Forbidden Bloodline

by Aria Ray, Sarina Hart

I have the devil's child— And now the entire underworld is after me.

One unforgettable night, a blaze of unbridled passion.
Muscle-bound, intense, and outright possessive, Victor left me powerless to resist.
I realized the danger too late—the moment I saw his Russian mafia tattoo.
Shortly after, I fled, but the precious gift he left inside me bound us forever.

Four years later, Viktor storms back into my life, now a powerful Bratva boss.
Commanding, filthy rich, lethal. As if I could resist...
Our son is his mirror image, ensuring Viktor won't let us slip away. Whether by choice or fate, we’re thrust into his dangerous world.

His enemies want his blood. And now, my son and I are caught in the crossfire.

My dangerous protector hasn't finished writing our story yet. But when he discovers that my son isn't the only secret I've hidden, can his broken trust ever be repaired?

And when his adversaries choose to use me as leverage, will he risk everything to save me?

" Forbidden Bloodline" is a suspenseful Russian mafia romance novel co-authored by Aria Ray and Sarina Hart. It is a standalone story with a happy ending and no cliffhangers.

Genres: Mafia Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2023

About the author

Aria Ray writes suspenseful, hot, and intense romance stories featuring powerful alpha-men and witty heroines, full of sacrifice, love, and happily-ever-afters. Like the heroines of her novels, Aria has always had a crush on sinfully sexy bad boys - dark, controlling, irresistible, but tender and loving.

When she is not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she loves to spend time with her own gang of alpha males -
a husband and twin boys. But the real mob boss of the family is Don Corleone - the cat.

If you'd like to be notified of updates, teasers, and promotions, subscribe to Aria's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hqXjur

Reviews

[Lea ★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i read this out of joke okay 😭

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where should I begin this review... First and foremost, I must say that one of the best features of a book club is the selection and reading of diverse books, books that can be quite varied in terms of their content. So when a member of the mini book club I belong to (which, despite being mini, is fantastic) suggests reading this type of book, I knew I was stepping into a very different literary world than the one I usually prefer. In other words, I usually avoid reading these kinds of books where there is a lot of action (not the kind found in Star Wars) and little plot. But here I am.

Starting with the positives. The names of the characters. Viktor Ivanov, excellent name. Who doesn't like to read the name Viktor with a K instead of a C? Such a name to contrast with the name of his beautiful beloved in this book, Olivia. You can really see that one of them is a person with much "grrr" and the other more affectionate, with hearts around her and all that. You get the scenario. But the best of all is "EL LUCHADOR." Yes, it demands caps lock. Of course, this was the name of the big bad boy, Viktor with a K's rival. More positive aspects... I think you can consider some interactions with the "grrr" person and the "hearts and flowers" person a little cute. However, some are too much, and this is where it starts to push me away from these types of books.

Firstly, I have nothing against a fast pace. However, if from one chapter to another, 4 years pass, and suddenly Olivia shows up with a 3-year-old child after a "one wild night" that never happened again, it's too fast-paced, emphasis on too. Secondly, it's been 4 years, but on the day they meet again, hormones are already jumping around, and it's almost like they were ready to get married. But as Viktor, with a K, says, "You are rather difficult to forget, Olivia." And so begins their beautiful fairy tale, though a fairy tale might not be the best way to describe it. It's more like their beautiful tale of discovering and putting to use all the hormones that get excited when they lay eyes on each other, or as Olivia thinks, "Did he really have such a strong, animal magnetism? Or was the memory of our night together triggering some kind of Pavlovian response in me?" When I read a sentence like this, I don't even know what to do; it's too cringe for my tastes. But not for Olivia, who "could seriously get hooked on his level of dick game." Yes, we get it; he's a Greek god with a "gymnast's body filling out of his suit instead of a linebacker's"...

To not drag this on any longer, if you like "action," "dick game," and obviously a story where the hearts person is in trouble, and the "grrr" person is going to save them, this is the book for you. Oh, I also recall that they have a child, if you haven't figured that out from the cover, which could be cute.

Thank you, Cristina, for your reading recommendation. Cristina and João, I hope this review meets your expectations. I wrote it with both of you in mind.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Viktor and Olivia

Meet Cute: he helps her get rid of an extremely aggressive drunk who won’t take no for an answer.

POV- 1st person dual

Genre- Mafia Romance

Sub Genre- Bratva

Heat- ☄️☄️and 1/2 ☄️. They do the things and name the parts. The P word is used. So is the technical female L word.

Series? I really don’t know. No other books are listed as part of a series with this one.

Safety: Y. There’s no cheating, no S. Violence, no sharing, no OM/OW drama, no cliffhanger, HEA.

Triggers- language, violence (including torture), kidnapping, explicit erotic content, dog that has no business being so cute.

Tropes- One Night Stand, Secret Baby, Second Chance, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Going-Going-Gone Over Him, Adorable Moppet (who’s even cuter with the dog), No Children or Dogs Were Harmed In the Making of This Book.

What I liked- first of all, this book was well written and well edited. This doesn’t surprise me because I’ve read other works by Ray and they are always done well. And the characters in their books are layered. In this book, the main characters are also likable. Olivia is intelligent, capable, and doesn’t rush to fly off the handle when scary situations happen. She’s also a good mom. Viktor treats her well, considers his actions rather than reacting in anger, and has those gorgeous green eyes *swoon*. If that wasn’t enough to attract me, Viktor is a book collector and is only selling those first editions that he already has better copies of. And the book name-checked Mark Twain (squee!) I like their chemistry and how they make each other happier when they are together. I could see their relationship lasting. I also like that this book is not angsty. *mild spoiler here* I was prepared for sturm und drang when he discovered her secret and was pleased that he didn’t become unreasonable. And I liked Olivia’s friendship with Anna, transcending culture and political ties. This book was never boring and the zexytime scenes were very hot.
A brief word about the dog- I like that the dog is not a fancy breed, but rather a mutt with a heart of gold for the little boy. Together they were so sweet you’ll need to check your blood sugar.

What I didn’t like- can I say a few words about cover appeal? Because this book doesn’t have it. I know the old adage about not judging a book by its cover, but not gonna lie, good covers catch the attention, and if I’m debating between two books, I pick the one with the cooler cover. I have no shame about this, and I don’t think I’m the only one. Plus, the cover of the book bears no resemblance to the contents. The child concerned is not a baby, but a three year old.
I’m also not happy that the ebook doesn’t come with a scratch and sniff sticker with the scent of those first editions….

Verdict- you can always count on Aria Ray to deliver a good read. I smiled, swooned, and squeed- who could ask for anything more?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Bloodline : A Secret Baby Russian Mafia Romance by Aria Ray. This is Viktor and Olivia's story.
Olivia worked for a auction house in Cambridge. She was traveling to a place to do an appraisal of an estate, when the weather turned really bad. It was raining buckets so hard the windshield wipers were having a hard time handling the rain and wind. Olivia came upon a bar called Parkway Pub and Inn, she stopped and went in to wait out the storm. This is where Olivia and Viktor meet, he saves her from a drunk trouble maker. They then spend time enjoying each others company and got closer. When she woke up she realized who Viktor was with all the tattoos and his handgun in a shoulder holster. VICTOR WAS RUSSIAN BRATVA ! When Viktor woke up Olivia was gone. Four years later Viktor's Uncle Mischka passed away and Viktor was now Pakhan and Boris was his right hand. With his uncle's illness and other things to deal with, Viktor hadn't had time to find Olivia even though he had not met a woman like her. Viktor travels to Cambridge and finds the auction house, Grant & Meriweather so that he can speak with Olivia about his uncle's books. Viktor sees Olivia coming out of the auction house and behind her is a little boy about three years old, black hair, pale skin, pale green eyes, just like Viktor's. Could it be his son ? They had been together four years ago that rainy night at the pub. Could it be ? Does Michael get his wish for a little sister ? This is a definite page-turner. I really enjoyed this story. Loved the characters. Wonderfully written !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read my share of down and dirty Bratva stories over the past several years with some nasty mean leaders and some that straddled the fence of good and bad. I enjoyed this book because the author took a different approach to this storyline vs., the same rinse and repeat. It may not be bloody enough for some readers but loved that Nikolai and Olivia's story felt more like I would expect of a crime lord in 2023; one that straddles the fence when it comes to legal vs., illegal business and one that avoids war, death and mayhem at all costs; but is willing to do what must be done to protect the people he loves and protects. There were several lines in this book, that resonated with me as I read this story. I felt the writing was very good giving the reader a look into each character's thoughts and inner feelings as well as including some entertaining dialogue between all the characters throughout the book.

Olivia was an independent woman who had made her own success and who chose to have Nikolai's baby even when she feared him after their one night stand. I enjoyed that this story was a slow-burn love story even though the level of heat used in the sex scenes was good. There is doubt, attraction, lust, suspense, lies, betrayal and a story that takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotion. I've read enough of these stories to know that Boris was bad news early on, but liked how the suspense grew and how two men who thought of each other as enemies, put the puzzle pieces together to save Olivia and Michael by books' end.

Nikolai was a combination of "good and bad", with emphasis on the good. He seemed well suited character for a criminal underworld leader in today's world vs., 1980. He had some missteps along the way but finally figured out who the real culprits were.

Good solid read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

One unforgettable night and three years later she sees his father again and they reconnect

Michael is three years old and has the looks and the intelligence of his father along with his beautiful light green eyes that are so unusual and telling, Viktor is not aware that she gave birth to a baby but when their cross pass and the feelings are still present, she knows she has to talk to Viktor, he deserves to know that he is father to her beautiful son.

Boris is not acting as himself and now there has been an assassination within their ranks along with it being obvious there is a snitch among them, when he is nearly killed at an estate sale it was only the beautiful Olivia that had put herself in harm’s way to rescue him.

As the suspicion within his own Bratva and the possibility of who the leak is and the fact that the person that had been putting off meeting with him had not been Luis it seemed there were also those in his group that were playing their own game and trying to cause a war between the Bratva and the Puerto Ricans.

The as Anna and Michael are taken hostage and the only people, she considers family Anna and Luis are ready to rescue her, they contact Viktor who realises that they have been used as pawns and his family are at risk of a jealous member of his Bratva that has gone astray.

This book will have you riveted from start to finish I guarantee it without a doubt…

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first off I'm starting to see a pattern with some of these mafia guys that they get totally caught off guard by some over fertile female where these one night stands miraculously end up in a pregnancy. Of course they miss those emotional and physically challenging 9 months to then again miraculously be reunited with their "soul mate" down the track. For such cut throat men I do love the idea that they are so totally obsessed by their female and will do anything it seems to keep, cherish and adore them for life. But as I say I also love the whole idea that the female is able to sleep with them and still be able to escape their clutches.. I'm not such a fan of the Mafia regime I guess there is apart of me that they seem to be glorified too much but my simple strategy is I just omit that element of their character until it is a necessity to the overall plot. Anyway, pass all that it is a well devised plot with a great balance of action, in and out of the 'bedroom' scenario, action in the type Mafia references with group warring, throw in a dash of mystery to keep readers on their toes and of course the usual feel good romance of simply a couple finding their happiness if life.
Sometimes I will pick a book just out of curiosity and to challenge my own likes in reading matter and I find when I am pleasantly surprised by the sheer entertainment level I have gained by reading that find I am glad I took a risk. This was one of those paid off risks for me and I am now willing to venture down other 'rabbit holes' to see what else just might tickle my interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia was in route to check out material for the auction house she worked at during a terrible rainstorm. She stopped at a pub/hotel to wait out the rain. While there she is attacked by a big burly man and rescued by a large suave man named Viktor. Viktor and Olivia have an intimate night together, but in the morning Olivia leaves. Four years later Viktor spots Olivia and a small boy walking in town. Viktor is convinced that the small boy is his and has her investigated. Unlike other mafia stories Viktor actually appreciates Olivia for having and taking care of his son. Although he would like to be involved in his life he realizes his life is dangerous and he is the middle of a difficult situation. Viktor shows Olivia kindness and compassion. He doesn’t threaten her or demand she bring Michael to him. In fact he allowed her to tell him in her own time. It was jus5 refreshing to have a man be tough because of his job but kind to the woman in his life. Needless to say Olivia and Viktor get their happily ever after but they have their struggles, lies and drama to get through first.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is our MFC, was headed back home after appraising merchandise for,an auction house that a family was selling. It started Storming horrible so she stops at an old roadside bar, “Parkway Pub And Inn”, Deciding to get a room for the night.
Victor is our MMC. He is Russian and in the “Import business”😉aka: Mafia. He and his men are there at the bar while working on his Uncle Mischa’s lodge. His Uncle dies 4 years later and leaves the hunting lodge to him. With his uncle passing Victor is now Pakhan. He is getting rid of some of his Uncles stuff so wanted to see if Olivia was still in the business. He hadn’t forgotten about her these four years. He had been drawn to her. Hated that she had left the morning before he woke up. He parks outside what is Olivia’s business now. And gets a surprise when she comes out with a little boy around three.
This is where things pick up and get wild, sexy crazy with emotions and love flowing around. But lots of lies and betrayals also.
It has a happy ending, but a difficult time getting there.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Bloodline: A Secret Baby Russian Mafia Romance is quite the Mafia romance tale. The characters and the storyline, in general, make for a very engaging and entertaining book that I could not put down until I read the last page.

The two crime lords in this story, Viktor, the Bratva head, and Luis, the director of the Pueblo, are both very intelligent, handsome to the point of being quite hot, loyal to family, and very human. They are humanized in a way that you do not typically see. Olivia is a relatable character, too, and it is no small wonder that she, in Viktor, fell in lust and then in love. Their dynamic was compelling.

The storyline is wrought with hot, steamy romance, drama, some action, and suspense, which kept me turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about hot!!! What was supposed to be a one-night stand, produced a baby. Olivia works for an auction house and runs into Victor. Victor steps up and makes a drunk guy leave Olivia alone. One thing leads to another and Victor and Olivia are sharing a room. Next morning comes and Olivia realizes that Victor is a bad man and sneaks out. 4 years later, Victor needs Olvia’s assistance and realizes that she might have had his child.

Victor never forgot about Olivia and no other woman ever compared to her. He will do anything to win her over. Her only fear is that his business will come back on her and she only wants to keep her son safe. Will Victor be able to protect Olivia and Michael or will he be brtrayed?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Mafia Romance books, you'll love this one!
Viktor and Olivia have a one night stand , she finds out he is Bravata from his tattoos and Vanishes that morning. Four years later Viktor runs into Olivia and sees her 3 year old son..with his eyes..looking back at him.
I loved Viktor's character in this book, so respectful of Olivia and protective of her and Michael. They had chemistry in spades!!
Naturally there is a bit of a twist and betrayal I mean it is a Mafia book right? Lol
The book is well written, I liked the writing style. I would have like a longer epilogue but that's just cause I'm greedy lol
I recommend this one I think you'll love it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this one

I am not usually a reader of mafia stories. I am glad I gave this one a try. It starts off with a one night stand on a stormy night resulting in a child.

While there is a conflict between the Russians and the Puerto Ricans,the story never forgets the romance developing. All sorts of shenanigans are in play to start a war all while two people try to rekindle the feelings left after the one night stand. There is lots plotting behind the heads of both factions involving a kidnapping, a gunfight, and car chase dodging bullets. Rest assured the traitors are unveiled but will they succeed? All this action takes place while a romance blossoms. A very good read. HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger.

[bobamami · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book fell flat…

While I have to admit that it really did have the potential to go above and beyond with literally all the right tropes, the pace at some places was too fast for my liking and the details and events as well as conversations and interactions between characters were OTT and all on the surface that made the storyline fell flat.

Moreover, some details and conversations made me confused as hell because I couldn’t understand what they were saying or what it was about despite rereading it over and over again that after a while, I just kinda accepted my fate and skimmed through most of it.

Overall, this book was not for me, I couldn’t connect with a thing and had a hard time keeping up with the storyline, sorry.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being caught in a storm and stranded at a hotel bar, Olivia met Viktor when he rescued her from being assaulted. After spending the night together and seeing his tattoos, she realized how dangerous he was and left him. Years later, fate has brought them back together and he discovers a surprise. The plot and characters were really well written without resorting to classic miscommunication to drive the plot. I would have loved a bit more interaction between Olivia and Viktor to show more connection between the two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is driving back in rain, when it becomes too much she stops at a hotel. She is harassed by a man in the bar, when a man in a suit, gets him to stand down. They spend the night together, she leaves before he wakes when she sees the tattoos on his body and what they mean.

Viktor has never forgotten Olivia in the four years that pass. He is now head of the Bratva now that his uncle has passed. When he needs to auction of his things, he remembers the auction house Olivia worked at. He sees her with a little boy with his eyes, his son.

Can he convince her they belong together?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Brioux · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the intent of this book. You know, surprise pregnancy, Russian mafia, second-chance romance, hot one-night stand, sexiness, hotness, and just plain old juiciness overload; however, and please don't hate me for saying this, I felt it lagging. I liked it. I just didn't love it. I found myself having to work on staying engaged rather than being all in; that 'balls to the walls' if you will, can't turn the page fast enough, type of sh*t. Keep in mind saying that does not mean I speak ill will of Aria Ray's talent, because her works speak for themselves - the lady has my respect, I just personally, specifically in this instance, wasn't as connected as I wish I could have been.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viktor and Olivia had one memorable night that left her with a parting gift. When Olivia woke up the next morning when she looked at Viktors clothing she noticed a gun and based upon what she told him about his work it appeared that there was more to him that she cared to know about. Years later they meet again, and he knows about the child she has given birth to. He has enemies and yet he wants Olivia and his child in his life. Will they get the opportunity to explore a relationship, one that will lead them along the path of a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's Betraying Who?

Olivia grew up an orphan but was good friends with neighbor Anna and brother, Luis. Anna works with an auction company and gets involved with Viktor, Russian mobster to her surprise. Olivia disappears for a few years and a little Michael later; crosses paths with Viktor. How will she break the news that they have a son together? The Russians and Puerto Ricans are about to start a war? There are secrets that Anna and Olivia are unaware about? Will Olivia and Michael be in danger? Who's betraying who within the two organizations? Good storyline, I enjoyed it.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor and Olivia spent an unforgettable night together, but when she saw his tattoos she flees. Now 4-years later Victor is head of the bratva, and he and Olivia cross paths again, but how will he react when he discovers her secret?
This is a well written story which is easy to read, action packed story, with danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, trust, emotions, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and steamy addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Well one night of toe curling sexy fun and an unexpected pregnancy can land you in a lot of trouble four years later when you discover your baby daddy is the Pakhan of a local Russian Bratva. At least that is what happens to Olivia when Victor comes to see her and meets their son at the same time. Victor is not about to walk away from not only his son but also the woman he has never forgotten.
All I can say is let the sexy fun begin with this story that you will not want to put down once you are immersed in it.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mafia romance. It’s a second chance, surprise baby, mafia romance. There was so much to like about this story! I liked the characters. There was awesome chemistry, suspense, action, drama and all the things that go into a mafia romance plot. I enjoyed every page! *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Chris06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night of passion leads to a surprise. Four years later Viktor sees Olivia again with a boy that has his eyes.

The life of the Bratva is fraught with danger and Olivia walked away once. Will she give Viktor a chance?

There are some unexpected twists … a conscious act and a traitor in the mix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Jacobus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep trying with this author and I keep getting disappointed.
She has great storylines but just can’t seem to execute them so they are better than okay.
This book had the potential to be amazing but she just dropped the ball again in the telling. It was slow going, no spice or excitement in or out of the bedroom. It was downright boring.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Olivia and Viktor. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, secrets, danger, action, betrayal and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Forbidden Bloodline was an ok read. There was just enough excitement and mafia-drama to make it interesting but not gruesome. Viktor was swoon-worthy but also kind and loving.

[Veronica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast ! & Fabulous!!

A great story line. True fee!ings, Secrets kept, Tough decisions!! A Great Read all around! Don't miss out on this One!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Viktor and Olivia’s book. It was an intriguing and engaging read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Laurie hammarstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story

I enjoyed Viktor and Olivia’s story. The book is well written and the characters are described beautifully. I wish it was a longer book.

[Hillary Garrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 67%…just boring