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Ruthless Obsession #4
Sweet Brutality
The more she fights me, the more I want her.
It’s that beautiful, sassy mouth of hers.
It makes me want to push her to her knees and dominate her, like the brutal savage I am.
As a Russian Arms dealer, I should not be ruthlessly pursuing an innocent like her, but that will not stop me.
A twist of fate may have brought us together, but it is my twisted obsession that will hold her captive as my own treasured possession.
She is mine now.
I dare you to try and take her from me.
It’s that beautiful, sassy mouth of hers.
It makes me want to push her to her knees and dominate her, like the brutal savage I am.
As a Russian Arms dealer, I should not be ruthlessly pursuing an innocent like her, but that will not stop me.
A twist of fate may have brought us together, but it is my twisted obsession that will hold her captive as my own treasured possession.
She is mine now.
I dare you to try and take her from me.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
1,216 people are currently reading
2,552 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Blake
87 books2,973 followersZoe Blake is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the romantic suspense saga The Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy inspired by her own heritage as well as her obsession with jewelry, travel, and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families.
She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
May 7, 2022
4 Halo of Red Flags Stars ⭐
Well one thing is for certain. This author definitely knows how to write Russian psychopaths and the woman who know how to attract them. It must explain why I'm turned on by this tattooed and pierced asshat...
It didn’t take a genius to tell he was the type of man who would bend a girl over a table, flip her skirt up, and pound into her till she screamed in ecstasy, giving her the best sex of her life.
In Sweet Brutality we meet Maxim a Russian Arms Dealer and Carinna who happens to catch the eye of this unstable caveman. And since he makes his own rules, Carinna has no choice but to give into the insanity.
“No.”
“No. No. No. That is all you ever say. Don’t you know any other English words?”
He leaned in close. “I know plenty of English words. Lick. Fuck. Wet. Hot. Cock. Cunt.”
The whole situation goes from zero to 100 in moments. From an initial meeting, getting manhandled in the workplace, forcing himself into her home and bed, Maxim has subconsciously claimed Carinna. Let's hope she likes it rough and depraved, cos that's just his setting.
When he finally spoke, his tone was soft and deceptively polite. “I need to apologize. This is my fault. Apparently, I haven’t made myself clear. I like you. So I’m going to keep you. For now. Which means you are mine.”
This wasn't an overly complicated story. Man sees girl decides he wants her, and takes her.
If your new to this author there are plenty of triggers, dub con, rough sexual play and a deranged love affair. However, Maxim is certainly devoted and enamored. Carinna isn't exactly opposed to it all so I guess there's that! Although you spend most of the book appalled by Maxim's actions, you can't help be impressed with his tenacity.
Well one thing is for certain. This author definitely knows how to write Russian psychopaths and the woman who know how to attract them. It must explain why I'm turned on by this tattooed and pierced asshat...
It didn’t take a genius to tell he was the type of man who would bend a girl over a table, flip her skirt up, and pound into her till she screamed in ecstasy, giving her the best sex of her life.
In Sweet Brutality we meet Maxim a Russian Arms Dealer and Carinna who happens to catch the eye of this unstable caveman. And since he makes his own rules, Carinna has no choice but to give into the insanity.
“No.”
“No. No. No. That is all you ever say. Don’t you know any other English words?”
He leaned in close. “I know plenty of English words. Lick. Fuck. Wet. Hot. Cock. Cunt.”
The whole situation goes from zero to 100 in moments. From an initial meeting, getting manhandled in the workplace, forcing himself into her home and bed, Maxim has subconsciously claimed Carinna. Let's hope she likes it rough and depraved, cos that's just his setting.
When he finally spoke, his tone was soft and deceptively polite. “I need to apologize. This is my fault. Apparently, I haven’t made myself clear. I like you. So I’m going to keep you. For now. Which means you are mine.”
This wasn't an overly complicated story. Man sees girl decides he wants her, and takes her.
If your new to this author there are plenty of triggers, dub con, rough sexual play and a deranged love affair. However, Maxim is certainly devoted and enamored. Carinna isn't exactly opposed to it all so I guess there's that! Although you spend most of the book appalled by Maxim's actions, you can't help be impressed with his tenacity.
March 9, 2022
Maxim, a Russian arms dealer, is used getting what he wants, when he wants it. He’s unapologetically set his sights on Carinna upon their first meeting. “I need to apologize. This is my fault. Apparently, I haven’t made myself clear. I like you. So I’m going to keep you. For now. Which means you’re mine.”
Carinna’s sass at every turn arouses him more than he could have anticipated. “In America, you don’t force a woman into your car and then force your way into her apartment, even if you think she’s cute. All of that is hella illegal!” “And yet, here we are.”
With parents who are manipulating her and only one friend she can count on, Carinna has only ever been able to rely on herself. When Maxim storms into her life, she has trouble accepting his domineering ways and exerts her independence. With unrest growing among other organizations, Carinna’s stubbornness puts her in the crossfire forcing Maxim to confront the depth of his feelings for his lyubimaya.
Zoe has a penchant for balancing all the things: strong characters, steam, and storyline. Sweet Brutality is no exception with the relatable Carinna and the swoony machismo otherwise known as Maxim. If you love a hero who will lovingly bulldoze his woman, a heroine who gives as good as she gets, and sėxy times that will deplete BOB’s batteries, you’re going to want to click, click, clickety, click, click.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🗂 Genre: Dark Romance
✨ Tropes: Mafia/Bratva/Crime, Alphahole Hero, Fast Burn, Forced Proximity, Kidnapping/Captive, Touch-Her-and-D!e
⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.
⚠️ Safety Squad: Dub-Cön, Mild Violence
📣 Type: Sweet Brutality is part of the Ruthless Obsession series, but can be read as a standalone.
Carinna’s sass at every turn arouses him more than he could have anticipated. “In America, you don’t force a woman into your car and then force your way into her apartment, even if you think she’s cute. All of that is hella illegal!” “And yet, here we are.”
With parents who are manipulating her and only one friend she can count on, Carinna has only ever been able to rely on herself. When Maxim storms into her life, she has trouble accepting his domineering ways and exerts her independence. With unrest growing among other organizations, Carinna’s stubbornness puts her in the crossfire forcing Maxim to confront the depth of his feelings for his lyubimaya.
Zoe has a penchant for balancing all the things: strong characters, steam, and storyline. Sweet Brutality is no exception with the relatable Carinna and the swoony machismo otherwise known as Maxim. If you love a hero who will lovingly bulldoze his woman, a heroine who gives as good as she gets, and sėxy times that will deplete BOB’s batteries, you’re going to want to click, click, clickety, click, click.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🗂 Genre: Dark Romance
✨ Tropes: Mafia/Bratva/Crime, Alphahole Hero, Fast Burn, Forced Proximity, Kidnapping/Captive, Touch-Her-and-D!e
⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.
⚠️ Safety Squad: Dub-Cön, Mild Violence
📣 Type: Sweet Brutality is part of the Ruthless Obsession series, but can be read as a standalone.
March 22, 2022
My body is ready for Maxim since we saw him in the last book the sexual tension was high between him and Carinna. And he made a impression when he showed up at her work and beat a guy and tossed her over his shoulder. These Russian men and their over the top attitudes which i love so much. Carinna does push away because she knows she's going to be hurt this isn't a type of one night stands she's use to. And boy the dirty talking, punishments Maxim gives her. Carinna also loves/hates when he calls her his dirty lil whore. THE SPICE ZOE BROUGHT THE SPICE!!
There was one scene I was glad wasn't shown was her cleaning off his cock after it was in her ass.. yeah that lil part was a no for me lol but with all the fun both were having their was drama that did target Carinna and put her in danger. And you don't target a man's woman we saw how crazy Maxim can get.
We saw a hint of the next couple and pass couples. Which I love that Zoe does!!! And the friendship between the guys was golden. I would love to see more of that and the female friendship.
Also the bonus scene with carinna and Max with the priced nipplea and chain link 🥵🥵🥵
No ow/om drama, No cheating, Secondary characters, Drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from h
Violence
Dub-conish
Degradation
Humiliation
Anal play/sex
Mentions of past abuse
Punishments
Hea
There was one scene I was glad wasn't shown was her cleaning off his cock after it was in her ass.. yeah that lil part was a no for me lol but with all the fun both were having their was drama that did target Carinna and put her in danger. And you don't target a man's woman we saw how crazy Maxim can get.
We saw a hint of the next couple and pass couples. Which I love that Zoe does!!! And the friendship between the guys was golden. I would love to see more of that and the female friendship.
Also the bonus scene with carinna and Max with the priced nipplea and chain link 🥵🥵🥵
No ow/om drama, No cheating, Secondary characters, Drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push away from h
Violence
Dub-conish
Degradation
Humiliation
Anal play/sex
Mentions of past abuse
Punishments
Hea
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
4.5 Villians Do It Best Stars!
Re-read 12/19/24
Still love it.
First review:
Maxim, who you meet in the previous book in this series, is a Russian arms dealer and runs into Carinna when he is replacing the locks on her friend’s door. Carinna gives him some major sass and it seals her fate. Maxin WILL have Carinna by any means necessary.
Carinna is scared of Maxim but also deeply attracted and drawn to the tattooed beast of a man. He has come into her life like a wrecking ball and she isn’t sure what to make of it or what to do. As Maxim continues to barrel into her life, she soon finds that maybe they need each other more than they want to admit.
When rival criminals threaten the life of those Maxim loves, including Carinna, his possessiveness of her explodes. Will Maxim be able to keep Carinna safe? Will Carinna choose to make a life with a man that sets her whole world on fire (in a good way)?
I loved this. Zoe Blake has completely knocked it out of the park with these Russian men and their fierce women. Maxim was super everything and Carinna was such a vulnerable yet feisty character. The sex in here was incredibly hot and kinky and the angst and suspense, while predictable in some ways, was fun to read. If you’re in the mood for some kinky sex, over-the-top alpha male goodness, a heroine that holds her own and a plot that doesn’t drag then definitely pick this up!
I can’t wait for Katie’s story!!! Bring it on Zoe!
Re-read 12/19/24
Still love it.
First review:
“What your fairy tales never tell you is that often, moya lyubimaya, it is the villain who wins, because it is the villain who is willing to fight, no matter the cost, for what he wants.”
Maxim, who you meet in the previous book in this series, is a Russian arms dealer and runs into Carinna when he is replacing the locks on her friend’s door. Carinna gives him some major sass and it seals her fate. Maxin WILL have Carinna by any means necessary.
Carinna is scared of Maxim but also deeply attracted and drawn to the tattooed beast of a man. He has come into her life like a wrecking ball and she isn’t sure what to make of it or what to do. As Maxim continues to barrel into her life, she soon finds that maybe they need each other more than they want to admit.
When rival criminals threaten the life of those Maxim loves, including Carinna, his possessiveness of her explodes. Will Maxim be able to keep Carinna safe? Will Carinna choose to make a life with a man that sets her whole world on fire (in a good way)?
I loved this. Zoe Blake has completely knocked it out of the park with these Russian men and their fierce women. Maxim was super everything and Carinna was such a vulnerable yet feisty character. The sex in here was incredibly hot and kinky and the angst and suspense, while predictable in some ways, was fun to read. If you’re in the mood for some kinky sex, over-the-top alpha male goodness, a heroine that holds her own and a plot that doesn’t drag then definitely pick this up!
”I looked down at our joined hands. His large and tanned, covered in tattoos. Mine pale and small. A complete mismatch, and yet they fit perfectly.”
I can’t wait for Katie’s story!!! Bring it on Zoe!
October 16, 2023
4.25 intense-and-JP stars
Ever since book 3, I’d been eyeing Maxim and Carinna, who’s not the usual ZB heroine because of how feisty and sassy she is… Carinna and Maxim had chemistry since Ivan and Dylan’s book… and this book did NOT disappoint 👏🏻.
Carinna’s working at the bar when she’s being bothered by a random man. When he gets frisky, she’s about to get at him, but there’s no need- because Maxim’s shows up, and, well… he breaks the man’s nose 💁🏻♀️. He shouldn’t be touching what’s his 🤷🏻♀️ 💅.
He “orders” her to go with him because he doesn’t want her working there (he also doesn’t like what she’s wearing 😬) and she resists… so then he throws her over his shoulder after he covers her with his shirt and takes her out himself🤣.
And so their tumultuous, intense, uber-🔥 relationship begins 👀
And I loved it 🤣
What I liked/loved: possible spoilers
—the 🔥. Well, it starts right away 🤣 as soon as Maxim takes Carinna out of the bar, he shows her why she can’t be walking about half-naaaked, especially because she’s his 😅. Even though she wants to fight him, she can’t help but give in 😉. We get some 🔥 before 10% and full 🔥 by 20% ish… so… definitely fast ish burn (like usual 💦). Plus. He always makes sure she’s ready 👏🏻
—Maxim’s diiiiiirty mouth… and well, all the diiiirtiness too 🥵. This man’s OBSESSED with Carinna, and he shows her how much he wants her in every single way, especially when making sure she 💦. My type of hero 😉😮💨
—the fighting scenes 👀 almost like CNC. Umm… Carinna is FEISTY and Maxim loooves that she fights him 👀 it makes their tension and chemistry that much more intense 🥵. Many of their scenes are dub con ish
—slap kiss 👀. It needs its own bullet 😉
—Carinna ISNT a virgin 👏🏻. For people that wanna read a ZB without a virgin h, this is one for you 😉. She’s not very experienced, but she has some experience ❤️
—he calls her moya malen’kaya iskra which means my little spark 🫶
—the 🤣. I’m sure it wasn’t always meant to be funny, but I couldn’t help but giggle so much 🤣. When the guys are talking about babies and Maxim doesn’t know what to do… 🤣
—kneading the dough 👀. Listen. I’m aware that I have a problem with forerms, and, Maxim’s forearms are my weakness 😮💨the way Maxim smacks the dough made me feel a certain way 🫠
—how O B S E S S E D Maxim becomes 😈. Love me a dedicated man 💅 especially because of
—how protective he is 🫶. Makes sense considering he’s part of the mafia
—how JP he is 👀. He can’t even let her go to culinary school without wanting to be there 🤣 he’s possessive of her time 😅 good thing the teacher there loves him 😉
—seeing the previous MCs ❤️. Omg. The guys hanging it had me 🤣🤣🤣. They’re in the middle of doing bad stuff and they can’t help but talk about their love lives 😅. They’re all obsessed with their women 🫶. They girls talk too 👀 lol. I luuuurved this ❤️
—fighting Carinna’s battles 🫶. Maxim will take care of her in every way ❤️ sigh. He’s just so swoony 🥹
—piercings galore 😅. Umm… not gonna lie, I feel like these hurt, but whatevs… Carinna sure got to enjoy them 🥵 lol
—Carinna’s past ☹️. I got so emotional 😭. Sigh. I’m glad she has Maxim now 😭🫶
What I didn’t like/wanted more of:
—the A to M scene 🥴. I’m glad it was FTB 🥴 but still
—I can’t help but feel pain when I think of these 🔥 scenes 🫣😬. I wanna give Carinna some numbing cream, ointments, maybe offer her tons of painkillers 🤣 something 🤷🏻♀️😅
—a longer/better epilogue 😭. So… I read this months ago and then reread it to refresh my memory. Originally, there was NO epilogue 😳 and when I reread it, we have one three months later 👀. The epilogue is very 🥵, but then it ends 😭. It was another 🔥 scene, but I wanted more about their relationship status/etc. Sigh. The good thing is that we keep seeing previous couples in the later books, so I’m sure I’ll see their HEA there… but still 😭
Overall, I enjoyed this! ZB is amazing to read if I want intense spice (especially if I just read a slow burn).
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-noncon/dubcon
-violence/bloodshed/deaths
-spanking/p slapping/biting/marking/degradation kink/anal play/anal sex/Ass to M/praise kink
-no condoms/they’ve both always used one/it’s been a while for her/no info on when for him/she’s on birth control
-HEA/epilogue/3 months later
Ever since book 3, I’d been eyeing Maxim and Carinna, who’s not the usual ZB heroine because of how feisty and sassy she is… Carinna and Maxim had chemistry since Ivan and Dylan’s book… and this book did NOT disappoint 👏🏻.
Carinna’s working at the bar when she’s being bothered by a random man. When he gets frisky, she’s about to get at him, but there’s no need- because Maxim’s shows up, and, well… he breaks the man’s nose 💁🏻♀️. He shouldn’t be touching what’s his 🤷🏻♀️ 💅.
He “orders” her to go with him because he doesn’t want her working there (he also doesn’t like what she’s wearing 😬) and she resists… so then he throws her over his shoulder after he covers her with his shirt and takes her out himself🤣.
And so their tumultuous, intense, uber-🔥 relationship begins 👀
And I loved it 🤣
What I liked/loved: possible spoilers
—the 🔥. Well, it starts right away 🤣 as soon as Maxim takes Carinna out of the bar, he shows her why she can’t be walking about half-naaaked, especially because she’s his 😅. Even though she wants to fight him, she can’t help but give in 😉. We get some 🔥 before 10% and full 🔥 by 20% ish… so… definitely fast ish burn (like usual 💦). Plus. He always makes sure she’s ready 👏🏻
—Maxim’s diiiiiirty mouth… and well, all the diiiirtiness too 🥵. This man’s OBSESSED with Carinna, and he shows her how much he wants her in every single way, especially when making sure she 💦. My type of hero 😉😮💨
—the fighting scenes 👀 almost like CNC. Umm… Carinna is FEISTY and Maxim loooves that she fights him 👀 it makes their tension and chemistry that much more intense 🥵. Many of their scenes are dub con ish
—slap kiss 👀. It needs its own bullet 😉
—Carinna ISNT a virgin 👏🏻. For people that wanna read a ZB without a virgin h, this is one for you 😉. She’s not very experienced, but she has some experience ❤️
—he calls her moya malen’kaya iskra which means my little spark 🫶
—the 🤣. I’m sure it wasn’t always meant to be funny, but I couldn’t help but giggle so much 🤣. When the guys are talking about babies and Maxim doesn’t know what to do… 🤣
—kneading the dough 👀. Listen. I’m aware that I have a problem with forerms, and, Maxim’s forearms are my weakness 😮💨the way Maxim smacks the dough made me feel a certain way 🫠
—how O B S E S S E D Maxim becomes 😈. Love me a dedicated man 💅 especially because of
—how protective he is 🫶. Makes sense considering he’s part of the mafia
—how JP he is 👀. He can’t even let her go to culinary school without wanting to be there 🤣 he’s possessive of her time 😅 good thing the teacher there loves him 😉
—seeing the previous MCs ❤️. Omg. The guys hanging it had me 🤣🤣🤣. They’re in the middle of doing bad stuff and they can’t help but talk about their love lives 😅. They’re all obsessed with their women 🫶. They girls talk too 👀 lol. I luuuurved this ❤️
—fighting Carinna’s battles 🫶. Maxim will take care of her in every way ❤️ sigh. He’s just so swoony 🥹
—piercings galore 😅. Umm… not gonna lie, I feel like these hurt, but whatevs… Carinna sure got to enjoy them 🥵 lol
—Carinna’s past ☹️. I got so emotional 😭. Sigh. I’m glad she has Maxim now 😭🫶
What I didn’t like/wanted more of:
—the A to M scene 🥴. I’m glad it was FTB 🥴 but still
—I can’t help but feel pain when I think of these 🔥 scenes 🫣😬. I wanna give Carinna some numbing cream, ointments, maybe offer her tons of painkillers 🤣 something 🤷🏻♀️😅
—a longer/better epilogue 😭. So… I read this months ago and then reread it to refresh my memory. Originally, there was NO epilogue 😳 and when I reread it, we have one three months later 👀. The epilogue is very 🥵, but then it ends 😭. It was another 🔥 scene, but I wanted more about their relationship status/etc. Sigh. The good thing is that we keep seeing previous couples in the later books, so I’m sure I’ll see their HEA there… but still 😭
Overall, I enjoyed this! ZB is amazing to read if I want intense spice (especially if I just read a slow burn).
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-noncon/dubcon
-violence/bloodshed/deaths
-spanking/p slapping/biting/marking/degradation kink/anal play/anal sex/Ass to M/praise kink
-no condoms/they’ve both always used one/it’s been a while for her/no info on when for him/she’s on birth control
-HEA/epilogue/3 months later
March 13, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: kidnapping
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Maxim, a Russian arms dealer, comes across Carinna when he's swapping out the locks on her friend Dylan's door as a favor to his friend (without her permission). When Carinna comes out to confront him in her sleep shorts and a tee, he chastises her for walking around naked and threatens to spank her @ss. Immediately attracted to her, he later follows her to her work and when an unruly customer at the bar gets out of hand, Maxim decides he knows what's best for her and carries her off, because what Maxim wants, Maxim gets and she clearly can't take care of herself 🤷🏻♀️ 😂😂.
Fan-fucking-tastic! This series is seriously my most favorite over the top, deliciously naughty series of all time! And Maxim👏🏼 does 👏🏼 not👏🏼 disappoint! Super alpha who cannot accept the word no from Carinna, but will throw around the "nyets" all day long if she doesn't go along with what he says. Well written and super fast paced, this has all the action and hot smexy you expect from Zoe Blake. It does delve into some internal conflict Carinna has about reconciling her acceptance of both humiliation and pleasure and why anything can be OK between consenting partners. Of course in Corinna's case, it's dubious consent at best, lol, but this is fiction 😉. FLOVED seeing all of our previously domesticated Russian badasses ❤️. This whole series are rereads for me and are so much smexy fun! Cannot wait to read Luka's story next!
Sweet Brutality is the forth book in Zoe Blake's Ruthless Obsession series, but can be read as a complete standalone. It is also loosely connected to her Ivanov Crime family series. Sweet Brutality is told in first person, from dual perspective.
Trope: kidnapping
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Maxim, a Russian arms dealer, comes across Carinna when he's swapping out the locks on her friend Dylan's door as a favor to his friend (without her permission). When Carinna comes out to confront him in her sleep shorts and a tee, he chastises her for walking around naked and threatens to spank her @ss. Immediately attracted to her, he later follows her to her work and when an unruly customer at the bar gets out of hand, Maxim decides he knows what's best for her and carries her off, because what Maxim wants, Maxim gets and she clearly can't take care of herself 🤷🏻♀️ 😂😂.
Fan-fucking-tastic! This series is seriously my most favorite over the top, deliciously naughty series of all time! And Maxim👏🏼 does 👏🏼 not👏🏼 disappoint! Super alpha who cannot accept the word no from Carinna, but will throw around the "nyets" all day long if she doesn't go along with what he says. Well written and super fast paced, this has all the action and hot smexy you expect from Zoe Blake. It does delve into some internal conflict Carinna has about reconciling her acceptance of both humiliation and pleasure and why anything can be OK between consenting partners. Of course in Corinna's case, it's dubious consent at best, lol, but this is fiction 😉. FLOVED seeing all of our previously domesticated Russian badasses ❤️. This whole series are rereads for me and are so much smexy fun! Cannot wait to read Luka's story next!
Sweet Brutality is the forth book in Zoe Blake's Ruthless Obsession series, but can be read as a complete standalone. It is also loosely connected to her Ivanov Crime family series. Sweet Brutality is told in first person, from dual perspective.
April 14, 2022
At least there was mouthwash... some details doesn't need to be written or become known at all! Maxim and Carinna's story was steamy, kinky and kinda sweet. Everything I could expect from Zoe Blake.
March 22, 2022
Well this was exactly what I expected it to be; insta-love, dub/con, butt stuff, violence and darkness. The heroine was just like every other one Zoe Blake writes; poor, badly treated by her family, feisty with dreams to be (insert traditional female profession here) a pastry chef. The hero was just like every other Zoe Blake hero; Russian, tattooed, dominant, bossy, misogynistic, rich and criminal. He lacked the personality of Vaska but had a penis piercing so I guess it all balances. This did (the piercing) make the rapey scenes that much more difficult to take. Zoe Blake has the ability to make me both cringe and wince during her sex scenes, and I did it double time in this one.
Everything else in the story was pretty conventional, kidnapping, villains, murder and then the heroine giving up everything to be with the hero. This is not a feminist tale, my friends, but I don’t read it for that. I read it to be shocked and scandalized and it does the job, I clutched my pearls the whole way through this one. Squeamish readers beware.
Everything else in the story was pretty conventional, kidnapping, villains, murder and then the heroine giving up everything to be with the hero. This is not a feminist tale, my friends, but I don’t read it for that. I read it to be shocked and scandalized and it does the job, I clutched my pearls the whole way through this one. Squeamish readers beware.
May 28, 2024
3.75✨ (rounded up to 4 for GR)
3.25🌶️
Very similar to the others in the series. Personally, this series is best read not immediately after one another; give some time between each to reset the palate.
This was a good entry! Plays very much into the dom/sub undertones with the MMC being extra possessive, OTT, and demanding (but he also quotes Shakespeare!) If you love push and pull between the OTT MMC and a more outspoken, bratty type FMC, you’ll probably enjoy this. Plot still doesn’t really plot, but we’re not here for that, are we?
Will continue the series😏
3.25🌶️
Very similar to the others in the series. Personally, this series is best read not immediately after one another; give some time between each to reset the palate.
This was a good entry! Plays very much into the dom/sub undertones with the MMC being extra possessive, OTT, and demanding (but he also quotes Shakespeare!) If you love push and pull between the OTT MMC and a more outspoken, bratty type FMC, you’ll probably enjoy this. Plot still doesn’t really plot, but we’re not here for that, are we?
Will continue the series😏
March 10, 2022
Oh lawd all those piercings!!!! Whelp there went the panies!! That was so fucking hot. Need I say more. Damn just damn 🥵🥵
March 7, 2022
I love these Russian men and their high handed spanking ways 😂😂😂 this was carinna and maxsims story. carinna was the friend from book 3 (having a brain fart on ivans h's name 🤔🤔🤔🤷)
She's working at a bar, but going to school to be a baker. She's also getting shaken down by her parents and guess who puts a stop to all that nonsense 😏
I loved his ott, super jpness (I don't care if that's not a word cuz who gonna check me boo?!) And carinna was cute in how she didn't know that the Russians are gonna do what they do.
It was cute to see Ivan with his McDonalds again and the spit up on the shoulder from....was it dmitri? Anyhoo, I loved it!
She's working at a bar, but going to school to be a baker. She's also getting shaken down by her parents and guess who puts a stop to all that nonsense 😏
I loved his ott, super jpness (I don't care if that's not a word cuz who gonna check me boo?!) And carinna was cute in how she didn't know that the Russians are gonna do what they do.
It was cute to see Ivan with his McDonalds again and the spit up on the shoulder from....was it dmitri? Anyhoo, I loved it!
October 19, 2022
I laughed way more than I expected I ever would. Maxim has by far captured my heart.
“Don’t you know, babygirl? I’m the Devil. Hell is wherever I am.” ~ Maxim
What I love the most is these men have the attitudes of soldier, the mouths of pirates, the bodies of gods, and not a single fuck to give. They literally make their own rules and damn anyone who tries to correct them. And yet they crumble for the women who capture their souls with a single look.
“No. No. No. That is all you ever say. Don’t you know any other English words?” He leaned in close. “I know plenty of English words. Lick. Fuck. Wet. Hot. Cock. Cunt.”
I’m telling you I nearly snorted out my drink when I read this one. I mean I could literally hear this scene playing out with such clarity it’s as if I’ve experienced it before. And I absolutely loved it!!
Carinna is a feisty one. She doesn’t give Maxim any breaks, she’s constantly testing his patience, his strength, and his will. She pushes all his buttons and she knows it. She’s the brat that his firm hand needed in his life. And one of my favorite things is that all his piercings are used throughout the entire book. It’s not a casual ‘he’s pierced here, here, and here.’ No this is an entire experience of all eight different ones, but two very specific ones make a girls toes curl.
I know I say this with every new man that enters this Mafia world, but he has completely stolen my soul and I’d be alright with him calling me baby girl and hauling me around like luggage 😉
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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“Don’t you know, babygirl? I’m the Devil. Hell is wherever I am.” ~ Maxim
What I love the most is these men have the attitudes of soldier, the mouths of pirates, the bodies of gods, and not a single fuck to give. They literally make their own rules and damn anyone who tries to correct them. And yet they crumble for the women who capture their souls with a single look.
“No. No. No. That is all you ever say. Don’t you know any other English words?” He leaned in close. “I know plenty of English words. Lick. Fuck. Wet. Hot. Cock. Cunt.”
I’m telling you I nearly snorted out my drink when I read this one. I mean I could literally hear this scene playing out with such clarity it’s as if I’ve experienced it before. And I absolutely loved it!!
Carinna is a feisty one. She doesn’t give Maxim any breaks, she’s constantly testing his patience, his strength, and his will. She pushes all his buttons and she knows it. She’s the brat that his firm hand needed in his life. And one of my favorite things is that all his piercings are used throughout the entire book. It’s not a casual ‘he’s pierced here, here, and here.’ No this is an entire experience of all eight different ones, but two very specific ones make a girls toes curl.
I know I say this with every new man that enters this Mafia world, but he has completely stolen my soul and I’d be alright with him calling me baby girl and hauling me around like luggage 😉
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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May 29, 2024
3☆ Yes it’s predictable, unhinged, and highly fucking problematic, but we kinda know that going in, right?
Better than book 1 but a little less non in that dub/non-con wouldn’t go amiss. Maybe I’m just not the best audience for degradation kink, but is “my dirty little whore” really the best we’ve got? Still, there were some entertaining bits and it was actually pretty funny. When he charms his way into special guest privileges with her elderly uptight culinary professor I couldn’t help smiling. And when her whole class is hypnotized by his Russian-bread-kneading forearm porn. And when she crashes his getaway and starts chatting up his mom on the phone, much to his gangsterly dismay. 😂
Better than book 1 but a little less non in that dub/non-con wouldn’t go amiss. Maybe I’m just not the best audience for degradation kink, but is “my dirty little whore” really the best we’ve got? Still, there were some entertaining bits and it was actually pretty funny. When he charms his way into special guest privileges with her elderly uptight culinary professor I couldn’t help smiling. And when her whole class is hypnotized by his Russian-bread-kneading forearm porn. And when she crashes his getaway and starts chatting up his mom on the phone, much to his gangsterly dismay. 😂
June 12, 2024
Better than Book 2/3, not as good as Book 1
Did Zoe Blake get me hooked with Sweet Cruelty? Yes, yes she did.
Have I equally enjoyed all of her books? Nope, not even close. I DNF'd book 2 because it was meh and book 3 was book 1 but with a less likable heroine.
Book 4 finally gave me similar feelings as book 1. The hero was hot and the heroine was sassy.
The problem was (and I can't believe I'm saying this) he wasn't aggressively OTT enough?
↠ He stays at her apartment because he doesn't like hotels and on day 2 or 3, he's still thinking this is a temporary fling and possibly a Chicago base mistress for when he needs to be there. Sure, soon after that he's planning how to kidnap her back to Russia, but still, minus 1 ★.
↠ I also don't like red shirt bodyguards. Why assign useless goons to keep the obsession of your life safe? minus 0.5 ★.
↠ Finally, he leaves her behind?! WTF? His reasons were noble and it gave the chance for that great bond villain type scene with the heroine, but I was disappointed anyway. Minus 0.5 ★.
Will I continue this series? Yes, I will 🙃🙈
Did Zoe Blake get me hooked with Sweet Cruelty? Yes, yes she did.
Have I equally enjoyed all of her books? Nope, not even close. I DNF'd book 2 because it was meh and book 3 was book 1 but with a less likable heroine.
Book 4 finally gave me similar feelings as book 1. The hero was hot and the heroine was sassy.
The problem was (and I can't believe I'm saying this) he wasn't aggressively OTT enough?
↠ He stays at her apartment because he doesn't like hotels and on day 2 or 3, he's still thinking this is a temporary fling and possibly a Chicago base mistress for when he needs to be there. Sure, soon after that he's planning how to kidnap her back to Russia, but still, minus 1 ★.
↠ I also don't like red shirt bodyguards. Why assign useless goons to keep the obsession of your life safe? minus 0.5 ★.
↠ Finally, he leaves her behind?! WTF? His reasons were noble and it gave the chance for that great bond villain type scene with the heroine, but I was disappointed anyway. Minus 0.5 ★.
Will I continue this series? Yes, I will 🙃🙈
June 7, 2022
As much as I enjoyed Maxim and Carinna’s love story, it read almost the exact same as the previous books in the series. That said, I’m super, super, super excited for Luca’s book!
4 stars
4 stars
January 9, 2023
This one was not for me at all. Not a fan of humiliating name calling during sexy time. Not a fan of this one.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
March 21, 2022
Very hot and rough sex with an alpha mafia guy. What else can you ask for?
Read
April 13, 2023rtc
March 11, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Maxim
Heroine : Carinna
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Kidnapping
Review :
This is Carinna and Maxim's tale. The dubcon scenes, and the steamy scenes by this author are literally something that makes me one click every single release of hers .
This book is a part of her standalone books series. All the books can be read Independently but a lot of characters make cameos in the books so I recommend that you read them in order. Also that hint by the author for the next book made me scream like crazy! It's just so freaking good that those characters are getting a book.
If you are a fan of broody heroes who are super JP and crazy, then definitely go for this one.
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March 21, 2022
This is the fourth in the author's series about Russian arms-dealers and their (thus far) American women. Because this is a spin-off series; several characters from previous books appear; and the MC met in Sweet Savagery, I'm not sure this is a standalone. I haven't read any of the other books and while I followed the MC's relationship well enough, all the other characters blended together since I had little idea who they were.
The short version of my review is that this is better than I thought it would be. While that might sound like damning with faint praise, I rarelynever like Ms. Blake's books: the prose is too unsubtle; the punishments too harsh (really torture-porn); the MMC's too unlikable; and the MFC's so doormat-ish that the relationships are really one long sex scene absent any tension, feeling, or appeal -- all completely interchangeable. But, I saw from the reviews that this would be different and while I'm always hesitant to trust ARCies, this time I agree with them.
Long(er) version: Maxim and Carinna meet in Chicago (or the author's totally unrecognizable version of it): he's there to sell guns; she's trying to get her pastry chef degree. Though the sex is animalistic hot, Carinna is sure they're incompatible. Or are they?
There's a lot to like about this book. The positives include the lack of true "darkness" (as I define it) since Maxim never harms her; for me this was a relief since I don't like "dark," but those who do might be disappointed. I also appreciated Carinna's ambition and snark; that for the first half of the book, she reacted more realistically to Maxim's profession and personality than is usual for this genre; and that he was ultimately more concerned about her safety and happiness than his own. But what really made this book for me was the self-reflexivity (of which I'm always a fan):
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 as I would for any book that invokes Barbara Stanwyck (though few, if any, 21 year-olds would know who she is). We get a peek at the next book: while the dynamic is slightly different from this one, it seems to include the kind of brutality I don't like in this author's work so I doubt I'll read it.
The short version of my review is that this is better than I thought it would be. While that might sound like damning with faint praise, I rarely
Long(er) version: Maxim and Carinna meet in Chicago (or the author's totally unrecognizable version of it): he's there to sell guns; she's trying to get her pastry chef degree. Though the sex is animalistic hot, Carinna is sure they're incompatible. Or are they?
There's a lot to like about this book. The positives include the lack of true "darkness" (as I define it) since Maxim never harms her; for me this was a relief since I don't like "dark," but those who do might be disappointed. I also appreciated Carinna's ambition and snark; that for the first half of the book, she reacted more realistically to Maxim's profession and personality than is usual for this genre; and that he was ultimately more concerned about her safety and happiness than his own. But what really made this book for me was the self-reflexivity (of which I'm always a fan):
He was like one of the bad boys from my Kindle romances. The kind you swooned over in a book but knew would be a disaster to date in real life. All the more reason to get him out of my apartment and out of my life.The book features many of Carinna's humorous inner monologues; since it never took itself too seriously, the OTT aspects worked:
I had to come up with a plan. Something not as extreme as Thelma and Louise, but also not involving us going into the witness protection program and living the rest of our lives as Mary Sue and Betty Lou deep in the middle of Kansas working at some no-name diner...I do have some quibbles and one really strong reservation: Carinna's biggest problem is given short shrift; the ending is rushed and abrupt; the mafia sub-plot was ludicrous; and the author has done no research into the role of women in Russian society (both better and worse than she depicts it here). But, most importantly, it's hard to have any positive feelings for Russian arms-dealers -- especially right now.
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 as I would for any book that invokes Barbara Stanwyck (though few, if any, 21 year-olds would know who she is). We get a peek at the next book: while the dynamic is slightly different from this one, it seems to include the kind of brutality I don't like in this author's work so I doubt I'll read it.
March 18, 2022
Zoe Blake’s characters always have the reader glued to the story, sitting anxiously on the edge of their seat, hoping for more of her unique deliciousness that her Alpha men deliver.
Carrina opens the book while bartending and struggling with her clothing choice but then Maxim steps in to rescue her. This begins a journey into Maxim’s claiming of her and his very possessive grip of her and her life.
Zoe has written a very delicious story of finding love and passion by giving us characters that are struggling with the pull towards each other with unexpected endings.
Carrina opens the book while bartending and struggling with her clothing choice but then Maxim steps in to rescue her. This begins a journey into Maxim’s claiming of her and his very possessive grip of her and her life.
Zoe has written a very delicious story of finding love and passion by giving us characters that are struggling with the pull towards each other with unexpected endings.
March 8, 2022
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. Let me start off by saying this, I have read every book In this series, and each one continues to blow my mind. This author can write a crazy, alpha mafia man, like NO OTHER. Maxim is dangerous, ruthless, controlling, and hot as he**. Maxin saves Carinna from getting attacked by a drunk patron at the bar she tends at, and decides from there she is done working there. He won’t tolerate her dressed in sexy bartender attire serving drunk guys. He becomes obsessed with her, pursuing her, even though she tells him she isn’t interested. After one night with him, she realizes he isn’t going to be going anywhere. As much as she wants and tries to resist him, he is too addicting. His dangerous lifestyle has potentially put her and her best friend in danger, and he would go to the ends of the earth to keep her protected.
I blew through this book in less than 24 hours. Everything about Maxim is delicious and addicting. Carinna is a bad*** heroine who is mouthy, independent and head-strung. She is what every woman aspires to be, and takes no crap from any man. I am obsessed with these two. This story wasn’t enough, I want a part two. I need mooooore of these two. They are fire. I can’t praise this book enough. I wanted to throw my kindle at the end , because I wasn’t ready for the two of them to be over. I need more dangerous Russian crime men in my life, stat.
5
I blew through this book in less than 24 hours. Everything about Maxim is delicious and addicting. Carinna is a bad*** heroine who is mouthy, independent and head-strung. She is what every woman aspires to be, and takes no crap from any man. I am obsessed with these two. This story wasn’t enough, I want a part two. I need mooooore of these two. They are fire. I can’t praise this book enough. I wanted to throw my kindle at the end , because I wasn’t ready for the two of them to be over. I need more dangerous Russian crime men in my life, stat.
5
July 6, 2022
Definitely my second favourite in the series. I really enjoyed Carrina and Maxim. Weirdly enough, Maxim seems to be the only character with a stable family life.
The ending is rushed and I really wish there was an epilogue of Carrina meeting Maxim's mom. But otherwise, I really liked this one!
The ending is rushed and I really wish there was an epilogue of Carrina meeting Maxim's mom. But otherwise, I really liked this one!
March 19, 2022
Least favourite of the series DNF
I had this book pre-ordered because I loved the first 3 so much - but for some reason this book rubbed me the wrong wrong way and I couldn’t get into it.
Zoe’s books all have elements of dub-con, but this one was leaning way more into non-con/creepy then what I could read through - I made it to 50% and just couldn’t read on
Also, this is the main book in the series that I feel has very little in terms of a storyline - it is kind of piggybacking off of Dylan’s story too much, and really not getting to know either of the MCs.
Those familiar with Zoe’s work, this is not even close to as dark as the ward series - but somehow was just not done in a way that was enjoyable.
Wouldn’t recommend this one
I had this book pre-ordered because I loved the first 3 so much - but for some reason this book rubbed me the wrong wrong way and I couldn’t get into it.
Zoe’s books all have elements of dub-con, but this one was leaning way more into non-con/creepy then what I could read through - I made it to 50% and just couldn’t read on
Also, this is the main book in the series that I feel has very little in terms of a storyline - it is kind of piggybacking off of Dylan’s story too much, and really not getting to know either of the MCs.
Those familiar with Zoe’s work, this is not even close to as dark as the ward series - but somehow was just not done in a way that was enjoyable.
Wouldn’t recommend this one
March 19, 2022
4.6 stars.
This was filthy, and by some magic, still somehow managed to be sweet.
I loved the dynamic between Maxim an Carinna. It was a fight of wills that was super hot to read.
I love how every man in this series has it in their head that they’ll just have a little fun fling while they are in the states and then just forget about the impossibly stubborn American women they claim. At the beginning at least. Then they go full on alpha, protective mode and just say ‘fuck it’ to their stupidity and accept that they’ll never be letting them go.
It’s a super fun inner fight they all face.
And the women all have similar thoughts though they’re more along the lines of ‘what the hell would he want with Me?’ type thoughts.
The plot in this is very similar to the last book since the time lines overlap for most of the book, with a little variance at the end that happens after the first one ends. So I already knew I’d enjoy that, and since it was from different perspectives things were kept interesting.
The sex was hot and dirty and completely filled with noncon and roughness and punishments and chasing and kidnapping. There was also a degradation kink thrown in that the others didn’t have that I really enjoyed.
I just loved this. It was fantastically smutty and violent and totally jam packed with that alpha, Russian dominance that I am wholly a fan of from romance authors.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Katie and Luka in the next book. I bet it’s epic.
This was filthy, and by some magic, still somehow managed to be sweet.
I loved the dynamic between Maxim an Carinna. It was a fight of wills that was super hot to read.
I love how every man in this series has it in their head that they’ll just have a little fun fling while they are in the states and then just forget about the impossibly stubborn American women they claim. At the beginning at least. Then they go full on alpha, protective mode and just say ‘fuck it’ to their stupidity and accept that they’ll never be letting them go.
It’s a super fun inner fight they all face.
And the women all have similar thoughts though they’re more along the lines of ‘what the hell would he want with Me?’ type thoughts.
The plot in this is very similar to the last book since the time lines overlap for most of the book, with a little variance at the end that happens after the first one ends. So I already knew I’d enjoy that, and since it was from different perspectives things were kept interesting.
The sex was hot and dirty and completely filled with noncon and roughness and punishments and chasing and kidnapping. There was also a degradation kink thrown in that the others didn’t have that I really enjoyed.
I just loved this. It was fantastically smutty and violent and totally jam packed with that alpha, Russian dominance that I am wholly a fan of from romance authors.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Katie and Luka in the next book. I bet it’s epic.
March 31, 2022
OTT jp H/ Russian arms dealer/ fiesty h
This was a struggle to rate… I enjoyed it but the ending was more abrupt than normal I felt like. But who knows! I may have to read again bc I had to keep stopping and maybe it messed the book up for me.
-OTT JP alpha Russian arms dealer as is the usual for the H of this series.
-h is fiesty and not a v card. She is sassy and disobeys and maxim loves it
-some spanks but it’s not really heavy here that I remember 🤔
-maxim is into teaching her who she belongs too which I love. He’s rough and I LOVED IT.
-the action felt kinda anticlimactic… we see alot of background moment from the other books so maybe that is why. This was a story within the moments of the other 3 books so maybe that’s why the action was minimal bc we know what happens kinda..?
-HFN.. per usual of this series as we see the character throughout the next books. But not baby which I always love lol. But I wish we coulda saw them meeting maxims family I kinda hated how it ended
-will read the next of course 🙃
-No cheating
-no OW drama
This was a struggle to rate… I enjoyed it but the ending was more abrupt than normal I felt like. But who knows! I may have to read again bc I had to keep stopping and maybe it messed the book up for me.
-OTT JP alpha Russian arms dealer as is the usual for the H of this series.
-h is fiesty and not a v card. She is sassy and disobeys and maxim loves it
-some spanks but it’s not really heavy here that I remember 🤔
-maxim is into teaching her who she belongs too which I love. He’s rough and I LOVED IT.
-the action felt kinda anticlimactic… we see alot of background moment from the other books so maybe that is why. This was a story within the moments of the other 3 books so maybe that’s why the action was minimal bc we know what happens kinda..?
-HFN.. per usual of this series as we see the character throughout the next books. But not baby which I always love lol. But I wish we coulda saw them meeting maxims family I kinda hated how it ended
-will read the next of course 🙃
-No cheating
-no OW drama
May 18, 2022
definitely another great book in an addicting series. i’m slowly making my way backwards in reading this book. i really enjoyed reading this book even though it wasn’t exactly my favorite and a bit boring at times but entertaining nonetheless. Maxim is scorching hot with his many piercings and how many times he made me laugh! the banter in this book was so good that i found myself giggling out loud. i think i’ll read Dylan and Ivan’s story next :)
August 9, 2022
Woooooooh baby. Make sure you are ready for this one. Cuz goodness Ms. Zoe Blake does not hold back an the spice levels on this book. So much of this was hot and just blew my mind. This is more than likely going to be my dark romance comfort reads.
March 8, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I loved Maxim!
The book followed the similar beats of what one expects a Zoe Blake book to have! I really enjoyed the narrative. It drove me in. I’m in midst of a fashion week and for me to remove even an hour to read is almost impossible. But I received the ARC and once I started reading the book I was an addict, I finished the book in two sittings! Please go and read the book if you enjoy a JP/OTT hero and some spanking! Super hot read 💗
I loved Maxim!
The book followed the similar beats of what one expects a Zoe Blake book to have! I really enjoyed the narrative. It drove me in. I’m in midst of a fashion week and for me to remove even an hour to read is almost impossible. But I received the ARC and once I started reading the book I was an addict, I finished the book in two sittings! Please go and read the book if you enjoy a JP/OTT hero and some spanking! Super hot read 💗
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