Kir doesn't do relationships, he doesn't want the commitment or to be tied to one woman. Until he meets Cassie that is. She can't help but be drawn to him, but with his mafia ties, she's frightened of getting too involved with him. Once they come into contact again she can't help but be drawn to him. Their relationship quickly goes from just starting out to full-on almost overnight.
On the whole, I like the relationship between Cassie and Kir. I'm not completely on board with overbearing men, which is certainly what Kir is. Cassie could give as good as she got most of the time, but he was a little bit much. The chemistry between them worked well and I liked them as a couple.
This is the first book in this, or the associated series, that I have read. I don't think it really mattered. The only point that I thought that more knowledge of the series might have helped was when the 'family' flew in to see them and there was talk of the wives and mothers. I had no idea who they were and not having already met them in previous books, for me they added nothing to the story.
I enjoyed Hers to Tame and would be more than happy to give the other books in the series a go.

This is the second story in the spin-off series from Rhenna Morgan's Men of Haven books and it's a winner! Unfortunately I didn't read the first book in this series, but I recently purchased it and will be doing so! That being said, since Hers to Tame is a standalone I had no problem connecting with these characters even though I hadn't read the first book in this series. This is a mafia style, slow burn romance between Kir and Cassie and believe me when I say these two had tons of chemistry. Well-developed characters, excellent storyline and an overall winning read. I would definitely recommend if you like steamy mafia romances!

A Russian Mobster and a Reporter Find True Love

Cassie McClintock is a reporter at the local television station in New Orleans. She made her mark by following the story of one of New Orleans mobsters. Kir Vasilek, second in command to Sergei, the most powerful man in organized crime in New Orleans, gave her the lead. She and Kir had a magical moment described in the previous book, His to Defend, but when she discovered he was a mobster, she dropped the connection. Now she wishes she hadn’t.

She’s worried about hanging on to her job and is looking for a new story. Perhaps it would be a good time to reconnect with Kir. Their feelings are still strong and when a death in Kir’s family makes him pull Cassie close, she can’t resist, because she knows he needs her help.

Kir is the kind of handsome hero, polite, polished and besotted with Cassie, you can’t help but love. Cassie starts the story conflicted about her relationship with Kir, but that quickly passes when the two come together and Cassie gets to know the people Kir has chosen for his family. She’s never known a close family and is immediately attracted to Kir’s.

There is some action particularly toward the end of the book, but the focus of the story is on Cassie and Kir and how they come to love and depend on each other. This is a well written, engaging love story with minor characters like Aunt Freda that you will fall in love with.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

I LOVE Rhenna Morgan’s books! I’ve read Wild & Sweet at least 20 times. Zeke might be my longest-running book boyfriend. Given that, I am not sure how I missed the release of the first NOLA Knights series, His to Defend. Then Hers to Tame popped up in my NetGalley...Book 2?!?!?!?!? Where have I been?

Given my need to read series books in order, I had to buy the first one. Sergei and Evette’s story was hot and introduces you to this new cast of characters. Then I was ready to read Hers to Tame. Based on the first book Kir did not seem like he was ready for his own happily ever after. But Cassie was the perfect woman to capture Kir’s heart. I’ll reluctantly admit that it could be read as a stand alone...but I really love the connection to past characters that Morgan puts in her books. It’s one of my favorite things about her series writing.

I really felt for Cassie and her need to be independent through hard work. She is a good reporter. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but given how journalists are treated today, it’s good to see a character following journalistic integrity and doing the right thing. I think that sets her apart and defines her personality. She’s got a way with words, which makes for funny and witty banter between her and Kir. I think that is part of what makes their romance so hot.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the Russian mafiya back story, but throughout the course of the two books, you can see the philosophy is similar to the Men of Haven series. Sergei and Kir follow the old ways -- they are totally alpha, strong, sexy and trying to do the right thing. Sometimes the law is warped and those gray areas between right and wrong make for a compelling story. It’s always good to have some intrigue and an obstacle to overcome in a sizzling love story. Kir is trying to do what is best for New Orleans and her people, but bad, greedy people get in the way and they have to be dealt with. Kir’s is quiet, but full of surprises. He has had to overcome a lot of hardships to get where he is today and that has built his inner strength. He is loyal to his chosen family and will do anything to protect them.

Your heart will start pounding when he starts stepping in to try to help Cassie. Then the pages will sizzle as he becomes deliciously naughty in the bedroom. You won’t be able to put the book down. I think that Cassie’s reaction to becoming involved with Kir totally reflected my reaction. Did she want to get involved with a mafia-type? There were lots of rumors as to what they were involved with and the probability of violence is something that needs to be considered. Cassie is smart and determined to do what is best for her. I highly recommend this book. You will fall in love with NOLA, with Kir and Cassie and there is just enough intrigue and action to keep the romance hot and exciting. Whew! This just might be the perfect escape from today’s news and social distancing. Cozy up with Kir and you won’t be sorry 😉

***5 ‘You And I Will Be’ Stars***

This baby was all kinds of fun! It was all kinds of sweet and smexy and filled with a lot of heart, as well as nice little bit of suspense thrown into the mix that kept things interesting. Also, it was filled with characters that I’ve come to love and some newbies that I want to spend lots more time with!

I ADORED Cassie and Kir. Cassie is hard working, honest and all kinds of sweet and sassy. I loved the way her mind worked and how, even in her more vulnerable moments, how forthright she was. Kir is all kinds of Alpha AF, but not in an asshat way, more in a bulldozer kind of way. He just does what he feels is the right thing to do and simply expects to get it done, but beneath the bulldozer is a man who cares deeply for those he calls his own, which is why he rarely takes no for answer.

Their journey to their HEA was all kinds of fun. The angst was low, the sweet and smexy was on point and I simply loved how they communicated with each other. There were some things that they couldn’t (wouldn’t) say right away, but in general, they acted like the adults they were and didn’t make things harder than they needed to be. The bantering was on point and the chemistry was HAWT! While there weren’t any major roadblocks, there were things that they both needed to figure out as individuals and a couple and I just really liked how everything turned out for them.

This was a great addition to the series all around. There is a bit of suspense woven into the mix that worked out in a surprising way for me, but made total sense. And then there are the supporting cast of characters. I loved catching up with Sergei, Evette, Emerson, Dorothy and Olga, as well as getting a bit of time with the Haven crew here and there. As for newbies to the story, Frieda and Bonnie were awesome! But Roman is still my fav, though there were a couple of new ones that peaked my interest, but the man is still numero uno and I cannot wait to get my hands on his book (especially since I’m pretty sure who the woman who will bring him to his knees is!)

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

Cassie is a local TV reporter who had the #1 mafia segment with the takedown of Stephen Alfonsi. During her research, she became close to her informant, KirVasilek.  What looked like a promising new relationship turned sour when Cassie was told that Kir was Russian mafiya and she walked away from him.  Kir didn't understand Cassie's rebuff and now a year later when they cross paths and Cassie needs his help, Kir is not going to back down.

A nice mix of dirty dealings, action, and romance, Hers to Tame has strong characters and a page-turning flow.   Leading lady Cassie is a smart, driven woman who is willing to take a chance.  Kir is loyal to the family that he has built versus the one that threw him away, causing him to be cautious with his heart.  Told from alternating POVs of the main characters, Ms. Morgan takes you through the re-building of Cassie and Kir's relationship while weaving a bit of suspense and outside tension in their lives.

This was a new to me author and I thoroughly liked the pacing and build-up of the story, the interactions with side characters,  and the steamy scenes.  This is book two of the series but can be read as a standalone, though I am now curious as to Sergy and Evie and will be going back to book 1 and look forward to book 3.

HERS TO TAME by Rhenna Morgan is book Two in the NOLA Knights Series. This is the story of Kir Vasilek and Cassie McClintock. I have read the previous book (loved it!) so that did add to my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Cassie is a investigative reporter who we meet in the first book where she had gather information for her news stories. But she ended up slipping away from Kir. Now she is back doing more investigations for stories and this time he is letting her get away. Of course there is danger that adds to the page turning read. Loved this book, the authors writing and this series. I hope to read more soon from this author.

Heat Factor: There’s a lot of sex, but it’s nothing outlandish
Character Chemistry: Pretty fun
Plot: How can a squeaky clean reporter be in a relationship with a Russian mobster? Also: shenanigans
Overall: Delightful

Kir is a caveman, and I found it delightful. I didn’t really know what to expect from a New Orleans Russian mafia romance, but I can say with some certainty that this book exceeded my expectations. This was solely due to the relationship between Cassie and Kir, which I did expect to be a relentlessly dominant/submissive and, uh, misogynist situation, but which...wasn’t. I mean, Kir is still a caveman, but the relationship dynamic was really nice. I am totally going to read the whole series.

Cassie and Kir already know each other before the book begins, but Cassie ghosted Kir after two exceptional, explosive nights together because some of her coworkers told her he was a shady mobster, and Cassie’s a good girl. Kir is a member of a Russian crime (found) family, and they do illegal things, but they’re not normal mobsters. They’re, like, extra nice, altruistic mobsters...who only exact vengeance when one of their own is harmed. Nothing like escalating retaliation, eh?

They end up talking again because they just do, and then BAM! Kir is all: “You’re my woman and I will be seeing to your protection and you have no choice but to obey me.” And that’s fine because there’s this whole suspense plot going on to keep things interesting.

In the usual course of an alpha-hole story arc, we see something like:

Him: She’s mine even if she doesn’t know it yet. She’ll figure it out soon enough because I will be overbearing and jealous.
Her: What is the deal with this overbearing and jealous guy? I am a strong and independent woman, but when he starts making demands, I will not resist the urge to drop my panties.
Him: My woman is having a problem. I am going to deal with it for her and not communicate with her about it.
Her: Why does this guy not respect my independence and let me deal with my own stuff? Oh well, it’s nice to be taken care of, and also I somehow ended up in the shower with him. Whatcha gonna do?
Him: There is a crisis! She will listen to me while I go out and deal with it so she can be protected in this cocoo--
Her: Eff that, I am so getting involved in this situation I am not actually equipped to deal with!
Him: OMG my feelings! I can’t stand the stress of this situation! I will paddle her backside when we get home, where she will remain for the foreseeable future.
Her: Well, it was touch and go for a while, but that turned out okay. He overreacts all the time, but at least I got him to confess his love for me. Oh, look, my clothes disappeared...

While Kir does have quite a few hallmarks of an alpha-hole hero--

Shit Kir Says:

Cassie: I can pay for my own food.
Kir: I am certain you can, but you will not with me.

Cassie: I can take care of myself.
Kir: I have no doubt that you can. That doesn’t mean that you will.

Kir: You are aware that custom dictates a man open a door for a woman, correct?
Cassie: I’m aware custom traditionally dictates such an action for a man on a date with a woman, but this isn’t a date.
Kir: Perhaps it is a behavior relegated to dating for other men, but I think we’ve established that I am not the average male.

--he has a remarkably open and honest relationship with Cassie from the words, “my woman.” And she reciprocates. Cassie even notes to herself when Kir is domineering and makes intentional decisions about whether or not she’s going to argue with him. There’s not a single boundary that Kir isn’t willing to cross, because he’s supposed to be Cassie’s provider and protector. And she’s like, “this guy.” It’s outrageous and quite enjoyable.

Between family backstories and job problems and mob problems, there are plenty of opportunities for both Cassie and Kir to withhold information, but they both recognize at various points that if they’re committed to being in a partnership, they need to be honest with each other. And trust each other, even if it’s uncomfortable for a little while. For example, at one point Cassie asks Kir to tell her about his (rather heartbreaking) family history, and he thinks: "He didn’t want to. Didn’t want to relive the details himself, let alone share it with a woman whose opinion of him mattered so much. But a partnership built without trust was no partnership at all."

My point is that, if you like a domineering sort of hero who’s a little dangerous but you also like a mature relationship and a heroine who doesn’t just get walked all over, this might be a really fun read for you. I snorted at Kir often, but I also very much enjoyed this book.

A note on the text: Kir is Russian, so there are Russian words. Endearments mostly. Transliterated. So if you have some Russian and you’re like me, seeing Russian words not in Cyrillic might be...weird.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Book two in the Nola Nights series. I love Kir. He is an absolute Alpha male. Great complex story with great characters, very steamy. Cassie was the One that got away. Very likeable character. It's a stand alone book but protagonists from the first book are very much involved on this one.
The opinions here are all mine. ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

This was a very sweet and unexpected mafia romance. When I usually read these novels, I find them to be dark and gritty, and I feel the heroine to be a little ditzy. Not with this novel! Cassie, the main character, is a smart, and capable person who just happens to fall in love with Kir, a member of a Russian mob family. The focus of this novel was not on the violence of the mob, but the love found between the members of the family and the main characters. I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Hers to Tame by Rhenna Morgan is the second book in the Nola Knights series. I didn’t read the previous book prior to reading this installment, but I had no problem following the story. Each book in the series features a different couple.

In this installment we meet Cassie McClintock and Kir Vasilek. Cassie works as a reporter, while Kir is a member of the Russian Mafia. Being a reporter my not have been her ideal job, but it paid the bills. Kir and Cassie had met prior to this story being written. He provided her with information which helped to propel her career as a news anchor. During this time, they had a passionate affair, but when she discovered his ties to the mafia, she refused to accept his calls. After much soul searching, she sought him out to apologize for her actions. She would find herself caught up in a situation which began on a professional note but quickly became a passionate and romantic affair.

Kir was the perfect gentleman. He treated Cassie with the utmost respect. His willingness to protect her at all costs and his way with words were adorable.
He had his share of emotional insecurities where his immediate family concerned, but being with Cassie made him realize that love had the power to heal emotional wounds.

It took a while for Cassie to believe in Kir’s love for her. She also had a hard time embracing his family’s acceptance. All this stemmed from the insecurities she had developed based on her experience with her family. I enjoyed watching her overcome her insecurities enabling her to follow her dream and claim her happily ever after with the man she loved.

I thought they were perfect for each other. The scenes they shared were swoon worthy, heartfelt and passionate.

I had a wonderful time with this story, so much so I purchased a copy of book one. It had the perfect blend of romance, drama, mystery and humour.

Characters from the previous book and those from the Haven Brotherhood series from which Nola Knights is a spin-off were present in this Installment. I loved their interactions and how they readily accepted Cassie into their fold. I loved them all with my favourite being Cassie’s Aunt Freida. She was a riot.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Hers to Tame delivered a well written plot, exceptional character development, and a passionate and swoon worthy romance. It would be the perfect read for fans of contemporary romance

I didn't think I would like this book because for some reason the premise didn't speak to me but oh man am I happy that I trusted Rhenna Morgan's awesome writing. This book was heartwarming, funny and just fun to read. I especially loved Cassie's personality. I totally recommend it!

The second book brings another Russian knight to the knees. Kir brokes many rules for reporter Cassie and he let her go when she broke all the contact between them. But destiny has its ways and brings them together again and this time Kir is decided that he will keep her and make her his. It is a lovely story that is easy to read with great characters. Both Cassie and Kir find in eachother what they were missing their whole life.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

Hers to Tame by Rhenna Morgan
NOLA Knights #2

Smiling as I think about this book. Kir was a hunk of a guy and his care and tenderness with Cassie, the woman that was to be “his” was heart warming. Cassie was an intelligent reporter who met Kir months before but stayed away when she heard rumors he was Russian Mafiya. The connection was too strong to keep them apart forever, though. I love this author’s books and loved this one, too!

What I liked:
* Cassie: focused on her work, a capable reporter but really wished she could be a photographer instead.
* Kir: my oh my...what a guy! Dapper dresser, lethal but loving. He is a man you would want at your side through thick and thin.
* The “family” - such a loving group and there for one another
* Frieda: a better mother figure to Cassie than her own mother
* Getting to see the group from the Haven series
* The writing, story and series – love these books!
* Knowing that Bonnie’s story is next and looking forward to reading it soon

What I didn’t like:
* The baddie – deserved to be caught and punished
* Knowing that I will have to wait till the next book is finished

Did I like this book? Definitely
Would I read more of this series? Without a doubt

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I am completely in love with this series! I'm a fan of well written Mafia type romance anyway, but though these are light on the mafia type violence, they are heavy on well developed characters you can't help but love as well as steamy romance, and tense suspense. I liked Kir from the first book, but in had to go back and re-read to find Cassie. Turns out her mention was not by name. We definitely get to know her here. She is so attracted to Kir, but rumors of his criminal background have her fearful of getting involved with him or meeting the family he calls his. She is willing, however, to help him investigate the murder of Kir's friend. Through the investigation, Cassie stirs up trouble and needs the protection of both Kir and his family. She finds them to be very different than she expected. They definitely take better care of her than her own family.

I really adored all the characters in this book including the secondary ones. I can't wait to get Roman's story. Getting to catch up with my favorites from the first book was an excellent bonus.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Hers to Tame delivers on the expectations Morgan has built up in this and her related series. There’s plenty of snappy dialogue and a strict code of honor, but the book also shows what family should be like, whether found or born into.

There’s a large cast, new members added onto those we met in the first book. We even get a glimpse of the prospect for the next book, something I guessed from her introduction before skimming the teaser chapters in the back. In general, I prefer smaller casts because there are fewer people to keep track of. With Morgan’s stories, I don’t care. Each person is distinct enough and/or referred to in context that I have no trouble knowing who I’m reading about.

Oh, and there’s a second chances element to this story, which I enjoy. Though the time between the first and now is only seven months, it’s seven months too long for Kir, no matter how much he tries to deny it. Cassie hasn’t forgotten their encounter either and is haunted by how she let rumor scare her off without giving him the chance to explain.

The book offers complex characters with encounters full of subtext and layering. Neither of the main characters approach their lightning attraction without baggage to wade through, nor are they willing to accept this without questioning.

Cassie is an investigative reporter who is good at her job, though she doesn’t love it. Despite the differences between approach and philosophy to American expectations, Kir is a leader in Sergei’s bratva, or Russian mafiya. Theirs is not an easy connection to weather without consequences, and the consequences are life altering, especially for Cassie.

Watching their relationship develop and struggle through barriers is fun, profound, and surprising at various points. I enjoyed the teasing Kir suffers from Sergei and Roman and how Cassie’s aunt meddles. There are several detailed, open-door, intimate encounters with the strengthening of their connection and knowledge woven into those scenes. As has been Morgan’s habit, with one exception, there’s a brush of risque activities mentioned, but only that.

Nor is the only plot their relationship, though there’s enough going on in the clash of culture and expectation to fill the book on its own. The story starts with tragedy, and Cassie helps Kir investigate the possibilities at great personal cost. The seeding is well done enough for me to notice the details and put together theories, but not to have the answer. Not only that, but Cassie is a part of the mystery from start to finish. She’s a partner rather than a decoration, something I’ve appreciated from the first Morgan romance I read.

The writing is full of beautiful subtext in both words and body language, something that brings us closer to the characters. The body language also carries off the ribbing from Kir’s brothers without having to set out the situation more obviously. The plot is solid, actions affect the characters, and both main characters must change and adapt.

This is another strong novel from an author I count on to deliver a tale worth reading. Her books offer a solid love story where honor might skirt the law of the land, but you’re never in doubt as to the reasons people act or the righteousness of their responses.

P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. It will be available for purchase on March 16th, but can be pre-ordered at many of the major stores.

A continuation of the NOLA Knights and let me tell you, this story packs a big punch in an unassuming package. It is not the high-fidelity story of some of Ms. Morgan’s books but it is a study in compassion and dreams. Kir and Cassie are a couple who knows what they want (him) and does what is needed to please family (her). Together they are sexy and fun and caring. Honestly, this was a 4 star until the end of the story where Kir’s vulnerability is shown in such a light that, okay, I teared up. I loved it!

"It was bad enough that he had a way with words, but paired with his accent and the sexy rumble of his voice, physical foreplay was a bonus more than a necessity."

I'm really enjoying the NOLA Knights, a sexy spin-off from the author's Men of Haven series. Yes, those beloved characters do make an appearance from time-to-time and it makes my heart happy.

If you've made it to this 2nd book in the series, then you already know how talented the author is when it comes to writing bossy badass alphas who turn gentle when it comes to their women. Might as well go ahead and plan to melt into a puddle of goo when that happens, right? And it's not weak women that make them soft. Nope, these are sweet, sassy and strong women.

Cassie is exactly that. She's worked hard to advance in her career and it's a daily battle to stay on top. She knows it's a risk to help Kir, but she can't deny he's partly responsible for the success she's seen as a reporter, so she feels like she owes him. She also can't deny that he pushes all of her buttons and the risk to her girly bits is as high as the risk to her job.

Kir is sex in a suit with an accent that will make you squirm in your seat when he says vozlyublennaya (aka sweetheart)...sigh. ♥

If you enjoy girl-time and entertaining banter, you will love the women as much as I do, guaranteed. I'm addicted to the 'family by choice' bond these characters have. It's what we'd all like to have in our own lives and the author makes it possible through her amazing stories. I always dread turning that last page knowing it's the end, but then I immediately start looking forward to the next opportunity to spend time with the characters that I've grown so attached to. The line forms here...

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't really get into this mobster romance. It took a while to finally pick up with lots of telling rather than showing. When the protagonists finally meet again after a knock-your-socks-off affair their reunion is lukewarm at best. Just not enough spark.

Hers to Tame is the second story in Rhenna Morgan’s NOLA Knights and as with book one, readers are captivated by our hero, and the mere presence of Kir’s character. An undeniable Alpha, Kir is determined to protect his woman at all costs and this sets the tone of the plot and chemistry between Kir and Cassie. Hers to Tame is a story that melds intensity and romance, secrets and deceit, and a whole lot of WTF too! A thoroughly enjoyable read that keeps your attention from start to finish, so make sure you have time to devote to this gripping book!