Distrust (Smirnov Bratva Book 1)

This was another winner from TL Smith. She really never disappoints. The H is obsessed with the h, which I love. I favor really, really dark books and the H was a little too much of an open book to satisfy my craving for a really dark anti-hero H. But the level of suspense and intrigue in the book fulfilled another craving, and his utter sweetness and the lengths he would go to to protect the h was absolutely fulfilling. The h was very much a mystery at first, and I wasn't sure how I felt about her until we begin to hear from her in her perspective. Once we do it was very easy to sympathize with her and you become very invested in her HEA. But what I really liked about this book was the excellent foundation laid for Death's story. He is my dark anti-hero that gets me going, and I can't wait to hear his story with Pollie (hopefully). I just love a great broken, violent hero and I'm certain that Death won't disappoint.

Buy the book- you won't be sorry you did.

I received a complimentary copy from Hype PR...

3.5 stars

HOLY SMOKES THESE PEOPLE ARE DEMENTED. now I have to say this book was really good: had a good plot, solid characters, betrayal and all the good stuff but damn my head hurts. This is not a conventional love story and by that I mean Elina and Kazier are the COMPLETE opposites of flowers and chocolates. Their love is tough, rough, bloody, forbidden and true. It was a good story but I don't feel like we got to see the strong connection between Elina and Kazier mostly because Elina plays ghost for 80% of the book.

I have to say I loved all the friends and family that helped the couple achieve their goals. You don't really know much about Elina until the last 20% of the book, but she's a sweet (for a mobster's daughter) character. I loved Freya and I thought Kazier might be a good fit, but I'm thinking her story belongs with someone else. However, Death (yes that's his name) freaked me out so bad and I felt so bad for poor Pollie. I can't wait to see what comes next for Death and Pollie as well as the rest of family.

While this was a darker novel, I felt the connection between Kazier and Elina almost immediately. Their crazy and intense relationship was kinda beautiful to watch unfold in the end. There were a few twists and turns within these pages but the journey was amazing.

Their relationship was very strange in the beginning. Kazier couldn't figure out why she was just appear for just a few moments and then she would be gone almost in the blink of an eye. But he also knew that he would take whatever she would give to him. He was hooked to her from the moment his eyes saw her. He hoped that she felt the same way because she always kept coming back. But what he didn't know was why she showed up when she did.

The book is told in the beginning from Kazier's POV from present time and the past. This really gives us a perfect look at his feelings for her. Then we finally do get her POV and we find out why she comes and goes like she does.

One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how Kazier and Elina were faithful to one another. For me this truly showed how deep their feelings ran.

I was pretty much hooked from the first page. I know this book is a darker romance novel but for me I would forget that and let their connection and relationship take over and it just became another romance (with some twisted things thrown in). Can't wait to start the next book in this series.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for an honest review.

WOW! What did I just read?

FAN-FRAKING-TASTIC!

(BLUB)
She was a ghost, in heels.

She was there, then she wasn’t.

She would play with my emotions like a well-played guitar.

Then she would disappear. Making me want to strangle her.

Maybe she wasn’t a ghost, maybe she was the giver of sin. Because we sinned every time we touched, every time she was near.

Her lips were shaped like a heart, deceiving you at every word.

Her body was created straight from my fantasies, one I craved to bend to my will.

Her heart, well, who the hell knew. She kept that s*** locked tight.

And I couldn’t find the key.

This beautifully twisted and consuming masterpiece will chew you up and spit you out. The plot had so many puzzle pieces that kept me on edge. I devoured this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Nothing about this story was predictable. TL Smith is an author who can seriously write and this 5 STAR masterpiece proves she a pure genius. Distrust had the perfect balance between romance, drama, and suspense.

Kazier is a Russian Mafia boss. His character I believe fit the cover so well. Hot....Tattoos. Yup, I pictured Marshall in my head while reading all those hot steamy scenes, and Elina's character couldn't have been written any better.

My only complaint is the CLIFFHANGER! I usually don't mind those but OMG! I need the 2nd book ASAP! I will definitely be raving about this book as I do her others to all my reader friends.

T.L. Smith is one crazy, twisted romance writer. How does she convince me that some Russian mob boss that likes to kill people deserves love? Kazier is one scary man as the head of his family and death is something he delivers on a daily basis. I shouldn’t like him but somehow, as you peel back the layers and realize he is a product of his family, you want him to find happiness. Elina is masterful at dropping in and out of Kazier’s life, each time their encounters are more explosive and off the charts sexy. As Kazier faces an arranged marriage, he truly wants Elina to be his but she is always elusive to him. Will he find a way to make Elina his forever? Or will secrets break their connection? This story had me cringing at times but always rooting for these two to find happiness. Along the way we meet Anton and Viktor, Kazier’s cousins and right hand men who are just as crazy. Then we throw in Death, oh boy, I think we need to call him terrifying. Add in spitfire Freya and you have a full cast of characters that keep you wanting more. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Another hit for T.L. Smith with her latest release, Distrust! For those who are a fan of dark, twisted, even demented reads…you will definitely want to check this out! Already a huge fan of this author’s work, I think Krazier and Elina might be my two favorite warped characters of hers to date.

Now Death, who we are led to believe her next book will be about his story, just might be a little too crazy even for me and actually has me slightly afraid.

Is this a standalone with an HEA? Hahaha!!! In true T.L. Smith fashion, I would have to say yes and no. She promises we will continue to see both these characters again in future books, but even though Distrust focuses on their love story and somewhat wraps up where their relationship is heading, the ending will completely shock you, blow your mind, and leave you panting for answers! NOW!!!! Not fair T.L. Smith…not fair!

THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK completely stole my heart and had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to VERY end. This isn't your average Mafia book... it's more... it's pure sin!!!!

I found myself absolutely captivated by the storyline and the character's! (I call dibs on Kazier Smirnov) Not only does T.L. Smith deliver a truly gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, give-me-more read she brings the reader into this world that she has so beautifully created.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a dark Mafia read.

I for one cannot wait for book 2..

GIVE ME DEATH!!!!!

Danger. Rules. Family. Loyalty. Passion. Those are all the words that come to mind with this crazy and intense romance. Yeah, I want more of the Schmexy Russian Kazier, no I don’t want his overbearing family but YES I want more of him and Elina.
The crazy sexiness and passion these two share not only for each other but the passion that drives them as individuals is what kept me glued to the book. I couldn’t put it down, even when I wanted to kick their butts. No it isn’t addicting, it is an experience that has to be felt. As you read, Kazier get under your skin making you crave more and more.
Stars all the way!

Another great story from this author..A story filled with crazy ;) and drama and raw and dirty and secrets and more crazy..After all I love that I can never predict where this author will lead me next.
Kazier and Elina's story was passion and lies, when they were together nothing else matter, but Elina keep disappearing and she protects her heart fiercely, just as much as she tries to hide something from Kazier.
The story keeps you guessing and keeps you hooked, especially since Kazier has peculiar interests and Elina is so mysterious.
Can't wait for more!

Review:
I received an ARC of Distrust in exchange for my honest review.
This book is very different from others I've read. I've read a few of the authors privious books, but that was a while ago. So this book felt like I was getting reaquanted with the author and her style of writing, which is very dark, twisted and not what you expect. This was a dark mafia story with a Romeo & Juliet theme to it. Rat here murder and mayhem along with love, lust and fear. It definitely is an intreging story, that makes you want to continue flipping the pages.
4 Stars! 

Dark, Raw, Swisted and Sinful--- Distrust was hot and steamy and leaves you wondering with every turn with anticipation of what is going to happen next. With a grit that only some authors are able to successfully accomplish you are lead into a Mafia romance with a Triangle that keeps you guessing--- Which way will they turn and what will happen next? I personally have trouble with Triangles that are so closely put together, however this book was able to get me to look past some reservations and really feel intoxicated with this work of art.

Jen reviewing for KinkyGirlsBookObsessions

I'm going to be completely honest and say that I wanted to read this book for 2 main reasons...THAT COVER and HELLO it's a Russian Bratva aka Russian mafia book!

I was quite sure where T.L. Smith was going with this story because I felt the blurb was vague. BUT....Holy hell! I was NOT disappointed.

There's plenty of blood, mystery, and sex to keep you wondering what's going to happen next, I couldn't put it down.

5 Bloody Stars!

Kazier and Elina are twisted up in each other and their families. It's a modern day Romeo and Juliet. If Romeo was a killer and Juliette was mystery. The one thing that's clear with Kazier, is he'll stop at nothing for Elina to be his. As their story weaves them closer together, we get to see the secondary characters shine. There is so much left to be explored with the Smirnov and Bartalotti families.
**** I was given an arc from The Hype PR and Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review ****

Distrust is book number 1 in the Smirnov Brata Series, it's a dark read and the story of Kazier and Elina. This mafia story will keep you on the edge of your seat, the first part of the book is told in Kazier's POV.

Elina and Kazier have a powerful connection and they aren't going to let the rivalry of their families stand in the way of their happiness.

Can't wait to read more...

I loved this book, I really enjoy mafia style book so this fit the bill perfectly for me. It was intriguing, sexy & hooks you from the get go.

Kaizer and Elina were so wrong but so right for each other. There so much chemistry and dynamics that it will leave you wanting more and I absolutely can't wait to read the next one in the series.

You know I always get excited when TL announces she's writing a new book as I know she is going to deliver and then some. And 'Distrust'....f*** is it good.

Cold and ruthless. He wouldn't bat an eyelid when It came to his job...except when it comes to her.....

"In a world full of color there needs to be dark because Darkness is the best place to be."

Secretive and elusive. She comes when least expected and is gone by morning. A ghost...and his Achilles heel....

"I hated her with a passion. I craved her like a fire licking its flames. I wanted the need to burn out. We weren't destined. I knew this. Except I wanted whatever she would give me, even if I had to take it."

But what happens when secrets are found out?
What happens when your family dictates what is to be?

TL has once again blown me away with her ability to pull me away from reality and into the dark and f***ed up world that her characters live in. A world full of corruption, torture and dangerous, hot men. I world that I absolutely love.

I was hooked from page one and was left reeling at the end with my mouth hanging open.

There is sooooo much I want to know. What I NEED to know and I'm feeling a little lost now that I finished.
I am really hoping that a certain person's book is next. I'm intrigued and fascinated by this character and I can't wait to get into his mind.

You better get writing, T. I'm going to be stalking you and bugging you until I get this next book.

This book is filled with such powerful romance and intense suspense i loved it. The two main characters are such surprises to us the reader and to each other. I got very caught up in this story and could not put it down. I loved the raw passion and the thrill of danger from the mafia side of the story, fir st book in a new series and i urgently need book 2 to read more.

Loved this book. Super fast read for me because I couldn't put it down. I was wanting to find out what was going to happen next with Elina and Kazier. I won't give anything away but I will say you u won't be disappointed. The ending did make my heart beat a little faster and yes I'm dying to find out what happens.

TL has done it again! Another amazing book! I cant wait to read book two. I don't know how she does it but she managed to pull me in and make me not want to put it down!! I had to know what was going on!!

I loved this book, I really enjoy mafia style book so this fit the bill perfectly for me. It was intriguing, sexy & hooks you from the get go.

Kaizer and Elina were so wrong but so right for each other. There so much chemistry and dynamics that it will leave you wanting more and I absolutely can't wait to read the next one in the series.

You know I always get excited when TL announces she's writing a new book as I know she is going to deliver and then some. And 'Distrust'....f*** is it good.

Cold and ruthless. He wouldn't bat an eyelid when It came to his job...except when it comes to her.....

"In a world full of color there needs to be dark because Darkness is the best place to be."

Secretive and elusive. She comes when least expected and is gone by morning. A ghost...and his Achilles heel....

"I hated her with a passion. I craved her like a fire licking its flames. I wanted the need to burn out. We weren't destined. I knew this. Except I wanted whatever she would give me, even if I had to take it."

But what happens when secrets are found out?
What happens when your family dictates what is to be?

TL has once again blown me away with her ability to pull me away from reality and into the dark and f***ed up world that her characters live in. A world full of corruption, torture and dangerous, hot men. I world that I absolutely love.

I was hooked from page one and was left reeling at the end with my mouth hanging open.

There is sooooo much I want to know. What I NEED to know and I'm feeling a little lost now that I finished.
I am really hoping that a certain person's book is next. I'm intrigued and fascinated by this character and I can't wait to get into his mind.

You better get writing, T. I'm going to be stalking you and bugging you until I get this next book.

This book is filled with such powerful romance and intense suspense i loved it. The two main characters are such surprises to us the reader and to each other. I got very caught up in this story and could not put it down. I loved the raw passion and the thrill of danger from the mafia side of the story, fir st book in a new series and i urgently need book 2 to read more.

Loved this book. Super fast read for me because I couldn't put it down. I was wanting to find out what was going to happen next with Elina and Kazier. I won't give anything away but I will say you u won't be disappointed. The ending did make my heart beat a little faster and yes I'm dying to find out what happens.

TL has done it again! Another amazing book! I cant wait to read book two. I don't know how she does it but she managed to pull me in and make me not want to put it down!! I had to know what was going on!!