Cruel Promise

Beauty & the Bratva #1

by Mika Lane, Wen Ross (Narrator), Kai Kennicott (Narrator)

I must pay for the sins of my father with the only thing I have of any value....

My virginity.

I will be auctioned. Sold. Shared. Ruined. And then tossed away.

It’s a sacrifice I must make to save Daddy, to those seeking revenge for his mounting offenses. But when I become a pawn in a dangerous game played by two rival Russian mafia factions, it seems I might have some leverage.

They will fight over me. And in doing so, destroy each other.

Daddy might have promised me, but I will turn the tables. It’s suddenly not so cruel anymore. Until I realize I’m no match for the Alekseev brothers. The three of them are ruthless and mean and make me shake with fear. Or is it excitement?

This hot, over-the-top Russian Mafia romance is about sexy, dangerous men who'll stop at nothing to pursue and protect the women they want. If you love outrageously naughty stories as a way to indulge your not-so-secret bad girl side, this is for you.

Cruel Promise
Brutal Ruin
Vicious Revenge

Genres: Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Why Choose, Mafia Romance, Erotica

8 pages, Audible Audio

Published May 8, 2023

About the author

Dear Reader:
I’m USA TODAY bestselling contemporary romance author Mika Lane, and am all about bringing you sexy, sassy stories with imperfect heroines and the bad-a*s dudes they bring to their knees. And I have a special love for romance with multiple guys because why should we have to settle for just one hunky man? 

Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and most importantly, a free sexy short story: http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list/.
Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was The Day I Ate the Milkyway, a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and two devilish cats named Chuck and Murray. These three males also defy my imagination from time to time.

A lover of shiny things, I've been known to try new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.

I'll always promise you a hot, sexy romp and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.

I LOVE to hear from readers when I'm not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list, or contact me here: https://mikalane.com/contact.

xoxo
Love,
Mika

Reviews

[K.M. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down! This book was such a quick read for me. Not as spicy as I would have though I would say maybe 1.5/5 on the spice scale but I loved the FMC Charleigh. She is a strong main character but smart about it. She knows the power she has and is trying to exploit it in the best way she can.
Her father basically trades her and her virginity to the 3 Alekseev brothers to settle on debt that he owes them from gambling. These 3 men who are part of the mafia plan on auctioning her off to boost revenue for a club that they run. What they don’t plan on is catching feelings for her! In this book we see how they all navigate that and end up with a big old cliffhanger ending!
Immediately jumping into book 2 so I can find out what happens!

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this is such a dark story. Charleigh is sent off with Vladimir, Kir and Niko as payment on her father’s debt. The brothers have decided to auction her off though they are starting to catch feelings. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Very enjoyable, Mafia, dark romance.
Steamy, triggers and lots of action x

[Nicole Coscolluela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Charleigh thinks a lot of things but doesn't actually do anything until the very end. Nothing really happens until then. She just takes it most of the time.

[Amaal Khiri · Rating 1 out of 5]

weak Fmc

[Ronon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, good start but character motivations are all over the place. Giving me hip lash

[Nic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: rape, sexual harassment, grooming, human trafficking.

I have a strong distaste for any author who doesn't add nessessary trigger warnings to their work and so we're already starting off on a bad foot.

Where to start with the actual books' contents. Well, this isn't romance. This is grooming and rape with the threat (and reality) of human trafficking. Rape and/or sexual coercion is not romance. And if you want to write on those themes then you must supply appropriate trigger warnings at the start of your book.

From the beginning of the book, the writing is rushed and completly unrealistic. If someone is "gushing" blood from a head wound and has lost enough blood for it to be called a "pool" they're not gonna be sitting there happily having a conversation. To add to the rushed pacing, we're 13 pages in and on chapter 4 (plus a prelude). This extremely short length of chapters is both irritating and indicitive of a poorly paced plot.

The romantic interests are quite literally planning on selling the FMC. Described as "selling [her] virgin ass for beaucoup bucks to some rich motherfucker". This is human trafficking and not romantic.

The FMC's virginity is mentioned on practically every page which is just repetitively annoying. To test her "purity" she is given a "hymen test" which had me, quite literally, shaking my head in disbelief. The archaic test is described in horrifying detail: "He removes his gloves, and I watch a small smile grow on his face as he opens and pokes around my pussy lips with his bare, rough fingers, teasing my clit until I want to die of shame. “What are you doing? This is not what’s done in an exam⁠—” But Dominika presses my arm where the blood was just withdrawn and the pain shuts me up." This attack is not mentioned again. How horrifying. The FMC in this book goes through terrifying experiences that are not once treated with the seriousness they deserve. Also, a hymen test is absolutely ridiculous as a hymen can be torn via everyday activities like yoga or dancing or riding a bike. Zero research went into this book and it shows.

Also for anyone claiming that no rape occurs in this book and the FMC wanted everything that happened to her, I'll just leave the following quotes here:
•"Well, baby, I can tell you one thing, and it’s that no is no longer part of your vocabulary.”
•""You are here for the pleasures of the flesh. I will enjoy you. My brothers will enjoy you. And others will too.” She clearly doesn’t find this to be good news and stiffens in my arms, even pressing slightly against me as if she wants to go. But my fingers, intertwined with her hair, clamp down in a tight grip and hold her in place."
•"I squeeze my eyes shut as if I could block out his nasty words, until he growls at me again. Is this what happens to men? You give them a little pleasure and they start demanding more? Like hungry beasts? Fine. If that’s what he wants, that’s what he’ll get. And if he wants to choke me with his giant erection, maybe that’s just as well too. Maybe he’ll choke me to death. Put me out of my misery."

Every sexual act she is coerced into. At many points she makes it clear that she is following along just so that her fate isn't worse: "I need to make him feel good just like I did Niko. I need to make him need me, too." Having sex with these men just so they won't auction her off. How is this sexy? And when she isn't being raped for self-perseverance, she's allowing these things to happen so she can forget the horror of her situation, a situation that these supposed love interests have forced her into: "And if I can float in that timeless, blissful state of no pain or worries for a little longer, then I’m in."

The MMCs are not appealing in the slightest. Through multiple POVs the reader is given the chance to see these characters inner thoughts and it is disgusting and disturbing. It is very clear that they see her as money more than a person: "I want more than anything to drive a couple fingers into her cunt, but I can’t risk upsetting her virginity. As much as I’d like to." The FMC treatment as less-than-human is shown many times throughout the book: "She might be a virgin but I am sure she masturbates. How do I know? There are cameras in her bedroom, and she plays with herself most nights before she goes to sleep." She is shown no privacy or autonomy at all.

If after all of this someone is still trying to argue in favor of the MMCs and how they are trying to "save the club that is their father's legacy" and that their actions are caused of desperation and it's okay because they fall for the FMC at the end, then I shall just remind people that the Brothers had the funds the whole time and this was just a punishment to shown they weren't to be messed with and also the FMC was not the only woman they had done this to. "I’ll be on to the next auction girl in no time, and this one will be a distant memory." They had kidnapped other women, had sold their bodies. It is even described that the brothers know the horrible things that happen to the women they sell: "They love nothing more than a pretty American girl to add to their collections of concubines to churn out baby after baby. And these guys pay top dollar. I’ve even heard—never verified though, because how would I?—that they remove the women’s clits so they can’t enjoy sex. They just become baby-making machines. Sick fucks, if you ask me. Who wants to fuck a corpse? Isn’t it better when the woman enjoys herself? Guess these guys are not into a woman’s pleasure. They’re just cum dumpsters, as they call them. They collect women like they do exotic cars. But they treat the cars better. When it comes down to it, are my brothers and I any better? We’re just as fucking beastly as the next crazy bastard." This is not attractive, this is not sexy, this is not romance. This is plain horrifying.

We'll finish with a continuity problem: the FMC hids the cash tips she earns in her mattress but she moves rooms twice since then and hasn't worked since to earn more tips so how does she then have cash to sneak in her shoes before the auction?

[T Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger
Series
*over 18 readers only *
DARK Bratva (mafia), RH

Trigger warnings
Kidnapping
Murder
Auction
MFM

Her story started in "My Bratva Christmas." It's not part of this series, but it does give some background. You won't need it to read this book, but it does help.
Vadik, Kir, and Niko are brothers, Russian, and Bratva. Charleigh's dad was doing business with them, but now she is the price of his business. He basically "gives" her to them to settle his debts, knowing exactly what and who they are. They have her groomed, then "groomed," planning on selling her at auction to recover costs. But plans change, especially when someone else sets their eye on her.

I hate cliffhangers. The book sucks you in, but wait until all 3 books are available before you start them. With her older sister being with Bratva, and the way she disappeared, you would think that would have come into play in this first book. It does not.

[Baloni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can get behind bad guys, and men who kill... but human trafficking is where I draw the line for my MMC's.

If you are ok with that you probably will like the book. Well written and intriguing, I just couldn't get past that.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

KC Rating: 4🍁 | 🌶

Russian mafia, RH and dark romance! If you are like me, these 3 would have been enough to make you start the book. And it didn't disappoint. Now the cliffhanger at the end is outrageous, as I'll need to wait until April to read the second book, and I honestly need answers today! But that's another story.

I enjoyed the book, the characters were quite interesting and I'm honestly looking forward to their further development in the next books. Now, I had a small issue with the names of the characters (for some such as Vadik, as it's a bit weird for a Russian name, as it would be Vadim. As a Russian speaker every time I was reading Vadik I was thrown out of the book, so my brain literally just assumed it was Vadim, and didn't care what was written. But that's just one small thing.

Now, the brothers are interesting, and it was kind of nice to see them opening up to Charleigh so fast (I'd assume they would start spilling their secrets way later, but that was a nice way for the author to do it). I just want to know the actual age gap between all of them, we were told how old Kir was, but not all other brothers. If we talk about Charleigh, she's an interesting character, but I don't think she got a lot of character development in this book, so I hope we get to see more of her building her character in the next books, as I believe she has quite a potential to become a really strong lead.

Overall, this was a great read, and I can't wait for the next books to know what will happen to our characters and how they will overcome the hurdles on their journey to find happiness (hopefully). You can continue to read the review for my Rant/Spoiler zone, but be aware there will be spoilers, so tread carefully!

Rant/spoiler zone

Okay, so I'm confused on some parts, don't get me wrong that spicy scene at the end between Vadik and Charleigh was great, and I was kind of waiting for it, but then again it was kind of at the wrong time if you think about it. Like there was a buildup for the guys to not put her on the auction, but then again, whenever we got Vadik's POV, even if he not happy about it there was no actual indication that he won't go through with the plan. So while highly appreciated I think it would have been so much better if instead of just taking Charleigh's virginity, he would have "won" her on the auction, considering that the dude still didn't explain anything to her. Like dude fill her on the plan!

I've mentioned this before, but the guys opening up to Charleigh was a bit too rushed in my opinion, like them opening up to her after some time would have been a more logical flow, especially Kir talking about Claudia, while I highly appreciated him sharing this with her, it felt kind of rushed.

Now I need more information on the guys' age because in the beginning, I thought they were in their early 20s, hence their dad left the club to the incompetent uncle, but then in one of the chapters Kir says that he is 34, and I was like WTF? Why the hell did daddy dear leave the club to the uncle then? So either that age is a mistake, or I need more information to understand why the hell their Papa did something so stupid.

I also think we could have gotten more on the whole Evie situation, like why the hell is she still acting up after most probably 11 years? I have a crazy hypothesis that she was actually at the scene and saw he mom being murdered, so maybe that's why, but then again, that's just my thoughts. And if you've read until here, I urge you to join me into building a machine to allow us to go into books, because we have a coward to unalive, and yes this is Charleigh's father.

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Connect with me!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Beauty & the Bratva series picking up where the first book left off so hang on and buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Charleigh, such a sweet girl, works at her father's pawn shop while going to school to get her certificate in bookkeeping. Coming in one day to find three men who are brothers standing over her father he is lying on the floor after being beaten by the men. A few questions later finding out her father owes the three mafia men a lot of money and the window to pay them back is closing quickly but instead of him being a good father he offers her up to pay for his debt owed selling her virginity so she taken to be auctioned off she is hurt her father threw her away like that. She is to auction monies going towards her father’s debt, but the three brothers are intrigued by her and they want her to be theirs. Staying with the three brothers growing closer to them begs them buy her so she doesn’t have to go into the unknow to another much crueler man but I did say I HATE CLIFFHANGERS ….CAN’T SAY I UNDERSTAND THE LITTLE DEVILS MAKING US WAIT ….HOW DARE THEY 😊 Seriously waiting to see if they sale her!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I must pay for the sins of my father with the only thing I have of any value. My virginity. I will be auctioned. Sold. Shared. Ruined. And then tossed away. It's a sacrifice I must make to save Daddy to those seeking revenge for his mounting offenses. But when I become a pawn in a dangerous game played by two rival Russian mafia fractions, it seems I might have some leverage. They will fight over me. And in doing so, destroy each other. Daddy might have promises me, but I will turn the tables. It's suddenly not so cruel anymore. Until I realize I'm no match for the Alekseev brothers. The three of them are ruthless and mean, and make me shake with fear. Or is it excitement?

This is a why choose dark romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It will contain triggers for some readers. This is the first book in the Beauty and the Bratva Series. Charleigh is a girl who is about to pay for her fathers mounting offenses. She is paying off his debt and is sent away with Viadimir, Kir and Niko. However they aren't going to keep her. They have decided to auction her off even though they feel things for her. I don't really want to go into the details of the story. I feel like the less you know about the story the better off you are going in to it. But I really loved reading this story and I sure can't wait to have the next book in my hands.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, heart pounding, reverse harem, dark romance, Cruel Promise is the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day.

Charleigh is a tough cookie, but still immature in some ways. When her father uses her as payment to the three mafia brothers that he owes money to, she can’t believe this would ever happen. It’s not just her that her father is selling, it’s also her innocence. What is she going to do though?

Taken by Niko, Kir and Vadik, and forced to work in their club until the day they sell her innocence off to the highest bidder, Charleigh learns to find an inner strength that she never knew she had. While the days slowly roll by, Charleigh finds herself pleading with the brothers to purchase her at the auction. Her pleading turns to begging when she finds out just the kind of men that are going to be at the auction looking to buy her. Little does Charleigh know that the auction is something entirely different.

Diggty Dang Darn it! This book ends in a cliffhanger! Also be warned, this book does come with triggers. I am dying to see what happens next with Charleigh and her mafia brothers. Mika Lane has never disappointed me before, so I am curious to see where the next book goes.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Beauty and the Bratva series and it starts off with a bang we're definitely in for a wild ride! Charleigh is a good girl who works at her father's pawnshop while she's attending school to get her certificate in bookkeeping. One day she comes in to work to find three men that are brothers looming over her father who's on the floor beaten a message from the men. After asking some questions Charleigh finds out that her father owes these mafia men alot of money and his time is running out to repay them. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions her father offers Charleigh to Kir,Niko and Vadik in exchange for paying his debt they can auction off her virginity to make money and use the money towards the debt. Charleigh is taken away by Kir,Niko and Vadik who are intrigued by her and they want Charleigh for themselves. Charleigh is hurt by how easily her father could just discard her like that and as she stays with Kir,Niko and Vadik she grows closer to them even asking them to buy her. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers although this book ends on a cliffhanger so we need to wait for the next book to see what happens.
I voluntarily received a review copy of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, this book could contain triggers for some as it hits on various sensitive topics and is at times a dark read.

Charleigh works at her father's pawn shop while going to school to get her certificate in bookkeeping. One day three men/ brothers come in and she finds her father lying on the floor after being attacked by the men. After questioning, she finds out that her father owes the three mafia men a lot of money and has a very small window of time to pay it off. Her father, knowing that will not happen, offers Charleigh to the men as payment; more specifically her virginity. Charleigh is then taken and forced to work in the men's club without knowing that ultimately there will be an auction for her and that she will be sold in order to pay her father's debt. While staying under the watchful eye of the brothers, they start to each form feelings for her in their own way. As the date of the auction grows closer, she begs them to buy her to keep her from being sold to some very questionable and unsavory wealthy men. However, as the day of the auction arrives, this book ends with a cliffhanger.

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where do I even start with this one? There are some excellent things going for this book. A Russian RH/why chose? Sign me up! And the scenes where they are together are just beginning to get great so I can only imagine what the next two books will bring in that department. The dynamic of all the men in the relationship being brothers also is great. The relationship they have with each other is well thought out and we can see that they care for each other deeply. Now, the FMC, seems so naive. These men are literally auctioning her off to pay her fathers debt (not a spoiler - happens very soon in the book that this plot if revealed) and what does she do? Falls right into bed with them. I just needed her to be more self saving and more of a badass (which I guess we see starting to happened closer to the end but still) and just not be so shocked! Now, this being the first in a trilogy, I'm willing to give it some grace and say the next two will get better. I also need to find out what happens next and just hoping Charleigh will grow a back bone in that time.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, let's talk about "Cruel Promise" by Mika Lane. Honestly, I'm kind of torn on this one.

First off, big shoutout to the narrators, Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott, who absolutely killed it with the audio version. They brought the characters to life in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pacing was on point, and each character felt distinct and well-rounded.

But here's the thing: I'm not usually into mafia romance. The whole world of violence and depravity just isn't my cup of tea. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about dark, twisted romances, but something about mafia stories never quite clicks for me.

That being said, I have to give credit where it's due. "Cruel Promise" is undeniably well-written. Lane knows how to spin a tale that grabs your attention and keeps you guessing. If mafia romance is your jam, then you'll probably eat this up.

As for me, I'm curious to see where the story goes in book #2 after that killer cliffhanger. Who knows, maybe it'll win me over yet.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have a plan and she has another

Cruel Promise is the first book in A Reverse Harem Mafia Romance series. Be aware that this story is told over 3 books, so this book does end with a cliffhanger that is continued in the next book, Brutal Ruin. The story is about Charleigh Gates and three Alekseev brothers, Niko, Kir and Vadik. Charlie is a young woman who is working hard to make a life for herself. But her father ends up putting her in a situation that she does not want to be but cannot say no to. The Alekseev brothers run the local Bratva and are powerful and feared. It is them that she ends up being offered to by her father so he can get out of paying debts. The brothers accept and have a plan....but will Charlie be able to talk them out of it and into something very different.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Promise by Mika Lane
Devastated by her circumstances, Charleigh has been struggling taking care of her troubled sister, sorrowed father after his wife died. Unbeknownst to her that’s not the end of her story. She’ll find her fathers mistake will bring the mafia into her path. She’ll be thrown into her worst nightmares and yet awaking her inter strength.
This story is amazing, well written, with details and different point of views from the characters. You get peeks of what each one has thinking or feeling. Love that they are all attracted to each other yet conflicted with what they are doing and feeling. You’re always rooting for them to have a change of heart.
I think this is the best work of Mika Lane and can’t wait to see how this will end. 5 stars

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charliegh’s dad is a loser. He owns a runned down pawn shop and also has a gambling problem. Ever since Charlie’s mom was murdered, she has been in charge of taking care of her little sister and also running the house. All she wants is to get a normal job and live a better life than what she has been living.

When the Alkeev brothers come and take her to settle up her father‘s gambling debt she is forced into a world with the Russian mob.

She can’t help but be attracted to each of the three brothers. She also is naïve and believes that once she has worked off her father‘s debt, they will let her go.

Liked this one and want to see where it goes. There are two more books in the series. This one ends and things are not resolved so onto the next one.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Promise by Mika Lane is the First book in the Beauty & the Bratva Series. This is the story of Charleigh, Niko, Kir and Vadik. Charleigh is a hard working young women who helps her father along with going to college. One day at her father's pawn shop she encounters Niko, Kir and Vadik hurting her father. We learn that her father owes the brothers money. Charleigh's father offers up her inocence to them. The brother take her and plan to sell her at auction. But Charleigh tries to talk them out of it. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment in their story.

[R Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mika Lane has created characters you just want to dislike

I'm not sure if I've ever felt such anger towards the MMCs and sometimes the FMC in this book. Mika Lane did such a good job of keeping everyone true to their personalities.

The FMC seemed to just accept the situation while the MMCs seemed set on the original plan.

I've never read a book quite like this where the connection between the parties meant a change of mind.

Ending on a cliffhanger, I'm moving straight onto book 2 in the trilogy.

I read on Kindle and read along on Audible. The voice actors/narrators brought the characters to life well.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this a 2.5 because I couldn't get over how much of a doormat she was.. Still wanting them and letting them touch on you after you learned they were selling you was crazy.. It was a lot of repeating from the brothers.. them constantly saying I like her and i want her but too bad because se want be here for long was getting a bit annoying.. I have a feeling the person behind the brother's shipment being stolen has something to do with the father's mistress and their parent's death.. Then she waited until the night of the auction to run but to where..She can't go home not that she should want to after her father sold her in the first place..

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally cruel
This first part is not always easy to read, which is very moving by the desperate side of Charleigh but also very strong, sad, even if a hot side is also present. She has to face emotional but inflexible men, and threats against which she has no control, but this creates a lot of empathy for her, without always feeling the romantic side because she suffers so much. The title with “cruel” is realistic with this slow rise in tension and the trap around her.
I can't wait for the second part.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Catherine Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imploding life, being traded for a debt and unexpected outcomes

Charleigh can't believe it , her father gave her to the brothers to cover a debt and now they're going to auction her.
Will she ever escape ?? Can she still protect Evie or will that just cause more trouble. Will the brothers change their minds, too late ..... because she's already run. Will they find her before anyone else does, or has she forfeit her life already???
Guess I'm reading the next installment to find out

[GlassThrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series is not exactly what I would consider a romance. The FMC is being groomed and set up for human trafficking with her virginity being the big ticket item. The several MMCs all agree to this, even though they have “affection” for the FMC and don’t want anything to happen to her. This book is a Russian mafia with voyeuristic spice 🌶️ and morally grey characters if that’s your cup of tea. Even though this book was a little off-putting for me I am definitely reading the second one.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This book rocks! The first book in a new series, it’s off to an amazing start! Charleigh’s story grabbed a hold of me on page 1 and never let go. Full of great characters and a riveting plot with all the twists and turns that come with it, this book is definitely worth reading and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck this book had it all. Love, lust, passion, murder, and intrigue. Charleigh's life is about to change when she is sold off to the highest bidder, however, that is not what happens. When three brothers come into her life it's about to change. She is out of her depth and will do whatever she can to get out of it. But sometimes there are things that you don't see and she is about to find out who is the bad guy(s). This story does end on a cliffhanger but so so good.

[Tamotha clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charleigh

This is a story about a girl papa old her to pay his debts from gambling. The three brothers find out they are attracted to her a young innocent female, that still loving emotionally caring about her family and friends. She find her emotions are falling for her captures who want to sale her Virgin body to auction for high quality cash. But more important things are happening... Great read for hot sexy scenes, emotional drama, heartache love, and dangerous people.

[Raven Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 35%
And here’s why

A fmc who has no fight, fully submissive. she signed her own contract that basically said you can sell me in an auction I Consent to it 🤦‍♀️.

The three mafia men are also soft and would fit better in with childcare workers than mafia men. You cannot be a a Russian brvata boss and be softys all round.

All three brothers maybe one with all similar personalities. I cannot continue .

I usually eat up devour mafia romances but this ain’t it