Painted Scars: An Enemies To Lovers Mafia Romance (Perfectly Imperfect) Paperback – May 23, 2022

I was a bit surprised by this book and not necessarily in a bad way. The story centers around Nina and Roman. She is quirky and funny and different from the usual women the Russian Pakhan, Roman, dates. He is strong, abrasive, and protective. The story starts with Roman being injured and in a vulnerable position for a Mafia King. He needs to marry to send a message to his people that he is secure and stable. She is put in the position of having to marry to save her father’s life. Neither are looking for a real connection, both are looking to benefit in other ways.As the story unfolds we find that it really centers around Nina and Roman and their relationship behind closed doors versus the mask they put on in front of others. I was pleasantly surprised when the story wasn’t hyper focused on mafia life, mafia business, and the relationship conflicts it usually causes. Unlike other mafia stories I’ve read, the family dynamic is not based on blood or loyalty. Instead, it seems to be based on fear.The time they spend together forges a bond that is “them against the world.” This eventually grows into a relationship and later love…but always that same feeling of “them against the world.”Ok…side characters. Her mom, I didn’t like her at first but came to understand her more later in the story. Her Dad, a total douche canoe. His Uncle Leonid, still trying to figure out what his deal was and he was such an a**. Igor the cook, loved him! Such a great character. Nina loved playing it up for her ‘role’ as wife and I got some great laughs from the wedding scene at the table with the other wives.Cons: I wish there had been more backstory to Leonid as well as the overall dynamic for this particular mafia family. Brian, we can all assume we know what he did to Nina, however, I would have liked to have learned the real story. Why, when he saw her did he look at her with contempt? A wee bit more history or backstory would have really buttoned up this story.Overall: 4/5 starsSteam: 3/5 starsTropes: Mafia, Forced Marriage, Age Gap, He fell first, Who hurt you?, Touch her and d**HEA

I really loved Nina and Roman together. I loved that despite all the confusing timeline issues we get to watch them grow as a couple rather than just as individuals. They grow in both but the focus on the relationship was fantastic.I love that both have things they have to overcome but that's what makes them stronger together because each is the others strength and support when facing inner demons.Beautiful romance. I highly enjoyed.

The Trope: Forced marriage contract for a limited time.Nina's father was handling some real estate deals for the Russian bratva when he has an opportunity for an investment to make big bucks. He, "borrows" the Bratva's money figuring he can pay it back when his investment pays out. Only it turns outto be a Ponzi scheme that goes bust and he loses it all. Now the Bratva is afyer him because he owes them $3 million.The Bratva Pakhan was injured in a car bombing which shattered his knee. One of his own may be responsible. He's been confined to a wheel chair but with therapy hopes to eventualy graduate to crutches, then a cane. He doesn't like appearing weak and has mostly been hidng in his home since his release from the hospital. Othes are beginning to question his capabilities and he has at least 6 more months of therapy. His second in command and best friend, warns him a distraction is needed...he needs to marry and suggest using the daughter of the man who owes him $3 millio in exchange for his life.I loved Nina. She's pint sized, but strong, brave and qwerky and marches to the beat of her own drum! She doesn't hesitate to negotiate with the Pakhan even though she has no room to negotiate. He is intrigued by her uniqueness and qwerky behavior; by te fact that she sands up to him even when he can see telltale signs of fear or doubt though she hides it well. The two are playing a role but it going to become real....until he does something she might not be able to forgive.This story is well written with just the right amount of action, intrigue, emotion and steam to keep you turning pages. 4.75 stars.