others.
This story begins with tragedy, a promise and an arranged marriage. The story is about Maxim, Russian Bratva, and Sophia, Italian mafia. She has fought hard to be separate from her family and to have her own life but not she must put family first. Maxim and her father are trying to bring the two families together and believe a marriage is the best course of action. However, not everyone wants to see this union happen. I love the characters. This is such a good read that I could not put down. I did not get the title because the Maxim, in my opinion, was not "demented" and was more like a big teddy bear when it came to his wife. The story has action, suspense, passion, steam, love, family and a touch of angst. She is so good to Maxim's brother even though most are terrorized by him. I hope there will be a book about Lev, he such a tortured soul.
Sofia was happy to be second in line. This meant she could do what she wanted. As a daughter of the Don, she didn't have to tow the line. After her sister gets killed it is up to her to take her place. She didn't want to. Max Maxime didn't want Sofia, but when he finds her fire and spark, he thinks he may have gotten the better person. Can they get along? Great read
Maxim and Sofia begin their life together as a result of an alliance between the Bratva and one of the Famiglia’s. While the book touches on some darkness, I don’t consider this a dark romance. The book is easy to read and is a great read. Like some of the other readers, I expected it to be a bit darker given the title, but the story does not disappoint!. I hope we hear more from this world and would love to read Lev’s story. This is the perfect book for those that love Mafia Romances, but have difficulty with the really dark aspects of some of them.
Sofia Bianci is the only one left to make the Alliance with Maxim Semenv the Pakhan of the Semenov Bratva. Since her sister Aurora was shot and killed. Maxim is intrigued with Sofia and he believes she's attracted to him also. They have a very steamy and lustful relationship and both have found love, loyalty and a partnership. I loved the story.
Sofia is not the bride he was promised but she is the girl that surprises him. This was a great read. I enjoyed it.
I liked the story as a whole. I felt that it ended abruptly. The characters connected and the plot line wasn’t disjointed. It was short and straight to the point.
Maxim & Sophia These two have an arranged marriage. However, these two soon start to have more than the required feelings for one another. Intense and enjoyable!
Powerful, emotional, and full of struggle. We can’t help who are family is, but love often keeps us hooked to them. From the first pages the struggles are real and raw. The promises made and fighting against the heart hook you to this story. Great book!
He wasn't depraved, don't worry people! Actually these two are very strong on their own but together? Yes! She is a great character and am so happy to see her happy through all that she's delt with. This man was getting a great deal when he married this woman. But it would turn out to be the perfect match for him. I felt for her, her dad should be the one feeling any pain. She was a strong woman and to have experienced loss is horrible but she came through everything with strength and her man.
Sofia was considered a disappointment to her father but when her sister is killed, she takes er place marrying Maxim in order to tie their families together. Maxim is enthralled with Sofia because she is nothing like the women, he is used to but is everything he needs. Will their arranged marriage turn into one filled with happiness? This action-packed story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
A superb story about two people that was forced into marriage but soon became in love with each other. A brilliant suspenseful thriller with steamy romance makes this a recommended page turner. A very happily ever after story.
Demented Devil is the story of Maxim and Sofia and their arranged marriage. He is the head of powerful Bratva family. She is a Bratva princess and their marriage would form a favorable alliance between these two Bratva families. The chemistry between these two amazing characters is explosive. As their relationship develops they will take you on an exciting and enjoyable journey to their happy ending. I absolutely devoured this well written story which is fast paced, action packed, and with intique, danger, suspense, vengeance, romance, love and twists which leads to a steamy and captivating page turner. Definitely recommended.
What a quick, mafia read that puts two complete strangers together in marriage all for the family. Maxim is the Pakhan of the Semenov Bratva and Sofia is the daughter of Lorenzo Bianchi, the Don of the Bianchi Familia, and to seal that deal has agreed to marry Sofia Bianchi after the tragic death of her sister. Will Sofia go through with the wedding? Will Sofia become the queen that Maxim so needs?
This is a short book but it goes in quick, hard, and fast to give us the romance in long chapters even though it does give us some heart-pumping moments in the entire book. This book is well written and very much enjoyed the ride of romance, dark, and suspense. A good thing is that it doesn't give us a slow burn or take time to build up the story plot, this breaks right away and flushes you into romance and action. But overall, good book.
This was incredible. It was very sad in the beginning. I absolutely loved Sofia. She is a very strong and fierce woman. Maxim surprised me. I didn't expect him to be so good to Sofia in so many ways. But he treated her amazingly well. They had explosive chemistry that neither could deny. I loved it!
Demented Devil by Winter Sloane Holly so the Devil came out to play! Hold on to your seats! This was a captivating story and you really didn’t want to put it down!.
Sofia was always in her sisters shadow and always a disappointment to her father and when her sister is killed she has to take her sisters place in an arranged marriage but they find themselves in a quick marriage but it was Ana amazing love story.
Maxim and Sofia are fireeeeeee! I absolutely love this book and could not put it down! It’s short but intense and it keeps you wanting to continue reading without putting the book down! It has action, grief, love, and all the juicy things! Hands down one of my favorite short stories I have read in this year! The author did a fabulous job. Yes, the story was moving fast but it was well worth it!
Maxim was promised one daughter, but after her tragic death he marries her sister Sophia. To her Maxim is the devil in disguise, the man who’s a complete stranger, a forced alliance, but she soon learns there’s more to her husband. Maxim and Sofia have an explosive relationship, I would have like to see more character development between them, overall, an enjoyable story. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent story.
Loved it. I got so into this book I couldn’t put it down. I loved reading about Sofia and Maxim and the chemistry between the two was steamy HOT!! Awesome book Winter Sloane!!
Maxim and Aurora's story did not disappoint. This story was not a run of the mill Mafia forced marriage which sometimes can be quite 'same old,same old'. No Maxim was quite ruthless and Aurora had a backbone which made their interaction quite explosive. Along with this there was a good story. I do hope Lev gets his own story as he is quietly solid and secretive. This is a steamy story but it also packs a punch in the death depatment. A really good read.
I always look forward to this author and her new releases and this one did not disappoint. I loved that it wasn't your overly sweet safe romance, I loved the rawness it seemed to have which gets its hooks into you and drags you into the story so that you eyes are eagerly devouring every word. This is totally my type of romance, and I was one happy bunny after I finished it!
A relatively short, slow burn, dark, mafia romance. I was initially drawn in by the title, and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it and being intrigued by the storyline and the characters.
This book was sweet and deadly. At the beginning there was a lot of killing and action among the main characters clearly establishing this is a mafia book. The relationship or lack there of between the main characters made it seem like there was not going to be a HEA, but after a near death experience and a short hospital stay the romance kicked in to seal the happily ever after for this short but sweet book.
This was an enjoyable and captivating mafia story. It was Insta love, quick read and a great weekend evening read. It’s the first time I am reading by Ms Sloane and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Sofia is a graphic designer estranged from her family and doesn’t want anything to with her father’s business and mafia dealings but in a bizarre turn of events Sofia ends up marrying Maxim who was supposed to marry her sister. I enjoyed the relationship development between Maxim and Sofia from being strangers to getting married and falling in love. Both the characters were likable. Overall I enjoyed the story.
I loved this book's narrative and also the writer's style! From the moment I started reading it, I knew that I was going to enjoy it very much, and I definitely did! I did not put it in down! Fantastic read, and brilliant characters, you're in for a treat with this story!
This was definitely a page turner alpha Male and strong female. They put in a hard situation but found their way in the end together. My only issue was with the culmination there was no big twist in the story that I was expecting.
If you are looking for a quick mafia style romance - this is it! Sophia is the black sheep of her influential family. She has no interest in conforming to the ways of her familia. That is until tragedy strikes and she makes a promise that she intends to keep. Maxium could care less who he marries, all his future bride will be is a transaction. There's no way he could or would develop feelings; he never has before so now will be no different. Or will it? This is a short, face paced mafia style romance filled with tragedy and hard choices. Maxium is the devil, Sophia might have just met her match with him. *this review and opinions are all mine* *this arc was provided by netgalley*
I wish this book was longer! I was hooked halfway thru the first chapter and finished it all the way thru in just a couple hours. Filled all my dark, mafia romance boxes and had *just enough* spice. I typically like my books with looooots odmf spice, beginning to end, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this one. First time reading this author and I will definitely be reading more!
This is a typical mafia arranged marriage trope but there is a twist because the heroine is the second choice. Sofia is often the overlooked sister, the less beautiful, the less loved daughter and she has always lived in her sister, Aurora's, shadow. When tragedy strikes she must take her sister's place and marry Maxim the new Pakhan in order to create a treaty between her father and Maxim. Maxim himself doesn't care which sister he gets as long as he can create an ally, but when he meets Sophia he likes her right away. She's not his type but there is a spark despite her being sassy. Sofia has managed to not be a part of the family politics but now it falls on her to strengthen the family. Despite her not wanting to marry and be a part of the mob politics she has spark with Maxim and it is electric. She's used to being overlooked but her new husband has taken a liking to his wife and soon she proves her worth when they begin to piece together who is betraying both their families. It's not a very long book but it's a good read. Also Lev is a very intriguing character and honestly every time that he was in the scene he totally stole the show. Waiting anxiously for his story now!
I thought this one was going to be a dark mafia romance - but it actually was a sweetish dark mafia romance. Instant love between the main characters and the drama was related to the family business. Great communication and relationship development and I can't wait to get Lev's story!
I did like Maxim and Sofia's story. It started out from a sad event, had some violence and then a 'forced' marriage. Maxim was rather sweet actually, which seems at odds with his violent ways with (some) others. Sofia is quite strong of character. Lovely ending. Hope we get a story with Lev meeting his match
Originally Sofia’s sister Aurora was meant to be married to Maxim but she is suddenly killed by a shipper. Aurora makes Sofia promise to stand by her family which mean marrying Maxim. Their marriage started with a shooting and ended with a happily ever after. I enjoyed the character development with Sofia as she continuously compared herself to Aurora. I felt stone cold Maxim didn’t really live up to that title as he was goo like with his wife. I really enjoyed this light short read.
" 'You can't marry a complete stranger just because Father wants an alliance,' " Demented Devil is the first book I've read by Winter Sloane and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed reading about Maxim and Sofia's relationship grow and develop over time. From complete strangers in an arranged marriage to lovers, their relationship is falling headfirst deep in love and underestimating each other. I found at points that it skipped a lot of time in-between and we didn't get to see a lot more intimate moments between them. I loved that Maxim let Sophia be herself, something her father never let her be. Giving her her own studio/workspace? Him being surprised she stayed overnight in the hospital with him? AND she's a graphic designer? *chef's kiss* Overall, a great fast paced standalone mafia romance that you'll enjoy from start to finish. "Maxim, of all people, understood the power of appearances." " '…Besides, you unnerve me, Maxim. You unbalance my entire world. I find myself questioning who I really am when I'm with you,' " tropes // arranged marriage, mafia, artist MC tw // death, blood, gore, emeto,
Sofia is trying to disuade her sister from marrying into another familia like their father has arranged. Events happen and now Sofia is the one to marry. Sofia is to marry Maxim and when they actually meet she says what she's thinking without any regard to who he is. This story contains violence and action from the beginning of the story and is throughout the book. There's also some family turmoil on her side of the family. There's a kind of mystery through a lot of the book, who's the bad guy that wants to kill them? Is someone from either of their families supplying the bad guy with info? Sofia and Maxim do end up becoming intimate and it's pretty hot, he's kind of dominant and likes a little bondage, nothing hardcore. This is a fairly short read and doesn't get too in depth with the characters, but events happening helped to keep me reading to see what would happen. I enjoyed reading about some of the secondary characters, mostly Maxim's brother. I am anxious to see if there will be another book about Maxm's brother.
Maxim Is supposed to marry Sofias sister. When her sister is killed he Marries Sophia. It’s a very simple mafia romance but a great read.
Sofia Bianchi is the daughter of Lorenzo Bianchi, Don of the Bianchi Familia. After tragedy strikes her family Sofia is thrown into a life she's tried so hard to escape from. Now she's expected to marry Maxim Semenov, the Pakhan of the Semenov Bratva. Demented Devil is the excellent, fast paced, arranged marriage story of Maxim and Sofia who are thrown together after the death of Sofia's sister Aurora. Sofia has fought so hard to stay away from her father and the Familia and has now found herself right in the middle of all that she's run from for so long. In the end nothing turns out the way she hoped it would and that may have been for the best.
3.5stars. I liked the characters in this story, especially Maxim and Lev. The story is well written and progresses naturally. If you like the mafia, arranged marriage genre and want more light than dark, I highly recommend this book.
I am obsessed with the chemistry between Sofia and Maxim. She’s the carefree younger daughter and he’s a alpha looking for a wife to unite two families to form a strong front. Even though Sofia didn’t want to be married, she fell easily into the role as wife and had Maxim’s full support on what she could do, unlike when she was living with her father. I like that Maxim wasn’t so hard on Sofia and was easily surprised by her when it came to their interactions.
Maxim was arranged to marry Aurora but when tradgedy strikes he is given her sister Sofia instead. Sofia had always been head strong but she knew now she couldn't disobey her fathers orders. Maxim was drawn to Sofia, a monster of man in need of an heir, he though himself unable to love, until her. But someone's targeting her and he will do anything to keep her safe. We'll written steamy arranged mafia romance, with action desoclres violence and more.
This book is about Maxim and Sofia. Sofia's sister was supposed to marry Maxim. Sofia tried her best to talk her out of it because Maxim was known as a monster involved in the bravata. Sofia marries Maxim in her sister's place because it is her duty to her family. Neither of them plan on having real feelings for one another. Things don't go as planned in life. The book shows how 2 people can come together after a tragedy and have a life together even though it wasn't planned. Maxim is ruthless in business but sweet with Sofia. Even though Sofia's dad thought she was the lesser of the 2 sister's Maxim never saw her that way. Good short read.
Two mafias families come together through an arranged marriage. The two leads need to work through their differences while living in their violent world to find their happily ever after.