This series just keeps getting better! And Nikolai and Vivian have been simmering from the beginning. I was so waiting for their story and they did not disappoint. It was as sweet as it was harsh, just like our main charactersNikolai is head of the Houston branch of the Russian mob. He is deep into the world, and there is no getting out for him. He has looked after Vivian since she was a child, caring for her when she had no-one else. People are suspect of their relationship but as much as he cares for her, he won't pursue a relationship with her. He knows he is not good enough for her no matter how strongly he wants her and she wants himVivian is no better, she accepts that Nikolai looks after her, but she wants more with her rough guardian. Devoutly Russian Orthodox, she is saving herself for marriage, and she dreams it is with Nikolai. When her past, or his past, catches up with them, there is no return. They move forward and act as one to save each other. Choices are made, and regardless of what anyone thinks or says, they both know their mind and hearts after waiting so longThis truly was a beautiful love story, with a decapitation and all, but still, very touching and it didn't have that sigh of 'finally', it had the whisper of 'at last'!! Lui, che dovrebbe essere un temibile boss della mafia russa, è un tenerone. Un torrido tenerone, ma lascia fare all'eroina un sacco di scemenze. Io l'avrei badilata, ficcata in un sacco e chiusa da qualche parte circa al 30% della storia.Lei è spesso insopportabile, si caccia in casini per la sua stupidità (casini che pagano gli altri), ed è la solita ragazzetta vergine dolce, buona, ecc. ecc. Una che nella realtà non resisterebbe in una situazione del genere più di tre minuti, insomma.La coppia, apparententemente molto romantica (il duro dal cuore d'oro, la brava ragazza) qui non funziona. L'ambiente in cui si svolge la storia è molto duro, per contrasto i protagonisti ne escono debolucci e non proprio interessantissimi. Meglio i comprimari, anche se sembra che in questa banda di trafficanti e mafiosi siano tutti buoni e onorevoli.Manca in Nikolai l'ironia che risollevava il tono in alcuni racconti precedenti, dando il necessario sollievo alla narrazione.La Rivera scrive torride scene d'amore (anche se qui arrivano molto tardi) ma il tutto non basta a farmi aprezzare il resto.Due stelline, a stento.
What do You think about Nikolai (2013)?
Definitely my favorite so far. Loved Nikolai and Vivian.
—Katty
