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Melnikov Bratva #4
Paved in Hate
First comes hate,
second comes a forced marriage,
and third comes bringing Vitaly Melnikov to his knees.
Vitaly:
I’m used to women wanting me, not hating me,
but my wife looks at me like she’s hoping my next breath will be my last.
Our marriage wasn’t by choice, but when I vowed to be her husband, I meant it.
I never go back on my word, so we’re married whether she likes it or not.
At least for the moment.
The plan was for me to stay married until we got what we needed from her brothers.
As long as I don’t touch her, we can annul this unfortunate blip on my bachelor timeline.
The problem is she looks sweet, and she smells sweet, and then I risk everything and take a taste.
Now I’m addicted and in way over my head.
Katya:
My brother is head of the Lebedev Bratva,
and he’s just offered me to Vitaly Melnikov.
It’s a marriage that will unite our families,
but it’s not what I want.
I don’t care how incredibly good looking my new husband is—I don’t trust him.
I tell myself I can resist him, but the man is talented in ways I never dreamed, and my restraint is slipping fast.
Before I know it, I’m begging for more and falling hard for the husband I swore I’d never want.
This is the fourth book in a 5-book series. Each book will feature a different brother, and although each love story will be complete, the storyline started in the first book will not be completed until book 5. These books should be read in order.
WARNING: This is a very steamy dark Bratva romance, and it does contain triggering content. Please see warning at beginning of novel and read responsibly.
second comes a forced marriage,
and third comes bringing Vitaly Melnikov to his knees.
Vitaly:
I’m used to women wanting me, not hating me,
but my wife looks at me like she’s hoping my next breath will be my last.
Our marriage wasn’t by choice, but when I vowed to be her husband, I meant it.
I never go back on my word, so we’re married whether she likes it or not.
At least for the moment.
The plan was for me to stay married until we got what we needed from her brothers.
As long as I don’t touch her, we can annul this unfortunate blip on my bachelor timeline.
The problem is she looks sweet, and she smells sweet, and then I risk everything and take a taste.
Now I’m addicted and in way over my head.
Katya:
My brother is head of the Lebedev Bratva,
and he’s just offered me to Vitaly Melnikov.
It’s a marriage that will unite our families,
but it’s not what I want.
I don’t care how incredibly good looking my new husband is—I don’t trust him.
I tell myself I can resist him, but the man is talented in ways I never dreamed, and my restraint is slipping fast.
Before I know it, I’m begging for more and falling hard for the husband I swore I’d never want.
This is the fourth book in a 5-book series. Each book will feature a different brother, and although each love story will be complete, the storyline started in the first book will not be completed until book 5. These books should be read in order.
WARNING: This is a very steamy dark Bratva romance, and it does contain triggering content. Please see warning at beginning of novel and read responsibly.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2023
870 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
February 5, 2024
2☆ *Sigh* Did I read the same book as everyone else? Hmmm. It was actually my first completed ARC review, so trial by fire I guess.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story and the initial stages of Vitaly and Katya figuring each other out and learning to trust. However, it all went downhill in the second half, and I kept waiting for more to happen to reengage me. But it never did.
The author did a good job of conveying the absolute hell Katya grew up in, raised by “sadistic rapists,” her 2 older brothers. The only saving grace was that they never hurt her physically. But using the pain of other women (slaves) to keep her in line…sickening. I liked seeing how warmly she was accepted into her new found family, and Vitaly’s pointless (pretty brief) struggle to resist her. I appreciated how gentle and patient he was with her as he assured her no one would ever hurt her—that they didn’t hurt women, period. Her hesitant relief as she began to observe actual love and affection within the couples around her (for the first time ever) definitely had me in my feels.
After this period things became simultaneously instalovey (with WEIRD timing) as well as slow and repetitive and just…disappointing. I think the book would be improved if it were tighter and about 30% shorter—so a novella I guess. There was a ton of unnecessary repetition of the same thoughts (in the same words) over and over again from both Katya and Vitaly’s POV. Which did nothing to convince me of the love they confessed all of a sudden—once Katya shows up at Vitaly’s oh-so-classy (congratulations) strip club, which was just odd, after he’s been living there for 3 days avoiding her. What…? Now you love her? And then the constant repetition of that; just because you say I love you doesn’t make it seem authentic on its own. Vitaly supposedly has never even spent an entire evening with a woman, much less dated one or considered it. Yet he has no issue gushing about how much he loves Katya over and over again after very little time, because…wait why? Not believable, and this isn’t even a campy instalove novella, so it just doesn’t work.
Another major issue is that this did not feel like a mafia/bratva book, because where were they? Felt cheated of that supposed trope. The communal penthouse vibes feel like rich fraternity brothers living with their girls, not Made Men with supposed designs on taking over the bratva someday. They call “the guys” a couple times to watch over their wives, but that’s about it. Seems more like wealthy young people with bodyguards. There is little drama having to do with (organized) crime; it seemed to only be about killing guys who pissed them off, because they got off on it.
Many times I felt Vitaly sounded much too young and immature, even for a 27 year old, and particularly when he was attempting dirty talk with Katya. And the constant 4-5 orgasms in like 2 minutes was just too much. Over and over and OVER. I’m all for plenty of spice and even some fun idealizing of things at times…because romance. But I’ve gotta believe it just enough to enjoy it. We ladies don’t sport a red button that automatically causes an explosion every 30 seconds just ‘cuz you care.
Finally, and most offensively, I could not understand why on earth, after seeing Alina’s condition (his adopted sister) as an abused sex slave up close, Vitaly would immediately go home and decide to literally celebrate his wedding belatedly with his wife and brothers. The WHOLE POINT, the central driving force of the novel, has supposedly been to find and rescue Alina. Which they’re planning to do the next day, so their focus would be on planning and preparing, not staging a pretend wedding for better photos. What the actual….? Maybe the author couldn’t figure out how to end her book and thought there should be a party to make it feel like HEA? 🤷🏻♀️
There was just too much here that I couldn’t buy, especially as it continued without improvement throughout the book. After enjoying the beginning, it was very difficult to get through the last 100 pages or so. Bummer.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story and the initial stages of Vitaly and Katya figuring each other out and learning to trust. However, it all went downhill in the second half, and I kept waiting for more to happen to reengage me. But it never did.
The author did a good job of conveying the absolute hell Katya grew up in, raised by “sadistic rapists,” her 2 older brothers. The only saving grace was that they never hurt her physically. But using the pain of other women (slaves) to keep her in line…sickening. I liked seeing how warmly she was accepted into her new found family, and Vitaly’s pointless (pretty brief) struggle to resist her. I appreciated how gentle and patient he was with her as he assured her no one would ever hurt her—that they didn’t hurt women, period. Her hesitant relief as she began to observe actual love and affection within the couples around her (for the first time ever) definitely had me in my feels.
After this period things became simultaneously instalovey (with WEIRD timing) as well as slow and repetitive and just…disappointing. I think the book would be improved if it were tighter and about 30% shorter—so a novella I guess. There was a ton of unnecessary repetition of the same thoughts (in the same words) over and over again from both Katya and Vitaly’s POV. Which did nothing to convince me of the love they confessed all of a sudden—once Katya shows up at Vitaly’s oh-so-classy (congratulations) strip club, which was just odd, after he’s been living there for 3 days avoiding her. What…? Now you love her? And then the constant repetition of that; just because you say I love you doesn’t make it seem authentic on its own. Vitaly supposedly has never even spent an entire evening with a woman, much less dated one or considered it. Yet he has no issue gushing about how much he loves Katya over and over again after very little time, because…wait why? Not believable, and this isn’t even a campy instalove novella, so it just doesn’t work.
Another major issue is that this did not feel like a mafia/bratva book, because where were they? Felt cheated of that supposed trope. The communal penthouse vibes feel like rich fraternity brothers living with their girls, not Made Men with supposed designs on taking over the bratva someday. They call “the guys” a couple times to watch over their wives, but that’s about it. Seems more like wealthy young people with bodyguards. There is little drama having to do with (organized) crime; it seemed to only be about killing guys who pissed them off, because they got off on it.
Many times I felt Vitaly sounded much too young and immature, even for a 27 year old, and particularly when he was attempting dirty talk with Katya. And the constant 4-5 orgasms in like 2 minutes was just too much. Over and over and OVER. I’m all for plenty of spice and even some fun idealizing of things at times…because romance. But I’ve gotta believe it just enough to enjoy it. We ladies don’t sport a red button that automatically causes an explosion every 30 seconds just ‘cuz you care.
Finally, and most offensively, I could not understand why on earth, after seeing Alina’s condition (his adopted sister) as an abused sex slave up close, Vitaly would immediately go home and decide to literally celebrate his wedding belatedly with his wife and brothers. The WHOLE POINT, the central driving force of the novel, has supposedly been to find and rescue Alina. Which they’re planning to do the next day, so their focus would be on planning and preparing, not staging a pretend wedding for better photos. What the actual….? Maybe the author couldn’t figure out how to end her book and thought there should be a party to make it feel like HEA? 🤷🏻♀️
There was just too much here that I couldn’t buy, especially as it continued without improvement throughout the book. After enjoying the beginning, it was very difficult to get through the last 100 pages or so. Bummer.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
This belonged in wattpad.
December 7, 2023
4.5 stars!!
So this was the book we were all dreading! All being the few people on my Goodreads friends list but still we were all dreading it because Vitaly was the biggest manwhore to ever manwhore. For real he was bad the first two books but I did notice that in Lev’s book nothing was mentioned at all about him being with a woman and I appreciated that.
The only time we see him mentioning women is in the prologue which is a couple years before the present time. He doesn’t do anything with anyone because he promised Alina he would spend time with her on her bday.
We get to the present time where he has to marry the sister of the men who trafficked Alina in order to get closer to them. This is an arranged marriage set up by Katya’s brothers who are seriously the most awful human beings. Vitaly plans on marrying her and then annulling it once he’s killed her brothers but that plan changes quickly!
Vitaly has no idea what she looks like until he pulls up her veil to seal their marriage with a kiss. But once he’s sees her he’s hooked. I loved how even though she was the sister of the enemy he never treated her as such. I mean he could have been as asshole which I was expecting but Vitaly was SOO DAMN SWEET to her from beginning to end. I loved how preceptive he was. Like he could tell how terrified she was of her brothers and when some of his actions made her scared or upset he felt so bad about it. (Not that he did anything terrible)
I wouldn’t say there was OW drama per se just some girls being catty at the club he owns but he didn’t hesitate to put them in their place. Letting them know they would be dealt with (permanently) if they ever disrespected his wife again. And I loved that he fell first. He said I love you to her many times before she finally said it back because she didn’t know what to make of him.
I usually hate the virgin/manwhore trope but I feel like the type of character Katya was, was perfect for Vitaly. I’m glad she wasn’t super feisty or always fighting him but instead this Innocent, sweet girl. Her being that way just showed us how amazing Vitaly could be with this vulnerable girl. He was so damn possessive too. I loved it!! Also he doesn’t see any other woman besides his wife. From the time they get married he doesn’t even think about going to anyone else or cheating on her even though he didn’t want to marry her. He’s all about her. He also wasn’t thinking about past women he’s been with. He thinks a few times “oh I’ve never done this but I do it for Katya” but never anything in detail.
We also got to see what Alina is going through and damn it’s heartbreaking. I feel so awful for not only her but for Matvey!! He’s trying so hard to hold onto his sanity. I was sooo freaking happy when he said he’s never even looked at another woman. I was praying he hadn’t been with anyone else and that was really nice to see. He said Alina was the only woman to ever touch him!!
This would have been a full 5 stars but AGAIN the sex scenes were so excessive. Like I know, I KNOW I say this on every single review of every book of hers but omg can we not have 10 sex scenes in a book where the shortest one is seven minutes long. I mean several scenes where they take up a whole chapter that’s 20 MINUTES long is just way too much!! I can’t imagine there being that many in the next book seeing what Alina is going through so I really hope it’s toned down a little.
NO CHEATING
VERY VERY LIGHT OW DRAMA
VITALY PUNCHES A GUY WHO TOUCHES HIS WIFE
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
SEX TRAFFICKING
TORTURE
MURDER
So this was the book we were all dreading! All being the few people on my Goodreads friends list but still we were all dreading it because Vitaly was the biggest manwhore to ever manwhore. For real he was bad the first two books but I did notice that in Lev’s book nothing was mentioned at all about him being with a woman and I appreciated that.
The only time we see him mentioning women is in the prologue which is a couple years before the present time. He doesn’t do anything with anyone because he promised Alina he would spend time with her on her bday.
We get to the present time where he has to marry the sister of the men who trafficked Alina in order to get closer to them. This is an arranged marriage set up by Katya’s brothers who are seriously the most awful human beings. Vitaly plans on marrying her and then annulling it once he’s killed her brothers but that plan changes quickly!
Vitaly has no idea what she looks like until he pulls up her veil to seal their marriage with a kiss. But once he’s sees her he’s hooked. I loved how even though she was the sister of the enemy he never treated her as such. I mean he could have been as asshole which I was expecting but Vitaly was SOO DAMN SWEET to her from beginning to end. I loved how preceptive he was. Like he could tell how terrified she was of her brothers and when some of his actions made her scared or upset he felt so bad about it. (Not that he did anything terrible)
I wouldn’t say there was OW drama per se just some girls being catty at the club he owns but he didn’t hesitate to put them in their place. Letting them know they would be dealt with (permanently) if they ever disrespected his wife again. And I loved that he fell first. He said I love you to her many times before she finally said it back because she didn’t know what to make of him.
I usually hate the virgin/manwhore trope but I feel like the type of character Katya was, was perfect for Vitaly. I’m glad she wasn’t super feisty or always fighting him but instead this Innocent, sweet girl. Her being that way just showed us how amazing Vitaly could be with this vulnerable girl. He was so damn possessive too. I loved it!! Also he doesn’t see any other woman besides his wife. From the time they get married he doesn’t even think about going to anyone else or cheating on her even though he didn’t want to marry her. He’s all about her. He also wasn’t thinking about past women he’s been with. He thinks a few times “oh I’ve never done this but I do it for Katya” but never anything in detail.
We also got to see what Alina is going through and damn it’s heartbreaking. I feel so awful for not only her but for Matvey!! He’s trying so hard to hold onto his sanity. I was sooo freaking happy when he said he’s never even looked at another woman. I was praying he hadn’t been with anyone else and that was really nice to see. He said Alina was the only woman to ever touch him!!
This would have been a full 5 stars but AGAIN the sex scenes were so excessive. Like I know, I KNOW I say this on every single review of every book of hers but omg can we not have 10 sex scenes in a book where the shortest one is seven minutes long. I mean several scenes where they take up a whole chapter that’s 20 MINUTES long is just way too much!! I can’t imagine there being that many in the next book seeing what Alina is going through so I really hope it’s toned down a little.
NO CHEATING
VERY VERY LIGHT OW DRAMA
VITALY PUNCHES A GUY WHO TOUCHES HIS WIFE
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
SEX TRAFFICKING
TORTURE
MURDER
July 12, 2024
No estuvo tan mal
November 4, 2025
2.75✨’s
Vitaly + Katya’s love story
🩷’d:
•the bonus epilogue☺️
⚠️ + Info:
- Instalove
- Dual POV
- Arranged Marriage
- Virgin h🍒 & H was a shameless sluuuuut before meeting h.
- Push away from both: ended @ chp.8
- Murder
- Torture
- Mentions of: drug use, r@pe & sex trafficking
- Separation: H ignores h for 3 days
- OMD: man @ club grabs h’s wrist and H knocks him out
- OWD🙄😒: OW boasts about sleeping w/ H, tries to get him to remember & then is rude to h but H handles her.
- No: cheating, sharing, or 3rd act break up
- Side characters: The brothers and their wives🩷
- HEA: Married & have a baby OTW.
Vitaly + Katya’s love story
🩷’d:
•the bonus epilogue☺️
⚠️ + Info:
- Instalove
- Dual POV
- Arranged Marriage
- Virgin h🍒 & H was a shameless sluuuuut before meeting h.
- Push away from both: ended @ chp.8
- Murder
- Torture
- Mentions of: drug use, r@pe & sex trafficking
- Separation: H ignores h for 3 days
- OMD: man @ club grabs h’s wrist and H knocks him out
- OWD🙄😒: OW boasts about sleeping w/ H, tries to get him to remember & then is rude to h but H handles her.
- No: cheating, sharing, or 3rd act break up
- Side characters: The brothers and their wives🩷
- HEA: Married & have a baby OTW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
The 5 brothers are getting closer to finding Alina, but they need more. A marriage between the Melnikov bratva and the Lebedev bratva is demanded by the monsters who ripped their Alina from their lives. Vitaly Melnikov can’t do anything but agree for the sake of his sister.
Marriage equals doomsday for both mc’s, but for different reasons. But when Katya’s brothers are no longer needed alive, they’ll just get an annulment.
This is the fourth book in an interconnected series that should be read in order.
- Dark romance
- Mafia (very unbelievable)
- Forced marriage
- Morally grey, ott, obsessed hero
- Virgin heroine
- Insta love
- Sheltered heroine
- Hero has slept with A LOT of people(but never looks at anyone after seeing the heroine)
- Found family
CW/TW: Sex trafficking, misogynistic language and views(not from the brothers), violence, murder, torture, drug addiction, abuse
“So fucking innocent,”
I want this little cunt bloody from my thick cock. I want the proof of her innocence written all over my dick.
“Your innocence is painted all over my dick, ptichka, and it’s the sexiest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen.” While I can understand ”I love that I’m your first”, I do not fuck with this. Immediate ick. You sound like a predator.
“Such a caveman,” I say, but I’m smiling too big to sound angry. The truth is I like it when he goes all alpha male on me. Someone using the words ”alpha male” makes me want to puke. And when your ”caveman” says you’re not allowed to do things.. you’re supposed to tell him to fuck off.
That’s what I hated most about all the couples not using condoms. The men went for the ”you could be pregnant, so you’re not allowed to put yourself in danger” excuse every damn time. I would have loved to see the fmc’s being more involved in getting Alina back. The first and second fmc (Emily & Simona) were involved in their own books but it went downhill from there. I wanted power couples, not baby makers.
“Hey, you seemed to really like my pancakes this morning.”
“I did. You’re one hell of a microwaver.” Beside Vitaly’s questionable quotes further above, I liked him. He was funny, sweet and protective of his wife. Katya was a sweetheart. She really deserved a family that cared about her.
And despite the heavy subjects, this series is quite fun. I love the family dynamics and the brothers banter.
Chapter 11... IT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES
3 stars
Marriage equals doomsday for both mc’s, but for different reasons. But when Katya’s brothers are no longer needed alive, they’ll just get an annulment.
This is the fourth book in an interconnected series that should be read in order.
- Dark romance
- Mafia (very unbelievable)
- Forced marriage
- Morally grey, ott, obsessed hero
- Virgin heroine
- Insta love
- Sheltered heroine
- Hero has slept with A LOT of people(but never looks at anyone after seeing the heroine)
- Found family
CW/TW: Sex trafficking, misogynistic language and views(not from the brothers), violence, murder, torture, drug addiction, abuse
“So fucking innocent,”
I want this little cunt bloody from my thick cock. I want the proof of her innocence written all over my dick.
“Your innocence is painted all over my dick, ptichka, and it’s the sexiest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen.” While I can understand ”I love that I’m your first”, I do not fuck with this. Immediate ick. You sound like a predator.
“Such a caveman,” I say, but I’m smiling too big to sound angry. The truth is I like it when he goes all alpha male on me. Someone using the words ”alpha male” makes me want to puke. And when your ”caveman” says you’re not allowed to do things.. you’re supposed to tell him to fuck off.
That’s what I hated most about all the couples not using condoms. The men went for the ”you could be pregnant, so you’re not allowed to put yourself in danger” excuse every damn time. I would have loved to see the fmc’s being more involved in getting Alina back. The first and second fmc (Emily & Simona) were involved in their own books but it went downhill from there. I wanted power couples, not baby makers.
“Hey, you seemed to really like my pancakes this morning.”
“I did. You’re one hell of a microwaver.” Beside Vitaly’s questionable quotes further above, I liked him. He was funny, sweet and protective of his wife. Katya was a sweetheart. She really deserved a family that cared about her.
And despite the heavy subjects, this series is quite fun. I love the family dynamics and the brothers banter.
Chapter 11... IT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES
3 stars
March 16, 2024
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Overall: 3.75-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 3.75-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
September 3, 2024
“Paved in Hate” is the story of Katya and Vitaly.
A marriage of convenience story between the hero and the heroine who is directly related to the mystery of missing Alina. Loads of drama and sexy moments in this one, and the main couple has a convincing hea. I just can’t wait for next one.
Safe
3/5
A marriage of convenience story between the hero and the heroine who is directly related to the mystery of missing Alina. Loads of drama and sexy moments in this one, and the main couple has a convincing hea. I just can’t wait for next one.
Safe
3/5
January 30, 2025
Book 4 literally is book 1,2 & 3 but with different MC’s!
Here’s how the story goes….
Day 1 - meet a virgin
Day 2 - Fall in love with said virgin
Day 3 - Fuck her in the ass
Add in lots of sex & finish off with a pregnancy & that’s the book finished!
I’m just reading for Matvey now! Well done to the author who wrote 4 books with one single template…genius!
Here’s how the story goes….
Day 1 - meet a virgin
Day 2 - Fall in love with said virgin
Day 3 - Fuck her in the ass
Add in lots of sex & finish off with a pregnancy & that’s the book finished!
I’m just reading for Matvey now! Well done to the author who wrote 4 books with one single template…genius!
February 29, 2024
favourite
This one is my new favourite for sure. I’m so happy. No hard core stuff in this book, more easygoing, I guess to ready for the last book that I’m sure will make me hurt.
This one is my new favourite for sure. I’m so happy. No hard core stuff in this book, more easygoing, I guess to ready for the last book that I’m sure will make me hurt.
February 19, 2025
3.75 porque no me gustó tanto como el de roman y lev pero POR FIN avanzan con alina. el siguiente me va a destrozar pero qué ganas de leerlo ya
December 1, 2023
Oh my heart!
Katya is shy, sweet, and brave. She has grown up under Osip and Konstatine’s thumb as an invisible sister but one who has also faced silent danger from her brothers. She has been forced to ignore her surroundings in order to protect others but she also has remained aware of what’s happening even while she is been closed off from their business Katya can also be sassy and openly communicates her thoughts and feelings. She is also an artist.
Vitaly is charming and always brings the humor. Like his brothers, he watches out for those important to him and stands by his morals and principles. I found myself laughing or smiling a lot in this book seeing the dynamic he brings and the chemistry he has with them. He also is the closest to Matvey, and tends to understand him the best. We also see how much of a big brother he can be with Jolene which we gets some flashbacks with him and Alina. He hoped to remain perpetually a bachelor and just be the best uncle, but he falls hard.
Vitaly and Katya! They might start off rough, with Katya believing she is marrying someone unsavory as a business alliance for her brothers and Vitaly not wanting the married life and not believing his growing feelings. However, he quickly warms up to her and over time shows Katya that he can be trusted. He is a big softie for her and will do anything to keep her out of harm’s way and to provide for her. These two definitely find moments for heart to hearts and share laughter along the way. We can really feel how much they come to care for each other, and their relationship feels like a cozy blanket. We definitely cheer for them and whoop when we see them grow closer and closer.
Moreover, we continue the overarching plot of the series of taking down the Lebedev Bratva and finding Alina. The twists are definitely unexpected and I’m glad the author continues to instill hope even in dreary times. There are moments that will tug at the heart strings and gut you but also simultaneously firing you up and giving you faith that all will work out. We also get more scenes with how close the Mevbedev family is, including appearances from their wives and news of good things to come. This series definitely leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy at times and it really feels like home.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I look forward to Matvey and Alina’s story!
Katya is shy, sweet, and brave. She has grown up under Osip and Konstatine’s thumb as an invisible sister but one who has also faced silent danger from her brothers. She has been forced to ignore her surroundings in order to protect others but she also has remained aware of what’s happening even while she is been closed off from their business Katya can also be sassy and openly communicates her thoughts and feelings. She is also an artist.
Vitaly is charming and always brings the humor. Like his brothers, he watches out for those important to him and stands by his morals and principles. I found myself laughing or smiling a lot in this book seeing the dynamic he brings and the chemistry he has with them. He also is the closest to Matvey, and tends to understand him the best. We also see how much of a big brother he can be with Jolene which we gets some flashbacks with him and Alina. He hoped to remain perpetually a bachelor and just be the best uncle, but he falls hard.
Vitaly and Katya! They might start off rough, with Katya believing she is marrying someone unsavory as a business alliance for her brothers and Vitaly not wanting the married life and not believing his growing feelings. However, he quickly warms up to her and over time shows Katya that he can be trusted. He is a big softie for her and will do anything to keep her out of harm’s way and to provide for her. These two definitely find moments for heart to hearts and share laughter along the way. We can really feel how much they come to care for each other, and their relationship feels like a cozy blanket. We definitely cheer for them and whoop when we see them grow closer and closer.
Moreover, we continue the overarching plot of the series of taking down the Lebedev Bratva and finding Alina. The twists are definitely unexpected and I’m glad the author continues to instill hope even in dreary times. There are moments that will tug at the heart strings and gut you but also simultaneously firing you up and giving you faith that all will work out. We also get more scenes with how close the Mevbedev family is, including appearances from their wives and news of good things to come. This series definitely leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy at times and it really feels like home.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I look forward to Matvey and Alina’s story!
August 17, 2025
Yo lo decía que ellos 5 hasta ahora Vitaly siempre sería mi fav. 😂🤭 que mucho me reído desde el primer libro!
March 28, 2024
was okay.
The only reason I'm reading till the end is due to my wanting to find out what happens with Alina and Matvey. These books are repetitive and follow same story (vitaly was an ok character) but it's like they have no substance.the book is 50% spice scenes that are basically cut n paste from previous books. Theres so many it's like page filling.
The overuse of the G**Dam* word was ridiculous. By half way thru this book I was counting it and saying to myself'there it is' every time I saw it. . At least once in every page was GD this GD that...in every book!! It's almost a game to count the phrase now. Same with 'adorable'. It's the most overused word in spicy books. And personally I've never met a man who says it.
The FMC always are turned into caricatures of the strong female. Virgin, innocent, within 3 days it's insta love for both. Within a day or two it's virginity lost, and the 'trifecta' achieved. Pregnant by a month and MMCs that carry their women around, feed and pamper them like two year olds and not adults. Patronised and patted on the head with lots of head kisses and hands on pregnant bellies.
The books themselves are ok. But it's just so same old with the men and their women. There could have been so much more done with these interesting and seemingly one dimensional characters, especially given the background of trafficking.
I'll read the last book but it's solely to finish the series. And probably count how many GDams are in this book too.
The only reason I'm reading till the end is due to my wanting to find out what happens with Alina and Matvey. These books are repetitive and follow same story (vitaly was an ok character) but it's like they have no substance.the book is 50% spice scenes that are basically cut n paste from previous books. Theres so many it's like page filling.
The overuse of the G**Dam* word was ridiculous. By half way thru this book I was counting it and saying to myself'there it is' every time I saw it. . At least once in every page was GD this GD that...in every book!! It's almost a game to count the phrase now. Same with 'adorable'. It's the most overused word in spicy books. And personally I've never met a man who says it.
The FMC always are turned into caricatures of the strong female. Virgin, innocent, within 3 days it's insta love for both. Within a day or two it's virginity lost, and the 'trifecta' achieved. Pregnant by a month and MMCs that carry their women around, feed and pamper them like two year olds and not adults. Patronised and patted on the head with lots of head kisses and hands on pregnant bellies.
The books themselves are ok. But it's just so same old with the men and their women. There could have been so much more done with these interesting and seemingly one dimensional characters, especially given the background of trafficking.
I'll read the last book but it's solely to finish the series. And probably count how many GDams are in this book too.
November 5, 2025
Rating - 3.5/5
Vitaly, the man you are 😭, and Katya, the way she blamed herself for everything her brothers have done, was not acceptable. I enjoyed the book; it was good, but I do prefer it if the leads didn't fall for each other that easily.
Finally, onto the last book, this will probably be my last read from Sonja. I enjoyed her books, but I can see similar patterns in each book, and I started to read her book because I wanted to read this series due to the hype that was surrounding it. I did start reading from Medvedev Bratva to get a whole picture. I truly enjoyed it, but due to the similarities in each book and the predictable plot, this will be the last series I'll read from Sonja, plus not a big fan of legacy books and the huge age gaps, more specifically when they have seen them grow up (i love an age gap book, especially if the FMC is 24+ atleast). I do wish Sonja all the best in the future and write what she loves.
Well, finally it's Matveyey book, can't believe it took me months to finish the last two books in the series, but I am determined to finish Paved in Fire today.
Vitaly, the man you are 😭, and Katya, the way she blamed herself for everything her brothers have done, was not acceptable. I enjoyed the book; it was good, but I do prefer it if the leads didn't fall for each other that easily.
Finally, onto the last book, this will probably be my last read from Sonja. I enjoyed her books, but I can see similar patterns in each book, and I started to read her book because I wanted to read this series due to the hype that was surrounding it. I did start reading from Medvedev Bratva to get a whole picture. I truly enjoyed it, but due to the similarities in each book and the predictable plot, this will be the last series I'll read from Sonja, plus not a big fan of legacy books and the huge age gaps, more specifically when they have seen them grow up (i love an age gap book, especially if the FMC is 24+ atleast). I do wish Sonja all the best in the future and write what she loves.
Well, finally it's Matveyey book, can't believe it took me months to finish the last two books in the series, but I am determined to finish Paved in Fire today.
December 19, 2023
I’ve had a December to remember and because is that I am late giving my review in a book that I have been super excited for! I have an arc for Paved In Hate by Sonja Grey, Author. Now this review is overdue and Sonja was gracious enough to allow me to more time. For that I thank her. I am almost never late for an arc review and I was dying to read Vitaly’s story.
This series has an overarching storyline that has me in a chοκεhοld. We are all waiting for Matvey and Alina to get their Hea. I have loved every one of the bothers but Vitaly is just so cute and he was the playboy of the group. He vowed to never settle down and get married but when faced with an arranged marriage he meets his match. Katya is adorable.
Sonja’s men are ott possessive and protective. They are bratva and enjoying taking out their enemies but they treat their women well.
The women aren’t huge resisters which I love. They aren’t too stuριd to live. All of her heroines are lovable and sensible.
This book leads us to Alina! The whole entire time the boys have been trying to find her and I balled. Cried and cried. I need to see Marvey and Alina happy. They have been through so much.
Sonja’s bratva bosses are br33ders and there is no holding back on getting their women pregnant asap. I loved that.
I can’t believe we are almost to the end. I have fallen in love with this family and don’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see Matvey and Alina get their HEA.
Watch the triggers for 🚦ing because it’s a huge part of the series. Also αβυδε. No ow drama , no cheating , and no sharing!
This series has an overarching storyline that has me in a chοκεhοld. We are all waiting for Matvey and Alina to get their Hea. I have loved every one of the bothers but Vitaly is just so cute and he was the playboy of the group. He vowed to never settle down and get married but when faced with an arranged marriage he meets his match. Katya is adorable.
Sonja’s men are ott possessive and protective. They are bratva and enjoying taking out their enemies but they treat their women well.
The women aren’t huge resisters which I love. They aren’t too stuριd to live. All of her heroines are lovable and sensible.
This book leads us to Alina! The whole entire time the boys have been trying to find her and I balled. Cried and cried. I need to see Marvey and Alina happy. They have been through so much.
Sonja’s bratva bosses are br33ders and there is no holding back on getting their women pregnant asap. I loved that.
I can’t believe we are almost to the end. I have fallen in love with this family and don’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see Matvey and Alina get their HEA.
Watch the triggers for 🚦ing because it’s a huge part of the series. Also αβυδε. No ow drama , no cheating , and no sharing!
May 21, 2025
4/5⭐️
Dayanamadım tabi kii🙃 Vitaly’nin kitabından hep korkmuştum çünkü okuyanlar bilir ki kitaptaki manwhore karakter kendisiydi ama Katya’yı gördüğü anda diğer kadınların hepsi onun için öldü🤭 Serinin sonuna doğru yaklaştıkça üzülsemde ikinci nesil olarak devam eden diğer seriyi gördüm. Dominic ve Lev’in kızının hikayesi ilk kitapmış NASIL YANİ? diye çığlık atmak istedim. Hemen o seriye de geçeceğim. Yani bu serinin son kitabından sağ salim kurtulabilirsem. Bu kitabın sonlarında Alina’yı biraz gördük ve o birkaç sayfa bile beni yerle bir etti. Artık iki bebeğimi mutlu görmek istiyorum🥺
Dayanamadım tabi kii🙃 Vitaly’nin kitabından hep korkmuştum çünkü okuyanlar bilir ki kitaptaki manwhore karakter kendisiydi ama Katya’yı gördüğü anda diğer kadınların hepsi onun için öldü🤭 Serinin sonuna doğru yaklaştıkça üzülsemde ikinci nesil olarak devam eden diğer seriyi gördüm. Dominic ve Lev’in kızının hikayesi ilk kitapmış NASIL YANİ? diye çığlık atmak istedim. Hemen o seriye de geçeceğim. Yani bu serinin son kitabından sağ salim kurtulabilirsem. Bu kitabın sonlarında Alina’yı biraz gördük ve o birkaç sayfa bile beni yerle bir etti. Artık iki bebeğimi mutlu görmek istiyorum🥺
December 1, 2023
Sonja Grey has written over a dozen Bratva romance titles, but I still find her voice fresh and the stories memorable. Although continuing a major plot line started in the first book of the series, this time we also meet Vitaly and Katya as a couple. When Vitaly falls, he falls hard. His decency and caring give Katya the security to blossom and thrive in her new world. There is delightful humour and unspoken love between the brothers and the growing number of sisters-in-law.
This observation from Vitaly resonates with the resilience and determination of the Melnikov Bratva family:
“the smiles and laughs aren’t because we don’t care. They’re because we do f***ing care. We care so goddamn much that if we didn’t have these moments of happiness, we’d all go f***ing insane”…. The final story for Matvey and Alina is much anticipated!
This is my honest review of an advance reader copy.
This observation from Vitaly resonates with the resilience and determination of the Melnikov Bratva family:
“the smiles and laughs aren’t because we don’t care. They’re because we do f***ing care. We care so goddamn much that if we didn’t have these moments of happiness, we’d all go f***ing insane”…. The final story for Matvey and Alina is much anticipated!
This is my honest review of an advance reader copy.
September 23, 2024
vitaly and katya💌
- 2.5⭐️
umm, i don’t have much to say about this one. i found it quite boring & skimmed through most of it. i didn’t feel the emotional connection between them or the chemistry, i was disappointed as i did want to love this, but i just didn’t.
however, i am super excited to read alina’s story! i pray it’s good because the last two books have been a little underwhelming.
- jess :)
- 2.5⭐️
umm, i don’t have much to say about this one. i found it quite boring & skimmed through most of it. i didn’t feel the emotional connection between them or the chemistry, i was disappointed as i did want to love this, but i just didn’t.
however, i am super excited to read alina’s story! i pray it’s good because the last two books have been a little underwhelming.
- jess :)
February 19, 2025
En realidad es un 4,5 porque me quiero ahorrar el 5 para el de Matvey. La historia de Vitaly me gustó muchísimo porque creo que ha sido más fluida que otras y te da bastante contexto de la relación que tienen todos con Alina, especialmente él y Matvey, y me parece maravillosa que sigan metiendo hype por el último libro porque estamos seated
February 22, 2025
Bratva arranged marriage
I wasn’t looking forward to this one. But it turned out to be my favorite one yet! Vitaly surprised me with how fast he fell for Katya. And Katya was so sassy and gave Vitaly a run for his money. And I loved how much more we got to see of Matvey. Now on to his book!! Which I’ve been waiting for!!
I wasn’t looking forward to this one. But it turned out to be my favorite one yet! Vitaly surprised me with how fast he fell for Katya. And Katya was so sassy and gave Vitaly a run for his money. And I loved how much more we got to see of Matvey. Now on to his book!! Which I’ve been waiting for!!
March 28, 2024
Todos los libros tienen la misma fórmula y me puede dar un poco igual, pero en el caso de este libro simplemente sentí que debía ser algo diferente, por el hecho de que siempre fue un mujeriego de primera y se siente demasiado irreal que empiece a sentir algo en dos días.
May 30, 2024
Holy cow!
This series is amazing! I loved this book, but let's be honest, I can't wait for Matvey's book. It's been the one I was looking for since book 1.
Either way, this series has a special place in my heart
This series is amazing! I loved this book, but let's be honest, I can't wait for Matvey's book. It's been the one I was looking for since book 1.
Either way, this series has a special place in my heart
September 30, 2024
2.5 Stars
November 10, 2024
Si le quitaran un poco más de la mitad de escenas de sexo estaría pasable.
December 29, 2024
Si no les gusta el instalove esta serie no es para ustedes.
February 17, 2025
Zzz se todo pasa tan rápido que sentí que no tenían ninguna conexión entre ellos. QUE ERA ESO DE ESTAR CO@IENDO DESPUÉS DE SABER DONDE TENIAN SECUESTRADA A ALINA.
Empatía cero.
Empatía cero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
3.5⭐️
May 31, 2024
Mucha mafia mucha mafia pero a mitad del libro ya le ha confesado su amor eterno... Parecian todxs ositos de peluche
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