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Grachev Bratva #1

Sinful Devotion

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Last night, I saw a murderer kill someone in cold blood.
Today, I’m expected to sell my business to some hotshot billionaire.
The problem? They’re the same person.


Arsen Isakov is the rich A-hole trying to buy out my family’s dance studio after my father’s death.
I wanted to give him a piece of my mind and tell him that we’d never sell.
But the moment he sat down across the table from me, I realize I’ve seen him before.

Last night, in fact. When he killed a man in cold blood.

He says he’s prepared to discuss the sale with me over drinks.
The place he picks? The same place where I saw him kill someone.

I know what he’s capable of. I know better than to refuse his demand.
So, against my better judgement, I agree.

When I arrive, he tells me that he’s the only one who can keep me and my mother safe from someone even worse than him.
In exchange, I must play my role, walk down the aisle, and pretend to be his bride.

Simple, right?

But that was before our very fake wedding started having very real consequences.
Before I learn the dark terrible
About Arsen. About my family.
And about a shared past between us that I never knew.

SINFUL DEVOTION is Book 1 of the Grachev Bratva duet. Galina and Arsen's story continues in Book 2: SINFUL OBSESSION. This is not a standalone.

This book contains scenes that may be disturbing to some readers.

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

1496 people are currently reading
545 people want to read

About the author

Brook Wilder

112 books570 followers

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5 stars
543 (46%)
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334 (28%)
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194 (16%)
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63 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Naaytaashreads.
1,033 reviews186 followers
June 25, 2024
Im still 50/50 on this.

The beginning started so good, but over time it gets boring and bland.
Plot line can get quite messy. one minute we're here, the next we're there. It didn't gel nicely.

However, Im just curious how it will end just cause I'm curious.
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews236 followers
October 6, 2025
I just hated Galina (FMC). She was insufferable! I read reviews for book 2, which basically said she gets worse. So I am out! If things don't get better, I have too many other books to read to keep going with this.

1,060 reviews34 followers
April 25, 2024
Lacks originality. The storyline isn't awful it just isn't great. The story became more of the same. I like a good dose of suspense and originality in this genre to keep me invested in the storyline and the characters.

DNF- 47% I hoped that this book would be different from the previous books or have something that made the characters or the story unique, but it didn't. A few little changes here and there, but that's it. Galina's mother is the typical mother in this genre who is self-centered and has spent her entire life lying to her daughter and justifies the lies she has told her daughter her entire life.

Galina’s character was frustrating. I didn't consider her to be a strong MFC, even though initially she showed signs of holding her own, which quickly faded away. Her character lacked substance and depth and didn't comprehend her circumstances well. She was her own worst enemy. Her actions that begin in the first chapter of the book was one I would categorize as a "train wreck". Every heroine can make some bad choices in a novel to keep it interesting, but this girl keeps doubling down.

Arsen is the usual Pakhan doing what he needs to do for his Bratva which includes lies, deceit, sex, blackmail and withholding critical information to reach his goal. He like so many before him always lead with "I will protect you" or paints a picture to the heroine that their only hope for surviving is his protection which leads into the real reason why the heroine is kidnapped. These types of plots usually lead to the heroine being kidnapped even after the "I will keep you safe mantra". Arsen kidnapped Galina because he seeks revenge. leverage, or bait to lure in his enemy. When a woman is kidnapped and finds pictures of herself and her mother going back in time, it is no longer just that simple. You are someone or know something that your kidnapper needs in order to carry out his plan.

Galina's character is too accepting of Arsen's and his strange behavior. Within 24-48 hours he goes from kidnapping her to wanting to marry her. There are too may red flags at this point and yet she doesn't seem to process the depth of danger she and her mother are in. I dislike it when an author needs to dumb down a heroine or make her the perfect victim in order to make the story play out. Galina refers to having Stockholm syndrome within the first few chapters of this novel and is already attracted to her kidnapper sexually. Who becomes sexually attracted to a man who you watched murder someone. He then kidnaps you and takes you prisoner with a less than stellar explanation. I prefer a heroine that has the ability to ask questions and get the answers she needs in order to protect herself and in this case, her mother, not one that immediately behaves. A good heroine in this genre knows when to push and when to pull back.

If you are a new reader or one that only reads this genre occasionally, and doesn't mind an average heroine, you may like this book.
296 reviews
January 5, 2025
Sinful Devotion by Brook Wilder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Galina Stepanova Rubinova has been dealt a bad hand in life, with the death of her father and the acquisition of her family-owned ballet studio—there’s not much left for Galina. However the secrecy that underlies both tragic events, only has one link—and that’s to the Grachev Bratva. Now under the control of pakhan, Arsen Kirilovich Isakov, Galina is left to contemplate if her security is compromised within the numerous walls of his mansion or out in the open for a mafia enemy to attack. ‘Sinful Devotion’ is the riveting love story of Galina and Arsen.

The beginning stages of the two’s relationship is riddled with conflict. Galina finds it difficult to trust the man who is ultimately stealing her family company and also kidnapped her. Fortunately, the author does not attempt to convince the audience that their relationship won’t take time. Galina adheres to all aspects of a shocked woman whose first time in reach of the mafia has been nothing short of turbulent. Nevertheless, the intelligence of Galina and the brutal leadership of Arsen aid in making this novel an entertaining one.

Soon in the midst of the external rife, Galina and Arsen’s relationship reaches its content stage. A mutual respect is established between the two that is equally adoring and passionate. Their relationship still has its moments where readers can be rolling their eyes at Arsen’s antics. This component of the novel kept it thrilling, instead of allowing the side plot of Yevgeniy Grachev to lead the plot.

As the ending nears, readers are faced with gripping revelations and a threat to the end of Galina and Arsen’s relationship. Throughout the whole novel the author exhibits a sophisticated and strong pen and its articulation of emotion becomes even better near the end. This instalment does require the second book for its final completion however it is left at an exciting and thrilling conclusion, engaging the audience to see the second book for more.

This book was absolutely immersive, had great passionate spicy scenes and characters—who do require patience—but lead the plot with resilience and a strong voice.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,548 reviews115 followers
July 19, 2024
Why why why Galina?!?! Jesus all she had to do was actually listen for once in her stubborn life and actually think!!! There were so many reasons to have taken a minute to think about what was going on, why her mother hid things, and why Arsen was trying to protect her. But she was too stubborn or stupid, to think past the right now. Arsen and her mother should have been honest from the get go. Her mother, I understood. No one wants that shame. But after exposing one secret, why not the others? All of it made Galina make stupid ass decisions that put her life, Arsen life, and the others in jeopardy. Arsen definitely should have been more honest, but the way she reacted after what her mother told her, I don't think she would have actually listened. Stupid dumb decisions. She'll pay for her mistakes or those she loves will. And I don't know how she'll be able to forgive herself for the mistakes she made.
Profile Image for Bethany .
282 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2024
This was hard to put down!

TW : Miscarriage, sex trafficking and abuse

While Galina is helping her mom run a dance studio, she finds out there are a lot of bills that have kept piling up and the studio needs repairs. But there is no money in order do those things, so her mom decides to sell it.

Although Galina is adamant that she can bring the studio back to what it was when her father was still able to help, her mother has the final say and it’s no! With her being so upset she decides to go out with her friend to relax and blow off some steam…Which will ultimately change her fate forever!

Down in the shadows lurks a man who does what he needs to do in order to get his revenge on the one man who took everything from him in the worst possible way. During his night out while handling his business, someone sees something they shouldn’t ! I bet you can’t guess who it was ;)

The story of how Arsen and Galina take off from here!! In this two part duet you will have to continue to find out how much fire there is between them!

Couldn’t Put this one down!!
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
959 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2024
Bratva Romance

This is a bit slow to start and I don’t understand how Galina agreed to stay with him it’s far too quickly for my liking, however mere hours after he told her not to go to the 3rd floor she then goes to the 3rd floor.
What is it with these stupid women ??
Why give him extra ammunition where he may keep you more of a prisoner, right now she can walk around but he could easily lock her in her room so why the hell would she do something to jeopardise roaming free??
Lots of repetitive inner thoughts with Galina to the point she was boring me, Arsen gave her information far quicker than I would have thought he would.
There were good together and their smexy scenes were hot but I just needed more from them, I can’t explain what it is but I just didn’t feel the connection.
Also not a lot of bratva action just these two back and forth with nothing on where his enemy is or what he is up to.
The truth her mother gives her just makes Galina more annoying as no matter what Arsen says to her she doesn’t believe him, yet within hours of her kidnapping she believed everything he said about keeping her safe…. Make your mind up you either believe him or don’t but stop with the repetitive inner thoughts.
We get to 94% in this first book before there is any fighting / killing which isn’t great since there is supposed to be a war between them.
I saw the ending coming (as in him getting to Galina before Arsen) but I didn’t see the other secret.
Let’s see what book 2 brings.
Profile Image for Alicia.
111 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2025
I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this book. Galina isn't near as embarrassing as some FMCs in bratva romance books, but she's also not the brightest crayon in the box.

Issues I have:

She went to have drinks with a man that she watched kill someone... At the same establishment where said killing occurred.. All because she didn't want him to buy her family's dance studio. I'm sorry. No dance studio is worth that risk.

She lives with her mom. But her mom barely questions the fact that she didn't come back home from the bar that night. And then after that it's like radio silence. Weeks go by with only random texting, and mom never asks where she is.

She never asks exactly WHO Yevgeniy is, nor why he's a threat. She just accepts that for some reason, it was necessary to kidnap her to keep her safe.

Arsen tells her he loves her... and then later realizes he loves her..?

The delivery boxes were cringe worthy. He already knew the plan.

The witness protection thing is a JOKE.

What I did like:

Galina doesn't screw up and then hide it. She's generally forthright (until later in the book, that is).

Arsen is capable of genuine feelings and tries to do the right thing by Galina.

The plot twist at the end. Oh brother.. 🤯
366 reviews
July 30, 2025
Bratva, up close & very personal.

This book has a very curious feel to it. The cadence & language make it feel European, as if whoever is writing it is using something other than their native tongue. English seems to be their second language but that, by no means detracts from the story. Indeed it adds a level of charm unusual in a Bratva book.

It's conventional enough in that it's a tale of two warring sides, grappling their bloody way to gain the overall control of the whole. Bringing in two women, one whose life has been blighted by one of the warlords, the other who had been previously ignorant of anything to do with gang warfare, lends an interesting new layer of intrigue. Very much the pawns in this particular game of ascendancy, neither woman is safe.

The end of the book is a maelstrom of revelations & pain. Luckily I am able to get straight to the next one, which is where I'm going right now!
Author 1 book2 followers
April 8, 2024
Much improved writing from reading the Barinov Bratva book by this author. The plot was stronger and flowed well, there was a reasoning behind the sudden "fake marriage" She did forget that they had already declared their love for one another once Galina discovered she was pregnant; as we had a drunken Arsen in the last few chapters of the book surprised that he loved her as if it was some revelation but he'd already told her! Other than that mistake, the plot moves well with good twists and turns. The best friends husband would have been better to be corrupt rather than a random spy in his office, but who know that could come in the second book. The only thing I keep on saying about many of this Bratva books is they are unnecessarily long and drawn out, where a much punchier, slick plot would make a better read.
628 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2024
Bewildered

FMC sees a murder, meets murderer in family dance studio and accepts invitation to meet him for a drink. MMC owns club where they meet up, has Galina kidnapped and taken to his mansion for her safety. Arsen never explains anything, he just takes action because he is a bratva pakhan. In the next two weeks they have had sex become engaged and held a fake marriage. Galina never questions anything, she just goes along with what she is told. So many unexplained actions and unanswered questions.
The story is full of holes and resembles a Chinese fire drill. Galina does not tell her mother or best friend what is going on in her life even though she has her cellphone. Not even when she gets pregnant the third week into her kidnapping.
Arsen has been married before and finally the answer for one question is revealed. Too little too late. The confusion remains.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,129 reviews77 followers
April 5, 2024
This was a good start to Arsen & Galina’s story. I enjoyed both characters, but there were moments Galina got on my nerves. I found her too agreeable & accepting of her situation in the beginning. It would’ve been nice to see her have more of a backbone. And when she finally decided to get one & run away f/Arsen it was not only at the worst moment, but was the worst decision she could’ve made. Her age & naivety really showed throughout the book.
There were moments while reading I had trouble staying interested, but overall I enjoyed it. There was suspense, drama, betrayal & lots of secrets revealed. One I was suspecting f/early on, but the big reveal in the end really threw me! I have red flags waving when it comes to Audrey & Josh. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the conclusion.
Profile Image for Jenn (myspookybookishlife).
516 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2024
This book was good, it started out a typical captor/captive situation where they were both at each others throats, but even after he explained to her why he took her, she still tries to attack and kill him. Then he forces her into marriage to protect her, while she fights him entirely. They slowing start falling for each other but then time and time again miscommunication causes them to fight and break. Their relationship seemed to go through such great spicy spans, but then hit some really bad lows. Adding on top all the freaking secrets they kept from each other instead of just freaking communicating. I disliked her so much at the end because as much as I saw where she was coming from I still found it risky. Then to end it the way it ended all but made me pick up book two.
Profile Image for Jennifer Deleon.
16 reviews
April 5, 2024
Arc review

Thank you to Brook Wilder for giving me early access to this duet. I have been on a Bravia kick lately and this did not disappoint. Arsen is sweet possessive don’t mess with me or my girl type of man. Really will do anything for his woman. Galena although naive still was very feisty which gave some good banter and to the story. This story keeps you locked in because you want to find out about all the twist that are bound to happen and the ones you don’t see coming. Good story well written.
1,465 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
Devoted

Some people just don't know how to shut their mouth. This is how her trouble started. Nosey and stubborn. Not knowing her kidnapper set her up for him to take her before she realizes what was happening.
He on the other hand didn't expect her stubbornness to last as long as it did. He realized they were not that different. Both experienced major losses. Neither wanted to experience another relationship. But, life had another plan. They were getting a second chance of happiness until life had became clearer due to lies.
536 reviews7 followers
dnf
July 1, 2024
DNF through skimming .

It read like a knock off mafia book- innocent girl, the leader of the bratva, he has to protect her? It was ridiculous even for romance. And then they have to get married? I was rolling my eyes- all she needs to do is get kidnapped - well guess what happened next?

The characters had no spark to them individually or together. They both read very juvenile half the time. Galina is not a strong heroine and she’s … two dimensional. He wasn’t scary or intense and his feelings for her were not believable.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
April 20, 2024
two dimensional

The MMC is good enough. Story and plot are good too. However, I had to stop reading because the FMC is annoying, whiny and immature. Painfully so. I thought she might improve. She didn’t.

I read a lot of books. I finish most even with so-so characters and story lines. Also, I like this author’s other works too. LL THIS SAID….

I couldn’t stomach wasting another minute of my life on the FMC.
Profile Image for Diana Torr.
173 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
I was really enjoying this book but was put off by how quickly the spice happened. Galina was way too accepting of her situation without having any information on anything or demanding answers. The romance hits you like train, one mintue she hates his guts (rightfully so), the next mintue she is forgiving him only because he shared one thing about his past. NOT ENOUGH
Profile Image for Katie.
68 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2024
DNF - Dumb

A random guy kidnaps you, demands you stay locked in his house and then demands you marry him and not ONE time do you ask him why?? He keeps saying this other guy is after you and you just agree without asking who the guy is to you or why he wants you dead? I read 88 pages before I just couldn't deal with the FMC anymore.
35 reviews
May 29, 2024
Good but…

This book was really good. However, they feel in love super fast. There was no build up, everything happened so fast. Also, I understand what some reviews were talking about how she was very stubborn and didn’t listen. It got on my nerves but overall this was a good book.
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews34 followers
October 13, 2024
Arsenal just wants a pawn in his game for revenge.

Galina witnesses a murder and then finds out her mother is selling their dance studio to said murderer. She tries to stop the sale and ends up kidnapped by Arsen so he can use her against his enemy. Little do either of them know, Galina is closer to the enemy than they realize.
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,953 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2025
Galina has just lost her father, their family business is failing and to top things off, she has just witnessed a murder. The same killer turns out to be the guy purchasing her family business. There is more to the story which she doesn’t know, but now Arsen has claimed her!

It wasn’t great, it wasn’t the worst I’ve read. It’s not all that original, I’ve read better.

Xx
Profile Image for Fudge.
153 reviews
April 30, 2024
Took quite a while for me to get into the book and actually understand what was happening.
I was a bit confused how fast Galina changed her mind of Arsen too. But overall, the main storyline is good. Although i HATE cliffhangers so I had to read the next one 😂
158 reviews
May 11, 2024
This book definitely took you on a crazy ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it, loved the characters and how their relationship developed and all the plot twists along the way! Absolutely loved it and hated being left on a cliffhanger whilst on an airplane and not having downloaded the second book
Profile Image for Lollie .
96 reviews
May 29, 2024
I don’t even know how to explain. It had potential until it didn’t. The timing of things made no sense. It never came across on the page that they got to know each other and then suddenly they’re saying “I love you”
I won’t be reading the next book.
367 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2024
Good Book! ♥️

I really like this storyline. Arsen and Galina’s story is well written and I love the way the characters have developed through the story. The chemistry is off the charts between the main characters 🔥🔥🔥. I can’t wait to start the next book in this duet.
Profile Image for Sophia Ramos.
241 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2024
❤❤❤👏👏loved!!

I was sinfully Devoted😉❤🔥!! Author Brook Wilder👏❤🔥this book was brilliantly amazing!!! Totally🌶🔥hot off the charts!! I just couldn't put my Kindle down. I just had to continue reading to see what happens next. I most definitely highly recommend recommend this!!
237 reviews
October 5, 2025
It felt like someone dipped her pen in too much description and cheesiness and forgot it supposed to have plot and originality. I DNF ‘d at 50% because I felt my time could be spent doing literally anything else.
Profile Image for Yessica White.
67 reviews
November 18, 2025
This book got my upset!

The female lead started annoying me towards the end of the book. She’s an an id$&t, I just hope she realizes that she was better under the protection of her fake (wink) husband.


Hopefully the second book makes these feelings go away.
Profile Image for Erica Elder.
44 reviews
April 5, 2024
Kept me on edge!

I am on a Bratva kick right now, and this gives it!!!! Twists from every which direction. Love their story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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