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Bad Boy Shifters of the Unnatural Brethren #1
Branded in Love
Good kings make the rules. Great kings rise above them.
The King of the Ursa Clan never takes a holiday. But for the first time in almost a decade, Gavriil Alexeev allows himself some respite.
The powerful warlock bear shifter flees from the tragedies that haunt him and seeks refuge in Rome. Little does he know he’ll come across his fated mate.
She’s not a shifter, nor a witch. And as the king, his clan will take no other match, especially not one that unleashes an unprecedented feud between vampires and bear shifters.
Good things come to those who wait. Great things come to those who chase them.
Luciana Marino is ready to pack her heart along with the many antiques she sells in her shop near the Villa Borghese. Not even hunky runway model, Trent, has been able to make her fall head over heels.
But when Gavriil Alexeev enters the picture, all of her certainties are shaken. And before Luciana realizes it, magic, danger, and true love wrap her in an unstoppable whirlwind.
Prepare for a spellbinding journey where passion and magic unite, and where true love proves its strength against all odds. Join Gavriil and Luciana as they embark on an adventure that will leave you breathless and yearning for more!
***** Branded in Love is a steamy fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine new adult shifter romance, and is recommended for +18. It's the first installment in the Bad Boy Shifters series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but all stories take place in the same world, and reading along the Unnatural Brethren series is also highly recommended! *******
The King of the Ursa Clan never takes a holiday. But for the first time in almost a decade, Gavriil Alexeev allows himself some respite.
The powerful warlock bear shifter flees from the tragedies that haunt him and seeks refuge in Rome. Little does he know he’ll come across his fated mate.
She’s not a shifter, nor a witch. And as the king, his clan will take no other match, especially not one that unleashes an unprecedented feud between vampires and bear shifters.
Good things come to those who wait. Great things come to those who chase them.
Luciana Marino is ready to pack her heart along with the many antiques she sells in her shop near the Villa Borghese. Not even hunky runway model, Trent, has been able to make her fall head over heels.
But when Gavriil Alexeev enters the picture, all of her certainties are shaken. And before Luciana realizes it, magic, danger, and true love wrap her in an unstoppable whirlwind.
Prepare for a spellbinding journey where passion and magic unite, and where true love proves its strength against all odds. Join Gavriil and Luciana as they embark on an adventure that will leave you breathless and yearning for more!
***** Branded in Love is a steamy fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine new adult shifter romance, and is recommended for +18. It's the first installment in the Bad Boy Shifters series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but all stories take place in the same world, and reading along the Unnatural Brethren series is also highly recommended! *******
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
132 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Silvana G. Sánchez
43 books304 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Silvana G. Sánchez weaves tales of forbidden love and redemption. Her pen blurs the lines between good and evil, writing compelling heroes and irresistible villains with a heart of gold.
She lives her own happily ever after with her dashing prince, Eric, and darling son, David, in their home in the mystical city of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Don’t be afraid to drop her a line. She doesn't bite. Not always, anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 16, 2023
4.5☆
To be honest, I was a little unsure about the idea of a bear shifter, but reading the book I noticed that it is not something very far from the concept of werewolves.
It was a small relief to get out of this sphere with werewolves and to read something like that, which I am not used to. I know the concept of werewolves and legends very well, I have read many books in which they appeared.
This book was a surprise, the idea of replacing the fight between vampires and werewolves with bears and vampires seemed super original (at least I haven't found anything like that) and a brave choice.
The idea of the book or the ending didn't surprise me, it's something I've read before as the basic idea of the book, but it didn't bother me at all because it reminded me of the time when I was 14 years old and I read all kinds of books with werewolves and vampires , and this book brought me exactly the same feelings. Wonderful!
Gavriil was a darling throughout the book and I adored every chapter from his perspective, and Luciana was wonderful too. Marco was one of my favorite characters, I would have liked him to be more present in the story, I really liked his personality.
The writing style was very nice, not too simple, but not too complicated. The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was the fact that I would have liked a much larger fight at the end. But in the end, I liked the book, it wasn't very long (which I liked a lot), and the chapters were short.
Gorgeous
To be honest, I was a little unsure about the idea of a bear shifter, but reading the book I noticed that it is not something very far from the concept of werewolves.
It was a small relief to get out of this sphere with werewolves and to read something like that, which I am not used to. I know the concept of werewolves and legends very well, I have read many books in which they appeared.
This book was a surprise, the idea of replacing the fight between vampires and werewolves with bears and vampires seemed super original (at least I haven't found anything like that) and a brave choice.
The idea of the book or the ending didn't surprise me, it's something I've read before as the basic idea of the book, but it didn't bother me at all because it reminded me of the time when I was 14 years old and I read all kinds of books with werewolves and vampires , and this book brought me exactly the same feelings. Wonderful!
Gavriil was a darling throughout the book and I adored every chapter from his perspective, and Luciana was wonderful too. Marco was one of my favorite characters, I would have liked him to be more present in the story, I really liked his personality.
The writing style was very nice, not too simple, but not too complicated. The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was the fact that I would have liked a much larger fight at the end. But in the end, I liked the book, it wasn't very long (which I liked a lot), and the chapters were short.
Gorgeous
June 8, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The interesting part of novella's is that most of the time, they are there to fill gaps within other story lines. Being that I hadn't read the Unnatural Brethren series prior to reading this one I was a bit worried I wouldn't fully understand what was going on. Boy was I wrong!
The great thing about a novella? you can get an entire story in a very short period of time and it lends itself to avoiding some over used tropes. Specifically, the 'slow burn' trope. Reading a story that basically throws characters together and it works is a great change of pace. What I love is yes, the story moves fast but it's complete. For someone who hasn't read the parent series I didn't feel like I was missing pieces of info that would have been helpful.
What it did do, was introduce me to the unnatural brethren universe and makes me want more.
Now to this specific story. It was a page turner. I found myself really invested in the characters and I felt like we were learning the world right along side Luciana. Instead of knowing more than she did, we learned about things AS she did and that created a great way to bring the reader into the story.
Overall, would wholeheartedly dive into the books of the parent series without a question. This is definitely the place to start if you were curious about the series but weren't yet sold. It will make that decision for you!
The interesting part of novella's is that most of the time, they are there to fill gaps within other story lines. Being that I hadn't read the Unnatural Brethren series prior to reading this one I was a bit worried I wouldn't fully understand what was going on. Boy was I wrong!
The great thing about a novella? you can get an entire story in a very short period of time and it lends itself to avoiding some over used tropes. Specifically, the 'slow burn' trope. Reading a story that basically throws characters together and it works is a great change of pace. What I love is yes, the story moves fast but it's complete. For someone who hasn't read the parent series I didn't feel like I was missing pieces of info that would have been helpful.
What it did do, was introduce me to the unnatural brethren universe and makes me want more.
Now to this specific story. It was a page turner. I found myself really invested in the characters and I felt like we were learning the world right along side Luciana. Instead of knowing more than she did, we learned about things AS she did and that created a great way to bring the reader into the story.
Overall, would wholeheartedly dive into the books of the parent series without a question. This is definitely the place to start if you were curious about the series but weren't yet sold. It will make that decision for you!
June 21, 2023
I absolutely loved the story of Gavriil and Luciana. There is amazing chemistry from the start and the whole bear shifter clan is fast becoming a favorite! Lots of action, fast paced and hot passion makes for a book I was sad to end. Can't wait for the next book! I received an ARC and leave a review voluntarily.
September 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I love shifter romance, but I don't think I have read a bear shifter romance, and it was good.
Luciana owns an antique shop and is down on love. Trent, a guy who is interested in her, is walking her home, and the unexpected happens.
Gavrill is a warlock/bear shifter. He is drawn to Luciana but is fighting it as much as he can. He does not want to be attracted to her since he has loved in the past, and it ended in tragedy.
Apparently, Luciana has a special scent that attracts super naturals, and Gavrill has made it his mission to keep her safe. Can he keep her safe without falling for her? I love it when there is some sort of battle at the end of a supernatural story and wished this would have been longer.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
Luciana owns an antique shop and is down on love. Trent, a guy who is interested in her, is walking her home, and the unexpected happens.
Gavrill is a warlock/bear shifter. He is drawn to Luciana but is fighting it as much as he can. He does not want to be attracted to her since he has loved in the past, and it ended in tragedy.
Apparently, Luciana has a special scent that attracts super naturals, and Gavrill has made it his mission to keep her safe. Can he keep her safe without falling for her? I love it when there is some sort of battle at the end of a supernatural story and wished this would have been longer.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
July 15, 2023
Gavrill saves Luciana and cannot let her go.
This is a fast paced novel with alludes to previous stories but you don’t have to read them to enjoy this book. This book is short but compact and keeps you entertain from the beginning.
This is a really enjoyable book.
This is a fast paced novel with alludes to previous stories but you don’t have to read them to enjoy this book. This book is short but compact and keeps you entertain from the beginning.
This is a really enjoyable book.
July 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this quick read. It has great characters, world and a story that will keep you turning pages just to see what will happen next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
July 1, 2023
I have never read this author before but for sure I will be searching out her books in the future. The story of Sasha and Gavriil is fantastic. I love a book that catches your interest right from the beginning and the action and romance doesn't stop until sadly you turn the last page and realize it is the end. The book has vampires, shifters, witches and romance. What more can you ask for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2023
So good! Luciana and Gavriil are everything! Intense story of threats and death that brought two beings fated together. Their chemistry was off the charts, so watching them come to terms with it was so real and relieving. Good twists kept the pages turning. It held the right amount of violence and death for a shifter novel. It also had the spice just right for a hit romance. So good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
Fast paced. High fantasy, shifter romance. Gavriil and Luciana meet in the most extreme way when Luciana’s date turns out to be a vamp. The adventure that follows had me on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2023
I think this is the first book I've read where the MFC does not panic/ freak out/ run from all the crazy thrown her way. For this I will always love and respect Luciana.
She's a human in a supernatural world and when she meets Akexeev the bear Shifter she starts getting exposed to this other side of the world.
She doesn't bat an eye when she learns vampires are real. She doesn't deal out and run when she learns Alexeev is a Shifter. Add witches and magic to the mix and she's like "ok cool, anything else??"
This is something I didn't know I needed in books!
Other things I liked are that it's set in Italy, there's definite open door spice, the world, the characters, and for such a pint sized read ut was well balanced (although I wouldn't have said no to an extra 200 pages with these two).
One other thing I really appreciated (cause I went into this one largely blind) was the note from the author at the start. While this is a standalone it is also part of a series. The author notes that it's part of a larger world and for those that have read the other books to keep an open mind about characters in this one. I think she did a great job of making this readable on its own without feeling completely lost and overwhelmed not having read any of the other books. That said I did enjoy this one enough to read the others so there is that.
She's a human in a supernatural world and when she meets Akexeev the bear Shifter she starts getting exposed to this other side of the world.
She doesn't bat an eye when she learns vampires are real. She doesn't deal out and run when she learns Alexeev is a Shifter. Add witches and magic to the mix and she's like "ok cool, anything else??"
This is something I didn't know I needed in books!
Other things I liked are that it's set in Italy, there's definite open door spice, the world, the characters, and for such a pint sized read ut was well balanced (although I wouldn't have said no to an extra 200 pages with these two).
One other thing I really appreciated (cause I went into this one largely blind) was the note from the author at the start. While this is a standalone it is also part of a series. The author notes that it's part of a larger world and for those that have read the other books to keep an open mind about characters in this one. I think she did a great job of making this readable on its own without feeling completely lost and overwhelmed not having read any of the other books. That said I did enjoy this one enough to read the others so there is that.
July 16, 2023
Yikes! I would like a bear shifter- he doesn’t have to be a king. Luciana gets the heat, Marco gives a bit of funny, a side awe for Natalya and Sasha, and Gavriil is just whew!! Loved this story.
April 22, 2024
How come there aren't more than five stars to rate a book???? I don't have words to express how much I loved this book. Anyone who makes me cry and cuss out the author in my car while parked before going to work is an extraordinary writer. And Silvana did just that. I was so emotional that morning after reading one of the last and most emotional chapters, that I was in a bad mood all day. Love, love, love. Enough said.
July 18, 2024
Really didn’t enjoy this shifter book. Spice was kinda worded weird so didn’t really enjoy that. It was like insta love but doesn’t really explain the mate aspect very well and the ending was very rushed.
January 25, 2025
It is common knowledge that good kinds make the rules. But, great kings, great kings, they rise above those very rules.
King of the Ursa Clan, never one to take a holiday. For the first time in almost a decade, Gavriil Alexeev, he allows himself the opportunity to take a break, breathe, and actually have a moment and have a chance to take a respite.
When a powerful warlock bear shifter flees from the tragedies that haunt him, and rather than staying and facing the memories, the warlock runs to Rome. It's just too bad that he doesn't know that he will come across his fated mate.
The truth is she is neither a witch of a shifter, and for the king, his clan will take no other match. This match unleashes an unprecedented feud between vampires and bear shifters.
But as the old adage says, good things come to those who wait. But, great things come to those who chase them.
Luciana Marino, just like the many antiques she sells in her small shop near the Villa Borghese, Luciana is ready to pack up her heart. Hot, hunky runway model Trent has been chasing her, and he has failed in getting her to fall for him the way he's fallen for her. Or at least the way he claims he has said he's fallen for her.
Everything in Luciana's world is shaken to it's core though when Gavriil Alexeev walks into her little store and into her life. And in that moment, Luciana feels her world shake.
In the blink of an eye, suddenly Luciana realizes that magic, danger, and true love swirl around her like a tornado.
This is a journey of true love where passion and magic come together in a spellbinding tornado and two people prove that no matter what soul mates do exist and no matter what the soul mates have the strength to overcome anything and everything.
Gavriil and Luciana are going to take you on the adventure of a lifetime that is going to leave you gasping and needing more of this story.
Some of the tropes you will find in this book are: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, new adult, shifter romance, 18+.
This is the first book in the Bad Boy Shifters Series. One of the nice things about this series is that you can read this series in order, or you can read each book as a standalone. It is also recommended that you read this series alongside the Unnatural Brethren series.
King of the Ursa Clan, never one to take a holiday. For the first time in almost a decade, Gavriil Alexeev, he allows himself the opportunity to take a break, breathe, and actually have a moment and have a chance to take a respite.
When a powerful warlock bear shifter flees from the tragedies that haunt him, and rather than staying and facing the memories, the warlock runs to Rome. It's just too bad that he doesn't know that he will come across his fated mate.
The truth is she is neither a witch of a shifter, and for the king, his clan will take no other match. This match unleashes an unprecedented feud between vampires and bear shifters.
But as the old adage says, good things come to those who wait. But, great things come to those who chase them.
Luciana Marino, just like the many antiques she sells in her small shop near the Villa Borghese, Luciana is ready to pack up her heart. Hot, hunky runway model Trent has been chasing her, and he has failed in getting her to fall for him the way he's fallen for her. Or at least the way he claims he has said he's fallen for her.
Everything in Luciana's world is shaken to it's core though when Gavriil Alexeev walks into her little store and into her life. And in that moment, Luciana feels her world shake.
In the blink of an eye, suddenly Luciana realizes that magic, danger, and true love swirl around her like a tornado.
This is a journey of true love where passion and magic come together in a spellbinding tornado and two people prove that no matter what soul mates do exist and no matter what the soul mates have the strength to overcome anything and everything.
Gavriil and Luciana are going to take you on the adventure of a lifetime that is going to leave you gasping and needing more of this story.
Some of the tropes you will find in this book are: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, new adult, shifter romance, 18+.
This is the first book in the Bad Boy Shifters Series. One of the nice things about this series is that you can read this series in order, or you can read each book as a standalone. It is also recommended that you read this series alongside the Unnatural Brethren series.
May 31, 2023
I LOVED this book about Gavriil very much. It did put me in a bit of a quandary though. Now I don't know if I prefer the romantic, protective love sick Gavriil in this book or the brutish, vile Gavriil in Cast in Blood. One's a love to love (Branded in Love) vs one's a love to hate ("branded in duty" aka Cast in Blood). Luciano is a lovable character because it's so obvious that, in parts, her flight instinct comes into play BUT she has the courage and spunk to ignore that instinct and stand her ground.
The plot is unique as well and gives it a great edge. All I'm going to say about it is this........there is a very attention grabbing blood type involved which causes love, in the purest form, and brutality to ensue.
I have to mention the side characters as well because in such a short read, I fell in love with them. Marco is Luciana's friend and the comic relief. Sasha is Gavriil’s enforcer and the wisest one in the book. Last but not least, Natalya, Gavriil’s cousin, Sasha's ex and a witch/seer who helps both Gavriil & Luciana.
This fan is offering one vote for more Ursa clan books to see where these side characters wind up and who they wind up with.
It can be read as a standalone so if you've never read a Silvana Sánchez book, come dip your toe in the water with this one. You won't regret it.
It's another grand slam for Silvana Sánchez! I can't recommend this enough. Go now and push that one click button!
The plot is unique as well and gives it a great edge. All I'm going to say about it is this........there is a very attention grabbing blood type involved which causes love, in the purest form, and brutality to ensue.
I have to mention the side characters as well because in such a short read, I fell in love with them. Marco is Luciana's friend and the comic relief. Sasha is Gavriil’s enforcer and the wisest one in the book. Last but not least, Natalya, Gavriil’s cousin, Sasha's ex and a witch/seer who helps both Gavriil & Luciana.
This fan is offering one vote for more Ursa clan books to see where these side characters wind up and who they wind up with.
It can be read as a standalone so if you've never read a Silvana Sánchez book, come dip your toe in the water with this one. You won't regret it.
It's another grand slam for Silvana Sánchez! I can't recommend this enough. Go now and push that one click button!
December 17, 2024
BRANDED IN LOVE is the first book in the Bad Boy Shifters of the Unnatural Brethren series, an offshoot of The Unnatural Brethren series. Although it is stated you can read this as a standalone, I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the others.
We begin in Rome and Gavriil having a well-deserved break. I'm unsure just why he needed it so badly apart from a relationship gone bad, but he quickly falls for Lucianna and saves her from a vampire. The only trouble is, the vampires ALL want her and now they want Gavriil to pay for killing one of their own.
This is incredibly fast-paced, and I'm not just talking about the relationship between our two MCs. Lucianna accepts everything that is thrown at her with amazing ease. I was left with plenty of questions, hence my comment above about the other series - questions about characters and situations that I don't get answers to here. I guess it could be leading me to read further along, but it feels more like something I've missed in the past.
For a quick read about bears and vampires, this was a good read that I enjoyed.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2024
We begin in Rome and Gavriil having a well-deserved break. I'm unsure just why he needed it so badly apart from a relationship gone bad, but he quickly falls for Lucianna and saves her from a vampire. The only trouble is, the vampires ALL want her and now they want Gavriil to pay for killing one of their own.
This is incredibly fast-paced, and I'm not just talking about the relationship between our two MCs. Lucianna accepts everything that is thrown at her with amazing ease. I was left with plenty of questions, hence my comment above about the other series - questions about characters and situations that I don't get answers to here. I guess it could be leading me to read further along, but it feels more like something I've missed in the past.
For a quick read about bears and vampires, this was a good read that I enjoyed.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2024
August 4, 2023
Thank you to @rrbooktours and @silvanagsanchez for the opportunity to read this book! 🖤🐾
This was my first bear shifter romance, and honestly, I need more ASAP!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/𝟱
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: NA Shifter Romance/Novella
This was a short and fast paced read and I really enjoyed it! Luciana and Gavriil are amazing and their chemistry is so good right off the bat.
Gavriil is a bear shifter and King of the Ursa clan, and he hates vampires. He meets Luciana (who is a human) when a vampire tries to take her, and he saves her because he knows immediately that she is his mate.
Luciana works on sorting through her feelings for Gavriil as she works towards accepting that he is a shifter and there are paranormal elements in the world.
They both work on getting revenge on the vampires for what they did to Luciana.
This was such a good read and I loved the relationship between Luciana and Gavriil! The slow burn was so good and it had some steamy moments too 🥰
I highly recommend this novella for anyone who is looking for a quick shifter romance that will leave you wanting to read@more about this world!
🔥You’ll love this novella if you love…🔥
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Shifter Romance
🖤Grumpy & Sunshine
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Slow burn w/ Spice
🖤Found Family
This was my first bear shifter romance, and honestly, I need more ASAP!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/𝟱
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: NA Shifter Romance/Novella
This was a short and fast paced read and I really enjoyed it! Luciana and Gavriil are amazing and their chemistry is so good right off the bat.
Gavriil is a bear shifter and King of the Ursa clan, and he hates vampires. He meets Luciana (who is a human) when a vampire tries to take her, and he saves her because he knows immediately that she is his mate.
Luciana works on sorting through her feelings for Gavriil as she works towards accepting that he is a shifter and there are paranormal elements in the world.
They both work on getting revenge on the vampires for what they did to Luciana.
This was such a good read and I loved the relationship between Luciana and Gavriil! The slow burn was so good and it had some steamy moments too 🥰
I highly recommend this novella for anyone who is looking for a quick shifter romance that will leave you wanting to read@more about this world!
🔥You’ll love this novella if you love…🔥
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Shifter Romance
🖤Grumpy & Sunshine
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Slow burn w/ Spice
🖤Found Family
March 23, 2024
Part of the Bad Boy Shifters of the Unnatural series hang on we have shifters and the ones that grab his attention. Gavriil sexy as all get out king of the Ursula Clan(the bear clan) cares about his people, will do what’s need to keep them safe, keep them protected especially from the human world and he hopes to find his mate soon, but the waiting has him a little on edge so taking a break from his normal duties that one action shifts his path throwing him for a loop. Luciana is a sweetheart, she is human doesn’t know anything about shifters, vampires any of it nothing magical she sells antiques in her shop, several has tried to date her but she wasn’t having any of it she stopped looking for love and the model who keeps bothering her trying to date her or stalk her is more truer she doesn’t understand what/who he really is until she is saved from him but the sexy magical guy . The magnetic pull is there neither can deny It, but he doesn’t understand how he was blessed with a human one who doesn’t even know anything about their world, but will he explain it, will she accept all of him, will his clan accept a human, do they stop the vampire, why is he wanting her so badly, and where are they headed?
January 13, 2025
"You will love this supernatural Romance"
This is an awesome supernatural Romance story. It is so exciting and sweet. The characters are amazing.
GavriilI the sexy bear shifter Warlock king of the Ursa Bear Clan. He is in Rome for a holiday from Russia. While he is out running in the park. He catches the most amazing scent on the wind. He is compelled to follow it. As he gets close he also catches the scent of a vampire! His kind hate vampires with all their being. He finally discovers the owner of the amazing scent. It belongs to a beautiful woman. He is very drawn to her. He ends up rescuing her from the vampire.
Luciana is a sweet Italian human woman. As she is leaving work a sexy guy she dated once. Tells her he is walking her home as they walk through the park. She tries to tell him she is not interested in him. She didn't know the guy is a vampire, and he plans to kill her! Then an even sexier man comes to her rescue.
It seems fate led Gavriil and Luciana to meet. Now Gavriil needs to protect Luciana from the vampire coven who wants her blood. While fighting his inner bear from claiming her as their mate!
You will love this compelling, exciting, sweet, and steamy hot story!
This is an awesome supernatural Romance story. It is so exciting and sweet. The characters are amazing.
GavriilI the sexy bear shifter Warlock king of the Ursa Bear Clan. He is in Rome for a holiday from Russia. While he is out running in the park. He catches the most amazing scent on the wind. He is compelled to follow it. As he gets close he also catches the scent of a vampire! His kind hate vampires with all their being. He finally discovers the owner of the amazing scent. It belongs to a beautiful woman. He is very drawn to her. He ends up rescuing her from the vampire.
Luciana is a sweet Italian human woman. As she is leaving work a sexy guy she dated once. Tells her he is walking her home as they walk through the park. She tries to tell him she is not interested in him. She didn't know the guy is a vampire, and he plans to kill her! Then an even sexier man comes to her rescue.
It seems fate led Gavriil and Luciana to meet. Now Gavriil needs to protect Luciana from the vampire coven who wants her blood. While fighting his inner bear from claiming her as their mate!
You will love this compelling, exciting, sweet, and steamy hot story!
March 6, 2025
From the moment Gavriil Alexeev, the brooding warlock bear shifter king, walks into Luciana Marino’s antique shop, Branded in Love had me utterly captivated. This book delivers everything I crave in a fated mates paranormal romance—undeniable chemistry, high stakes, and a hero who will burn the world down for his mate.
Gavriil is the definition of grumpy, powerful, and tormented, and I adored watching him fight fate even as it pulls him toward Luciana. And Luciana? She’s strong-willed, independent, and completely unprepared for the supernatural storm heading her way. Their dynamic is deliciously intense, with sparks flying from their first encounter.
The Rome setting adds an extra layer of magic, making their romance feel like something out of a dark fairytale. But what really kept me hooked was the war brewing between bear shifters and vampires, turning this love story into a high-stakes battle for survival. Forbidden love, a powerful king torn between duty and desire, and a heroine who refuses to back down? Sign me up for more!
If you love possessive alpha shifters, fated mates with impossible odds, and enough tension to set the pages on fire, Branded in Love is a must-read. I’m already itching for the next book in the Bad Boy Shifters series!.
Gavriil is the definition of grumpy, powerful, and tormented, and I adored watching him fight fate even as it pulls him toward Luciana. And Luciana? She’s strong-willed, independent, and completely unprepared for the supernatural storm heading her way. Their dynamic is deliciously intense, with sparks flying from their first encounter.
The Rome setting adds an extra layer of magic, making their romance feel like something out of a dark fairytale. But what really kept me hooked was the war brewing between bear shifters and vampires, turning this love story into a high-stakes battle for survival. Forbidden love, a powerful king torn between duty and desire, and a heroine who refuses to back down? Sign me up for more!
If you love possessive alpha shifters, fated mates with impossible odds, and enough tension to set the pages on fire, Branded in Love is a must-read. I’m already itching for the next book in the Bad Boy Shifters series!.
June 29, 2025
Familiar, yet so enjoyable
It's hard in this genre to come up with something new, but enjoyable writing and interesting characters make it so worth the read! Truth is, the familiar is what I like! And I do like these characters. There's even a "snake in the grass," a person who on the surface is trustworthy, but whose long game may be betrayal. Or maybe not. Future books may tell that story.
Luciana is the proverbial strong, resilient woman in the cast I just have to cheer for. I am just waiting to see if she is actually more than human. There were one or two hints....
Content:
Violent fighting, defensive, not detailed.
Open door intimacy.**
I only remember one swear word.
**I totally skip open door scenes, so cannot comment on them.
I can see this series could be engrossing, but with all the fighting, it is not my kind of series. Add in open door intimacy sceenes, and this is not a keeper for me. I would also like to have more story, more plot than 'mates meet, they have a loyal clan and lots of enemies.' It left me with far too many unanswered questions. It was the people in the book that kept me reading!
Happy reading and checking out this series for yourself!
It's hard in this genre to come up with something new, but enjoyable writing and interesting characters make it so worth the read! Truth is, the familiar is what I like! And I do like these characters. There's even a "snake in the grass," a person who on the surface is trustworthy, but whose long game may be betrayal. Or maybe not. Future books may tell that story.
Luciana is the proverbial strong, resilient woman in the cast I just have to cheer for. I am just waiting to see if she is actually more than human. There were one or two hints....
Content:
Violent fighting, defensive, not detailed.
Open door intimacy.**
I only remember one swear word.
**I totally skip open door scenes, so cannot comment on them.
I can see this series could be engrossing, but with all the fighting, it is not my kind of series. Add in open door intimacy sceenes, and this is not a keeper for me. I would also like to have more story, more plot than 'mates meet, they have a loyal clan and lots of enemies.' It left me with far too many unanswered questions. It was the people in the book that kept me reading!
Happy reading and checking out this series for yourself!
April 26, 2024
This book is a great introduction for shifter/fantasy romance novels, with limited gory details a lot of focus is still retained in the relationship among the main characters. As the first book in this series, the author has done a good job in establishing the characters and their abilities.
Since there were more potential plots and couples introduced in this book, I'm hoping the next books in the series delve further into their stories.
One area I slightly disagreed with the author is in the book's categorisation (steamy fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine new adult shifter romance), the enemies to lovers was very slightly touched upon I don't feel it was a good categorisation. Possible instances of the 'enemies to lovers' was just after he saved her from the vampire and they each thought the other was stalking them. The second example would be after they had sex and she left him which was him trying to protect her from his world but she wanted to be involved in his world. But these situations were misunderstandings that were solved so quickly like in 10 listening minutes or less.
Listened to the audio on YouTube at 1.25x
🌶️🌶️/5
Since there were more potential plots and couples introduced in this book, I'm hoping the next books in the series delve further into their stories.
One area I slightly disagreed with the author is in the book's categorisation (steamy fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine new adult shifter romance), the enemies to lovers was very slightly touched upon I don't feel it was a good categorisation. Possible instances of the 'enemies to lovers' was just after he saved her from the vampire and they each thought the other was stalking them. The second example would be after they had sex and she left him which was him trying to protect her from his world but she wanted to be involved in his world. But these situations were misunderstandings that were solved so quickly like in 10 listening minutes or less.
Listened to the audio on YouTube at 1.25x
🌶️🌶️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
I must admit that I’m a sucker for any shifter story. And I really appreciate Silvana Sanchez’s style, so when I discovered Branded in Love, Book #1 of the Bad Boy Shifters of the Unnatural Brethren, I had no doubt and submerged in it head first.
Imagine my delight when I found out that not only shifters were going to star in the book, but vampires as well! Gavriil Alexeev, warlock shifter and king of the Ursa Clan, is in Rome for a well-deserved respite from his responsibilities. But, even on vacation, he cannot look the other way when he senses his long-awaited mate is near and threatened by his worst enemy, a beautiful, deceptive vampire.
Saving Luciana and convincing her she is his destined mate is only a part of this action-packed novel, full of emotions, passion and difficult family relationships, all wrapped in the elegant style that characterizes Sanchez’s prose.
I can’t wait to discover more about the other side characters and get more insight into Gavriil and Luciana’s future. Silvana Sanchez has crafted a captivating world, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
Imagine my delight when I found out that not only shifters were going to star in the book, but vampires as well! Gavriil Alexeev, warlock shifter and king of the Ursa Clan, is in Rome for a well-deserved respite from his responsibilities. But, even on vacation, he cannot look the other way when he senses his long-awaited mate is near and threatened by his worst enemy, a beautiful, deceptive vampire.
Saving Luciana and convincing her she is his destined mate is only a part of this action-packed novel, full of emotions, passion and difficult family relationships, all wrapped in the elegant style that characterizes Sanchez’s prose.
I can’t wait to discover more about the other side characters and get more insight into Gavriil and Luciana’s future. Silvana Sanchez has crafted a captivating world, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
December 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you!
Novellas can be such a delightful surprise, and even though I hadn’t read the Unnatural Brethren series before diving into this one, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow along. I thought I might miss some context, but I was completely wrong!
What I love about novellas is how you can enjoy a full story in a short time, and they often steer clear of the usual clichés—like the 'slow burn' trope. Instead, this one jumps right into the action, and it works beautifully! The pacing is just perfect, and I never felt like I was missing out on any important details, which was a breath of fresh air.
This story did a fantastic job of introducing me to the Unnatural Brethren universe, and now I'm definitely eager to explore more!
As for the story itself, wow, was it a page-turner! I really felt invested in the characters, and it was amazing to discover the world along with Luciana. Instead of knowing everything ahead of her, we learned together, which made the experience feel so engaging and fun. I truly loved every moment of it!
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you!
Novellas can be such a delightful surprise, and even though I hadn’t read the Unnatural Brethren series before diving into this one, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow along. I thought I might miss some context, but I was completely wrong!
What I love about novellas is how you can enjoy a full story in a short time, and they often steer clear of the usual clichés—like the 'slow burn' trope. Instead, this one jumps right into the action, and it works beautifully! The pacing is just perfect, and I never felt like I was missing out on any important details, which was a breath of fresh air.
This story did a fantastic job of introducing me to the Unnatural Brethren universe, and now I'm definitely eager to explore more!
As for the story itself, wow, was it a page-turner! I really felt invested in the characters, and it was amazing to discover the world along with Luciana. Instead of knowing everything ahead of her, we learned together, which made the experience feel so engaging and fun. I truly loved every moment of it!
July 15, 2023
WOW!!! Must read book of the summer. I was hooked and I enjoyed reading it. It was a page turner and the suspense . I was at the edge of my seat and I wanted more of this action packed story. I could not put it down for a minute. Gavriil and Luciana love was forbidden romance between a bear shifter and vampire princess. His clan was the Ursa . He was the leader. Gavriil been through a lot of painful events that happen in his life. They found with each other but they both knew it was wrong. Gavriil and Luciana was physical attraction and the chemistry was like firework. Their clans were rivals enemies and they both wanted power play take over each other territory. Their love will overcome all the drama. They can be powerful together and maybe a little baby might be on the way? We just have to wait to find out if it happens? It had love, violence, blood, death, war, and more. I can't wait until the next book. I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
August 5, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vlad was my entrance into this shifter world - but Gavriil might be why I stay. He's such a compelling character and knowing what the future holds for him breaks my heart ... but there seems to be a promise of happiness somewhere so, maybe?
I want to point out however that, despite numerous assurances to readers these books can be read on their own, with light nudges of reading others, that's not possible. These stories all span over so much time (even if the actual action in them usually takes place over a few days) that you HAVE to read them in the author's suggested reading order. That's just what I plan to do at some point.
For Gavriil. Luciana is an eh, since she usually insists she can handle everything, overriding his logical fears about her REALISTIC WEAKNESSES until what he painted out happens and she's all whoops, okay you were right. My bad, good thing I didn't die. Like MA'AM. Be serious.
Other than that, a good one.
Vlad was my entrance into this shifter world - but Gavriil might be why I stay. He's such a compelling character and knowing what the future holds for him breaks my heart ... but there seems to be a promise of happiness somewhere so, maybe?
I want to point out however that, despite numerous assurances to readers these books can be read on their own, with light nudges of reading others, that's not possible. These stories all span over so much time (even if the actual action in them usually takes place over a few days) that you HAVE to read them in the author's suggested reading order. That's just what I plan to do at some point.
For Gavriil. Luciana is an eh, since she usually insists she can handle everything, overriding his logical fears about her REALISTIC WEAKNESSES until what he painted out happens and she's all whoops, okay you were right. My bad, good thing I didn't die. Like MA'AM. Be serious.
Other than that, a good one.
November 21, 2025
Branded in Love pulled me in right from the start. Gavriil and Luciana have instant, undeniable chemistry—the kind that practically crackles off the page—and I loved how their connection manages to feel both fated and genuinely earned. Gavriil is the perfect blend of grumpy king and fiercely protective mate, while Luciana brings warmth, strength, and just the right amount of stubborn sunshine to balance him out.
The clash between bear shifters, witches, and vampires gives the story a brilliant edge, and the danger surrounding them kept the pacing tight and exciting throughout. I also adored the Ursa Clan; they’re dramatic, loyal, and already shaping up to be one of my favourite shifter families.
With magic, action, steamy tension, and a romance that hits hard from the first moment, this book was an addictive read—and I was genuinely sad to reach the final page. I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in this world.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The clash between bear shifters, witches, and vampires gives the story a brilliant edge, and the danger surrounding them kept the pacing tight and exciting throughout. I also adored the Ursa Clan; they’re dramatic, loyal, and already shaping up to be one of my favourite shifter families.
With magic, action, steamy tension, and a romance that hits hard from the first moment, this book was an addictive read—and I was genuinely sad to reach the final page. I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in this world.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2023
Luciana Marino operates an antique shop in Rome. Although she has been looking for love, she has not found "the one" yet....until warlock and bear shifter Gavriil Alexeev rescues her from a vampire that had been stalking her under the guise of wanting to date her. For Gavriil, it was love at first sight. For Luciana, not so much. But Gavriil convinces her she is in imminent danger, and that she needs to move into his mansion for protection. She reluctantly agrees.
Gavriil is the King of the Ursa Clan of bears from Russia who came to Rome for a vacation. Although Luciana is a human, he falls for her, and after a while, she reciprocates. But bears and vampires are enemies, and their leader, Andrea Barone and Gavriil are fated to meet in a mortal clash. (Well, they aren't really mortal, but you know what I mean.)
By the time you get to Chapter 15, you won't be able to put the book down. I guarantee it.
Gavriil is the King of the Ursa Clan of bears from Russia who came to Rome for a vacation. Although Luciana is a human, he falls for her, and after a while, she reciprocates. But bears and vampires are enemies, and their leader, Andrea Barone and Gavriil are fated to meet in a mortal clash. (Well, they aren't really mortal, but you know what I mean.)
By the time you get to Chapter 15, you won't be able to put the book down. I guarantee it.
September 9, 2024
Luciana is a young woman who had lost her last living relative in her grandfather a year ago and he left her with treasures along with an antique shop to run which she does with her bestie Marco. They are both looking for the right man and a recent date of Lucianas shows up at the shop wanting to walk her home but he isn’t a normal guy, but unfortunately for her he isn’t well intentioned. That’s how Mr Gavriil finds her as well, unable to avoid her scent, but he shape shifts to save her and now has to protect her from more things out in the world but there might be more behind the scenes that is left unknown!
I need to know more about Luciana’s family and their background so I’m hoping to learn more about that and I loved Gavriil’s cousin Natalya! She has a spunk that leaves me wanting to know more about her!
Very little spice but a dated love story that we love to love!
I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I need to know more about Luciana’s family and their background so I’m hoping to learn more about that and I loved Gavriil’s cousin Natalya! She has a spunk that leaves me wanting to know more about her!
Very little spice but a dated love story that we love to love!
I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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