Home, Bratva is my home. My sanctuary from the past. The only place where a killing machine like me belongs.
Sometimes, my demons come rushing back, And I feel out of control, full of rage, Close to losing myself completely.
Until a broken, injured woman stumbles onto my path, Awakening my protective instincts, And sending my demons to sleep.
Keeping her prisoner is my only option. If she leaves, My darkness will resurface, And there will be no escaping it this time.
Angelina
Escape, That’s all I can do, Only to end up in the hands of a crazed killer.
Now, I’m fighting to stay away from my enemies, And trying to not fall for a man I shouldn’t want.
But what will happen when we both reveal our hidden truths?
*Hidden Truths is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the third book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
4.5⭐️ “You’re the only thing that keeps my darkness away, lisichka.”
No guys the Russian nicknames are actually sending me into orbit.
AHHHHHHHHHH im so happy i didn’t give up On this series because Sergei and Angelina absolutely stole my heart!! Best book so far by a longgggggg shot!!
“When you look at me, I remember I’m still alive.”
“I reach out, take Angelina’s hand, and the pressure in my chest subsides.”
“There is something about her . . . something that makes my demons sleep. I don’t remember the last time I felt so calm in someone’s presence.”
NO STOP I ACTUALLY CANNOT TAKE IT!!!
- Age gap - Broken antihero MMC with the most tortured of souls - Only she can calm him down - She comforts him during his nightmares - Who did this to you - Forced proximity - He fell first
What can I say I’m a SUCKERRRRRRRR for a broken and traumatized MMC who’s finally able to fight his demons because of her…. Like it gets me every time!! Sergei… the man that you ARE??! He’s also a funny psychopath and like yeah…. Yeah.
An issue I’ve had with this series so far is that the books have just been far too short, so much so that they feel unfinished and rushed. But this one, though also short and quick, didn’t feel rushed at all, it only left me wanting more! I think this book could have benefited from even 100 more pages of character and relationship development, god it would have been PERFECT!! But I still devoured it nonetheless!
Hidden truths by neval altaj follows the story of Sergei Belov— a trained assassin suffering from PTSD who has been subjected to constant nightmares and episodes that more often than not lead to dreadful violence. But what happens when Angelina sandoval– a girl he rescued turns out to be the remedy to his condition?
Here's what to expect— ✧Broken hero ✧Age gap ✧Assassin × cartel princess ✧Who did this to you? ✧He fell first but she fell harder ✧PTSD ✧Only she can calm him
I truly enjoyed this book— it kept me from falling into a reading slump and I loved how fast-paced it was. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that the characters fell in love way too soon. I would've really adored this book even more if it didn't include the aspect of instalove. But overall I really enjoyed reading this and safe to say I'll definitely be checking out the other books of this series.
જ⁀➴ Quotes:
➳ “You came for me.” “Of course, I came for you,” I say and kiss her like my life depends on it. “I will always come for you, baby.”
➳ “Your demons don’t scare me, sergie” “You’re the only thing that keeps my demons at bay, lisichka.”
➳ “I’m fucked up, Angelina. Seriously fucked up.” “That’s okay. I like you just the way you are.”
His reputation proceeds him. Negotiator and Hitman; Sergei Berlov is not one to be fucked with, otherwise things might just go kaboom! But behind the instability is a man who has been conditioned and put through a life changing ordeal. Now living in the aftermath, a waif of a girl he rescues seems to be the remedy to the PSTD that haunts him.
When she tells me who hurt her, and she will eventually, I’ll have such a great time killing them. I won’t use a gun. That’s too quick. A knife won’t do, either. Hmm. Waterboarding? Maybe, if I can find a good place to do it. Strangulation? Yes, that sounds nice.
With the execution of her father, Cartel Princess Angelina is being smuggled away from her home in a last effort to save her life. When she is intercepted by Sergei, her situation could easily go from bad to worse. But what happens when her saviour wants to keep her? Yet more than that, he gives her every reason to stay.
“I’m fucked up, Angelina. Seriously fucked up.”
“That’s okay. I like you just the way you are.”
I really enjoyed Hidden Truths. It's was action packed, fast paced and romantic. I mean the relationship between Sergei and Angelina felt easy and comfortable. They simply adored each other and I appreciated Angelina's strength and tolerance. The intimacy was passionate and some of the scenes were outright naughty and unexpected.
I've always liked this series even though I thought they were too sweet for mafia romances. However I feel like this author is finding her stride and each book is progressively better. Now that I'm singing a different tune, I can't wait for the remaining books to follow!
“Your demons don’t scare me,” I whisper in his ear. “You forget, I was raised in a hyena’s den………”
🖤🔥🩸 Angelina — a Mexican cartel princess 👑🚛 Sergei — Russian Bratva enforcer, ex–Black Ops, raised to kill without mercy 🗡️🖤
She’s on the run from an arranged marriage to the man who murdered her father 😤🔪 and Sergei finds her… saves her… and never lets her go 😮💨
This was so addicting!! I ate it up.
✨ He falls first. ✨ Forced proximity. ✨ Touch her and die energy. ✨ Unhinged, broken, and brutally protective MMC. ✨ Mental health rep — trauma, PTSD, rage control. ✨ Healing romance. ✨ Antihero with a soft spot only for her.
Sergei is not okay — and that’s what makes him the best 😩❤️🔥 He’s violent, unpredictable, and rough around the edges, but with her?? He’s a damn goner. She’s the only one who can talk him down when he snaps. It’s giving dangerous obsession in the best way. 🔥🖤
Also shoutout to Mimi — his Cerberus-like hellhound of a watchdog who’s just as loyal and protective over Angelina as he is 🐺🛡️
He will always save her. Even from himself. 😭 💀🖤🔐🌪️🩶🐺💣
First of all, Neva Altaj has evolved extremely well!!! Despite any issues I may have with her stories, I am anticipating for any of her next release!!! She creates stories where all the elements have the right proportions. The angst, the humour, the drama, the suspense. But above all, the romance has the major role!
And those covers!!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Sergei and Angelina’s story was amazing and emotional. His character was completely different from the two previous ones in the series. However, all of them were very protective and possessive of their heroines. He suffered from PTSD and had his dark moments dwelling in the past, yet Angelina managed to bring him back to the present and calm him.
The secondary characters were fantastic, as weel as Sergei’s dog Mimi!!!
It was a little insta love, the steamy scenes could have been less and I wanted more development or elaboration of some topics.
Honestly, I was debating whether to give it 4 or 5 stars since the last section of the book seemed a little long (except for the last 2 chapters, which were incredible). I honestly don't know why Neva put in 3 chapters in a row full of smut when she could have summed it all up in a chapter or a chapter and a half 🥴🥴
Still the action is great. I loved Angelina, Sergei didn't drive me very crazy, but he is an interesting character.
Hasta ahorita mi libro favorito de la serie. Y Sergei mi personaje favorito, amo a su tipo, que son torturados con traumas que es peligroso, inteligente y todo eso es Sergei.
Angelina también me gustó mucho y que es todas las protagonistas tienen el mismo patrón que son obligadas a estar con ellos, pero no se portan como una bitches al contrario.
La relación de ellos me gustó un montón, amaba como ella lo quería ayudar y él como la protegía.
Éste también tiene acción y un poquito de angst.
Ya me hice muy fan de esta serie y sin duda la seguiré.
Reread in 2025 for a Patron . . . . Reread in 2023 for a Patron. . .
This series just keeps impressing me. I love the tough Mafia man who is just absolute goo for his woman. I knew I would like this couple when their first meeting appeared in a previous book. When I got the full picture in this story I loved it even more.
I feel like the author takes on tough topics in a very real but compassionate way. This one has a broken hero with severe PTSD and the young woman he kidnaps/rescues (it's complicated, okay!) who helps him start to heal. I also VERY much appreciate that one night with her doesn't fix 10 years of trauma. That just wouldn't happen. However, they do find ways to cope and heal together.
As with other books, the romance was absolutely sweet and heartwarming.. I just love how this author writes some awkward yet sexy first moments of romance.. just so swoony.
I can't wait for the next one!
4.5 Stars 3 on the spice scale
TW: death of a parent, PTSD, assault, attempted SA (not by hero), violence
After murdering Manny Sandoval, head of one of the largest Mexican cartels, his daughter, Angelina, is being forced to marry his former friend and ally, Diego Rivera.
With the help of her nana, she sneaks onto a transport vehicle headed to the United States.
When the trained assassin of the Bratva intercepts the carrier, Sergei Belov vows to protect her
This cinnamon roll hitman, with more demons than any man should have, is the type of hero I crave.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Burn: 🔥🔥🔥 Darkness: 🖤 Heat: 🌶🌶️ Range of Emotions: 😩😬🥵🫣😍 Ending: 💗 {HEA} POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (7), Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Kidnap/Captive, Forced Proximity, Who Hurt You, Touch-Her-and-💀
🫦 Kinks: n/a
⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.
⚠️ Safety Squad: VîoIencė
📣 Type: Hidden Truths is part of the Perfectly Imperfect series but can be read as a standalone. However, these books will be best enjoyed when read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
All the books have insta-love and are similar in one way or another, but they're extremely short to even care. I truly enjoyed this one, but it would be unfair to give this book a proper rating because the author plagiarized 'Morally Ambiguous' by Veronica Lancet.
Sergei's character is my favorite, of course, it would be considering he's a teeny-meeny version of Vlad Kuznetsov, but this book didn't do justice to his character because his trauma should've been explored more! Angelina was the same as other girls!
It's a pattern, the traumas aren't discussed well, they're in love too quickly, and the girl being a damsel in distress and the boy being the knight in shining armor in the end is constant!
➳ Rec – If anyone wants to read about a cute psycho who has episodes and a girl who can calm him, with great character development and groveling, I'd definitely recommend "Morally Ambiguous" (which is also getting published again and is becoming a duet).
Rating: 3 stars. This book followed the same pattern as the others in the series, easy, fast, and definitely addictive. I liked Sergei and Angelina’s dynamic, and their chemistry was obvious, but I couldn’t help but feel like the emotional intimacy was lacking. Yes, Angelina helped Sergei with his PTSD, and there were some really good moments between them, but every single time things got serious, it would just circle back to nothingness. After a while, it felt repetitive and started overshadowing the deeper connection they were building. I was craving more quiet, domestic scenes, or even just real conversations where they confronted their feelings and traumas without it instantly leading to something physical. That would’ve made their bond feel stronger and more layered. Still, I enjoyed the climax and the way everything wrapped up, I thought the ending worked well. And honestly? I’m counting down the days until Az finally gets his book.
“Two broken souls colliding in the shadows, danger and darkness tangled into a love that shouldn’t exist, but refuses to be denied.” ⋆.˚☁️⋆ I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this one a little more than the previous book, but I’m keeping my expectations in check. It’s just for something I can pick up on the side and enjoy without too much pressure. I want to get caught up in the drama, the tension, and the characters’ struggles, but I’m not looking for perfection here. As long as it gives me some thrills, a bit of romance, and that addictive “one more chapter” feeling, I’ll consider it a win.
I swear I read a book like this by a different author although the book was a lot longer which made sense for the plot and development when you have this type of trauma .. and how you spent your youth .. also I am pretty sure some passages were word for word copied from said book (actually I even checked ) beside the obvious and blatant plagiarism the writing was bad in general , plot was under cooked and unseasoned !!!
will not bother with other books in the series also I am a bit concerned as to if they are all basically plagiarised from other ( better in my humble opinion ) authors…
Absolutely freaking loved this book. Actually, I love the whole damn series and Neva Altaj is probably one of my most favorite newer authors ❤️. Great storyline that moved very quickly and had lots of action. Tons of witty dialogue and banter that left a smile on my face as I read. Awesome side characters like "Albert" the butler, Nana, and all the previous story's MCs. The first smexy time was super hot, but it also made me laugh out loud at the same time. And of course, the hero, because who doesn't like broken heroes who are a tad psycho and give off vibes like "touch her and 🔪" and "I can't be touched by anyone other than her" 🤷🏻♀️? I thought Angelina was perfect for Sergei. She truly accepted him, she's a fighter, and will do anything for the people she loves - even put her own life at risk. Just an all around great read and the epilogue at the end will leave you with a smile on your face and craving future stories for other characters!
Hidden Truths is the 3rd book in the Perfectly Imperfect series by Neva Altaj and be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. But, really, why would you not read the first two books which are equally awesome? It is told in first person, from multiple perspectives.
I enjoyed Sergei and Angelina a lot more than I was expecting and the storyline was a lot more enjoyable. Sergei was the perfect amount of cheery psycho!
Series Book Ranking:
1. Hidden Truths - 4 (Book 3) Angelina x Sergei 2. Broken Whispers - 3.5 (Book 2) Mikhail x Bianca 3. Painted Scars - 2.5 (Book 1) Nina x Roman
I knew from the start of the series Sergei is going to be my favourite one. Neva really took her time to write him so beautifully even in such a short book.
Sergei my unhinged and badass boy has my whole heart. I absolutely loved him and it really gave me butterflies how gentle and tender he was with her.
Loved the bond and banter between Felix and Sergei.
Sergei has violent episodes where he “zones out” and hurts anyone who is in his vicinity. From the moment he saves Angelina, she is ✨immune✨ and can not only be safe around him during an episode, but can also “bring him back”.
The instant connection between the main characters hampers what could have been a really beautiful story. There was no build-up of affections, and while they both did kind things for the other, it didn’t feel genuine.
Felix and Nana Guadalupe saved the book for me. I loved their protectiveness of their family (in Felix’s case—found family), and I enjoyed their ending. A romance in the last pages overshadowed an entire book’s worth.