What do you think?
Rate this book
Ares Academy #2
Malice
I may be a Bratva Princess, but I'm not going to end up as a babymaker for some spoiled Russian heir.
Named after the God of War, the Ares Academy doesn’t teach math or literature. Students here are the monstrous offspring from the most powerful families in the world of organized crime, they come here to learn how to terrorize, murder, extort, and find their seat of power. I'm one of a handful of women who have made it this far in our brutal "education," and I'm not letting that smug, arrogant Konstantin Turgenev ruin this for me.
Even if he's beautiful. Even if I want him. Even if he's my Bratva fiance.
He doesn't own me yet.
Malice - A Dark College Bratva Romance can be read as a stand-alone with a HEA and no cheating for 18+ readers only. Please read the trigger warnings in the preface. Malice is the second book in the Ares Academy Series.
Named after the God of War, the Ares Academy doesn’t teach math or literature. Students here are the monstrous offspring from the most powerful families in the world of organized crime, they come here to learn how to terrorize, murder, extort, and find their seat of power. I'm one of a handful of women who have made it this far in our brutal "education," and I'm not letting that smug, arrogant Konstantin Turgenev ruin this for me.
Even if he's beautiful. Even if I want him. Even if he's my Bratva fiance.
He doesn't own me yet.
Malice - A Dark College Bratva Romance can be read as a stand-alone with a HEA and no cheating for 18+ readers only. Please read the trigger warnings in the preface. Malice is the second book in the Ares Academy Series.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2024
190 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
did-not-finish
January 15, 2024Dnf @ 64%
Background:
I think they got engaged when they were 14 and 16. Kon was a hoe, while Mariya remained untouched. 🙄 He got into the university two years earlier but stopped screwing when she got enrolled too; they bicker for a year. And on a university break, their families went on a trip together, and this is when they slept for the first time (took her v-card too). He told her the next morning that it was a mistake and would not happen again, until their wedding. But this changed something in him, and he didn't want to do anything with other girls anymore. Shocker 🙄 And that's the start of this book. Mariya wanting to avoid Kon, but none of that happened because her hormones always get the best of her.
I give up! I don't like the MCs; the romance felt so forced that there's no chemistry, only lust. Kon's all of a sudden dropping of the love bomb caught me off guard. How he fell in love was beyond me, and I don't understand how it even happened.
Then Mariya can't even control her hormones, and she is always led by them. She would be mad at the Kon only for her to give in so quickly when he closed the space between them, flashed a smirk at her, or kissed her. She's freaking weak and frustrating to read. She'll hiss, snap, or get annoyed at him, but in a few minutes around him, she'll melt like a puddle. Like girl, grow a backbone. If you're mad, stay mad. Don't let his flirting drive you to cave in and make you forget his stupidity.
This was purely driven by lust, and I can't stand it anymore. So I'm going to stop before I lose my ever loving mind.
Background:
I think they got engaged when they were 14 and 16. Kon was a hoe, while Mariya remained untouched. 🙄 He got into the university two years earlier but stopped screwing when she got enrolled too; they bicker for a year. And on a university break, their families went on a trip together, and this is when they slept for the first time (took her v-card too). He told her the next morning that it was a mistake and would not happen again, until their wedding. But this changed something in him, and he didn't want to do anything with other girls anymore. Shocker 🙄 And that's the start of this book. Mariya wanting to avoid Kon, but none of that happened because her hormones always get the best of her.
I give up! I don't like the MCs; the romance felt so forced that there's no chemistry, only lust. Kon's all of a sudden dropping of the love bomb caught me off guard. How he fell in love was beyond me, and I don't understand how it even happened.
Then Mariya can't even control her hormones, and she is always led by them. She would be mad at the Kon only for her to give in so quickly when he closed the space between them, flashed a smirk at her, or kissed her. She's freaking weak and frustrating to read. She'll hiss, snap, or get annoyed at him, but in a few minutes around him, she'll melt like a puddle. Like girl, grow a backbone. If you're mad, stay mad. Don't let his flirting drive you to cave in and make you forget his stupidity.
This was purely driven by lust, and I can't stand it anymore. So I'm going to stop before I lose my ever loving mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
This book focuses on Konstantin and Mariya, the sidekicks in volume 1 who were constantly squabbling. We finally get into their heads and are able to understand their hate-hate relationship. Of course, since this is a guaranteed HEA, by the end it’s a love-love relationship, but the path to get there is far from smooth (otherwise there would be no story to tell). Lucca and Tatiana play the sidekick role in this book, and it’s ice to see them again, and see how life is working out for them.
Konstantin and Mariya blow hot, then cold, then hot again. The sex is definitely hot, and a spreader bar makes an appearance. Their relationship, which seemed almost a caricature in the first book, makes so much more sense once you can see what they are feeling.
The other, non-romance story that is the backdrop to their struggles concerns a mysterious plot against the students of Ares Academy. Someone is killing of students, not just the heirs to the criminal dynasties, but random students. There is a flashback battle at the beginning, a near lethal Leaders’ Challenge, and a huge attack at the end, with much mayhem and of course explosions. Great fun (to read about, probably not so much to experience).
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Konstantin and Mariya blow hot, then cold, then hot again. The sex is definitely hot, and a spreader bar makes an appearance. Their relationship, which seemed almost a caricature in the first book, makes so much more sense once you can see what they are feeling.
The other, non-romance story that is the backdrop to their struggles concerns a mysterious plot against the students of Ares Academy. Someone is killing of students, not just the heirs to the criminal dynasties, but random students. There is a flashback battle at the beginning, a near lethal Leaders’ Challenge, and a huge attack at the end, with much mayhem and of course explosions. Great fun (to read about, probably not so much to experience).
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2024
I love this series so much! Ares Academy is where all the mafia kids go to school and there is always drama. This book is no exception!
Konstantin and Mariya are engaged to be married and have been for many years because it's a strategic move and it worked. However, Kon and Mari are constantly at each other's throats and the angst and sexual frustration is off the charts. Even their friends notice and call them out on it! It's quite hilarious!! Kon is known for being a player and Mari wants nothing from him especially since he makes her so angry all the time. However, one encounter changes everything for them and then they finally both realize how much they each mean to each other. However, Kon is a typical Bratva male so he has to be dumb and mean before he gets his crap together. This is a great story and I love the hint of what Book 3 is going to be and I am all for it! This series is the perfect combination of dark romance and mafia heirs. Enjoy because this is a spicy and sexy ride. Happy Reading!!
Konstantin and Mariya are engaged to be married and have been for many years because it's a strategic move and it worked. However, Kon and Mari are constantly at each other's throats and the angst and sexual frustration is off the charts. Even their friends notice and call them out on it! It's quite hilarious!! Kon is known for being a player and Mari wants nothing from him especially since he makes her so angry all the time. However, one encounter changes everything for them and then they finally both realize how much they each mean to each other. However, Kon is a typical Bratva male so he has to be dumb and mean before he gets his crap together. This is a great story and I love the hint of what Book 3 is going to be and I am all for it! This series is the perfect combination of dark romance and mafia heirs. Enjoy because this is a spicy and sexy ride. Happy Reading!!
January 14, 2024
5 ⭐️ 5 🌶 5 💀
This was the book I have been waiting for. I was hooked on Kon and Mariya's relationship in the first book. The way these two interacted with each other, I just knew there would be fireworks and some blood shed when they finally got together.
Another new year at The Ares Academy and a whole new set of problems to handle. Kon is trying to work on his feelings for Mariya, and of course, he is being a jackass about it with his attitude and anger issues. Mariya is just tired of feeling like a yo-yo. Oh, and a group of somebodies is killing the returning students.
It's hard trying to work on their relationship, but now they have to try and stay alive. There is so much on their plate with the leadership competition, classes, and now having to find who is behind the killings. This is going to be a killer year at The Ares Academy.
This was the book I have been waiting for. I was hooked on Kon and Mariya's relationship in the first book. The way these two interacted with each other, I just knew there would be fireworks and some blood shed when they finally got together.
Another new year at The Ares Academy and a whole new set of problems to handle. Kon is trying to work on his feelings for Mariya, and of course, he is being a jackass about it with his attitude and anger issues. Mariya is just tired of feeling like a yo-yo. Oh, and a group of somebodies is killing the returning students.
It's hard trying to work on their relationship, but now they have to try and stay alive. There is so much on their plate with the leadership competition, classes, and now having to find who is behind the killings. This is going to be a killer year at The Ares Academy.
January 10, 2024
Every group has that couple, the one that never stops bickering. But Konstantin's and Mariya's arranged marriage - planned by their families as a Bratva alliance - may never happen if these two can't stop despising each other. It takes a truly tumultuous year at the Ares Academy to find their strength in each other, along with an insanely hot physical connection and a lovely, growing emotional bond.
This is not a fun college. "Washing out" here could mean something for more alarming than an "F." But between deep friendships and heartbreaking betrayals, Kon and Mariya's journey to a happy end - liberally sprinkled with red-hot moments - is a wonderful, exciting read. This is such a compelling story that I finished it in one sitting.
This is not a fun college. "Washing out" here could mean something for more alarming than an "F." But between deep friendships and heartbreaking betrayals, Kon and Mariya's journey to a happy end - liberally sprinkled with red-hot moments - is a wonderful, exciting read. This is such a compelling story that I finished it in one sitting.
January 9, 2024
Mariya and Kon were arrainged to be married by the bratva parents, only attending the Ares Academy Kon hadnt made any good impressions, but after one moment together and a disasterous morning after could Kon and Mariya ever go the distance, let alone the mysterous hapenings at Ares? well written engaging, college, mafia/bratva, desires, action, drama and more a great addition to the series.
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.
January 15, 2024
Another awesome book
This is the 2nd book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The h and H are engaged, their engagement brokers and alliance between the families. They have a love hate relationship. The plot is great, there’s multiple murders, attempted murders, betrayal and hot sex. The characters are funny, witty and dangerous. I couldn’t put it down. Great epilogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the 2nd book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The h and H are engaged, their engagement brokers and alliance between the families. They have a love hate relationship. The plot is great, there’s multiple murders, attempted murders, betrayal and hot sex. The characters are funny, witty and dangerous. I couldn’t put it down. Great epilogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 21, 2024
Malice by Arianna Fraser is Book 2 of The Ares Academy Saga. This is the story of Konstantin 'Kon' and Mariya. Kon and Mariya's bratva parents have set an arrangement up for them to marry and build bigger ties. But they both are attending The Ares Academy where they seem to be at each other throats making this possible arrange married in trouble. Enjoyed
January 16, 2024
Loved this series!!
I can honestly say there's very little I didn't love about Malice. They were both strong loving individuals especially during very stressful times. Strong storyline, lots of action and just enough romance to keep turning pages. Perilous is all cued up!!
I can honestly say there's very little I didn't love about Malice. They were both strong loving individuals especially during very stressful times. Strong storyline, lots of action and just enough romance to keep turning pages. Perilous is all cued up!!
January 16, 2024
I have loved this series!!! But I have been patiently waiting for Kon & Mariah’s story!!! And it definitely did not disappoint. I was not expecting what happened but loved how their love story came together.
January 20, 2024
True Love
Konstantin and Mariya were made for each other and they both knew that. I enjoyed this book from the love to the fighting. I enjoyed guessing myself who the bad guys really were. I wish the bad ones were actually named though. Still an awesome read!!
Konstantin and Mariya were made for each other and they both knew that. I enjoyed this book from the love to the fighting. I enjoyed guessing myself who the bad guys really were. I wish the bad ones were actually named though. Still an awesome read!!
January 12, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Konstantin and Mariya
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Sub Genre- College Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋. Give me a B! Give me a D! Give me an S! Give me an M!
Series? Y
Safety- Y. No cheating or S.A. There are other…
Triggers
Graphic Violence
Explicit Erotic Content
Language in Three Languages
Unnecessary Footwear Destruction.
Tropes-
Arranged Marriage (Engagement Edition)
Love to Hate You
Forced Proximity
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Bratva
Badsass Grandpa (some review sites have a surprising definition of what constitutes profanity)
Badsass Heroine
Antihero
Heroic Last Stand
Mewsings
What I liked- this book had both Arm P rn and Arms P rn. And Lucca is going to have to share me, because Konstantin is the newest addition to my Book Boyfriend Harem (Hizem? Whatevs.) I guess I have a weak spot for the Masshole type, or maybe it’s the way he fought against his love for Mariya (then the Grand Gesture! *swoon*). Or maybe I just want him for his weapons stash. The zexytime scenes! *fans self* All hot, and again with an incredibly steamy greenhouse scene. The plot kept me absolutely riveted, with lots of action and a healthy amount of suspense. The Heroic Last Stand was incredible. I was hating that it came to an end, and lo and behold, there was a link to a Bonus Epilogue… and there was much rejoicing on my part.
What I didn’t like- the wanton destruction of really, really good footwear… those were Gucci, and they were #goals. I'm calling off tomorrow to mourn them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Konstantin and Mariya
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Sub Genre- College Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋. Give me a B! Give me a D! Give me an S! Give me an M!
Series? Y
Safety- Y. No cheating or S.A. There are other…
Triggers
Graphic Violence
Explicit Erotic Content
Language in Three Languages
Unnecessary Footwear Destruction.
Tropes-
Arranged Marriage (Engagement Edition)
Love to Hate You
Forced Proximity
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Bratva
Badsass Grandpa (some review sites have a surprising definition of what constitutes profanity)
Badsass Heroine
Antihero
Heroic Last Stand
Mewsings
What I liked- this book had both Arm P rn and Arms P rn. And Lucca is going to have to share me, because Konstantin is the newest addition to my Book Boyfriend Harem (Hizem? Whatevs.) I guess I have a weak spot for the Masshole type, or maybe it’s the way he fought against his love for Mariya (then the Grand Gesture! *swoon*). Or maybe I just want him for his weapons stash. The zexytime scenes! *fans self* All hot, and again with an incredibly steamy greenhouse scene. The plot kept me absolutely riveted, with lots of action and a healthy amount of suspense. The Heroic Last Stand was incredible. I was hating that it came to an end, and lo and behold, there was a link to a Bonus Epilogue… and there was much rejoicing on my part.
What I didn’t like- the wanton destruction of really, really good footwear… those were Gucci, and they were #goals. I'm calling off tomorrow to mourn them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
Now he does!! By MeemsAngel82
Yesss! Book two of this AMAZING series is here and I was so excited because everything leads up to these books. Never fear they can definitely be read as a standalone but why oh why when you can have more fun and read them all? Now the argumentative nature of our main couple in this book was already hot and now the time has come to have these two finally give in to their amazing chemistry. And boy did they! Of course nothing is without it's complications and these two definitely had their fair share.
Looking back on events, they were going to always come together but now that they did...the fall out has arrived.
What a fun way to tell their side. I usually don't like the back and forth between present and past but it was done so right here. And my goodness as armed as they were of course things got even more dangerous! Their families are fierce and mean business but are so romantic all the same. And the side characters. Omg, Lucca! I was rolling on the floor laughing. The mouth on him, super happy he was of course in this book as well. Kon...now he has his bonehead moments but at the end you could feel their attraction. Marry away brother!! Sigh. He was an idiot at times but never fear because you know all will be right. This was a romance that had emotions and fun and laughter. A great group that I am absolutely loving!! Another hit and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yesss! Book two of this AMAZING series is here and I was so excited because everything leads up to these books. Never fear they can definitely be read as a standalone but why oh why when you can have more fun and read them all? Now the argumentative nature of our main couple in this book was already hot and now the time has come to have these two finally give in to their amazing chemistry. And boy did they! Of course nothing is without it's complications and these two definitely had their fair share.
Looking back on events, they were going to always come together but now that they did...the fall out has arrived.
What a fun way to tell their side. I usually don't like the back and forth between present and past but it was done so right here. And my goodness as armed as they were of course things got even more dangerous! Their families are fierce and mean business but are so romantic all the same. And the side characters. Omg, Lucca! I was rolling on the floor laughing. The mouth on him, super happy he was of course in this book as well. Kon...now he has his bonehead moments but at the end you could feel their attraction. Marry away brother!! Sigh. He was an idiot at times but never fear because you know all will be right. This was a romance that had emotions and fun and laughter. A great group that I am absolutely loving!! Another hit and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
I'm sorry but what parent in their right mind would send their kids to this school? It's unsecure, the Dean has much too much power over the heirs of the underworld that I can't see her getting away with the punishments she doles out.
That said, the stand out part of this book was that Mariya didn't subvert all of her self respect to "body betrayal syndrome" and jump into bed with Kon no matter how badly he behaved. He messed up and she actually stepped back and ignored him until he figured it out. And figure it out, because he was forced to actually do some soul searching and have some personality growth, he did.
That said, the stand out part of this book was that Mariya didn't subvert all of her self respect to "body betrayal syndrome" and jump into bed with Kon no matter how badly he behaved. He messed up and she actually stepped back and ignored him until he figured it out. And figure it out, because he was forced to actually do some soul searching and have some personality growth, he did.
July 8, 2024
excellent read
Really enjoyed this book, it follows on from lucca and titiana story and unfolds the love hate relationship on kon and mariya. From a young age they were engaged through the families arranged marriage and subconsciously they push back in every way, until the realisation that they love each other and kon finally stops being stubborn and proud and realisies what he was losing. The end is dramatic and exciting and the whole book was very well done. The hot and steamy kept you on your toes curling and the emotions of all for of the main characters really speak to you. An excellent book and storyline. Well worth a reading binge.
Really enjoyed this book, it follows on from lucca and titiana story and unfolds the love hate relationship on kon and mariya. From a young age they were engaged through the families arranged marriage and subconsciously they push back in every way, until the realisation that they love each other and kon finally stops being stubborn and proud and realisies what he was losing. The end is dramatic and exciting and the whole book was very well done. The hot and steamy kept you on your toes curling and the emotions of all for of the main characters really speak to you. An excellent book and storyline. Well worth a reading binge.
April 28, 2025
MALICE, book 2 of The Ares Academy by Arianna Frasers
Troupe: Bratva arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, Konstantin and Mariya, both are fiercely strong, independent and stubborn, sizzling attraction, the Ares Academy not just an ordinary university, deep friendship, heartbreaking betrayals, conspiracy, hidden enemies, attacks, murdered students.
Arianna Fraser is a gifted writer for using her imagination to write hot dark romances about infuriatingly stubborn heroines and their cunning or anti-heroes.
Troupe: Bratva arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, Konstantin and Mariya, both are fiercely strong, independent and stubborn, sizzling attraction, the Ares Academy not just an ordinary university, deep friendship, heartbreaking betrayals, conspiracy, hidden enemies, attacks, murdered students.
Arianna Fraser is a gifted writer for using her imagination to write hot dark romances about infuriatingly stubborn heroines and their cunning or anti-heroes.
September 20, 2025
great read!
Kon and Mariya are betrothed young. Then they attend the same Ares academy learning more about their respective roles within their crime families. But Kon comes across as arrogant, demanding and pushy, making Mariya hate him to the point where she doesn’t want to marry him anymore. This makes Kon wake up! He shows her who he really is and why he wants her. All while battling an unknown enemy bent on killing them all! Loved it!
Kon and Mariya are betrothed young. Then they attend the same Ares academy learning more about their respective roles within their crime families. But Kon comes across as arrogant, demanding and pushy, making Mariya hate him to the point where she doesn’t want to marry him anymore. This makes Kon wake up! He shows her who he really is and why he wants her. All while battling an unknown enemy bent on killing them all! Loved it!
March 18, 2024
Oh love
I have loved every story connected with the academy. Giovanni and dario were so good. Then, of course, lucca n now Konstantine. I love this author. With angst and drama quickly solved but love n sexy times slow. N how the characters are intertwined. These are some of my fav books. N lots of HEA.
I have loved every story connected with the academy. Giovanni and dario were so good. Then, of course, lucca n now Konstantine. I love this author. With angst and drama quickly solved but love n sexy times slow. N how the characters are intertwined. These are some of my fav books. N lots of HEA.
January 26, 2024
I enjoyed Mariya and Kon’s story. It was an intriguing and engaging read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 4, 2025
DNF…I was just not into this one as much as the first. I felt like it was a lot of telling what was happening instead of feeling like I was “in” the story 🤷🏻♀️
March 16, 2024
Another good read.
So far, I love this series. I love the dynamics between the main characters and supporting cast. The storyline is great. The spice is spicy. But all the mystery to all the bad stuff going on and not knowing who is behind it.
So far, I love this series. I love the dynamics between the main characters and supporting cast. The storyline is great. The spice is spicy. But all the mystery to all the bad stuff going on and not knowing who is behind it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews