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The Romanovsky Brothers #1
Taming Val
When 28-year-old Valentin Romanovsky discovers that he will be infertile by the time he hits his 30s, he goes into an all-out panic. Young, rich, and notoriously single, Val was sure he had all the time in the world to drink, party, and enjoy the beautiful women who were constantly at his disposal. Best known as the Romanovsky brother who thrived on living in the fast lane, he always partied hard with the distant dream of having a wife and a family one day. If that dream had any chance of coming true he knew he had no choice but to settle down... and fast. But with who? Late night trysts and one night stands were his calling card. There wasn't a single woman in his life who he could picture being the mother of his child.
Except the one woman he knew he could never have.
Zoey Black would always have deep love in her heart for the Romanovsky family. They'd taken her in at fourteen when she’d been at the lowest point in her life, with no place else to go, and treated her as their own. Ten years later, the Romanovskys were still apart of her life--as far as Zoey was concerned, they were her family. The parents called her “daughter” and the four brothers called her “sister.”
Well, not all four.
Val Romanovsky never called her "sister", and as secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed, Zoey would finally understand why.
Interracial erotic romance.
Strong sexual content, strong language.
TAMING VAL is the first novella in The Romanovsky Brothers four-part series
Except the one woman he knew he could never have.
Zoey Black would always have deep love in her heart for the Romanovsky family. They'd taken her in at fourteen when she’d been at the lowest point in her life, with no place else to go, and treated her as their own. Ten years later, the Romanovskys were still apart of her life--as far as Zoey was concerned, they were her family. The parents called her “daughter” and the four brothers called her “sister.”
Well, not all four.
Val Romanovsky never called her "sister", and as secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed, Zoey would finally understand why.
Interracial erotic romance.
Strong sexual content, strong language.
TAMING VAL is the first novella in The Romanovsky Brothers four-part series
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
133 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Trevion Burns
29 books287 followersI'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 28, 2016
New author, Trevion Burns has a brilliant way with words and humor in "Taming Val."
This is Valentin (Val) Romanovsky and Zoey Black's story. The Romanovsky family took poor teenager, Zoey in after her parents were killed in NYC by a hit and run driver.
She loves Bette, Tony and their four sons, Gary, Leo and the twins, Roman and Valentin. They are all different but Zoey loves them all with a few reservations with Val because he was always there for her yet distant even when she was a teenager but he was the one "brother" who held her when she cried at night about her parent's loss. Also Val is the one who always made it known to Zoey that "I am not your brother" and each time it hurts her more. You will see how much of a contradiction Val really is when it comes to Zoey.
Strangely enough, it takes one of Val's loose women to tell him about his passionate use of Zoey's name when they were having sex together and she acknowledges her jealousy of the heroine and makes a recommendation when, Val been told by his doctor that his swimmers are low and he needs to start planning to have children by age 30 or he won't be able to have them at all. But Val's, uh should we say whorish lifestyle leaves no one to be desired to honestly consider having his child with "except the one woman he knew he could never have" - Zoey or so he thinks????
You have got to read this IR romance! You will laugh, cry and see why no one in the family is honest enough to tell Zoey of her terrible lasagna... lol... I love it and there are 3 more brothers as mentioned above-- all different with a strong love for family!
This is Valentin (Val) Romanovsky and Zoey Black's story. The Romanovsky family took poor teenager, Zoey in after her parents were killed in NYC by a hit and run driver.
She loves Bette, Tony and their four sons, Gary, Leo and the twins, Roman and Valentin. They are all different but Zoey loves them all with a few reservations with Val because he was always there for her yet distant even when she was a teenager but he was the one "brother" who held her when she cried at night about her parent's loss. Also Val is the one who always made it known to Zoey that "I am not your brother" and each time it hurts her more. You will see how much of a contradiction Val really is when it comes to Zoey.
Strangely enough, it takes one of Val's loose women to tell him about his passionate use of Zoey's name when they were having sex together and she acknowledges her jealousy of the heroine and makes a recommendation when, Val been told by his doctor that his swimmers are low and he needs to start planning to have children by age 30 or he won't be able to have them at all. But Val's, uh should we say whorish lifestyle leaves no one to be desired to honestly consider having his child with "except the one woman he knew he could never have" - Zoey or so he thinks????
You have got to read this IR romance! You will laugh, cry and see why no one in the family is honest enough to tell Zoey of her terrible lasagna... lol... I love it and there are 3 more brothers as mentioned above-- all different with a strong love for family!
December 9, 2014
This is book one in the Romanovsky novella series. This book introduces us to Val Romanovsky the elder of the clan and love Zoey Black.
Val has just found out from his doctor at such a young age he is infertile with his playboy lifestyle he had no idea that one day he would want a family until the option no longer exists for him. The only problem is Val’s dating list doesn’t look like the A-team for parenting. In a moment of weakness he breaks down and considers the only option that technically isn’t an option.
Zoey has always been very adamant about not wanting kids at all. Due to the circumstances surrounding her parent’s death she doesn’t want a child to feel the hurt and abandonment she did as a child. Although taken in by the Romanovsky clan since the age of 12 she still doesn’t feel like she is quite yet a member of the family. Older brother Val makes a point to tell her every day that she is not his “sister” nor will she ever be. The need to belong mixed with hopelessness and lust Val and Zoey find themselves in a very precarious situation.
Val’s and Zoey’s “relationship” started off a bit rocky. Val has kept Zoey at a distance for so many years its a hard transition for him to just open up and let her in. Zoey wears her heart on her sleeve and although a bit naïve she does love hard and very deep. In the beginning of their growing relationship Val seemed emotionally abusive. At times I wish Zoey would stick up for herself and stop allowing him to jerk her around. When she finally did grow a spine she forgave him so easily. One cute and funny part in the story was Zoey’s lasagna. I won’t give too much a way but this was a very light part of the story.
Although this is a story about Val the elder brother we get a glimpse into the other three brother’s storylines as well. For instance brother Roman finds out some life altering news in this book but the author merely glosses over the issue. I know this is a novella and Roman’s story will be next. But why bring up such a dramatic shift in the story and just leave it hanging there? The family called but didn’t try to find him. As a reader I would have liked to have seen more about the parent’s perspective on this issue. There were a lot of issues in this story that could have been given more attention or not brought up at all.
As a reader I like to visualize what the characters look like and in order for me to do that physical descriptions are needed. In this story there were no real descriptions of Zoey except that she had long hair down her back and that she was black. The author kept making mention to Zoey’s “blackness” in the story. For example after agreeing to help Val the old fashion way Zoey brings up some issues about the two having a child together. One of them being that the child will be black and that the name would have to reflect that. She goes on to say that Marcus is a black name and a suitable one for the child and Val needed to accept that as a name for their kid because the kid would be black. I know you might be thinking that I am nitpicking here but that whole scene was problematic for me. For one the superficial concern of Val and her having a kid would be the name not the fact that he was to be like a brother for her since the age of 12. But to assign color to a name? I don’t understand why this was even brought up in the story if race was an issue I think there could have been a better way to tackle the issue.
One of the biggest issues in this story were the inconsistencies. (Possible Spoilers) If the doctor Val was seeing was said to be a hack why didn’t Val expose the doctor as being unethical? With his personality he seemed like the type to try to ruin this doctor. For someone who got devastating news why not research all your options? I understand it was an emotional time and to receive such news is devastating but when Zoey and her friend gave him new information he just jumped on board with no reservations. Throughout the story the author kept mentioning that Val was incompetent. The word is impotent. If he was incompetent how is he running a billion dollar online real estate business?
Despite my issues with this story it wasn’t all bad. I did find the “fling” Reggie storyline to be interesting and added some depth to the story. Val’s secret and how he and Reggie know each other make for a good follow-up story. But is this to be uncovered in the next story because the next story seems about Roman and Val’s friend? Like I mentioned before this is a novella and unfolds through the length of four stories about each brother. I just wished as a reader some issues regarding Val and Zoey were explored before moving on to the next storyline and brother. For instance we only got information on Val’s hate for Zoey out of a dying attraction but not much on their newly developed relationship except sex scenes. Hopefully the next story will be more fleshed out.
Note to the author and other readers: This is not a personal attack on the author or my attempt to bash the author in any way but the thoughts of one reader and reviewer. I know lately a lot of authors have taken to social media about “hurtful” reviews. This is not intended to be hurtful in any way just my thoughts on this book. And let’s face it not everyone is going to like your work. Not everyone finds my reviews helpful and that’s ok. I know I stated my truth and I will leave it at that. Judge this book for yourself and not based solely on this one review.
Val has just found out from his doctor at such a young age he is infertile with his playboy lifestyle he had no idea that one day he would want a family until the option no longer exists for him. The only problem is Val’s dating list doesn’t look like the A-team for parenting. In a moment of weakness he breaks down and considers the only option that technically isn’t an option.
Zoey has always been very adamant about not wanting kids at all. Due to the circumstances surrounding her parent’s death she doesn’t want a child to feel the hurt and abandonment she did as a child. Although taken in by the Romanovsky clan since the age of 12 she still doesn’t feel like she is quite yet a member of the family. Older brother Val makes a point to tell her every day that she is not his “sister” nor will she ever be. The need to belong mixed with hopelessness and lust Val and Zoey find themselves in a very precarious situation.
Val’s and Zoey’s “relationship” started off a bit rocky. Val has kept Zoey at a distance for so many years its a hard transition for him to just open up and let her in. Zoey wears her heart on her sleeve and although a bit naïve she does love hard and very deep. In the beginning of their growing relationship Val seemed emotionally abusive. At times I wish Zoey would stick up for herself and stop allowing him to jerk her around. When she finally did grow a spine she forgave him so easily. One cute and funny part in the story was Zoey’s lasagna. I won’t give too much a way but this was a very light part of the story.
Although this is a story about Val the elder brother we get a glimpse into the other three brother’s storylines as well. For instance brother Roman finds out some life altering news in this book but the author merely glosses over the issue. I know this is a novella and Roman’s story will be next. But why bring up such a dramatic shift in the story and just leave it hanging there? The family called but didn’t try to find him. As a reader I would have liked to have seen more about the parent’s perspective on this issue. There were a lot of issues in this story that could have been given more attention or not brought up at all.
As a reader I like to visualize what the characters look like and in order for me to do that physical descriptions are needed. In this story there were no real descriptions of Zoey except that she had long hair down her back and that she was black. The author kept making mention to Zoey’s “blackness” in the story. For example after agreeing to help Val the old fashion way Zoey brings up some issues about the two having a child together. One of them being that the child will be black and that the name would have to reflect that. She goes on to say that Marcus is a black name and a suitable one for the child and Val needed to accept that as a name for their kid because the kid would be black. I know you might be thinking that I am nitpicking here but that whole scene was problematic for me. For one the superficial concern of Val and her having a kid would be the name not the fact that he was to be like a brother for her since the age of 12. But to assign color to a name? I don’t understand why this was even brought up in the story if race was an issue I think there could have been a better way to tackle the issue.
One of the biggest issues in this story were the inconsistencies. (Possible Spoilers) If the doctor Val was seeing was said to be a hack why didn’t Val expose the doctor as being unethical? With his personality he seemed like the type to try to ruin this doctor. For someone who got devastating news why not research all your options? I understand it was an emotional time and to receive such news is devastating but when Zoey and her friend gave him new information he just jumped on board with no reservations. Throughout the story the author kept mentioning that Val was incompetent. The word is impotent. If he was incompetent how is he running a billion dollar online real estate business?
Despite my issues with this story it wasn’t all bad. I did find the “fling” Reggie storyline to be interesting and added some depth to the story. Val’s secret and how he and Reggie know each other make for a good follow-up story. But is this to be uncovered in the next story because the next story seems about Roman and Val’s friend? Like I mentioned before this is a novella and unfolds through the length of four stories about each brother. I just wished as a reader some issues regarding Val and Zoey were explored before moving on to the next storyline and brother. For instance we only got information on Val’s hate for Zoey out of a dying attraction but not much on their newly developed relationship except sex scenes. Hopefully the next story will be more fleshed out.
Note to the author and other readers: This is not a personal attack on the author or my attempt to bash the author in any way but the thoughts of one reader and reviewer. I know lately a lot of authors have taken to social media about “hurtful” reviews. This is not intended to be hurtful in any way just my thoughts on this book. And let’s face it not everyone is going to like your work. Not everyone finds my reviews helpful and that’s ok. I know I stated my truth and I will leave it at that. Judge this book for yourself and not based solely on this one review.
November 19, 2016
Rating:3.5 1/2 stars
Taming Val was a freebie novel I downloaded and tried to read months ago,and put it aside. Picked it up again today, and it flowed better for me. There's a load of characters,drama and angst, and most importantly, lots of humor. The humor is what did it for me, and how sassy Zoey Black is, and how Val is not what he seems at all. I don't like Val's nickname, too feminine for my taste, and the fact that Zoey is Black and her last name is Black is kinda lame too. They had chemistry but I would have liked a little more tension before it got down to the dirty deed. The past history helped make things believable though. Lots of lurid and nasty sex everywhere, graphic, which I didn't care about as much as the developing relationship. I could have done without so much supporting characters backstory but it was all a set-up for the next book, which is about Roman and Angie (no shocker there). All in all, not a bad book, and one I would recommend for anyone into IR.
Taming Val was a freebie novel I downloaded and tried to read months ago,and put it aside. Picked it up again today, and it flowed better for me. There's a load of characters,drama and angst, and most importantly, lots of humor. The humor is what did it for me, and how sassy Zoey Black is, and how Val is not what he seems at all. I don't like Val's nickname, too feminine for my taste, and the fact that Zoey is Black and her last name is Black is kinda lame too. They had chemistry but I would have liked a little more tension before it got down to the dirty deed. The past history helped make things believable though. Lots of lurid and nasty sex everywhere, graphic, which I didn't care about as much as the developing relationship. I could have done without so much supporting characters backstory but it was all a set-up for the next book, which is about Roman and Angie (no shocker there). All in all, not a bad book, and one I would recommend for anyone into IR.
August 11, 2023
Flop
April 19, 2015
This author is one that I have never read before but find that she has a way of writing that I find works very well for me. The characters are very vibrant and real because of how they interact. This for me gives them a feeling of believability that is important. I like them and want to keep reading to find out how they handle the situations placed in front of them. Once I started I did not want to stop and had a couple of late nights so I could finish as soon as possible.
Valentin "Val" Romanovsky is a 28 year old man who has led the life of a rich playboy for years and more or less enjoyed himself. Then he gets a diagnosis that could mean he will be alone for the rest of his life if he does not take matters into his hands immediately. This problem prompts him to confide in a woman who has lived with his family for years and is considered to be a sister by his brothers. He on the other hand has treated her badly all these years and she offers to help him regardless.
Zoey Black has lived with the Romanovsky's since she was 14 years old and view them as her family, even Val who seems to hate her. What she does not see is that his aloofness hides a secret he does not want to come out. She is also hiding from something from herself that will make her decision to help much easier.
This was hot, hot, hot! The story had an air of mystery, betrayal, and family dysfunction. I loved this and am ready for book two. The Romanovsky brothers are all hot and I want to hear from each one, four books may not even be enough. Enjoy this!!
Valentin "Val" Romanovsky is a 28 year old man who has led the life of a rich playboy for years and more or less enjoyed himself. Then he gets a diagnosis that could mean he will be alone for the rest of his life if he does not take matters into his hands immediately. This problem prompts him to confide in a woman who has lived with his family for years and is considered to be a sister by his brothers. He on the other hand has treated her badly all these years and she offers to help him regardless.
Zoey Black has lived with the Romanovsky's since she was 14 years old and view them as her family, even Val who seems to hate her. What she does not see is that his aloofness hides a secret he does not want to come out. She is also hiding from something from herself that will make her decision to help much easier.
This was hot, hot, hot! The story had an air of mystery, betrayal, and family dysfunction. I loved this and am ready for book two. The Romanovsky brothers are all hot and I want to hear from each one, four books may not even be enough. Enjoy this!!
June 22, 2016
Good Start
After the death of her parents at the young age of 14, Zoey Black is taken in by her fathers best friend Tony,who has a wife and four sons of his own. Tony and his wife treat Zoey like a daughter and the boys treat he like a sister,well all except one. Val Romanovsky has loved Zoey since she 1st came to live with his family and thinks of her as anything but a sister so, he keeps her at arms length. When Val is given devastating news,Zoey steps in to help but neither of them could have predicted how that decision will not only change their lives but the lives of his family as well.
Really good! I loved Val and Zoey, they were so hot! And those brothers of his,Whew!! So hot! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was b/ c the romance to me took a back seat to the little bit of mystery...what really happened to Zoeys parents? What is going on with that clinic and who really fathered one of his brothers? Loved it! Good Read!
After the death of her parents at the young age of 14, Zoey Black is taken in by her fathers best friend Tony,who has a wife and four sons of his own. Tony and his wife treat Zoey like a daughter and the boys treat he like a sister,well all except one. Val Romanovsky has loved Zoey since she 1st came to live with his family and thinks of her as anything but a sister so, he keeps her at arms length. When Val is given devastating news,Zoey steps in to help but neither of them could have predicted how that decision will not only change their lives but the lives of his family as well.
Really good! I loved Val and Zoey, they were so hot! And those brothers of his,Whew!! So hot! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was b/ c the romance to me took a back seat to the little bit of mystery...what really happened to Zoeys parents? What is going on with that clinic and who really fathered one of his brothers? Loved it! Good Read!
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October 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/24/2019)! 🎁
May 24, 2016
I'm always conflicted on how to rate a book in which I LOVED the storyline, but other factors in place causes it to go from a love to a like!!! Taming Val is a prime example of this. So here's the good:
I absolutlely adored the characters - Val, Zoey and the rest of the Romanovsky clan and honestly I look forward to reading the other books (hopefully the author will invest in a content editor before releasing any new books). They were a close knit group with plenty of secrets and an unbreakable bond. Without giving too much of the story away, when you find out they were raised as siblings, you tend to think it's a little taboo for Val and Zoey to pursue a relationship. But oh no, the author finds a way to work the relationship so your only choice is to root for them!
Here were my "issues" - there were so many discrepancies in the book, that it changed the feel of it. For instance Daddy Romanovsky retired from the police force after 50 years of service but was only almost 60 in age - of course this is impossible. All of the "kids" ages were 24, 28 and 29, but they were all in HS together - another over sight. Again, the book and story line were really good, but these inconsistencies take away from the enjoyment of the story!
The author really seems to have a gift, my hope is that she revisits these issues before issuing the next book. I'm wiling to give her another chance. Besides, the Romanovsky's are interesting enough for me to want to know more.
I absolutlely adored the characters - Val, Zoey and the rest of the Romanovsky clan and honestly I look forward to reading the other books (hopefully the author will invest in a content editor before releasing any new books). They were a close knit group with plenty of secrets and an unbreakable bond. Without giving too much of the story away, when you find out they were raised as siblings, you tend to think it's a little taboo for Val and Zoey to pursue a relationship. But oh no, the author finds a way to work the relationship so your only choice is to root for them!
Here were my "issues" - there were so many discrepancies in the book, that it changed the feel of it. For instance Daddy Romanovsky retired from the police force after 50 years of service but was only almost 60 in age - of course this is impossible. All of the "kids" ages were 24, 28 and 29, but they were all in HS together - another over sight. Again, the book and story line were really good, but these inconsistencies take away from the enjoyment of the story!
The author really seems to have a gift, my hope is that she revisits these issues before issuing the next book. I'm wiling to give her another chance. Besides, the Romanovsky's are interesting enough for me to want to know more.
December 3, 2014
Steamy! Who wouldn't want hot guys following them around making sure that they're taken care of? I know I would ask Santa for it for Christmas. Why do women always fall for the moody brute? Because they love the hardest. Entertaining read there were even moments I cracked up rare in a romance novel. There is just one thing damn you cliff hangers! Oh yeah I read it in a couple of hours is February here yet?
February 17, 2016
Not bad
I thought Val was very cruel to her. Which should not have been so easily forgiven. He reminded me of the so called hero in the book Bully, just an asshole. I liked the story line. Is Zoey going to find out about her parents? He cannot keep that under wraps. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
I thought Val was very cruel to her. Which should not have been so easily forgiven. He reminded me of the so called hero in the book Bully, just an asshole. I liked the story line. Is Zoey going to find out about her parents? He cannot keep that under wraps. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
February 2, 2015
I liked this book, and the characters were able to relate to. I'm really a little put off because I wanna know what role Val played in the murder of Zoey's parents or better yet the information he knows. I guess I'll have to find out in the next story.
January 1, 2017
Thank God this was a freebie. Not cool of the author to not even reveal the secret (although readers kinda know) in this book and makes it a "reveal" in one of the other books in this series. Oh well. Moving on to something else.
December 1, 2014
I don't know why this got such low ratings, it was very good.
September 2, 2021
Written in the 3rd person, not my favourite style.
The story started off strong. I felt the tension between Val and Zoey, it was palpable for about 25%. Then it fell flat.
Zoey - beautiful, dark skinned, black girl taken on by the Romanovsky family when her parents die in a hit and run.....I wonder if the truth will get out.
Val - hot, brooding boy who comforts Zoey, only at night. During the day he's cold and indifferent to her because, yep, he's in love and can't let her know.
The premise and the first 25% was really good and had so much potential. But after that, Val basically loses his mancard. Zoey basically takes charge and I didn't like that Val acted completely helpless. The relationship had sparks but the way it unraveled wasn't sexy or all that steamy because Val didn't seem too manly by that point. He had absolutely no game and just became a prop. I also wish they'd hooked up as teens....at least a kiss. All that teen angst seemed wasted especially since we don't really get to read about it in any detail....not like that darn lasagne.
If only there'd been as much effort into detailing the progress of the relationship from teenagehood as there was all the rambling about the random lasagna!
Overall the writing wasn't terrible but there were some egregious errors i.e. incompetent for impotent. I also couldn't stand some of the word choices. A man should not "scream" in pleasure. Roar, growl, groan, yes, but not "scream".
The story started off strong. I felt the tension between Val and Zoey, it was palpable for about 25%. Then it fell flat.
Zoey - beautiful, dark skinned, black girl taken on by the Romanovsky family when her parents die in a hit and run.....I wonder if the truth will get out.
Val - hot, brooding boy who comforts Zoey, only at night. During the day he's cold and indifferent to her because, yep, he's in love and can't let her know.
The premise and the first 25% was really good and had so much potential. But after that, Val basically loses his mancard. Zoey basically takes charge and I didn't like that Val acted completely helpless. The relationship had sparks but the way it unraveled wasn't sexy or all that steamy because Val didn't seem too manly by that point. He had absolutely no game and just became a prop. I also wish they'd hooked up as teens....at least a kiss. All that teen angst seemed wasted especially since we don't really get to read about it in any detail....not like that darn lasagne.
If only there'd been as much effort into detailing the progress of the relationship from teenagehood as there was all the rambling about the random lasagna!
Overall the writing wasn't terrible but there were some egregious errors i.e. incompetent for impotent. I also couldn't stand some of the word choices. A man should not "scream" in pleasure. Roar, growl, groan, yes, but not "scream".
September 17, 2022
I absolutely love h/h so much that I refuse to read the rest of the series. It doesn't make sense, but I just wanted to skip the story of the other book's main characters because of these two. I read this book in 2014 and reread it in 2022, and I still feel the same way I did in 2014 . In honesty, I'll never able complete the series.
January 15, 2024
Good book
February 18, 2018
Awesome mystery
Really good book I love Val and Zoey I just hope this big secret isn't going to be the end of them
Really good book I love Val and Zoey I just hope this big secret isn't going to be the end of them
July 2, 2015
When you find a book like Taming Val you have got to take the time to write a review. I actually discovered it totally by chance. I saw the cover, thought it looked sexy and learned that the main character was Russian. I was sold!! Fortunately for me what's inside the book is just as eye-catching as the cover. I have read this novel several times over the past few months and it has never lost its appeal. It's funny, heart-warming, sexy, naughty and intriguing all at the same time. I liked every single character discovered in this story. From the Romanovsky brothers, with their distinct characteristics to their parents and Zoey's BFF. They were the "seasoning" that made the story even more savory and well-rounded.
The story is based on Zoey, a young woman who was orphaned at an early age. She is graciously taken in by the Romanovsky family and she becomes fiercely attached to them. The feeling is reciprocated by the whole Russian brood...except for Val, who keeps her at arm's length. While the other brothers shower Zoey with affection and are protective of their sister to the point of endangering her love life, Val is completely indifferent.
However, our hero is forced to confide in Zoey and seek her help when he finds out that he has a low sperm count and that he should act IMMEDIATELY if he ever wants to have children. Zoey magnanimously agrees to become his surrogate, but some "hiccups" force them to go the intimate route in order to conceive. Zoey and Val therefore begin a torrid affair that they try to hide from the rest of the family. The lines between functionality and pleasure are also blurred and soon our protagonists have to face the complications of their action and come clean about their feelings for each other...feeling that they have been harboring for a very long time.
I like how the author took the unglamorous problem of our male protagonist and injected it with humour and managed to work the whole story around it. I like how it forced the main characters to get closer. The first time they slept together was honestly very awkward IMO, but maybe that was the goal. As soon as that shipped sailed, everything went smoothly. I adored Zoey and her foul mouth and how loving she was. It's nice to see well balanced female character. She made me laugh so many time, I could totally relate to her. She was very real to me. Val drew me immediately. I like brooding, silent types...and he was a little bossy so that totally worked for me.
Again, I cannot stress enough how enjoyable that book was. Trevion Burns did an excellent job and I will support her next endeavors. When is book #2 coming out ? CUZ I NEEDZ IT!!
Ms Burns...
4.5 stars!
The story is based on Zoey, a young woman who was orphaned at an early age. She is graciously taken in by the Romanovsky family and she becomes fiercely attached to them. The feeling is reciprocated by the whole Russian brood...except for Val, who keeps her at arm's length. While the other brothers shower Zoey with affection and are protective of their sister to the point of endangering her love life, Val is completely indifferent.
However, our hero is forced to confide in Zoey and seek her help when he finds out that he has a low sperm count and that he should act IMMEDIATELY if he ever wants to have children. Zoey magnanimously agrees to become his surrogate, but some "hiccups" force them to go the intimate route in order to conceive. Zoey and Val therefore begin a torrid affair that they try to hide from the rest of the family. The lines between functionality and pleasure are also blurred and soon our protagonists have to face the complications of their action and come clean about their feelings for each other...feeling that they have been harboring for a very long time.
I like how the author took the unglamorous problem of our male protagonist and injected it with humour and managed to work the whole story around it. I like how it forced the main characters to get closer. The first time they slept together was honestly very awkward IMO, but maybe that was the goal. As soon as that shipped sailed, everything went smoothly. I adored Zoey and her foul mouth and how loving she was. It's nice to see well balanced female character. She made me laugh so many time, I could totally relate to her. She was very real to me. Val drew me immediately. I like brooding, silent types...and he was a little bossy so that totally worked for me.
Again, I cannot stress enough how enjoyable that book was. Trevion Burns did an excellent job and I will support her next endeavors. When is book #2 coming out ? CUZ I NEEDZ IT!!
Ms Burns...
4.5 stars!
May 4, 2016
This is the first book that I've read by the author and I have to admit that I liked it a lot. I was worried because of some of the low ratings but decided to give it a chance. If I didn't like it, I could always just send it back (Kindle Unlimited is so awesome). I am so glad that I gave it a chance. Loved the characters and I have already reading the next one in the series.
December 18, 2014
Forced way of getting the hero and heroine together (if one could call them that) and awful dialogue. This book took a wrong turn early on and never righted itself. It did not make me interested in reading the rest of the series, actually just the opposite.
January 16, 2015
Really liked this book. I liked how the story unfolded and I liked the cliffhanger. The couple's relationship gets resolved for now, but you know there's something big coming that involves the whole family.
December 6, 2014
Awaiting the next book
All I want to know is who killed Zoey's parents? What info does Reggie have on Val? Will Zoey's and Val make it to the altar? This is so not fair to me.
All I want to know is who killed Zoey's parents? What info does Reggie have on Val? Will Zoey's and Val make it to the altar? This is so not fair to me.
January 10, 2015
Loved this book!
August 29, 2015
Book was good predictable and hysterical. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading Roman's book and hopefully books on Gary and Leo. Also I hope Reggie will stir up more trouble! Snicker
August 8, 2018
4.00 Stars. A lovely frenemy to lovers story. Valentin "Val" Romanovsky and his twin brother Leo are the second and third oldest Romanovsky brothers. Val is the founder and CEO of a multi-million dollar business where all the brothers work in addition to their other enterprises. Zeoy " Zo/Bit"Black is the Black daughter of Mr. Romanovsky's best friend. When Zoey was 10 or 12, her parents were killed in and auto accident and the Romanoskys raised her with their sons. All the boys except Val referred to her as sister. Val would protect her and comfort her by holding her each night as she wept for her parents. When Val learned that he had a low sperm count and would be sterile within two years when he turns 3o, Zoey offered to be his surrogate. They started sleeping together and confessed their long held love for each and Val revealed to Zoey that ignoring her was his way of coping with being in love with her and not being free to have her. By the end of the story they are pregnant and have the support of all the brothers and their friends; BUT, while the secret regarding Roman's fraternity was revealed, the secret surrounding the death of her parents and Val's possible involvement is an open and unanswered question. KUB # 35.
September 20, 2022
Hmmm....
This is my first time reading a book from this author so I hope I'm wrong but some bw authors think they need to make the black heroine inferior, desperate & needy for these IR romances to work. Zoey was absolutely pathetic. This is supposed to be escapism but who fantasy is this. A man treats you this terribly for this long & your heroine acts like a kicked puppy. Why wasn't it Val trying to convince her to be a surrogate, why was she begging him to do this? Is she a masochist? I'm slightly weary of IR stories where the author has a humiliation kink in regards to black women. Something about it is cringe. Zoey had no problem asserting herself with Reggie but cowered with Val. There's a way to tell these stories without making the heroines self-loathing & corny. We can already see with angie & Roman the same thing will happen. The men are Gods & the women are pathetic groupies.
This is my first time reading a book from this author so I hope I'm wrong but some bw authors think they need to make the black heroine inferior, desperate & needy for these IR romances to work. Zoey was absolutely pathetic. This is supposed to be escapism but who fantasy is this. A man treats you this terribly for this long & your heroine acts like a kicked puppy. Why wasn't it Val trying to convince her to be a surrogate, why was she begging him to do this? Is she a masochist? I'm slightly weary of IR stories where the author has a humiliation kink in regards to black women. Something about it is cringe. Zoey had no problem asserting herself with Reggie but cowered with Val. There's a way to tell these stories without making the heroines self-loathing & corny. We can already see with angie & Roman the same thing will happen. The men are Gods & the women are pathetic groupies.
August 23, 2017
Unremarkable
It was obvious why Val refused to acknowledge Zoey has his sister; yet, he protected her and hired her to work at his company. If Zoey couldn't see then why didn't Angelica offer it as a possibility. It was also cruel that Val would plan to marry without revealing his knowledge surrounding the death of her parents. Lying by omission is still lying. This family keep a secret from Roman that caused him to shatter; yet, they seemed to have not learned from it. Is love honest? Hell, they couldn't even be truthful about Zoey's lasagna. Why the hell doesn't Bette teach her how to cook rather than everyone deceiving her? No, they rather set her up for more possible devastation.
It was obvious why Val refused to acknowledge Zoey has his sister; yet, he protected her and hired her to work at his company. If Zoey couldn't see then why didn't Angelica offer it as a possibility. It was also cruel that Val would plan to marry without revealing his knowledge surrounding the death of her parents. Lying by omission is still lying. This family keep a secret from Roman that caused him to shatter; yet, they seemed to have not learned from it. Is love honest? Hell, they couldn't even be truthful about Zoey's lasagna. Why the hell doesn't Bette teach her how to cook rather than everyone deceiving her? No, they rather set her up for more possible devastation.
February 15, 2018
This book was over-the-top and not in a good way. I didn't get a good grasp on who the characters were. Why was Val soooooo upset about not being able to have kids? Like, we didn't get any inside glimpse as to why this hurt him so much. He came off as cold so when he gets the upsetting news, I wasn't able to connect with his pain. Also the fact that Zoey grew up with the brothers (she moved in with the Romanovsky's when she was 14) and calls them her brothers, then starts having sex with Val...ewww. Although Val continuously would say that Zoey is not his sister. So I guess that was the author's way of getting rid of the ick factor. I skimmed most of this book. It didn't do much for me so I won't be reading the rest of the series.
March 23, 2020
Honestly, this type of book always mixes up love and lust, and this book is no different. I was expecting this much going into this book. The twist is the most cliche twist that could exist, I can guess it without reading the other books. knowing the twist, I found the guy's internal conflict was easily resolved. I read the whole book and honestly does she love the guy or not I don't know. it starts with her feeling sad to never be accepted as a sister to him and not once she expressed interest in him outside family relations until they slept together. In the end, it was a big meh read.
May 11, 2017
I liked it
I enjoyed this story line, nice chemistry between main characters.although, the character buildup for Zoey was peg good, there's not much build up for Val.
During the story, there's are some pretty substantial issues revealed which are not cleared up of fully addressed in this novella. This left me feeling that this story is not complete, I hope it will be cleared up in the following books
I enjoyed this story line, nice chemistry between main characters.although, the character buildup for Zoey was peg good, there's not much build up for Val.
During the story, there's are some pretty substantial issues revealed which are not cleared up of fully addressed in this novella. This left me feeling that this story is not complete, I hope it will be cleared up in the following books
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