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Innocent Brides #2

Ruined Innocence

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He was once my friend, but now we are enemies.

My father's betrayal has left me on the run from a powerful Russian mafia family.

I have no home, no money and no protection from their dangerous threats.

There is no one I can trust... least of all Arman Romanov.

I will never let that man into my life, or my heart, again.

The problem is, he may not give me a choice.

What Arman wants, he gets.

The longer I deny him, the further I run, the more painful his punishments will be.

But he has to catch me first.

Published August 5, 2022

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Measha Stone

66 books1,126 followers

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5 stars
875 (52%)
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511 (30%)
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216 (12%)
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48 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews199 followers
August 14, 2022
This is part of the author's New York/Chicago Bratva series; all books feature the Forced Proximity/Forced Marriage tropes as the MMC, well, forces the MFC into a relationship for her own good and because he can't live without her and...whatever. They -- and the characters -- are completely interchangeable, but they also pass the time and they're free on KU, so there's that. Note: I don't really consider this a standalone since important secondary characters are introduced with very little background.

This one started out promisingly and then Ms. Stone reverted to auto-pilot. It begins with a seemingly insurmountable, Romeo & Juliet-like organic conflict: Arman falls for the daughter of his father's sworn enemy; Anya, in turn, cannot trust the son of the man who killed her father. Could have been interesting, but nothing made sense; indeed, the author doesn't even attempt a modicum of plausibility. Why did a loving mother tie up her daughter's trust in such a way that the money goes not to her, but to the man she marries? How could a father ? Exactly what was Arman's thought process during the big confrontation, given that he reeled wildly between two extremes with little motivation or evidence? LSAT scores are good for five years, so exactly how long has Anya been out of school? And, finally, does anyone know what any character looked like because I got nothing?

2 1/2 stars. Within the limitations of this world. Arman does care about Anya's happiness. The next book will be about another brother and a woman we met a few books back; perhaps it'll rise above the "wash/rinse/repeat" niche this author has fallen into. Note: I wish authors and publishers would teach ARCies A) that a review is not a comprehensive plot synopsis, and B) how to use the spoiler function, but anything for a 5-star rating, I guess? Second Note: Ms. Stone uses "mess" 16 times.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
1,969 reviews149 followers
July 29, 2022
Oh Measha you have done it again! You have written a story that is so excitingly flawless, with characters that are so endearing and loveable, or absolutely deplorable and filled with angst.
Arman and Anya have known each other all their lives but with Anya’s father suddenly disappearing and leaving her in financial ruin, as well as collectors trailing her for money her father borrowed, she finds herself alone and doing whatever she can to make the money.
Arman enters her world again and takes over, and making demands from her to protect her, Anya agrees believing it will be temporary. But for Arman they were always meant to be together and her leaving is not an option.
An awesome story with lots of emotion, sensual moments, and fascinating characters.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,440 reviews180 followers
August 13, 2022
3.5 - 4 stars!

This is the second book in the Innocent Brides series and features Arman and Anya. Anya is the daughter of the man from book 1 that betrayed the Romanov family and pays with his life. However, innocent Anya is caught in the crossfire and is forced to shoulder her father's sins. In steps Arman to save the day despite the fact that Anya wants nothing to do with him.

I really enjoyed this for what it was...a mafia alpha male that bulldozes into the heroine's life and bends her to his will because she is his . This plot isn't original or unique in any way but the sex is steamy and I love a batshit crazy and possessive hero.

description

Anya wasn't a doormat and didn't back down and I loved that about her. While naive in the mafia lifestyle, she is not naive to the challenges of life and handles herself with grace. Arman is dominant and demanding and doesn't take no for an answer - on anything. So if you're looking for a glaringly obvious amount of consent and choice...you WON'T find that here. If you're looking for soft intimacy...you WON'T find that here either. The intimacy between Anya and Arman is always rough and Arman is into punishment (spanking - hand and belt).

It was fun seeing Nikolai and Charlotte from book 1 but I can't say much for Arman's father. He was a total asshole and the conflict at the end made me tear up a little. Arman needed to do a lot more groveling in my eyes.

Overall, I enjoyed this spicy dark romance and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Becky.
1,075 reviews105 followers
April 25, 2023
The first book introduced a plot involving a rival family which continues in the sequel. However, I found it easy to follow as a standalone. The novel contains a significant amount of sexual content, and the protagonist, Leo, is an intense and dominant alpha male. Initially, I wished for more emphasis on the plot rather than sex scenes. The story's resolution involving the antagonist's punishment left me somewhat dissatisfied, but I appreciated the unexpected twist at the end.

Leo's sexual relationships during his separation from the heroine are made clear early on, which adds to the emotional tension of the story. However, the fact that he actively sought out women who resembled her bothered me, as it was not resolved or addressed adequately. During a sexual encounter, he confesses this to her, causing her pain, but later she finds comfort in knowing that she is irreplaceable. What bothered me the most was the fact that he left her for her own safety, causing her pain, but always intended to return when it was safe. He also prevented other men from pursuing her, which did not sit well with me. All of these elements kept distracting me from the storyline.
The story was fast and spicy but there were so many huh moments I just did not like this book. I wanted to finish it but I had lots of thoughts of just putting it down. I am going to try the next book in the series as I did enjoy book 1. This one was just not for me.
Profile Image for Raquel.Reads.
168 reviews37 followers
August 13, 2022
If you are looking for a steamy dark Russian mafia romance that’s an enjoyable quick read, then… this book is for you.

Stars: 4/5
Spice: 3.5/5

With no one to turn to, homeless and penniless, Anya has no other choice but to turn to Arman. Arman has always wanted Anya and seeing her situation as his opportunity and going against his father’s wishes he takes her for himself.

At 213 pages this a quick mafia read that entertained me. I loved the book from the start. The chemistry between Anya and Arman was so evident from the start. This is one of those stories that suck you in and will not let you go until the end.

This is the second book in the Innocent Brides interconnected standalone series. I love when a series is interconnected, and I’m able to read each book by itself without feeling like I’m missing a big part of the plot.
Profile Image for Caylyn.
45 reviews
February 9, 2023
I hate to say it, but i hated this book. There were no aspects of the book that pulled me in. I felt like Anya & Arman had no chemistry like what so ever & the way he just demanded she do everything that it got to a point where it wasn’t even attractive just annoying. He did a horrible job of protecting & defending her in front of his father. His apology if you even want to consider that was poorly executed he just brushed it up to “we were always meant to be”. I really wanted to like this but i could barely get into it. :(
Profile Image for Kelly Eudy.
315 reviews199 followers
August 8, 2022
8/10⭐️
4/5🔥

MF/first person-dual POV/dark russian mafia/enemies to lovers/possessive/who did this to you/spanking/violence/physical assault

Second book in Innocent Brides series. Interconnecting stand-alone, not necessary to read book one but would make for a better reading experience.

Anya has been exiled as a traitor due to her fathers discretions. Her father went on a trip to Russia with Arman’s father but only Arman’s father returned. Even though her father is only presumed dead, she knows better. All her father’s assets were signed over to the Romanov’s and she was left with nothing. She’s even being kicked her out of her apartment. She was left a trust from her mother, but can only access it once she turns 25 or she gets married. She was also left with her father’s debt to the DeLuca family, who are also rivals of the Romanov’s.

Arman has alway been around Anya. They practically grew up together. While he may not agree with his fathers treatment of Anya, he cannot go against him. He still keeps a watch out for her even though Anya has made it very clear its not his business any longer. She unknowing begins working at one of Arman’s strip clubs to earn more money than what she gets from her office job. He demands to know why she needs more money, but she doesn’t want to tell him about the DeLuca’s. When she shows up with bruises on her face, Arman takes matters in his own hands and is determined to make her his and anyone who touches what’s his will pay.

This was just as good as book one. Arman is a possessive, doesn’t take no for an answer vicious man. The push and pull between Anya and Arman had me pulled in from the beginning. I love how he was all about her from the beginning, only having eyes for her. Anya was a strong character and she was determined to make it on her own… especially after basically being shunned by everyone, including her friends. This was a quick read and I finished it in one sitting. I cant wait to see where Measha takes this series next!

-ARC REVIEW-
Profile Image for Badh.
3,297 reviews60 followers
August 13, 2022
You really have to have read the previous book so that you can understand everything that goes into this book. There's background in it that you will probably want. I mean, you could go into this one blind, but you really will enjoy it more if you have read the previous book.

Anya's father is gone, and so are all her father's money, holdings, and possessions. She has absolutely nothing except for a trust from her mother that her father couldn't touch. Everything else now belongs to her father's best friend, and he hates Anya.

Arman is doing his father's bidding and that includes kicking Anya out of the apartment she has been living in and making sure that everything is taken from her. But it isn't necessarily easy for him, because he remembers her as a little girl and a teenager and now the woman she's become.

I think that Arman is more than a little high handed sometimes when it comes to Anya. He stomps all over her choices. It kind of annoys me at times, but it is well within the character's makeup, so while it does annoy me, it is also true to who Arman is. So I can get over it or at least deal with it.

I like Anya. She really is very determined. She is going to do everything she can to stand on her own and to make her own decisions and make her own money. I really respect that. And so does Arman, once he stops and thinks about it. It does take him a minute, but he does.

Great story.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,160 reviews74 followers
August 19, 2022
'Ruined Innocence' is book two in Measha Stone's "Innocent Brides" series and just so you know, there are scenes in this book worthy of holding on to, bookmarking, and highlighting for future fantasies!!! They grew up together. Their fathers were best friends until the betrayal. Then in a blink of an eye, Anya's father was dead, his entire estate was signed over to Igor Romanov and Anya had only a few days to leave the home she'd grown up in. Her only saving grace was the trust left to her by her mother but even that had a catch. She had to wait until she was twenty-five or claim it herself or get married and the trust, in its entirety would go to her husband. Arman Romanov owned several businesses and he instantly recognized the name coming across his payroll at the strip club. In his mind, this wasn't happening. In Arman's mind, the sins of the father had nothing to do with his daughter. She was his. It was always meant to happen and he intended to fulfill that destiny. This was such a great read! In a lot of ways, Arman was the typical mafia man with all the domestic discipline that comes with it and yet Ms. Stone brought his heart into the mix and he wasn't afraid or ashamed of his feelings for Anya. At the same time, Anya knowing next to nothing where her father's business is concerned had no problems with showing her human frailty or her inner strength when it was needed. And I was so proud of Maxim. Yep, he became an unsung hero in my book.

Profile Image for Monique Delaney.
247 reviews
September 7, 2022
I gave this one 5 stars because while I didn't care for the actual story, the writing itself was done well.

I struggle with this as a reviewer because writing technique, style, voice, etc are separate from the actual overall story.

As for the overall story, I had a hard time liking either of the two main characters.

The title is Ruined Innocence but at no point in the book is anyone characterized as innocent. Not even close. The main female character is the daughter of someone high up the mafia chain. She is scrappy, smart, mouthy etc... her father has betrayed the head of the mafia and been killed as a result. The story centers on the main male character pursuing her despite the conflict it causes within his family who views her entire bloodline as persona non grata. The main female character makes it clear she is no virgin, the main male character treats her like she has been around the block a few times. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, it just caught me off guard because the title lead me to expect a different dynamic.

I enjoy some light spanking but there is a fine line between spanking and abuse/control and I felt that line was crossed in a way that made it hard for me to enjoy those scenes. The whipping with a belt, description of welts, and complete lack of concern for how it might impact her in a vulnerable state wasn't hot to me. The very light to no aftercare was an issue too. I don't know...there was something missing between them that I would have needed to root for them.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,291 reviews
August 17, 2022
This is the second book in the Innocent Brides series. I would read Corrupted Innocence first, as Anya & Arman’s story follows the aftermath of the end of that book. Anya and Arman’s families were friends—until betrayal & revenge get in the way. While I’d like to say Anya is forced to be independent, Arman does make quite a few decisions on her behalf from afar. I wanted to read about some of their shared past, to understand where Arman was coming from—he was cool as you’d expect from a Mafia guy. I’d have loved more action and tension but it was still an okay read for me.



Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,317 reviews65 followers
July 29, 2022
Whenever Measha Stone comes out with a new book, I'm always ready to settle down and have a nice afternoon of reading it. Her books never disappoint me and this one is great! Anya lost everything when her father died. The only thing she has left is the trust her mother set up for her because her father couldn't touch that. Arman is determined to have her for himself, no matter what his own father thinks of Anya! This story drew me in from the first page. The relationship between Arman and Anya is filled with anger, heat, desire, angst and the steamy sexy scenes are so hot you might need a fan to cool you down. I loved this story and can't wait for more!!!!
Profile Image for Karin.
2,172 reviews
August 14, 2022
Anyas life is in complete shambles after her fathers is murdered and even though Arman shouldn’t look after her he can’t help but want to and when she gets in even more trouble he takes it as his personal job to keep her safe no matter what
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,830 reviews10 followers
August 12, 2022
I love coma love me a good Mafia book and Measha did a fantastic job with this book. Armen and Anya's story was phenomenal. I could not stop reading once I started. Drama, danger, adventure, captivating and so good.
Profile Image for Karon Price.
871 reviews26 followers
August 2, 2022
Loved this book. I remember Anya from the previous story and how her father was "punished". I always thought it was unfair how she had to suffer as well and I guess Arman felt the same. There was a lot of that good push/pull at the beginning, but I liked how Anya finally went all in with Arman. I really didn't like his father at all and was glad to see his brothers stood up for him. Good HEA.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving this honest and unbiased review.
2,413 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2022
I am not sure which of the Romanov brothers I liked more. Arman always knew he and Anya were going to be together. No matter what. I loved how he didn't back down to anyone for his choices. I will say that I felt for Igor even when I didn't want to. His humanness was shown by how he was affected by Ivan's betrayal. I hope there is more written about Maxim.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
1,492 reviews26 followers
August 12, 2022
I am a huge lover of Russian Mafia stories, and when I heard this author had another story coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it. And boy is it worth the wait! You are taken on a whirlwind of a ride of which you never want to end. I knew from the very first sentence that I would be hooked, and I was. This story is about Arman Romanov and we have met him and his family in previous stories by this author. Arman comes across all gruff and standoffish, and definitely hot, and I fell in love with his character. There is so much more to him that being part of the Russian mafia. He is fiercely loyal to his family and those he loves. He has known Anya all his life, but when something happens to threaten their friendship, he will stop at nothing to help her. He has feelings for her that he has never acted on, until now. Anya is a spitfire and nothing nor no one will keep her down. She has been dealt some bad cards in her life, but she has persevered and when Arman comes up with an ultimatum, can she turn him down? Can he convince her that his way is for the best?

These two have such sizzling chemistry that I swear my kindle started smoking as I turned the pages! I enjoyed their interactions and Anya’s wit and Arman’s loyalty to her. They are just perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this story and want more of the Romanov family!
815 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2022
What a book I was hooked from start to end. Anya had lost everything when her father died even the condo she lived in. She was only given a short time to leave. Arman was determined to have Anya and keep her what ever the cost. He married her without telling anyone. His brothers and wife were supportive of his decision. Igor wanted her out of his family’s life. He blamed her along with her father even though he had taken nearly everything from her. The only thing she was left with was her mothers trust fund which went to her husband on marriage. Arman gave it to her to do what she wanted. The chemistry between the two was off the charts even when he was punishing her. I cant wait to read the next book. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
747 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2022
It seems the younger generation of the feared Russian Bratva is conspicuously less dangerous than their fathers.
But when you get closer you realize that is only - and even there only partly - true for the treatment of their wives and children. When it comes to business and honor they are just as ferocious, they just seem to hide it better.
And their bedroom activities,... well, rather all-over- and- anywhere activities; let me tell you,... okay let me put it this way, the heatwave outside is nothing compared...
239 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2022
3.5

Do I like this book yes do I not like this book also yes! This book unfortunately was a rinse and repeat of book 1 just different names and situations. I wish the author had taken the time to write a different book idk if I want to read book 3 bc it’ll be more of the same
Profile Image for Dee.
3,911 reviews49 followers
August 18, 2022
This is the second book in the Innocent Brides series two Romanov brothers so, buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously story 😊. There will be suspense, shifters, fated mates, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe love. By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Arman and Anya grew up together playing, him protecting her but when her father betrayed the Romanov family he pays with his life so taking him leaves her in financial ruin collectors coming out for all the money her father barrowed from them and since she is his daughter the responsibility falls to her working herself to the bone doing whatever job comes her way including working at one of his clubs so when she shows up with bruise on her face he is so upset demanding what happen of course she doesn’t tell but the boy she grew up with steps in taking all control. Arman sexy as all get out Romanov friend from childhood despite his upbring he won’t allow her to keep shouldering the crimes of her father so in order to protect her she thrust back into his world with him at the control with demands she must follow or punishment. She agrees thinking that it is a temporary situation only to realize for him it is nothing temporary she is forced into marrying her making sure she can’t /won’t leave because for him he has always felt they were meant to be together and now that he has right where he wants her in his bed, in his arms and in his life again. Anya doesn’t want any of to do with him simply because his family took the only parent she ever had and now that she is married her trust fund left to her by her mother will belong to him basically she has no say but what she doesn’t know is that he really is protecting her, he has always wanted her but her father forbade it but now that he isn’t here so he accepts the responsibility gladly 😊. Will she ever come around to loving him the way he loves her, is her life as bad as she seems to think, will he keep her trust fund her mother left her or allow her some type of freedom, and is there happiness written for the two that started out as friends?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,349 reviews
August 12, 2022
What a wonderful second book, great characters with a “smoking hot” story line
Once you begin reading this book right from the very start, I guarantee that you will have to read in in one sitting so that you can discover what the outcome is going to be for the main characters. Anya and Arman have known each other since they were children, their fathers were as close as brothers and there had never been a birthday or Christmas party of either family that the others had not attended but that all changed now.
Anya in the space of a day has lost her father her home and her lob, all of her fathers finances and even her apartment along with any finance, insurance has all been signed over to his life-long friend and also the man he had worked alongside since they had all left Russia as boys together to start a new and better life.
Arman sees he just after she has been thrown out of her apartment and she has no where to go and no one will help her as everyone she knew her father has warned them what will happen if they even speak to her. She knows her father has been murdered by his but does not know why and no one will tell her and he cannot bear to see her like this, none of this is her fault and his father’s attitude infuriates him.
When she has to work in a strip club serving drinks just to earn enough for an awful apartment and a little food to eat, then she is beaten up by some thugs claiming her father owed them money, Arman in livid with anger and sets about discovering what this is all about and as they spend time together Arman realises, she has to be in his life so he marries her.
Without giving too much away the story continues to grow in intensity and their love for each other is apparent to all that know them but Igor is determined to crush Anya under his boot and will do anything to ensure that his son kicks her to the curb as she refuses to listen to his orders.
Her life is on the line and even though Arman is having her watched by his most loyal men he is never in any doubt that his father is hiding more than he’s told anyone and his vent for this hatred is his wife, Anya.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Denise .
928 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2022
“Ruined Innocence” is the second book in the ‘Innocent Brides’ series by Measha Stone. Although the book is written in such a way that it can be enjoyed as a standalone, in this case I think it’s more impactful if you’ve read the previous book in the series.

Arman and Anya grew up as friends; his father is the all-powerful leader of the Russian mafia in their area, and her father was that man’s best friend and trusted advisor. When her father’s betrayal is discovered, he forfeits his life and everything he owned, leaving Anya with no parent, no protection, and absolutely no resources. Because of what her father did, she’s also considered a pariah and an outcast. Initially unbeknownst to Anya, Arman has been trying to watch out for her and watch over her from a distance, and in his own way. Anya has always had an independent spirit, and since she’s been forced to rely it now only on herself in every way, her fierce self-reliance is stronger than ever. Arman has been half in love with her for a long time, and she with him, but neither ever spoke of it for different reasons. He’s now ready to throw all caution to the winds so they can be together, and she is positive that his father will throw him out of his own family before he ever allows it. Once they bridge the gap between having a platonic relationship and having a romantic one, the steamy connection is intensely passionate.

As with every romance novel, there are familiar tropes in this one, and I thought the author handled them well. Her various mafia romances often utilize many of the same tropes because they fit the subgenre so perfectly. I liked both main characters and appreciated that they had and long shared history of knowing one another few years. Arman’s personality is what you would expect given his role in the mafia, but his behavior with Anya is always based in his feelings for her. Both characters change for the better as a result of their evolving relationship. If you’ve read the previous book in this series, you’ll recognize some of the important secondary characters, including his brothers. The next book is going to involve the eldest brother, and I’m looking forward to it.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions. I also purchased a copy.
Profile Image for Elice Nange.
Author 13 books1,064 followers
August 18, 2022
Sins of the Father (+ Revenge has Consequences) Vibes

Having read the first book in the Innocent Brides series (i.e. “Corrupted Innocence”); I never thought Measha could out-do that, but she did - and then some! Even though this is a dark mafia romance with a healthy dosage of everything that comes with it; I loved the fact that as always, Arman and Anya’s love story does take front and center. Similarly to how the first book was done.

I particularly loved Anya as the heroine. She just might be my favorite Measha Stone heroine yet. A Mafia princess who acts nothing like one. She was declared a pariah in their community through no fault of hers. Even dealt a shitty hand in terms of parentage and friends (the two fake girls, that is). Even with all that, she remained an independent spirit, a fire-cracker who knew what she wants. I also loved the fact that she was never a push-over, despite everything.

Like his brother, Arman wasn’t going to stifle his wife’s independence as was the norm in their world. I admired his compassion, loyalty, persistence, and determination. Sure, he screwed up towards the end (who doesn’t?), but he corrected the course right away.

We also get a healthy dosage of the consequences of revenge that was touched on in the first book. There is always a price to be paid for betrayal, and it bothered me in the first book, how this was sort of glossed over in the ending. So I’m glad that this was handled in the second book. What’s more, the Sins of the Father trope was handled really well, which I loved.

In summary, if you love the ‘It has always been you’ trope and ‘Revenge has Consequences’ trope, then this is the book for you. Pay attention to the trigger warnings. Lots of spanking, harsher spanking, but it was done...right. And left out when it was not needed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Innocent Brides series that I’ve read, and now I’m really looking forward to the third one.
2 reviews
August 14, 2022
You will like this book if you enjoy:
power imbalance, dominant men, submissive women, spicy scenes, mafia romance, forced marriage, age gap (21-29), bdsm

Heroine - Anya
Hero - Arman

Technical star rating 5/5.

This rating is based on quality and general readability. It doesn’t take into account my personal preferences.

It’s a good book. It follows the same formula as Measha’s other mafia romances so if you like them you’ll like this one too. There’s a push and pull relationship with a little angst. It’s not overly dramatic but enough conflict to keep you entertained.

The writing is good. My only critique is that there are a few moments in the story that don’t quite flow as well as they could. It’s honestly a bit nitpicking, especially for a mafia romance like this, and definitely isn’t worthy of taking stars off though.

Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience and felt like anyone who is interested in the subject matter will enjoy reading the book.

Personal star rating. 4/5

This rating is based off of my personal thoughts on the book and not about the quality. I don’t consider it when I chose how many stars to give a book.

I’m going to be honest, I really hate age gaps. It’s a huge turn off for me. That being said, I didn’t mind this one. I think the reason is because the heroine, Anya, is 21 instead of 18 and feels very much like an adult. She’s lived a little, gotten a college degree, a job, and has experienced a little independence. So when the hero, Arman, comes in, it doesn’t give me the same gross feeling like when the h is barely legal.

I liked this book a lot. It knows what it is and does it well. It has a lot of tropes and kinks that I personally enjoy. Arman is really dominant but also super sweet. It’s a difficult balance that I think is done well here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb Richmond.
535 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Ruined Innocence is a Russian mafia romance by Measha Stone. It’s the second book in the Innocent Brides series.

When Ivan Baranov betrayed the Romanov family and lost everything including his life, his daughter Anya didn’t think that she would suffer for his sins. She had nothing to do with the business. Now she’s lost her home and her future, and she’s been saddled with her father’s million dollar debt to another mob family. She has nothing. The only thing she has left is a trust which she can’t access for another four years - unless she gets married. Enter Armenian Romanov. Anya has known him since she was a child and never imagined his family would let her suffer, though Armenian has little say in what his father does. When Armenian finds out about the trust, he forces Anya to marry him. Questions remain. Armenian says the marriage is for life, but is it? Will his father get rid of her? Only time will tell if their marriage can survive.

The main thing I love about this book is the characters. I really loved the first book in this series, Corrupted Innocence, but this one didn’t match the same level of story or relationship. Armen basically takes over Anya’s life, spanking her every time she disobeys or questions him. There’s really no romance until the very end and no reason for Anya to love Armen except that she had a crush on him when she was a little girl. I wish the author had taken time to make their relationship richer and more personal - some small, sweet moments would have made the book so much better.

I like this book enough to recommend it, and based on my love of the first one, I look forward to the next book which will be about oldest brother Roman. Both books do a great job of highlighting the Romanov family dynamic and the strong relationship among the three brothers. Let me know what you think of these books - I’d love to discuss.
936 reviews14 followers
August 30, 2022
Ruined Innocence is second book in the Innocent Brides series. It's steamy standalone full-length novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. It includes intense rough sexual scenes, spanking, dominance, submission, kinks, lust, betrayal, deception, lies, secrets, violence, drama, revenge, power play, revenge, control, retaliation, manipulations, anger, resentment, passion, hatred, passion, perseverance, love and a chalk load of steam. It was a friends-to-lovers romance, opposite attracts, an age gap trope, and a barn burning slow burn romamce.
It's a dark, twisted and addictive story. The storyline is revenge driven. The characters are dangerous, strong, powerful, dark and complex. The story is fast paced, action packed, and pulse-pounding. It was brilliantly written flows seamlessly and kept turning the pages into the night. Arman Romanov had always looked out for Anya and thought that she was his ever since she was a little girl Her dad was trusted advisor for the powerful Romanov Russian Mafia until he betrayed Arman's father. His dad wants revenge for the betrayal and like saying goes the sins of father are visited upon their children. Anya was riddle with the burden of the debt with no help in sight. She's left broken, homeless and orphan. But all this all made her a survivor, reliant, and strong-willed. Arman saw his opportunity to take his chance since he was always in love with Anya. But she wasn't going to make it easy for him thus she end up his belt across her bottom. Their passion was raw, intense, and steamy. Arman dad was evil and wanted revenge at all cost on someone who was innocent and he thought of as a daughter didn't make any sense. Phenomenal story that hook you right from the first.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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4,250 reviews60 followers
August 14, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

He was once my friend, but now we are enemies. My father's betrayal has left me on the run from a powerful Russian mafia family. I have no home, no money, and no protection from their dangerous threats. There is no one I can trust...least of all Arman Romanov. I will never let that man into my life, or my heart again. The problem is, he may not give me a choice. What Arman wants, he gets. The longer I deny him, the further I run, the more painful his punishments will be. But he has to catch me first.

Anya is in a mess. A really big mess. Her father just had to go and anger a very powerful Russian mafia family. He has disappeared and left her with collectors always coming after her for the money he borrowed. She is doing anything she can do to earn the money that is owed so that maybe just maybe she can get away and make a life for herself since her father's betrayal has now destroyed her life too. Never expecting Arman a man she has known her entire life and comes back in to her life offering her protection and taking over paying back the debts she is shocked and grateful until he starts making demands of her for his protection and she knows that he is serious about this. After all she knows him better than anyone and swore she would never ever let him back in. However Arman has different plans. He knows that they are meant to be together, have always supposed to have been together and now that he has her right where he wants he he isn't letting her go. After all Arman isn't a man you say no too and he certainly is a man who gets everything he wants. I loved reading this story. It is filled with angst and moments that will have you holding your breath. Arman and Anya have one emotional fascinating story that will have you reading well past bed time.
March 1, 2024
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Ruined Innocence, Innocent Brides book 2 by Measha Stone, narration by Jay Alder and Kylie Stewart
I bought this audiobook.
Now because I listened to the audio books, please forgive any misspelled names. LOL I want to say I think Jay and Kylie did a great job with the narration in the story. I enjoyed the way they brought the characters to life.
Anya and Arman were such a fun book. I felt terrible for Anya for everything that happened to her due to her father. Arman was such an interesting character given his feeling for Anya but his refusal to admit it to himself and her. When he told her they were always going to happen, it made my heart swoon.
These 2 have SO MUCH to overcome. Her fear of him and his family but then just his dad. He has to deal with his dad and make sure his brothers are going to have his back given how mad Dad is going to be with the marriage. They also have to deal with secrets from Anya’s dead father and what it means to her.
I was disappointed at how Arman treated Anya after everything they had been through when he confronted his dad and her. I love how strong Anya stays through it all. She was a great character, and I enjoyed her fire and strength. Arman is a man who knows what he wants but got caught up for a bit.
I really enjoyed the story. I gotta admit I really want to read book 4 because Mandy is going to be a fun character. But off I go to start book 3 with Luca and the waitress.
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