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Kozlov Empire #3
Fierce Vow
LEO
They say there's no redemption for men like me. It doesn’t matter because I already live in hell.
Alyona Nikitin is my best friend's little sister, my obsession, and the one pure thing in my world. I wanted to give her forever, but that would mean signing her death warrant.
I never truly let her go though, not really. I watched over her, kept her safe, chased away the losers who dared dance around my angel.
But now that a powerful enemy is after her, all bets are off.
She may despise me, but I won’t lose her a second time. I am going to take what’s mine, once and for all.
ALYONA
Leonid Kozlov. Bratva royalty. My brother's best friend. And the man who shattered my heart.
I've spent years trying to erase him from my memory, but when my life is threatened, Leo crashes back into my world, looking as sexy as sin and appointing himself as my personal protector.
I don't want his help, but fate has different plans. When I wake up on a yacht in the Mediterranean forced to pose as his fiancée, I’m caught in the crossfire between my pride and lust.
Leo may command my body, but I'll never surrender my soul.
The Kozlov Empire is a series of interconnected standalone books about the sexy, morally gray Kozlov family. The books don't need to be read in order, but it's more fun if you do! This series has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
They say there's no redemption for men like me. It doesn’t matter because I already live in hell.
Alyona Nikitin is my best friend's little sister, my obsession, and the one pure thing in my world. I wanted to give her forever, but that would mean signing her death warrant.
I never truly let her go though, not really. I watched over her, kept her safe, chased away the losers who dared dance around my angel.
But now that a powerful enemy is after her, all bets are off.
She may despise me, but I won’t lose her a second time. I am going to take what’s mine, once and for all.
ALYONA
Leonid Kozlov. Bratva royalty. My brother's best friend. And the man who shattered my heart.
I've spent years trying to erase him from my memory, but when my life is threatened, Leo crashes back into my world, looking as sexy as sin and appointing himself as my personal protector.
I don't want his help, but fate has different plans. When I wake up on a yacht in the Mediterranean forced to pose as his fiancée, I’m caught in the crossfire between my pride and lust.
Leo may command my body, but I'll never surrender my soul.
The Kozlov Empire is a series of interconnected standalone books about the sexy, morally gray Kozlov family. The books don't need to be read in order, but it's more fun if you do! This series has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2023
871 people are currently reading
6383 people want to read
About the author
Monica Kayne
9 books1,097 followersMonica Kayne is a TV producer turned proud romance writer. She writes dark and swoony romance novels with a liberal dose of sass and humor.
Her favorite characters to write are sweetly possessive bad boys and the feisty, smart-mouthed heroines that they can’t resist.
When she’s not dreaming up sexy plots, she can be found searching for the perfect negroni and her next K-drama fix. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.
Join Monica Kayne's newsletter for a FREE short story:
https://linktr.ee/monicakayne
Her favorite characters to write are sweetly possessive bad boys and the feisty, smart-mouthed heroines that they can’t resist.
When she’s not dreaming up sexy plots, she can be found searching for the perfect negroni and her next K-drama fix. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.
Join Monica Kayne's newsletter for a FREE short story:
https://linktr.ee/monicakayne
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July 22, 2023DNF@47%
Two DNFs in a month? HOLY SHIT. But seriously, I just couldn't push myself to read this. Idk what exactly it was (can't pinpoint it) but I just wasn't feeling this book. Second chance romances are either a hit or a miss with me and this was most def a miss. I don't know the exact reason why Leo broke up with Aly all those years since I DNFed before the halfway mark, but if I had to hazard a guess, then it would be because he did it to protect her and all that shit. Bleh. So boring. The previous book was halfway decent but this just wasn't it for me ideky. Leo really said that he was obsessed with her but also tried and failed to fuck her out of his system eventhough he was the one who broke her heart like MAKE IT MAKE SENSE??? That was my first ick btw and it basically went downhill after that because Aly gave in to him way too easy. Anyways, this is my cue to always be cautious before picking up a second chance romance lolololol.
Two DNFs in a month? HOLY SHIT. But seriously, I just couldn't push myself to read this. Idk what exactly it was (can't pinpoint it) but I just wasn't feeling this book. Second chance romances are either a hit or a miss with me and this was most def a miss. I don't know the exact reason why Leo broke up with Aly all those years since I DNFed before the halfway mark, but if I had to hazard a guess, then it would be because he did it to protect her and all that shit. Bleh. So boring. The previous book was halfway decent but this just wasn't it for me ideky. Leo really said that he was obsessed with her but also tried and failed to fuck her out of his system eventhough he was the one who broke her heart like MAKE IT MAKE SENSE??? That was my first ick btw and it basically went downhill after that because Aly gave in to him way too easy. Anyways, this is my cue to always be cautious before picking up a second chance romance lolololol.
July 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for ages. I have wanted to know Leo and Aly’s story from the moment we meet them in Merciless Heir. However, since I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book, I was nervous that it would not live up to my expectations and that I’d be disappointed… I was not. This book was sooooo good. It was everything. I don’t think I could’ve wanted anything else.
This book has ALL THE TROPES
If you love:
💥 Frenemies to Lovers
💥 Second Chance Romance
💥 Bratva/Mafia Romance
💥 Best friend’s little sister
💥 Forced Proximity
💥 Fake Engagement
💥 Possessive, morally grey MMC
💥 Inexperienced FMC who asks for “lessons”
💥 🍆 piercing
💥 She thinks she pees herself, but she actually 💦
This book is told in first person, dual POV. The majority of the book is occurring in present time, but there are multiple flashback chapters going back 10, 8, and 7 years. Flashbacks are vital for second chance romance stories and I loved reading the scenes instead of the characters reliving/thinking/discussing them.
The book is a quick read but it does not feel rushed. The story is constantly moving forward, no lull in content. Flows great, especially with the flashbacks.
I love Aly and Leo. Their friendship, their romance, their relationship with their siblings. This book was written so well. The best brother was definitely saved for last in my humble opinion. 😍
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for ages. I have wanted to know Leo and Aly’s story from the moment we meet them in Merciless Heir. However, since I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book, I was nervous that it would not live up to my expectations and that I’d be disappointed… I was not. This book was sooooo good. It was everything. I don’t think I could’ve wanted anything else.
This book has ALL THE TROPES
If you love:
💥 Frenemies to Lovers
💥 Second Chance Romance
💥 Bratva/Mafia Romance
💥 Best friend’s little sister
💥 Forced Proximity
💥 Fake Engagement
💥 Possessive, morally grey MMC
💥 Inexperienced FMC who asks for “lessons”
💥 🍆 piercing
💥 She thinks she pees herself, but she actually 💦
This book is told in first person, dual POV. The majority of the book is occurring in present time, but there are multiple flashback chapters going back 10, 8, and 7 years. Flashbacks are vital for second chance romance stories and I loved reading the scenes instead of the characters reliving/thinking/discussing them.
The book is a quick read but it does not feel rushed. The story is constantly moving forward, no lull in content. Flows great, especially with the flashbacks.
I love Aly and Leo. Their friendship, their romance, their relationship with their siblings. This book was written so well. The best brother was definitely saved for last in my humble opinion. 😍
July 11, 2023
Take all my favorite tropes, put them in a book... and you have Fierce Vow. Book 3 follows the youngest of the Kozlov brothers, Leo, and his first and only love, Alyona.
At first, there were a lot of emotions in there, all angst and everything, but all the mushy feelings I was expecting and excited about (especially with a second chance trope) kinda vanished along the way with all the seggsy stuff going on. Don’t get me wrong, I do like good smutty scenes, but I guess that, sometimes, too much of a good thing is like not enough. I’m more of a quality versus quantity kind of girl and for the first time, I think it was a little too much for me 🤷🏻♀️. I would have loved to see more of their connection, more of them as individuals and more plot too.
That being said, I absolutely loved Aly. She’s no damsel in distress and can take care of herself. She’s strong and is not afraid to stand up to Leo (and make him a little crazy along the way 😏). And Leo is definitely a “looks like he can inālīve you” but deep down he’s a big softy and I was there for it!
Finally, with that ending, I’m now very excited and impatient for book 4 and Kira’s POV!
Pick up this book if you like: ⚓️Second chances ⚓️Brother’s best friend ⚓️Kick @ss FMC ⚓️Dual POV ⚓️Forced proximity ⚓️Pierced MMC ⚓️Fake engagement ⚓️First everything ⚓️No one can have her but him 😏
Thank you so much to Monica Kayne for providing with a eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
At first, there were a lot of emotions in there, all angst and everything, but all the mushy feelings I was expecting and excited about (especially with a second chance trope) kinda vanished along the way with all the seggsy stuff going on. Don’t get me wrong, I do like good smutty scenes, but I guess that, sometimes, too much of a good thing is like not enough. I’m more of a quality versus quantity kind of girl and for the first time, I think it was a little too much for me 🤷🏻♀️. I would have loved to see more of their connection, more of them as individuals and more plot too.
That being said, I absolutely loved Aly. She’s no damsel in distress and can take care of herself. She’s strong and is not afraid to stand up to Leo (and make him a little crazy along the way 😏). And Leo is definitely a “looks like he can inālīve you” but deep down he’s a big softy and I was there for it!
Finally, with that ending, I’m now very excited and impatient for book 4 and Kira’s POV!
Pick up this book if you like: ⚓️Second chances ⚓️Brother’s best friend ⚓️Kick @ss FMC ⚓️Dual POV ⚓️Forced proximity ⚓️Pierced MMC ⚓️Fake engagement ⚓️First everything ⚓️No one can have her but him 😏
Thank you so much to Monica Kayne for providing with a eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 24, 2025
review coming someday (maybe)
July 15, 2023
ARC Reviewe
This book was amazing, i read it in 2 days on fast pace page after page the twist and turns the roller coaster, the plot twist i didn’t expect especially before the ending😱😱😱 i was like from where did that come from i am reading correctly 🤔🤔🤔just wow 🤩 🤩🤩
Aly is feisty and damn strong she doesn’t take no for an answer, hold her self up very well she is broken deep down but never lets it show, she has her ways of effecting Leo and damn he loves her❤️
Leo has the face of a man that you should be afraid of but he looses all senses when it comes to Aly she concored his world and he is so under he can’t pull him self up, but he will do anything for her🖤
I loved there chemistry, the banter between them it was hilarious, they are each others soulmates in every kind of way they keep each other alive without even knowing it. She hates him for all the right reasons, but again i was so heartbroken for him for everything that he went through and put her through but he had his reasons , i know i say this about every couple 😂😂but they are truly my favorite couple out of the couples in the series. I desperately want book 4 😭😭
Read this book if you like:
💠Dual POV
💠Forced Proximity
💠second chance Romance
💠Brothers best friend
💠 Fake Engagement
💠Pierced MMC
💠 Touch her and you ☠️
This book was amazing, i read it in 2 days on fast pace page after page the twist and turns the roller coaster, the plot twist i didn’t expect especially before the ending😱😱😱 i was like from where did that come from i am reading correctly 🤔🤔🤔just wow 🤩 🤩🤩
Aly is feisty and damn strong she doesn’t take no for an answer, hold her self up very well she is broken deep down but never lets it show, she has her ways of effecting Leo and damn he loves her❤️
Leo has the face of a man that you should be afraid of but he looses all senses when it comes to Aly she concored his world and he is so under he can’t pull him self up, but he will do anything for her🖤
I loved there chemistry, the banter between them it was hilarious, they are each others soulmates in every kind of way they keep each other alive without even knowing it. She hates him for all the right reasons, but again i was so heartbroken for him for everything that he went through and put her through but he had his reasons , i know i say this about every couple 😂😂but they are truly my favorite couple out of the couples in the series. I desperately want book 4 😭😭
Read this book if you like:
💠Dual POV
💠Forced Proximity
💠second chance Romance
💠Brothers best friend
💠 Fake Engagement
💠Pierced MMC
💠 Touch her and you ☠️
July 9, 2023
Fierce Vow is book 3 in the Kozlov Empire series and it was fantastic as well as devastatingly heartbreaking 💔
Leo is sworn to the brotherhood of the Kozlov Bratva and with that choice came the shattering blow to end his love for the only woman who was the one who completed him.
Alyona is a young woman with a crush on her big brothers best friend but when he delivers such hurtful words to her she moves on with her life, moving to Paris to try and forget her heartbreak, to get as far away as she can from the Bratva.
As a reader it is refreshing to find an author whose stories resonate with you but more remarkable is when you read each book and the author blossoms and blooms, honing her technique and creates a story that exceeds and proves her skill has grown and sharpened. Monica Kayne is one of those authors who I am privileged to read and I am in awe of how she always tops her previous story with something more compelling and sensational.
Wonderful story dealing with real life choices and unrequited love ❤️
Leo is sworn to the brotherhood of the Kozlov Bratva and with that choice came the shattering blow to end his love for the only woman who was the one who completed him.
Alyona is a young woman with a crush on her big brothers best friend but when he delivers such hurtful words to her she moves on with her life, moving to Paris to try and forget her heartbreak, to get as far away as she can from the Bratva.
As a reader it is refreshing to find an author whose stories resonate with you but more remarkable is when you read each book and the author blossoms and blooms, honing her technique and creates a story that exceeds and proves her skill has grown and sharpened. Monica Kayne is one of those authors who I am privileged to read and I am in awe of how she always tops her previous story with something more compelling and sensational.
Wonderful story dealing with real life choices and unrequited love ❤️
July 17, 2023
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review all thoughts and opinions are my own
✅Best friend lil sister
✅Age gap
✅Forced Proximity
✅Fake Fiancé
✅Enemies to lovers
Leo is Bratva royalty and Alys brother's best friend. And the man who shattered her heart. Aly always knew she didn’t want the Bratva lifestyle so she moved to Paris to help with her heartache. Little does she know Leo has secrets of his own.
This was my favourite book out of the series by far, it had all my favourite tropes and I loved the characters! I loved how Aly was a strong independent woman not a damsel in distress.
Also I’m excited for Kira’s book next, reading this got me intrigued!
✅Best friend lil sister
✅Age gap
✅Forced Proximity
✅Fake Fiancé
✅Enemies to lovers
Leo is Bratva royalty and Alys brother's best friend. And the man who shattered her heart. Aly always knew she didn’t want the Bratva lifestyle so she moved to Paris to help with her heartache. Little does she know Leo has secrets of his own.
This was my favourite book out of the series by far, it had all my favourite tropes and I loved the characters! I loved how Aly was a strong independent woman not a damsel in distress.
Also I’m excited for Kira’s book next, reading this got me intrigued!
July 13, 2023
(ARC) but all opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I think this was the funniest book in the Kozlov series thus far, It was so good! Aly was a baddie, she held her own & gave hell when she needed to, the banter between her & Leo was hilarious. Leonid was extremely protective & possessive I thought because this was a second chance romance I would need for him to grovel, but honestly he didn't need to IMO. If you're looking for a second chance mafia romance, this is for you! I’m so excited for Kira’s book next! Ps Daniil is still my favorite brother.🤫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I think this was the funniest book in the Kozlov series thus far, It was so good! Aly was a baddie, she held her own & gave hell when she needed to, the banter between her & Leo was hilarious. Leonid was extremely protective & possessive I thought because this was a second chance romance I would need for him to grovel, but honestly he didn't need to IMO. If you're looking for a second chance mafia romance, this is for you! I’m so excited for Kira’s book next! Ps Daniil is still my favorite brother.🤫
January 24, 2025
this book was such a great read! it was my first time diving into a dark romance, and i have to say, i was hooked. i wanted something with a GREAT mix of smut/spice ;) and an engaging story, and this one delivered perfectly!
the characters felt real and the plot kept me turning pages late into the day/night. leo's character, in particular, was impressive. he wasn't just a typical dark romance hero - his dark past added so much to his actions and motivations. the chemistry between him and aly was intense and believable, which made the romantic scenes even better.
if you're into dark romance or just curious to try it out, i highly recommend fierce vow.
the characters felt real and the plot kept me turning pages late into the day/night. leo's character, in particular, was impressive. he wasn't just a typical dark romance hero - his dark past added so much to his actions and motivations. the chemistry between him and aly was intense and believable, which made the romantic scenes even better.
if you're into dark romance or just curious to try it out, i highly recommend fierce vow.
July 13, 2023
simp mafiosos are good and all, but an author that continuously and consistently writes multidimensional, badass women is even better. the fmcs are the highlight of this series, in every. single. book. they are both soft and feminine, as much as they are lethal and powerful. they don't take any shit, know what they want, and go for it. it's empowering. it's refreshing. and when it's kira's turn, the author better outdo herself because she has the potential to be the female lead of all mafia donnas, up there with all my favorite stabby women.
December 18, 2025
Fierce Vows by Monica Kayne – Review
If you love second-chance romance set in a mafia world, this book should be on your list. It delivers spice, drama, mystery, and all the elements that make mafia romances so addictive.
Leo and Alyona’s story starts in their youth, when they fall in love, only for circumstances and mistakes to tear them apart. Years later, Alyona is living in Paris, trying to move on and denying the reality of her lingering feelings, while Leo is fully immersed in the bratva, working as a vor and building his power.
The story carries the right amount of mystery throughout. I did figure out the ending earlier than expected because I had already read the blurb for the fourth book and connected the dots, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
Leo is completely down bad for Alyona denying his feelings while yearning for her at the same time. The angst was intense and satisfying. Alyona stood out as a strong and capable heroine, especially in the way she handled her abductor, which was a truly powerful moment.
I enjoyed this book a lot and am very excited to move on to the final part of the series.
If you love second-chance romance set in a mafia world, this book should be on your list. It delivers spice, drama, mystery, and all the elements that make mafia romances so addictive.
Leo and Alyona’s story starts in their youth, when they fall in love, only for circumstances and mistakes to tear them apart. Years later, Alyona is living in Paris, trying to move on and denying the reality of her lingering feelings, while Leo is fully immersed in the bratva, working as a vor and building his power.
The story carries the right amount of mystery throughout. I did figure out the ending earlier than expected because I had already read the blurb for the fourth book and connected the dots, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
Leo is completely down bad for Alyona denying his feelings while yearning for her at the same time. The angst was intense and satisfying. Alyona stood out as a strong and capable heroine, especially in the way she handled her abductor, which was a truly powerful moment.
I enjoyed this book a lot and am very excited to move on to the final part of the series.
July 24, 2023
If you like an obsessed man who keeps tab on you from across the ocean and whisks you away for your safety- Leo Kozlov is the man for you.
Tropes
🍒 Russian Bratva
🍒 Second chance romance
🍒 Brother's best friend
🍒 Strong h (come on, you need nerves of steel to be around bratva
🍒 Forced proximity on a yacht
🍒 Banter and lots of getting on each others'nerves
🍒 Possessive H
I liked the twists and dramatics of the story, effortlessly told by Monica. The dynamic between the characters from previous books is just perfect. This book was equal parts gripping and spicy!
Tropes
🍒 Russian Bratva
🍒 Second chance romance
🍒 Brother's best friend
🍒 Strong h (come on, you need nerves of steel to be around bratva
🍒 Forced proximity on a yacht
🍒 Banter and lots of getting on each others'nerves
🍒 Possessive H
I liked the twists and dramatics of the story, effortlessly told by Monica. The dynamic between the characters from previous books is just perfect. This book was equal parts gripping and spicy!
July 11, 2023
ARC review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I loved Leonid and Alyona. I was very excited for this book and the wait was worth it.
The story was not how I expected. It was beyond my expectations and I really loved it. Second chance romance has always been my second favorite and the special lessons thing was also very hot.
I loved their chemistry and how possessive Leo was with Alyona. I also loved the concept of the book, how their story took turns and how the story ended with reunited love.
Monica sure as hell kept Leonid for last because he is most romantic at heart from all Kozlov brothers. He has become my most favorite brother.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I loved Leonid and Alyona. I was very excited for this book and the wait was worth it.
The story was not how I expected. It was beyond my expectations and I really loved it. Second chance romance has always been my second favorite and the special lessons thing was also very hot.
I loved their chemistry and how possessive Leo was with Alyona. I also loved the concept of the book, how their story took turns and how the story ended with reunited love.
Monica sure as hell kept Leonid for last because he is most romantic at heart from all Kozlov brothers. He has become my most favorite brother.
July 14, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
i was an ARC reader for this and when i tell you i read in 2 hours and could not put it down i mean that🥵 i was hooked from chapter one when my main bitch killed that man🤣 i love a baddass FMC and she was it although i felt she forgave way to easier after saying she never would but i get it leo is amazingg lol and Leo oh Leo hes so damn hot id forgive him too🤣 honestly i wasnt expecting the ending and it was amaazing!
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
i was an ARC reader for this and when i tell you i read in 2 hours and could not put it down i mean that🥵 i was hooked from chapter one when my main bitch killed that man🤣 i love a baddass FMC and she was it although i felt she forgave way to easier after saying she never would but i get it leo is amazingg lol and Leo oh Leo hes so damn hot id forgive him too🤣 honestly i wasnt expecting the ending and it was amaazing!
July 17, 2023
It was okay I guess
Reason why Leo left Aly felt ridiculous to me, I mean it was not revealed until end but I already suspected it.
After Leo's father death he could have come to Aly and explain her everything, if he really loved her enough he could have fought for her. But he hide it from her and gave up on her.
Ending was anticlimatic , Aly's father agreed to leave her alone when Kira offered to marry him because he is attracted to her, what kind of what father does it because he's lusting over his daughter's bestfriend
I'm sure kira wanted to marry Maxim because of some reason related to her Aunt ( which I think is to know the reason behind her murder n take revenge)
Reason why Leo left Aly felt ridiculous to me, I mean it was not revealed until end but I already suspected it.
After Leo's father death he could have come to Aly and explain her everything, if he really loved her enough he could have fought for her. But he hide it from her and gave up on her.
Ending was anticlimatic , Aly's father agreed to leave her alone when Kira offered to marry him because he is attracted to her, what kind of what father does it because he's lusting over his daughter's bestfriend
I'm sure kira wanted to marry Maxim because of some reason related to her Aunt ( which I think is to know the reason behind her murder n take revenge)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
So boring. Most if the book took place on s boat and they just had sex the whole time. The ending was the best part
November 15, 2023
Malaka... areskoun mou etsi fasi malakies okay, alla pragmatika evarethika to stin mesi jj meta... alithkia eprepe na kamw prospathia gia na to telioso!
July 24, 2023
Monica once again wrote an amazing mafia book with characters that you can't help growing to love. Leo quite literally made me swoon and Alyona was this badass female character that I was rooting for the entire time.
Their love story is one that's sad, sweet, and perfect all at the same time. It's very brother's best friend trope and I loved every minute of it. As a reader, it was a beautiful thing getting to see the two characters fall in love with each other over the course of the story and how it grows into something beautiful and very steamy. The spice was top tier in this book, their chemistry was off the charts hots. Monica continues to blow me away with how she tells stories and makes us fall head over heels for her characters.
This is definitely a book I'll be reading more than once to fall in love with Leo and Alyona over and over again!
Their love story is one that's sad, sweet, and perfect all at the same time. It's very brother's best friend trope and I loved every minute of it. As a reader, it was a beautiful thing getting to see the two characters fall in love with each other over the course of the story and how it grows into something beautiful and very steamy. The spice was top tier in this book, their chemistry was off the charts hots. Monica continues to blow me away with how she tells stories and makes us fall head over heels for her characters.
This is definitely a book I'll be reading more than once to fall in love with Leo and Alyona over and over again!
November 27, 2025
4.5 stars!! I really enjoyed this book it had just a lil less plot and a little more spice than I’d like however it was soo good. Monica writes fantastic mafia books! Overall 4.5 very unique storyline and although it was kinda of spice heavy for my preferences all the spice was very good! Loved Leo and Aly 🤍 soo happy I found Monica’s books 😍
“You’re still the only one. Always have been, always will be.”
“You’re still the only one. Always have been, always will be.”
July 10, 2023
I received an ARC for review, all opinions are my own and given freely. I love the Kozlov book series! I love all of Kozlov brothers but Leo is my favorite. Leo and Alyona’s second chance romance was fantastic. This book did not disappoint it had a strong FMC, possessive/protective MMC, forbidden romance, mafia, danger and some spicy scenes.
The book releases on July 13th!
The book releases on July 13th!
April 1, 2024
4.5⭐️
April 21, 2024
3.5⭐️for et kaos!
July 22, 2023
KC Rating: 4🍁 | 1.5🌶️
This was probably the longest in the series, but then again, it was a second chance romance, so we were getting lots of flashbacks.
I loved Leo and Alyona. They were great characters, and their story was beautiful as well as heartbreaking (especially their past)! Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with plot twists and spice off the charts! Because our two leads are head over heels for each other, they just need to admit it and have a talk!
And i’m so looking forward to the next book! Because that one will be explosive! It’s Kira’s time for her story!!
This was probably the longest in the series, but then again, it was a second chance romance, so we were getting lots of flashbacks.
I loved Leo and Alyona. They were great characters, and their story was beautiful as well as heartbreaking (especially their past)! Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with plot twists and spice off the charts! Because our two leads are head over heels for each other, they just need to admit it and have a talk!
And i’m so looking forward to the next book! Because that one will be explosive! It’s Kira’s time for her story!!
July 24, 2023
Wow wow wow!! I love a second chance romance book and this nailed it right on the head! I loved reading Aly and Leo story! Even tho Leo was alys brothers best friend they both deserve love and that’s exactly what you got! I couldn’t put this down! I will recommend this to everyone!
August 12, 2023
Monica Kayne delivers us Leo Kozlov on a silver platter.
He’s got a filthy mouth and a heart as big as the world. That heart belongs to none other than his precious Alyona.
This story was just want I needed. He completes the Kozlov brothers so well. Each brother has something the other doesn’t when it comes to the women in their lives. It was fantastic to watch it play out.
What I really enjoyed with Leo is how devoted and determined he is to make sure Alyona is safe. The twists and turns in the story along with incredible smut had me chomping at the bit. I will refrain from saying my favorite part of the story in order to prevent any spoilers.
I enjoyed Aly and all her bad assery! She takes no shit and can take it as much as she dishes it.
If you enjoy the following tropes, this book is for you:
✨Mafia Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Second chance romance
✨Fake Engaged
✨Pierced MMC
✨Forced Proximity
✨Sex lessons
✨Bad Ass FMC
I also didn’t see the twists coming at the end of the story. I cannot wait for the 4th book.
Keep ‘em coming, Monica!
5 ✨ 4 🌶️
He’s got a filthy mouth and a heart as big as the world. That heart belongs to none other than his precious Alyona.
This story was just want I needed. He completes the Kozlov brothers so well. Each brother has something the other doesn’t when it comes to the women in their lives. It was fantastic to watch it play out.
What I really enjoyed with Leo is how devoted and determined he is to make sure Alyona is safe. The twists and turns in the story along with incredible smut had me chomping at the bit. I will refrain from saying my favorite part of the story in order to prevent any spoilers.
I enjoyed Aly and all her bad assery! She takes no shit and can take it as much as she dishes it.
If you enjoy the following tropes, this book is for you:
✨Mafia Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Second chance romance
✨Fake Engaged
✨Pierced MMC
✨Forced Proximity
✨Sex lessons
✨Bad Ass FMC
I also didn’t see the twists coming at the end of the story. I cannot wait for the 4th book.
Keep ‘em coming, Monica!
5 ✨ 4 🌶️
July 1, 2024
Fierce Vow by Monica Kayne is a book about the love story of Alyona and Leo. Alyona is the daughter of the former right-hand man to the Pakhan. After her father's death, she finds herself lost and enters Leo. He's the youngest son of the Pakhan also Alyona's brother's best friend. Leo is fighting the idea of whether to take to vow for the bratva. They fall for one another but it doesn't last. jump forward 7 years to the now, Alyona is living in Paris when she is attacked. While she despises Leo, he comes to the rescue, taking her far away. Leo is still head over heels in love with Alyona and will do anything to protect her, even dealing with her hate for him. The family are on the hunt, trying to find out why Alyona is a target and what they want. Will their love be rekindled? will they find out who and why they want Alyona?
I truly loved this book. Mafia books can be very hit-and-miss but this one was a great read. Both characters have troubled pasts and are struggling to deal with the future. Leo is such an interesting man. While his ethics aren't the greatest at times, what would you expect? He is such a softie for Alyona and would literally do anything for her. Don't get me started on the butterfly tattoo!!!! He had me swinging my feet, laughing and crying. God, I love that man. Alyona is what you can expect of a somewhat of a mafia princess. Yet she is so independent and always ready to fight for what's right. I loved her as a character. I wish I could be like her! I want what they have without the 7 years apart. I will be reading every other book !!!!!
Thank you Booksiren for this read!!!!
I truly loved this book. Mafia books can be very hit-and-miss but this one was a great read. Both characters have troubled pasts and are struggling to deal with the future. Leo is such an interesting man. While his ethics aren't the greatest at times, what would you expect? He is such a softie for Alyona and would literally do anything for her. Don't get me started on the butterfly tattoo!!!! He had me swinging my feet, laughing and crying. God, I love that man. Alyona is what you can expect of a somewhat of a mafia princess. Yet she is so independent and always ready to fight for what's right. I loved her as a character. I wish I could be like her! I want what they have without the 7 years apart. I will be reading every other book !!!!!
Thank you Booksiren for this read!!!!
January 17, 2025
This was okay….he was pierced which was cool. But I really felt like this book served no purpose minus the fact that it set up the next book.
I’ll say it was fucking hilarious when Leo went, I came to kill him and now I’m leaving with him being both my father-in-law and brother-in-law. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Like they were separated because of his dad.. like bro what did you think? And also like him not telling his brothers, again what did these people expect exactly. I mean okay, and tbh the separation served them both well. They grew as ppl lol. Idk okay, I didn’t dislike Leo and Aly, but again the book had no logical Crux to lie upon. It was more like hitting story beats (which were fine) because it had to.
I’ll say it was fucking hilarious when Leo went, I came to kill him and now I’m leaving with him being both my father-in-law and brother-in-law. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Like they were separated because of his dad.. like bro what did you think? And also like him not telling his brothers, again what did these people expect exactly. I mean okay, and tbh the separation served them both well. They grew as ppl lol. Idk okay, I didn’t dislike Leo and Aly, but again the book had no logical Crux to lie upon. It was more like hitting story beats (which were fine) because it had to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
idk...i didnt feel anything
September 17, 2023
OMG! Leo and Aly are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! HIGHLY recommend this series!
If you are looking for engaging, well-written stories, with thoughtful characters, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 intimate scenes with dominant antiheroes and feisty women that are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect (or get vengeance) for those they love, all set against a backdrop of mafia (including Bravas and cartels), then I highly recommend this series by Monica Kanye.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I personally DO NOT consider it to be. There are multiple reoccurring characters, common themes and references to previous events that cannot be adequately recapped within another story. Therefore, I highly recommend that these be read in order, including the free prologue and bonus epilogues from the author.
** If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers **
⛔️ The SERIES contains scenes and/or references to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to sensitive readers. These include: adult language; derogatory terms; detailed adult intimate scenes with dominance, submission, spanking for pleasure, exhibitionism, voyeurism, consensual degradation and rough play, ‘special’ surprise for her pleasure 🥰, etc.; violence stereotypical of the genre including assault, fighting, attempted sexual assault, threats, coercion, theft, kidnapping, gambling and cheating at a casino (not between the MMC or FMC), murder, torture, etc.
Just like I have stated multiple times, I love a dark romance series especially when the stories are interconnected in multiple ways. It can be hard to find a series that engages me, keeps me thinking about it, or looking forward to the next story before I even finish the current one! This is one of those series for me.
I ❤️ me some Leo! He is an OTT dominant alpha, but he knows how to be soft when needed for Aly. I haven’t had a book boyfriend in a long time, but he is a very memorable character … to say the least! That being said, Aly is just the right female for him. Strong, feisty, vulnerable enough to bring out his protective instincts, shy at times and others she is fearless,
Monica Kayne again took the time to build the characters and the environment, which brought everything to life. She continues to weave originality and humor into the storyline, which can be difficult in any genre, much less one as popular as mafia stories.
I love the addition of dialogue in Russian, especially since they are sprinkled throughout, not overused, and most contain the translations. There were a couple that caused me to disengage from the story because there wasn’t a translation included. Then for some reason they wouldn’t translate through my Kindle app, so I had to go out to the internet to find out the meanings. None of this was difficult, it just caused me to disconnect and then have to take the time to get back into it.
I am a ‘visual’ reader, meaning that I visualize a story as I read it. Most authors do not add enough character, location, etc. descriptions, or they include so much minutiae that the story drags. Monica does a wonderful job providing just the right amount imo, and she did this throughout the story, further refining the picture I had of the characters, while still maintaining a good pace. 👏👏👏
I did find a few grammatical issues, but not many when considering the length of the story. The majority involved punctuation (missing commas, missing spaces between sentences and after some of the ellipsis (??ellipsi??), interrobangs, etc.). There was incorrect formatting in regards to possessive words ending in ‘s’. There was also incorrect word tense, word choice, and capitalization errors.
There are also a couple of areas where I had questions concerning the material included (I.e. while recalling an argument with his father, Leo included details about his mother’s affair that hadn’t been known then, as well as an inconsistency in regards to number of years since someone died). Most issues I documented, but there were some I did not in regards to missed commas. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
If you are looking for engaging, well-written stories, with thoughtful characters, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 intimate scenes with dominant antiheroes and feisty women that are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect (or get vengeance) for those they love, all set against a backdrop of mafia (including Bravas and cartels), then I highly recommend this series by Monica Kanye.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I personally DO NOT consider it to be. There are multiple reoccurring characters, common themes and references to previous events that cannot be adequately recapped within another story. Therefore, I highly recommend that these be read in order, including the free prologue and bonus epilogues from the author.
** If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers **
⛔️ The SERIES contains scenes and/or references to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to sensitive readers. These include: adult language; derogatory terms; detailed adult intimate scenes with dominance, submission, spanking for pleasure, exhibitionism, voyeurism, consensual degradation and rough play, ‘special’ surprise for her pleasure 🥰, etc.; violence stereotypical of the genre including assault, fighting, attempted sexual assault, threats, coercion, theft, kidnapping, gambling and cheating at a casino (not between the MMC or FMC), murder, torture, etc.
Just like I have stated multiple times, I love a dark romance series especially when the stories are interconnected in multiple ways. It can be hard to find a series that engages me, keeps me thinking about it, or looking forward to the next story before I even finish the current one! This is one of those series for me.
I ❤️ me some Leo! He is an OTT dominant alpha, but he knows how to be soft when needed for Aly. I haven’t had a book boyfriend in a long time, but he is a very memorable character … to say the least! That being said, Aly is just the right female for him. Strong, feisty, vulnerable enough to bring out his protective instincts, shy at times and others she is fearless,
Monica Kayne again took the time to build the characters and the environment, which brought everything to life. She continues to weave originality and humor into the storyline, which can be difficult in any genre, much less one as popular as mafia stories.
I love the addition of dialogue in Russian, especially since they are sprinkled throughout, not overused, and most contain the translations. There were a couple that caused me to disengage from the story because there wasn’t a translation included. Then for some reason they wouldn’t translate through my Kindle app, so I had to go out to the internet to find out the meanings. None of this was difficult, it just caused me to disconnect and then have to take the time to get back into it.
I am a ‘visual’ reader, meaning that I visualize a story as I read it. Most authors do not add enough character, location, etc. descriptions, or they include so much minutiae that the story drags. Monica does a wonderful job providing just the right amount imo, and she did this throughout the story, further refining the picture I had of the characters, while still maintaining a good pace. 👏👏👏
I did find a few grammatical issues, but not many when considering the length of the story. The majority involved punctuation (missing commas, missing spaces between sentences and after some of the ellipsis (??ellipsi??), interrobangs, etc.). There was incorrect formatting in regards to possessive words ending in ‘s’. There was also incorrect word tense, word choice, and capitalization errors.
There are also a couple of areas where I had questions concerning the material included (I.e. while recalling an argument with his father, Leo included details about his mother’s affair that hadn’t been known then, as well as an inconsistency in regards to number of years since someone died). Most issues I documented, but there were some I did not in regards to missed commas. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
August 21, 2023
Fierce Vow is book 3 in the Kozlov Empire Series and tells the second chance romance of Leonid Kozlov, the youngest Kozlov brother, and Alyona Nikitin, his best friend's younger sister.
"He was always water to my fire, calm to my storm."
Seven years ago, after starting as a summer fling, Leo and Aly quickly became each other's everything. But unfortunately, it ended in heartbreak.
Aly moved to Paris in order to put distance between each other and move on from the bratva life, which she never wanted to be part of in the first place, while Leo invested his whole life into the family empire.
Now, seven years later, someone is after Aly, and Leo comes to her rescue, taking her on a yacht away from the outside world, determined to do anything in his power to keep her safe—even if being close to him again is the last thing Aly wants.
Will this forced proximity rekindle their love for each other or only strengthen Aly's hatred towards Leo for breaking her heart?
"I'll bare my soul, confess every sin, until she understands, without a doubt, that there will be no one else in her future—or mine. We are the beginning, middle, and end of each other's stories."
I've been looking forward to their story since they first showed up in Merciless Heir, the first book in this series, because the hateful tension between these two got me really curious, and I wasn't disappointed.
At first, they were the definition of 'right person, wrong time', but after finishing their story, I realized they actually got to know one another more intimately at the perfect time. Even if it ended in them separating in the worst way possible, they both helped each other figure out who they were beyond their family names and what they wanted to accomplish in their lives. Even after all this time, they are still each other's anchor, both in their past as well as in the present, and their love could be felt on every single page—despite Aly trying to murder Leo with her looks and words.
Alyona has become my favorite of the girls in this series; they're all strong FMCs that hold their own against the powerful men, but I especially loved how she didn't make it easy for Leo—although my heart was breaking for him at the same time. ❤️🩹
Leo took everything Aly threw his way, while being heartbroken on the inside himself, never having stopped loving her. He cares so much about her, always has, and I love that he puts Aly and her feelings first at all times, despite him hurting too. It made it all the more special when she started opening up to him and their love again, because it's what she wanted and not him pushing it.
"You’re still the only one. Always have been, always will be."
I absolutely loved these two. The banter between them was so much fun, their hurt got me emotional. Also, the flashbacks left me aching for everything this love could have been under different circumstances. Mixed with a great plot and twists and a family bond that I can't get enough of since the first book.
Oh, and the spice... let's just say Aly's resentment toward Leo and their situation made for some sizzling hot scenes. 🤭
"I don’t want to fuck you, I... I still hate you," I say, desperate to put him off any way I can. Those words aren’t really true anymore, though.
"You don’t have to fuck me," he says, his gaze molten. "You can hate fuck my face. Grind on my tongue. Soak me in your cum. I promise it’ll be just the distraction you need."
I'm super excited for the fourth book in the series about Kira and Maxim; the glimpse we've gotten already has me hooked and yearning for more.
"He was always water to my fire, calm to my storm."
Seven years ago, after starting as a summer fling, Leo and Aly quickly became each other's everything. But unfortunately, it ended in heartbreak.
Aly moved to Paris in order to put distance between each other and move on from the bratva life, which she never wanted to be part of in the first place, while Leo invested his whole life into the family empire.
Now, seven years later, someone is after Aly, and Leo comes to her rescue, taking her on a yacht away from the outside world, determined to do anything in his power to keep her safe—even if being close to him again is the last thing Aly wants.
Will this forced proximity rekindle their love for each other or only strengthen Aly's hatred towards Leo for breaking her heart?
"I'll bare my soul, confess every sin, until she understands, without a doubt, that there will be no one else in her future—or mine. We are the beginning, middle, and end of each other's stories."
I've been looking forward to their story since they first showed up in Merciless Heir, the first book in this series, because the hateful tension between these two got me really curious, and I wasn't disappointed.
At first, they were the definition of 'right person, wrong time', but after finishing their story, I realized they actually got to know one another more intimately at the perfect time. Even if it ended in them separating in the worst way possible, they both helped each other figure out who they were beyond their family names and what they wanted to accomplish in their lives. Even after all this time, they are still each other's anchor, both in their past as well as in the present, and their love could be felt on every single page—despite Aly trying to murder Leo with her looks and words.
Alyona has become my favorite of the girls in this series; they're all strong FMCs that hold their own against the powerful men, but I especially loved how she didn't make it easy for Leo—although my heart was breaking for him at the same time. ❤️🩹
Leo took everything Aly threw his way, while being heartbroken on the inside himself, never having stopped loving her. He cares so much about her, always has, and I love that he puts Aly and her feelings first at all times, despite him hurting too. It made it all the more special when she started opening up to him and their love again, because it's what she wanted and not him pushing it.
"You’re still the only one. Always have been, always will be."
I absolutely loved these two. The banter between them was so much fun, their hurt got me emotional. Also, the flashbacks left me aching for everything this love could have been under different circumstances. Mixed with a great plot and twists and a family bond that I can't get enough of since the first book.
Oh, and the spice... let's just say Aly's resentment toward Leo and their situation made for some sizzling hot scenes. 🤭
"I don’t want to fuck you, I... I still hate you," I say, desperate to put him off any way I can. Those words aren’t really true anymore, though.
"You don’t have to fuck me," he says, his gaze molten. "You can hate fuck my face. Grind on my tongue. Soak me in your cum. I promise it’ll be just the distraction you need."
I'm super excited for the fourth book in the series about Kira and Maxim; the glimpse we've gotten already has me hooked and yearning for more.
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