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Kiss a Villain

Kiss a Villain

by Mia Darling 2024 300 pages
3.99
2k+ ratings
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Plot Summary

Riverbank Rescue

Yarik saves a mysterious boy

Yarik, a young heir to a mafia empire, discovers a nearly dead boy by the riverbank. Despite the danger, he decides to save him, bringing him home and hiding him from his ruthless father, Petr Volkov. The boy, Kirill, becomes an integral part of Yarik's life, forming a bond that defies their violent world. Yarik's act of kindness sets the stage for a complex relationship, as Kirill becomes both a friend and a reminder of the darkness that surrounds them.

Mafia Bonds Tested

Yarik and Kirill's friendship deepens

As they grow up in the mafia's shadow, Yarik and Kirill's friendship is tested by the brutal realities of their world. Yarik's father, Petr, is a cold and calculating leader who demands loyalty and obedience. Kirill, now a soldier in the mafia, struggles with his own identity and the expectations placed upon him. Their bond is further strained by the violent tasks they are forced to undertake, revealing the psychological toll of their upbringing.

Forbidden Desires

Yarik's hidden feelings emerge

Yarik grapples with his growing feelings for Kirill, which are complicated by their dangerous environment. He longs for a deeper connection but fears the consequences of revealing his true emotions. Kirill, meanwhile, is haunted by his own demons and the weight of his past. Their unspoken desires create tension, as both boys navigate the fine line between friendship and something more.

Betrayal and Consequences

A brutal punishment shatters trust

Yarik's defiance against his father's plans leads to a brutal punishment, with Kirill forced to carry out the orders. The act leaves both boys scarred, physically and emotionally, and drives a wedge between them. Yarik feels betrayed by Kirill's compliance, while Kirill is consumed by guilt and self-loathing. The incident marks a turning point in their relationship, as they struggle to reconcile their feelings with the harsh realities of their world.

Secrets and Surveillance

Kirill's hidden role is revealed

Yarik discovers that Kirill has been secretly monitoring him on Petr's orders, shattering his trust. The revelation forces Yarik to confront the extent of his father's control and the depth of Kirill's involvement. Kirill's actions, driven by a desire to protect Yarik, are seen as a betrayal, leaving both boys questioning their loyalty and the future of their relationship.

Love and Loyalty

Yarik's confession changes everything

In a moment of vulnerability, Yarik confesses his love for Kirill, risking everything for a chance at honesty. Kirill is torn between his duty to the mafia and his feelings for Yarik. The confession forces them to confront their emotions and the possibility of a future together, despite the dangers that surround them. Their love becomes a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.

Confrontation and Confession

A heated confrontation reveals truths

Yarik and Kirill's relationship reaches a breaking point as they confront each other about their past actions and hidden feelings. The confrontation is raw and emotional, with both boys laying bare their vulnerabilities and desires. The tension between them is palpable, as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and betrayal. The outcome of their confrontation will determine the future of their relationship.

The Unforgivable Act

A violent act tests their bond

Yarik is forced to witness a brutal act that tests his loyalty to the mafia and his bond with Kirill. The violence serves as a reminder of the world they inhabit and the choices they must make to survive. Yarik's resolve is shaken, and he must decide whether to continue down the path laid out for him or forge his own destiny. The act leaves a lasting impact on both boys, challenging their beliefs and their relationship.

A Prince's Burden

Yarik's role in the mafia solidifies

As Yarik assumes more responsibility within the mafia, he grapples with the weight of his position and the expectations placed upon him. His relationship with Kirill is strained, as both boys struggle to balance their personal desires with their duties. Yarik's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to navigate the treacherous waters of power, loyalty, and love.

The Return of Kirill

Kirill's return brings hope and uncertainty

After a period of separation, Kirill returns to Yarik's life, reigniting old feelings and unresolved tensions. Their reunion is bittersweet, as they must confront the past and the choices that have led them to this point. Kirill's return offers a glimmer of hope for their future, but also brings uncertainty as they face the challenges that lie ahead. Their bond is tested once more, as they strive to find a way forward together.

Characters

Yarik Volkov

A conflicted mafia heir

Yarik is the heir to the Volkov mafia empire, struggling with the expectations of his ruthless father, Petr. He is compassionate and loyal, often at odds with the violent world he inhabits. Yarik's love for Kirill is a source of strength and vulnerability, driving him to make difficult choices. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to navigate the complexities of power, loyalty, and love.

Kirill Volkov

A haunted soldier with a past

Kirill is a soldier in the Volkov mafia, burdened by the weight of his past and the expectations placed upon him. He is fiercely loyal to Yarik, but struggles with his own identity and the choices he must make to survive. Kirill's relationship with Yarik is complicated by unspoken desires and the secrets he keeps. His journey is one of redemption, as he seeks to reconcile his past with his present.

Petr Volkov

A ruthless mafia leader

Petr is the head of the Volkov mafia, a cold and calculating leader who demands loyalty and obedience. He is a master manipulator, using fear and violence to maintain control. Petr's relationship with Yarik is strained, as he seeks to mold his son into a worthy heir. His actions drive much of the conflict in the story, as Yarik and Kirill navigate the dangerous world he has created.

Vera Volkov

A cunning and manipulative cousin

Vera is Yarik's cousin, known for her cunning and manipulative nature. She is a constant presence in Yarik's life, often serving as a reminder of the darker aspects of their world. Vera's actions are driven by her own ambitions, and she is not above using others to achieve her goals. Her relationship with Yarik is complex, as they navigate the treacherous waters of family loyalty and betrayal.

Nina Volkov

A supportive yet distant sister

Nina is Yarik's younger sister, supportive yet distant due to their father's influence. She is aware of the dangers that surround their family, but remains loyal to Yarik. Nina's relationship with her brother is one of quiet understanding, as they both navigate the complexities of their world. Her presence serves as a reminder of the family ties that bind them, even in the face of adversity.

Daniel Beck

A loyal and reckless soldier

Beck is a soldier in the Volkov mafia, known for his loyalty and reckless nature. He is a trusted ally of Yarik, often serving as a source of support and camaraderie. Beck's relationship with Yarik is one of mutual respect, as they navigate the challenges of their world together. His presence adds a layer of complexity to the story, as he balances loyalty to the mafia with his own personal desires.

Eren Doğan

A disciplined and focused ally

Eren is a soldier in the Volkov mafia, known for his discipline and focus. He is a trusted ally of Yarik, often serving as a voice of reason in their chaotic world. Eren's relationship with Yarik is one of mutual respect, as they navigate the challenges of their world together. His presence adds a layer of complexity to the story, as he balances loyalty to the mafia with his own personal desires.

Plot Devices

Duality of Loyalty

Loyalty is a double-edged sword

The story explores the duality of loyalty, as characters navigate the fine line between allegiance to the mafia and personal desires. Yarik and Kirill's relationship is tested by their loyalty to each other and the expectations of their world. The theme of loyalty is a driving force in the narrative, as characters grapple with the consequences of their choices and the impact on their relationships.

Forbidden Love

Love in a dangerous world

The theme of forbidden love is central to the story, as Yarik and Kirill navigate their feelings for each other in a world that demands conformity. Their love is a source of strength and vulnerability, driving much of the conflict in the narrative. The story explores the complexities of love in a dangerous world, as characters grapple with the consequences of their desires and the impact on their relationships.

Surveillance and Control

The impact of constant surveillance

The story explores the impact of constant surveillance and control, as characters navigate a world where their every move is watched. Yarik and Kirill's relationship is tested by the secrets they keep and the surveillance they endure. The theme of surveillance is a driving force in the narrative, as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on their relationships.

Analysis

A modern exploration of love and loyalty

"Kiss a Villain" is a modern exploration of love and loyalty in a world defined by violence and control. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, as characters navigate the fine line between personal desires and the expectations of their world. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the human condition, as characters grapple with the consequences of their choices and the impact on their relationships. The story's themes of forbidden love, loyalty, and surveillance resonate with modern readers, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges of navigating a world defined by power and control.

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Review Summary

3.99 out of 5
Average of 2k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Kiss a Villain is a highly-rated MM mafia romance debut that readers found captivating and emotionally intense. The slow-burn story follows Yarik and Kirill from childhood, exploring their complex relationship within a brutal world. Readers praised the beautiful writing, angst, and pining between the characters. Many found the cliffhanger ending frustrating but are eagerly anticipating the sequel. While some felt the pacing was slow, most were deeply invested in the characters' journey and the raw emotions portrayed throughout the book.

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About the Author

Mia Darling is an author of M/M romance novels featuring morally gray characters and intense storylines. Her debut novel, Kiss a Villain, has garnered significant praise for its emotional depth and compelling narrative. Darling's writing style is characterized by its ability to evoke strong feelings in readers, particularly through the use of angst and slow-burn romance. She has a penchant for enemies-to-lovers and mutual pining tropes, always ensuring her stories end with a happily ever after. Despite the dark themes in her work, Darling maintains a lighthearted personal life, living with her husband and two dogs. Her passion for fantasy elements and anti-heroes shines through in her storytelling.

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