Absolutely brilliant

Loved both narrators, they did an outstanding job bringing this characters to life… steamy scenes are so hot in this book! Wow… and the chemistry between our characters was amazing… I loved the plot I loved seeing my favourite characters from past books again

I’m just sad it ended

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Way darker than the previous book

I wasn’t expecting it to be way darker than the previous book. Doesn’t mean I didn’t like it though.

How was it darker? First of all, there’s some mafia here. Well, bratva, as it is, because Anastasia is a Russian mafia princess. And her family doesn’t want to let her go. Be prepared for violence, death threats, murder, heartless killers… It’s never explicit, but it’s here. I quite enjoyed Ana as a character. Her nerdiness was refreshing–she’s a computer genius and she loves technology–and I loved her fantasies, the way she decided to view the world around her. Also, she was strong and she knew what she wanted. But she also was ready to relinquish control in bed.

The perfect woman for Knox, who was controlling and domineering. His backstory was another source of angst, but it was revealed much later in the book. When he met Anastasia, he was happy to find someone ready to satisfy his needs, as well as a challenge and a mystery. I wasn’t a fan of the magic vagina trope–once he’s been with her, Knox the womanizer can’t think of any other girl. Doubtful. I’d have loved to see more feelings and connections right from the beginning. His story arc was quite interesting though. He clearly grows up and changes in the course of the book, even reaching some sort of closure by the end of it.

Their relationship is HOT. Their attraction for each other was undeniable, and the slight Dom/sub dynamic took it up a notch. To say they were meant for each other is an understatement.

The theme of child abuse–through sexual abuse, neglect, or altogether toxic environment–could be triggering or disturbing, but it’s never treated lightly or fetishized. I felt the horror and trauma. And don’t worry, the bad guys get what they deserve. Not before they make victims, unfortunately.

A lot of side characters navigate around Ana and Knox. Friends, family, bratva members, colleagues…They don’t have much function besides helping or hindering the romance, but some of the interactions are quite enjoyable, and they help defining the main characters, as well as the side characters who have been or will become more important in other books in the series. It’s a complete standalone though, and the author gives enough information to know what’s up with those other characters without reading the rest of the series.

The narrators were good. The male one was perfect for cold-hearted Knox, hence sometimes missing the target with emotions. The female narrator was great though, bringing to life both the strength and the vulnerability of Anastasia, and Knox’s ruthlessness. I felt they didn’t quite matched together, but they are good on their own and made the audio a great experience.

Love a happy ending.

I enjoyed the book, easy to listen to. I’m glad it had a happy ending. Knox definitely grows on you as the story goes on.
The narrators were great. Job well done.

Wow

I was SUPER curious about Knox from the moment we met him, and this crossover DEFINITELY filled in the blanks.
Plain Jane/ mafia princess meets ruthless businessman and I am here for it.
I was left wanting in the tension department, but the other parts definitely made up for it.

Knox and Anatasia!

This is the second book in the Empire series. This is a series of standalone romances, well written, with overlapping timelines. Knox and Anastasia's story is emotional, and grippingly captivating. Knox is handsome, enigmatic, possessive, dominant, and very protective. I liked his determination. Anastasia is a wonderful character, beautiful, strong, and caring. Their relationship is intense and passionate. The storyline is filled with danger, secrets and drama. The supporting characters are intriguing. I loved to see again Nat and Gwyn from the first book. I liked the epilogue. John Hartley and Vanessa Edwin did an excellent job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listening to Empire of Hate, Daniel’s story, the next book in the series.

Hot, sexy, enemies to lovers romance!

Empire of Sin is book two in the Empire series and is the complete standalone story of Anastasia Sokolov and Knox Van Doren.
Anastasia wasn’t born a mafia princess, however she soon learned that the tiara, title, and castle come with a hefty price tag…freedom. Ana decides she wants to have one sinful night with a stranger before she starts a new life on the run, far away from her family.
Know, a notorious criminal lawyer walks into a bar in New Jersey and immediately see’s the gorgeous blonde in a red dress with a butterfly on her back at the bar. He takes her to a hotel and only realises she was a virgin the next morning when he wakes up alone and sees the blood on the condom and wash cloth.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and Knox is surprised to see the woman who has occupied his thoughts in the elevator, only she has completely changed her appearance and introduces herself as Jane Summers. He knows it’s Anastasia and has no idea why she’s lying but is determined to find out. They are hiding sides of themselves from each other while giving in to the lust and desire they feel for one another in a no strings arrangement.
The incredibly talented Vanessa Edwin and John Hartley bring Anastasia and Knox to life. Vanessa’s sweet, melodic voice was simply perfect to portray the angelic on the outside and vixen on the inside runaway mafia princess. John’s deep, gruff British brogue was perfect to breath life into the perfectly imperfect, dirty talking, alpha-hole. I love this pairing together; they really complement one another and are amazing.
I loved to Knox and Ana’s story. If you love a good enemies to lovers, one-night stand to lovers, friends with benefits to lovers trope with a damaged dirty talking alpha-hole who knows his way around a woman’s body and a sweet, innocent yet strong and independent heroine then grab this audiobook and lost in it as I did, you won’t be disappointed.

loved this one!

Loved this book and Knox was 🔥🔥
This book sucked me in from the beginning and I love the constant push and pull between him and Anastasia and his possessiveness.

There were definitely some scenes that were 🥵 and I loved it all!
Absolutely recommend this one!

Ps: I definitely loved the fact that the other characters from her previous books made some cameos, that was literally the best parts for me!

The second in the series

This is Anastasia and Knox's story, two strangers, one night, and then chemistry sparks and gets in the way, add forbidden romance to it and you get the perfect combo. The story will hook you from the start, this Empire series is getting better by the page. All characters are fantastic, Knox's past will have your heart, while Anastasia will become a favorite heroine. This two started on a journey you will definitely need to read to enjoy.

Great Listen!

Another great book by Rina. Anastasia & Knox were really hot. So many twists & turns. Excellent narration by Vanessa Edwin & John Hartley.

What a ride!

Rina Kent is keeping me on her wild ride with the Empire series! I am captivated by the stories, and love the plots! This story features Anastasia. A Bratva princess breaking free from her family, she has disguised herself and now works for the law offices of Weaver & Shaw in the IT department. We previously met her in the first book of the series, and she tended to be a lone wolf, nerdy type of girl. But not in this story! She puts herself out there and finds herself in bed with one of the lawyers in her firm. The arrogant, British Knox Van Doren loves his one night stands, but there is something different about this one. And when he wakes, she is gone! That never happens. Now with a few bits of her real life, he seeks her out finding she is not only an employee, but a liar! And our story begins. Heat, passion, fear, danger, deception, family, memories best forgotten and a growing love that is impossible to break, this book has it all. Anastasia is a powerful character. She is young, but mature, Brave, persistent and loyal, she will do what she has to, She loves with her whole heart and knows what she wants. Knox shows us a bunch of sides to his personality. He holds secrets that explain so much, and he is obsessive and protective. This story flew by, kept me completely engaged and excited to see where is all would end. I can't wait to delve into the next book in this series.

John Hartley and Vanessa Edwin and an amazing team. Hartley gives us that strong, alpha male that Knox is. He understands Knox and brings out all of the emotions he can with this performance including the Russian accent. Edwin pulls out all the stops as Anastasia. She has an incredible array of emotions to portray and gives us both British and Russian accents! This team is fantastic and made for an enjoyable listen.