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Kozlov Empire #4
Shattered Crown
He needs a wife. I need revenge.
To the world, Maxim Belov is a self-made billionaire with charm as deep as his pockets. But strip away the politician’s smile and crisp Armani suits, and you’ll find the puppetmaster commanding Moscow's underworld—the man who decides who lives or dies.
He’s my best friend's father and the last person I'd want as an enemy, but when I discover his role in my aunt’s death, I'm hell-bent on retribution. And what better way to learn his secrets than standing by his side—as his wife.
In front of the cameras, he's all adoring smiles and sweet gestures, but behind closed doors, the devil comes out to play. He’s my every dark fantasy come to life, setting my body on fire with his filthy words and sinful touch.
But I’ll never forget the blood on his hands. When the time comes, Maxim will pay for his sins.
Shattered Crown is an age-gap marriage of convenience mafia romance. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Can be read as a complete standalone.
To the world, Maxim Belov is a self-made billionaire with charm as deep as his pockets. But strip away the politician’s smile and crisp Armani suits, and you’ll find the puppetmaster commanding Moscow's underworld—the man who decides who lives or dies.
He’s my best friend's father and the last person I'd want as an enemy, but when I discover his role in my aunt’s death, I'm hell-bent on retribution. And what better way to learn his secrets than standing by his side—as his wife.
In front of the cameras, he's all adoring smiles and sweet gestures, but behind closed doors, the devil comes out to play. He’s my every dark fantasy come to life, setting my body on fire with his filthy words and sinful touch.
But I’ll never forget the blood on his hands. When the time comes, Maxim will pay for his sins.
Shattered Crown is an age-gap marriage of convenience mafia romance. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Can be read as a complete standalone.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2024
2498 people are currently reading
8174 people want to read
About the author
Monica Kayne
9 books1,096 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
January 18, 2024
𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟔/𝟐𝟒
.·:*¨༺ 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ༻¨*:·.
3⭐'s/5
First off I would like to say thank you again to Monica Kayne for this opportunity! Thank you so much for the ARC, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review your book.
I’ll start off by saying I really enjoyed this one! The reason I didn’t rate this a 4 or a 5 was purely because it was just an enjoyable mafia romance, but I didn’t feel much of an emotional attachment or anything formed to love and remember this book for the rest of my life if you know what I mean? But I did have a great time reading this.
.·:*¨༺ 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑨𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 ༻¨*:·.
╰┈➤ Play “War of Hearts”- by Ruelle
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖. 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚.”
You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend you read the series to get to know the characters better. I remember I enjoyed the third one, so I was very excited to read this one especially knowing it was Kira and Maxim's story. It does leave off on a part in the previous book, the third book shows us who exactly Maxim is and some other characters, so it’s a great way to get to know who you’re reading.
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
-𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆
-𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒅
-𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒔𝒔
-𝑨𝒈𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒑
-𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆
“𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩… 𝙎𝙝𝙚. 𝙄𝙨. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚.”
Maxim Belov is our MMC, and is our FMC’S best friend's dad. He’s an alpha, dominating, jealous, protective, and possessive mafia man who is used to having things his way. He’s a closed off cold man who suffered a tragic loss that led him to becoming this cold, heartless man that sworn himself off from love. That was until he met his match Kira Kozlov and they decided to form a marriage of convenience with one another. But little did he know that Kira had another thing up her sleeve, she’s out for revenge against the man that’s soon to be her husband, but Maxim’s not letting her go until he finds out what’s she hiding and the true reason behind why this ordeal came to be.
“𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙄 𝙫𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮."
Kira Kozlov is our FMC. She is a feisty, sassy, and witty mafia princess who is out for revenge against her husband. She believes he was responsible for the death of someone close to her. She’s on a mission to find out what happened, and she’s using his influence and business to do so. She's very strong, feisty, and resilient and I enjoyed how she challenged him every chance she got. Ngl her attempts at a "mission" failed she's not very slick, even though she wanted to be. She kept getting caught by him, at times I did think she was a little clueless. It's like she wanted to get caught. I loved her chemistry with Maxim, it was so fun to read, their banters, tension, attraction, their dynamic left me squealing and giggling like a little girl.
Overall it wasn't a perfect book but I had fun. I did feel like the ending was rushed. I kind of expected that “plot twist” to happen. A lot of things were happening towards the end and it felt like it was all of a sudden being thrown at me towards the end, but overall I did enjoy the characters' banter and moments. And again the reason I didn’t rate this one as high as I had thought was solely due to the reason that I didn’t have any emotional attachment to this book, it was an enjoyable mafia book but it’s not something that’s life changing for me if you get what I mean.
»--•--«
I'm back in my favorite era... reading dark mafia romances hehe so excited 🤭
»--•--«
I almost fainted when I saw the email. I got the arc??!! Stop pinch me rn if I'm asleep this better not be a dream 🥹✋
Thank you so much Monica Kayne for the arc I can't wait to read this! <3
.·:*¨༺ 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ༻¨*:·.
3⭐'s/5
First off I would like to say thank you again to Monica Kayne for this opportunity! Thank you so much for the ARC, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review your book.
I’ll start off by saying I really enjoyed this one! The reason I didn’t rate this a 4 or a 5 was purely because it was just an enjoyable mafia romance, but I didn’t feel much of an emotional attachment or anything formed to love and remember this book for the rest of my life if you know what I mean? But I did have a great time reading this.
.·:*¨༺ 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑨𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 ༻¨*:·.
╰┈➤ Play “War of Hearts”- by Ruelle
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖. 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚.”
You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend you read the series to get to know the characters better. I remember I enjoyed the third one, so I was very excited to read this one especially knowing it was Kira and Maxim's story. It does leave off on a part in the previous book, the third book shows us who exactly Maxim is and some other characters, so it’s a great way to get to know who you’re reading.
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
-𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆
-𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒅
-𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒔𝒔
-𝑨𝒈𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒑
-𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆
“𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩… 𝙎𝙝𝙚. 𝙄𝙨. 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚.”
Maxim Belov is our MMC, and is our FMC’S best friend's dad. He’s an alpha, dominating, jealous, protective, and possessive mafia man who is used to having things his way. He’s a closed off cold man who suffered a tragic loss that led him to becoming this cold, heartless man that sworn himself off from love. That was until he met his match Kira Kozlov and they decided to form a marriage of convenience with one another. But little did he know that Kira had another thing up her sleeve, she’s out for revenge against the man that’s soon to be her husband, but Maxim’s not letting her go until he finds out what’s she hiding and the true reason behind why this ordeal came to be.
“𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙄 𝙫𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮."
Kira Kozlov is our FMC. She is a feisty, sassy, and witty mafia princess who is out for revenge against her husband. She believes he was responsible for the death of someone close to her. She’s on a mission to find out what happened, and she’s using his influence and business to do so. She's very strong, feisty, and resilient and I enjoyed how she challenged him every chance she got. Ngl her attempts at a "mission" failed she's not very slick, even though she wanted to be. She kept getting caught by him, at times I did think she was a little clueless. It's like she wanted to get caught. I loved her chemistry with Maxim, it was so fun to read, their banters, tension, attraction, their dynamic left me squealing and giggling like a little girl.
Overall it wasn't a perfect book but I had fun. I did feel like the ending was rushed. I kind of expected that “plot twist” to happen. A lot of things were happening towards the end and it felt like it was all of a sudden being thrown at me towards the end, but overall I did enjoy the characters' banter and moments. And again the reason I didn’t rate this one as high as I had thought was solely due to the reason that I didn’t have any emotional attachment to this book, it was an enjoyable mafia book but it’s not something that’s life changing for me if you get what I mean.
»--•--«
I'm back in my favorite era... reading dark mafia romances hehe so excited 🤭
»--•--«
I almost fainted when I saw the email. I got the arc??!! Stop pinch me rn if I'm asleep this better not be a dream 🥹✋
Thank you so much Monica Kayne for the arc I can't wait to read this! <3
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ — 3,25/5 🕊️💛
Not bad, not amazing — just okay 😶
An easy read with a few enjoyable moments, but nothing that truly stuck with me.
Good for passing the time, not something I’ll remember long-term 💁🏻♀️
❀⊹⊱ 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ⊹⊱❀
⤿ Mafia Romance mood activated… let’s see how this one goes 👀🔥
Not bad, not amazing — just okay 😶
An easy read with a few enjoyable moments, but nothing that truly stuck with me.
Good for passing the time, not something I’ll remember long-term 💁🏻♀️
❀⊹⊱ 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ⊹⊱❀
⤿ Mafia Romance mood activated… let’s see how this one goes 👀🔥
April 17, 2024
The heroine is supposed to be a ruler along with her brothers in the Kozlov empire? She was acting like 15 year old teenager. 3 stars for the plot
March 11, 2024
He killed her motherfigure.
She’s sure of it.
Now she just needs to figure out why.
To do that, she needs to get close to him. And what does he need? A wife.
With the unpleasant way Kira, Maxim and Kira’s siblings met, that’s also the best solution for everyone else’s safety.
“Yes.” And just like that, I've bound myself to a monster for as long as it takes to exact my revenge.
- Arranged marriage/marriage of convenience
- Age gap
- Best friends dad
- Forced proximity
- Revenge
- Touch her and die
Kira
I had a minor problem with her the first 50% of the book. My girl was so hellbent on Maxim being the bad guy, she barely even questioned whether it was likely true or not.
It made her look stupid. I really liked her otherwise. She’s strong, determined and knows her worth. She’s sassy, kind and thoughful. She’s a sweetheart.
Maxim
I want him. He’s hot.
Maxim and Kira fit so well together. Definitely a power couple in the future.
I loved seeing more of Kira’s siblings and their significant others.
(One of the worst things I know in romance books are domestic violence between the main characters. Kira tried to slap Maxim more than once. It’s an immediete ick of mine, I absolutely loathe it)
3.75 stars
She’s sure of it.
Now she just needs to figure out why.
To do that, she needs to get close to him. And what does he need? A wife.
With the unpleasant way Kira, Maxim and Kira’s siblings met, that’s also the best solution for everyone else’s safety.
“Yes.” And just like that, I've bound myself to a monster for as long as it takes to exact my revenge.
- Arranged marriage/marriage of convenience
- Age gap
- Best friends dad
- Forced proximity
- Revenge
- Touch her and die
Kira
I had a minor problem with her the first 50% of the book. My girl was so hellbent on Maxim being the bad guy, she barely even questioned whether it was likely true or not.
It made her look stupid. I really liked her otherwise. She’s strong, determined and knows her worth. She’s sassy, kind and thoughful. She’s a sweetheart.
Maxim
I want him. He’s hot.
Maxim and Kira fit so well together. Definitely a power couple in the future.
I loved seeing more of Kira’s siblings and their significant others.
(One of the worst things I know in romance books are domestic violence between the main characters. Kira tried to slap Maxim more than once. It’s an immediete ick of mine, I absolutely loathe it)
3.75 stars
February 7, 2024
How people are delulu enough to give this book 5…ney 4 stars is beyond me. Maxim deserves better than Kira honestly. She’s a bitch. Straight up. Maxim is good to her from day 1 and she walks all over him 🙄 Maybe the author was trying to do some kind of reverse grumpy sunshine bullshit but I’m not buying it. DNF at 61% and it was painful to even read that far.
January 28, 2024
While I do rate mafia books on a different scale than other romance books, I really did enjoy this one and was impressed with both of the main characters - I’ve read a lot worse mafia stories, and this one was relatively non-toxic.
February 2, 2024
This is the last January mafia romance release I caught up on. It was cliche. Very typical. She married an older guy for revenge. Turns out it wasn’t him. They had intense chemistry and then fell in love. Smut was fine. Overall 2/5. It wasn’t poorly written.
March 15, 2024
DNF 2.00 for the cover and for Maxim's character. Originality please?
This writer is somewhat new to me and this book wasn't filled with horrible editing or poor grammar, it boiled down to the plot and storyline didn't wow me. It basically was criminal underworld genre 101. The characters seem a cliché that author's are drawn too when writing an age-gap revenge trope with a storyline reminiscent to many other books written by other authors in this genre.
What I am looking for as an avid reader of this genre is originality. I want the author to take this overly written storyline, add some originality and fresh ideas to it and makes it there own by investing some different twists and surprises into their novel. I have become very bored with the same plot and basically the same type of characters in this genre. This entire plot is based upon getting revenge, gathering evidence for the death of someone Kira loved by entering into a union of marriage only to find out....ta dah, (which I am honestly assuming since I didn't finish this book) they had nothing to do with it. Of course the two enemies get involved in a hot and heavy sexual relationship even though this is supposed to be nothing more than a business deal and sex is supposed to be only to provide an heir. Yes...I heard that before too.
Kira's character dives into a marriage with her friend's father to find evidence she believes will prove that he killed or had Misha killed. She has no real proof, only her suspicions. This is a woman that is supposed to be a main player in her own Bratva and yet she seems childish when she enters into this arrangement without a written contract in advance, only to find out that once she and Maxim are married; he only wants to use her as a broodmare and arm candy, not an equal partner in the internal workings of the Bratva.
Maxim is the usual hot older character in these books with no surprises other than he knows she has ulterior motives for marrying him and is watching every move she makes. I got about 30-35% into the story and knew what was going to happen before I read any further and therefore returned this book to KU.
If you are a reader that doesn't read many novels from this genre, you may like it.
This writer is somewhat new to me and this book wasn't filled with horrible editing or poor grammar, it boiled down to the plot and storyline didn't wow me. It basically was criminal underworld genre 101. The characters seem a cliché that author's are drawn too when writing an age-gap revenge trope with a storyline reminiscent to many other books written by other authors in this genre.
What I am looking for as an avid reader of this genre is originality. I want the author to take this overly written storyline, add some originality and fresh ideas to it and makes it there own by investing some different twists and surprises into their novel. I have become very bored with the same plot and basically the same type of characters in this genre. This entire plot is based upon getting revenge, gathering evidence for the death of someone Kira loved by entering into a union of marriage only to find out....ta dah, (which I am honestly assuming since I didn't finish this book) they had nothing to do with it. Of course the two enemies get involved in a hot and heavy sexual relationship even though this is supposed to be nothing more than a business deal and sex is supposed to be only to provide an heir. Yes...I heard that before too.
Kira's character dives into a marriage with her friend's father to find evidence she believes will prove that he killed or had Misha killed. She has no real proof, only her suspicions. This is a woman that is supposed to be a main player in her own Bratva and yet she seems childish when she enters into this arrangement without a written contract in advance, only to find out that once she and Maxim are married; he only wants to use her as a broodmare and arm candy, not an equal partner in the internal workings of the Bratva.
Maxim is the usual hot older character in these books with no surprises other than he knows she has ulterior motives for marrying him and is watching every move she makes. I got about 30-35% into the story and knew what was going to happen before I read any further and therefore returned this book to KU.
If you are a reader that doesn't read many novels from this genre, you may like it.
January 29, 2024
The reason for this marriage is tenuous. Maxim’s character just felt a bit cliché. And the whole plot of wanting to find out why maxim killed her aunt so she can then kill maxim… dude… there’s gotta be another way. This girl
Is all over the place.
Is all over the place.
January 22, 2024
"I don't fucking care if you married me for some twisted revenge plot- you wear my ring. You are my wife."
Maxim, I beg of you, PLEASSEEEEEEE.
In all honesty, the ending of book 3 left me flabbergasted as to why we shifted to Maxim for a MMC until I realized Kira is technically a Kozlov sibling.
Shattered Crown is an age-gap, best friend's dad, marriage of convenience read and it was SO GOOD! Monica, as always, does an exceptional job when writing her books. They're so addictive and make you get lost between the pages.
A lot angsty scenes happen here but there's also a mystery plot that mixed well with the book. I had various theories forming in my head as I read this book, but the ending was even more wild than I was expecting. Definitely a HEA that is fitting for both Kira and Maxim.
I personally think this might be my favorite book out of the 4 because of the ending, but I love all of the men equally. Can't wait to see what Monica brings next!
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
Maxim, I beg of you, PLEASSEEEEEEE.
In all honesty, the ending of book 3 left me flabbergasted as to why we shifted to Maxim for a MMC until I realized Kira is technically a Kozlov sibling.
Shattered Crown is an age-gap, best friend's dad, marriage of convenience read and it was SO GOOD! Monica, as always, does an exceptional job when writing her books. They're so addictive and make you get lost between the pages.
A lot angsty scenes happen here but there's also a mystery plot that mixed well with the book. I had various theories forming in my head as I read this book, but the ending was even more wild than I was expecting. Definitely a HEA that is fitting for both Kira and Maxim.
I personally think this might be my favorite book out of the 4 because of the ending, but I love all of the men equally. Can't wait to see what Monica brings next!
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
January 14, 2024
This was such a good book
January 18, 2024
Fantastic Read
I only discovered this author at the very end of 2023 and I absolutely inhaled the pages of the first three books in this series….this one was no exception. Once again it’s well written with the right proportions of action and spice. And Monica sure knows how to write an age gap romance 🔥
I love Maxim & Kira together, and she’s no wilting violet, if you like your FMC with a backbone you will love her
I only discovered this author at the very end of 2023 and I absolutely inhaled the pages of the first three books in this series….this one was no exception. Once again it’s well written with the right proportions of action and spice. And Monica sure knows how to write an age gap romance 🔥
I love Maxim & Kira together, and she’s no wilting violet, if you like your FMC with a backbone you will love her
January 14, 2024
ʙᴏᴏᴋ: Shattered Crown (Kira & Maxim's story)
sᴇʀɪᴇs: Kozlov Empire Series - book 4
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️, 5
This is definitely another great read by Monica, like the first 3 books of this Series. I read the first books and i was waiting for Kira and Maxim. I was captured from the first till the last page. I enjoyed reading their story after this i have to say sorry to Leo&Aly cuz Maxim&Kira topped my favorite couple. 🙈
Kira: is strong, independent, bada$$ and knows exactly how the whole mafia life is, cuz she was raised in this world. When Kira (stepsister of the Kozlov brothers) made a deal to marry Maxim she had one thing in her mind, to take revenge for her Aunt Masha's death, who she suspects has the answers and Kira isn't going to make it easy on Maxim. And what happens when u start to see a different the side of the men u blamed for her death?!
Maxim: geezzzz Maxim, he is protective, over possessive and does many small things to support others. After suffering about his loss he closed his heart for relationship/woman. When he starts to trust Kira, he also started to open up to her and he was not expecting that he is able to love.
Let me say, I enjoyed reading the story i wasn't expecting this twist, be aware who u trust and i really liked the development between Kira and Maxim. The chemistry and tension was absolutely great and the spice well written, it gets 🥵 even though the spice start later. I loved how Maxim cared about Kira, when she had her nightmares. It was absolutely great to read how everything turned out for Kira&Maxim and for the whole family. I can recommend the whole *Kozlov Empire Series* it's one of my favorites. 🖤
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡:
*Age gap (H/43, h/25)
*Mafia Romance
*best friend dad
*P/J MC
*Suspense
*Revenge
*Marriage of convenience
>Thanks for the opportunity i appreciate it and I'm definitely looking forward for the next project's of Monica. I mean not me want to mention Pavel and Roman 😏
sᴇʀɪᴇs: Kozlov Empire Series - book 4
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️, 5
This is definitely another great read by Monica, like the first 3 books of this Series. I read the first books and i was waiting for Kira and Maxim. I was captured from the first till the last page. I enjoyed reading their story after this i have to say sorry to Leo&Aly cuz Maxim&Kira topped my favorite couple. 🙈
Kira: is strong, independent, bada$$ and knows exactly how the whole mafia life is, cuz she was raised in this world. When Kira (stepsister of the Kozlov brothers) made a deal to marry Maxim she had one thing in her mind, to take revenge for her Aunt Masha's death, who she suspects has the answers and Kira isn't going to make it easy on Maxim. And what happens when u start to see a different the side of the men u blamed for her death?!
Maxim: geezzzz Maxim, he is protective, over possessive and does many small things to support others. After suffering about his loss he closed his heart for relationship/woman. When he starts to trust Kira, he also started to open up to her and he was not expecting that he is able to love.
Let me say, I enjoyed reading the story i wasn't expecting this twist, be aware who u trust and i really liked the development between Kira and Maxim. The chemistry and tension was absolutely great and the spice well written, it gets 🥵 even though the spice start later. I loved how Maxim cared about Kira, when she had her nightmares. It was absolutely great to read how everything turned out for Kira&Maxim and for the whole family. I can recommend the whole *Kozlov Empire Series* it's one of my favorites. 🖤
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡:
*Age gap (H/43, h/25)
*Mafia Romance
*best friend dad
*P/J MC
*Suspense
*Revenge
*Marriage of convenience
>Thanks for the opportunity i appreciate it and I'm definitely looking forward for the next project's of Monica. I mean not me want to mention Pavel and Roman 😏
January 13, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
4.5 ⭐️
I think this has to be my favourite book in the entire series, I mean the tropes alone had me in an absolute chokehold👀
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Age Gap
- “My Wife”
Now while these books can be read as standalones I would highly recommend reading Fierce Vow prior to this book to gain an understanding of who Maxim, our MMC actually is. Anywho if you have read Fierce Vow you will know that Maxim is actually Alyona’s (FMC of Fierce Vow) biological father. Maxim takes Alyona and Kira hostage and At the end of the book we see Kira offer her own hand in marriage to Maxim in exchange to leave Kira to live out her life in peace.
This is exactly where we see Shattered Crown starts off. Don’t be fooled, while Kira does practically offer herself on a silver platter she has her reasons for doing so and that is investigating who has murdered her aunt 5 years ago.
The tension and chemistry of this couple is absolutely off the charts and when that tension finally reached its breaking point, oh lord did it get steamy😮💨.
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while now you will most certainly know that when the MMC drops a “my wife” I am an absolute puddle on the floor and Maxim is no exception to this. Like for a man who didn’t think he’d ever remarry he sure did drop the “my wife” term left, right and centre 👏🏼
I absolutely adored Kira! She is definitely a woman that’s not to be underestimated and she has demonstrated that many times throughout this book💅
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 ⭐️
I think this has to be my favourite book in the entire series, I mean the tropes alone had me in an absolute chokehold👀
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Age Gap
- “My Wife”
Now while these books can be read as standalones I would highly recommend reading Fierce Vow prior to this book to gain an understanding of who Maxim, our MMC actually is. Anywho if you have read Fierce Vow you will know that Maxim is actually Alyona’s (FMC of Fierce Vow) biological father. Maxim takes Alyona and Kira hostage and At the end of the book we see Kira offer her own hand in marriage to Maxim in exchange to leave Kira to live out her life in peace.
This is exactly where we see Shattered Crown starts off. Don’t be fooled, while Kira does practically offer herself on a silver platter she has her reasons for doing so and that is investigating who has murdered her aunt 5 years ago.
The tension and chemistry of this couple is absolutely off the charts and when that tension finally reached its breaking point, oh lord did it get steamy😮💨.
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while now you will most certainly know that when the MMC drops a “my wife” I am an absolute puddle on the floor and Maxim is no exception to this. Like for a man who didn’t think he’d ever remarry he sure did drop the “my wife” term left, right and centre 👏🏼
I absolutely adored Kira! She is definitely a woman that’s not to be underestimated and she has demonstrated that many times throughout this book💅
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2024
Shattered Crown
Monica Kayne
This is my first read of Monica Kayne’s and I was not disappointed - I was hooked from the beginning.
Tropes
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Marriage of Convenience
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
Shattered Crown is a standalone and I have read it as that but it also interconnects with the other books in The Kozlov Empire (I am definitely going to read them all).
I love a good mafia romance, especially when the FMC is a a force to be reckoned with.
Kira is a feisty, sexy, strong woman born into the mafia world - she knows her worth in this world.
Maxim is the cold hard puppetmaster of Moscow’s underworld.
Jaded by life and a heart of stone!
The chemistry and tension between these two is gripping and explosive.
I highly recommend Shattered Crown 👑
Monica Kayne
This is my first read of Monica Kayne’s and I was not disappointed - I was hooked from the beginning.
Tropes
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Marriage of Convenience
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
Shattered Crown is a standalone and I have read it as that but it also interconnects with the other books in The Kozlov Empire (I am definitely going to read them all).
I love a good mafia romance, especially when the FMC is a a force to be reckoned with.
Kira is a feisty, sexy, strong woman born into the mafia world - she knows her worth in this world.
Maxim is the cold hard puppetmaster of Moscow’s underworld.
Jaded by life and a heart of stone!
The chemistry and tension between these two is gripping and explosive.
I highly recommend Shattered Crown 👑
January 23, 2024
I’m so sad that this is the final book of the series but oh, what a perfect way to end it!
I had no idea I would love Maxim so dang much. He’s the perfect example of morally gray, but his vulnerability was such a surprise and made me fall in love with him. And the way he loves and worships Kira made my heart melt.
Kira is the perfect match for Maxim. She’s independent and knows what she wants, stands up for herself and doesn’t take crap from anyone. But underneath, she’s so sweet and softens his rough edges. I love them together.
Thank you for this ARC! I’ve loved these characters and their journeys so much, and am already planning a re-read from the very beginning!
I had no idea I would love Maxim so dang much. He’s the perfect example of morally gray, but his vulnerability was such a surprise and made me fall in love with him. And the way he loves and worships Kira made my heart melt.
Kira is the perfect match for Maxim. She’s independent and knows what she wants, stands up for herself and doesn’t take crap from anyone. But underneath, she’s so sweet and softens his rough edges. I love them together.
Thank you for this ARC! I’ve loved these characters and their journeys so much, and am already planning a re-read from the very beginning!
February 5, 2024
This was so good! Shattered Crown has a good mix of tension, steam, drama, and suspense!
It was such a delight to see a relatively healthy romance in a mafia world - no coercion, threats, etc. Just pure tension between two characters that want each other (while denying that they dont). Both have ulterior motives when it comes to their marriage, but I loved seeing their relationship developed as they grew closer. Kira is so headstrong, and I love that Maxim embraces it.
Highly recommend & will definitely be reading more of this author's works in the future!
Tropes:
- Age Gap
- Best Friend's Dad
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch her & ☠️ // "my wife"
It was such a delight to see a relatively healthy romance in a mafia world - no coercion, threats, etc. Just pure tension between two characters that want each other (while denying that they dont). Both have ulterior motives when it comes to their marriage, but I loved seeing their relationship developed as they grew closer. Kira is so headstrong, and I love that Maxim embraces it.
Highly recommend & will definitely be reading more of this author's works in the future!
Tropes:
- Age Gap
- Best Friend's Dad
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch her & ☠️ // "my wife"
July 13, 2025
Definitely loved the story. You’ve got a broken mafia who thinks he don’t deserve to be love or a hea, and you have a woman who is seeking revenge for her aunts murder what could possibly go wrong…. The spice in this book was delicious. Loved Kira’s brother’s ruthless attitude debating if I want to read their story’s Leo’s and Alyssa seems interesting. Definitely excited about reading Romeo and Liza story definitely gonna be something forbidden…
January 18, 2024
Screaming, crying, kicking my feet excitedly!
I don't think y'all understand how much of a chokehold Monica's books have over me. I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book because I have been thinking about Kira and Maxim's story for what feels like forever.
I loved how complex this book was, how many emotions it made me feel, and how good the spice in this book was. I mean, Monica blows me away with every book but Shattered Crown took the cake for me. This book was literally everything and their romance was absolutely top tier!
Thank you so much Monica & team for an early copy, absolutely loved every minute of it!
I don't think y'all understand how much of a chokehold Monica's books have over me. I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book because I have been thinking about Kira and Maxim's story for what feels like forever.
I loved how complex this book was, how many emotions it made me feel, and how good the spice in this book was. I mean, Monica blows me away with every book but Shattered Crown took the cake for me. This book was literally everything and their romance was absolutely top tier!
Thank you so much Monica & team for an early copy, absolutely loved every minute of it!
January 15, 2024
I loved this book. While I have not read the other books in the series I was not lost. I loved how strong and independent Kira was. She was not a wilting flower and could hold her own. Maxim was so stoic. I really hope Roman and Pavel have books in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
3.75⭐️
Good mafia romance with plenty of spice but I felt like the plot could’ve been better. There were three main parts to maxim and Kira and we didn’t really get to read about them going on dates or any of the relaxing couple things.
Good mafia romance with plenty of spice but I felt like the plot could’ve been better. There were three main parts to maxim and Kira and we didn’t really get to read about them going on dates or any of the relaxing couple things.
February 13, 2024
This just perfectly scratched the morally gray, mafia, romance, smutt ich I had
March 28, 2024
The book was ok but i don’t understand one thing if the fl was so badass in previous book. Why author make her so helpless. Also i don’t feel any darkness actually.
January 14, 2024
Maxim and Kira’s story had me on the edge of my seat needing more and more.
When Kira finds herself volunteering to give Maxim his heirs she doesn’t realize what that means and blindly goes into the arrangement without thinking it through. She is only focused on vengeance and retaliation.
Maxim knows his daughter’s friend is up to something and also believes he will figure it out eventually and gladly goes along with her proposition.
I am loving this Kozlov Empire series so much! The characters are relatable and so captivating ❤️
When Kira finds herself volunteering to give Maxim his heirs she doesn’t realize what that means and blindly goes into the arrangement without thinking it through. She is only focused on vengeance and retaliation.
Maxim knows his daughter’s friend is up to something and also believes he will figure it out eventually and gladly goes along with her proposition.
I am loving this Kozlov Empire series so much! The characters are relatable and so captivating ❤️
January 31, 2024
Loved how there was no other woman drama! That’s a first🫶🏻
Read
November 21, 2024Mest kaotiske familietreet i hvertfall
June 30, 2025
i am the last person on earth to call an fmc insufferable. that being said…. kira is fvcking insufferable.
i hated kira. i hated maxim. i tolerated the side characters because they were kinda just… there. i hated the fact that the author has clearly never researched the bratva. i hated that despite this taking place in russia, everyone used maybe 3 russian words max. i hated that characters would say one of the russian words then immediately translate it. i hated this book.
i hated kira. i hated maxim. i tolerated the side characters because they were kinda just… there. i hated the fact that the author has clearly never researched the bratva. i hated that despite this taking place in russia, everyone used maybe 3 russian words max. i hated that characters would say one of the russian words then immediately translate it. i hated this book.
March 20, 2024
¿Leí todos los anteriores de la saga? Nope.
¿Me arrepiento de algo? Nope.
¿Está bueno el libro? Absolutamente.
¿Necesitas leer los anteriores? Nope.
Está bueno, mafia, age gap, smutty smut smut, romance. Me gustó.
¿Conclusión del libro? No voy a dar porque mucha info :D
¿Me arrepiento de algo? Nope.
¿Está bueno el libro? Absolutamente.
¿Necesitas leer los anteriores? Nope.
Está bueno, mafia, age gap, smutty smut smut, romance. Me gustó.
¿Conclusión del libro? No voy a dar porque mucha info :D
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