Merciless Princess

by Alexa Michaels

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a prince of the underworld in positioning himself to take the twisted crown of crime must be in want of a queen to stand at his side.
Laurel

I couldn’t let them do it. Let them end the life of the bratva prince. He’s a good man; a dangerous one, but a good one.
I had to warn him! I owed the mobster a life debt, even though he’s forgotten my face.
I passed him the message and disappeared into the night.
The only problem? When you enter the monster’s lair, he might not be ready to let you fly away.


Dimitri

When a decadent vision appears at my doorstep one night, I found myself stunned. How is it that after years of emptiness there is a flicker of light in my dark existence?
I blink, and she’s gone.
But my pretty little bird left a feather. It’s enough to track her down.
When I find her, I’m going to make her mine.

Merciless Princess is the first book of the Vlasov Bratva series, set in the Midwest Underworld world. It’s a stand-alone darker mafia romance, with no cheating, a guaranteed HEA, and no cliffhangers. A morally grey romance, this book may not be suitable for everyone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Abuse

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic follow up to Vengeful Dreams! I loved following Dimi's story, seeing what hides behind that cold, detached demeanor of the Bratva heir. I really loved Laurel and her strong, no-nonsense personality. There's marriage of convenience, trauma/healing, hurt/comfort, touch them and ☠️, lots of action and spice. I also love getting to know Luka better, and I can't wait to read his story next!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️
Would Recommend: Hell yeah! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Review:

Alright, book lovers, gather around! 📚 I just finished Merciless Princess by Alexa Michaels, and let me tell you, I am now an official Alexa Michaels superfan! 🌟 This is the third book I've read by her, and I devoured the prequel to Vengeful Dreams, Vengeful Dreams, and Merciless Princess in just 2 days. No shame here!
Let's talk about Dimitri and Laurel, my new favorite couple (Sorry, Kaz and Dani, you've been dethroned). 👑 Dimitri is set to be the perfect pakhan, and while the story might revolve around him, it’s Laurel who truly steals the spotlight. And I'm here for it! 🙌
She’s the ultimate badass FMC, overcoming a tough past to make a life for herself. She knew she had to help Dimi, and she did it without a second thought. Fierce, cunning, caring, loving – she’s got it all. 💪❤️
Dimitri, on the other hand, is the perfect OTT, j/P, ‘Trekkie’ boyfriend (iykyk). He’s trying to do right by his future role but needs that extra nudge to break free from his father’s grip. And who gives him that push? Laurel, of course! She’s the queen to his king, and their dynamic is just chef’s kiss 💋
We can’t forget the side characters, either. They’re quickly becoming my favorite fictional family. Cousins that I never knew I needed in my life!
And a little P.S. – I am eagerly waiting for Luka’s book! Also, Ilya, my heart goes out to you. I hope your story is next! 💖

Tropes:
Found Family
Badass h
Bratva
Feisty heroine

[Britt Rygiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Alexa has drawn into the mafia world! I’ve been dying g to read this book and it has exceeded expectations! Dimitri will be your new book boyfriend!

Dimitri is to be the next pakhan once his father passes. Few believe that he’s right for the thrown. He even questions it himself. He’s a brute with a big heart.

Laurel is a Raven haired bartender, who has the voice of an angel. An aspiring singer! She’s running from her past and hopes that it won’t catch up to her. She hears some “gossip” that Dimitri will want hear.

And from there the story begins! Enjoy!

[Mansi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full five star read i have read Vengeful dreams and Dimitri's character was amazing and i was hooked to him not more then Kaz tho he is the perfect thing ever.

Laurel is the perfect partner for Dimitri their touch and die vibes their chemistry their grumpy sunshine moments were top notch and written soo beautifully❤️❤️
I am in love ❤️

Their were hurt comfort and Dimitri was eating his own words that was the most hilarious thing to watch him fall hard for his queen ❤️😍


Thank you so much for the eARC and this is my honest review ❤️

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picked up quickly. The author does a great job not giving pages and pages of details to the point of boredom. The story is spicy with a great plot. The more I read, the more I realize how much I love a strong mfc. Laurel is definitely someone not to be messed with. My ONLY issue with the character is that the author has her character constantly eating sweets and snacks. I never understood the importance of the character having this little trait, and honestly it was one that I'm not much a fan of. Seems unnecessary to the plot, BUT I'm not the author. Her story, her characters :)

I really loved the storyline and would read more by this author. It is not a sweet story and a simple romance. It's one of sacrifice and love and determination and fight!

[Sara The Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
Mafia romance
hidden identity
badass Heroine
touch Her+Him and and🔪
OTT/P/O hero
traumatic past + Abuse



My Thoughts: "Merciless Princess" by Alexa Michaels is a Mafia, a morally grey romance novel that was my first read by this author. This was an enjoyable mafia novel. You get mystery, action, romance, and all of these in this novel. The MCs and side characters were all phenomenal. I especially vibed with the character of the heroin; what a passionate, badass Heroine. Overall, it is a very entertaining and enjoyable book. Please check out the trigger warnings before you decide to read this novel.

[Kaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Alexa Michaels has done it. This plot was so good. I read this book the same day I got it and truly enjoyed it. Worth the read.

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

[Emily VanDrunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picked up quickly. This is the second book in the Vlasov Bratva series. The plot was so good.

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

[Psychotic]

Boring.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone held a knife to my throat and demanded I choose a favorite in the Vlasov Bratva series, I’d probably go out with a smile, refusing to betray a single one of them. That said… Laurel might just have edged ahead in the FMC sweepstakes. Maybe it’s because this is the most recent book I’ve read, or perhaps it’s because she’s a straight-up force of nature. Smart, fearless, and unapologetically bold, Laurel is more than a match for Dimitri—hell, if she were the Pakhan, she’d be running the whole country by the end of the month, not just the bratva. And Dimitri. Whew. Talk about alpha energy wrapped in quiet intensity. He was the kind of man who could command a room with a glance and melt you with a whisper. But what really got me was his patient waiting game. From the moment Laurel showed up on his doorstep with secrets tucked behind her eyes, he knew she was hiding something, and yet he waited. Waited for her to trust him, to reveal the pain she carried although you could see the secrets chipping away at him. That combination of strength and restraint? Absolutely magic. Dimitri’s not your typical bratva prince. He’s a little broken, a little raw and that made him so much more relatable. Human. But make no mistake, when it came to protecting Laurel, the beast was unleashed. Ice-cold, ruthless, and terrifyingly effective. And Laurel? She was just as protective of him. Their entire story begins with her stepping in to save him, and that moment set the tone for their whole dynamic. The fake marriage trope was perfectly executed—except this time, it was never really fake. From the start, it was clear these two were already bound together, their chemistry so combustible it practically scorched the page. There was no “walking away” from this. Not ever. Laurel’s “life debt” added depth to their relationship, giving everything a weight that went beyond mere passion. And the slow, tantalizing unraveling of Laurel’s past? Alexa kept that thread dangling just out of reach, each hint more gut-wrenching than the last. You knew it was going to hurt—and still, it had you gripping the pages, desperate for the reveal. Meanwhile, the ever-present threat to Dimitri’s throne kept the pace relentless and the stakes sky-high. Danger, secrets, sizzling tension—this book had it all. So yeah, if you're new to the world of mafia romance, this is where you want to start. Alexa has once again delivered a gripping, emotional, and utterly addictive read that proves the Vlasov Bratva aren’t just characters—they’re a lifestyle.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Vlasov Bratva series. We had met Dmitri first in Kaz and Daniella's book and it is known that Dmitri is the heir to the throne as he's the pakhan's son.

I always thought that being the next heir in line, Dmitri would be a brutal man, Yes, but what I was shocked to find out was how much he had to bear the most brunt of his dad's demands in the form of various types of punishments.

The start of the book grabbed me and had me intrigued when we see, Laurel doing her best to convey the hot secret she's just learned from her workplace to the bratva prince and sees this as an opportunity she'd been waiting for to repay his kindness.

There are questions of course when Dmitri has no idea who this woman is who's barged into his castle and demands to speak to him.
How does Laurel know him then and what Kindness does she keep on thinking about?

The bratva prince though is instantly taken by this brave woman and I really liked that about Laurel, that she always found a way to be brave and even though she might be scared yet she didn't give a damn about speaking her mind.

What starts as help becomes an instant obsession for Dmitri and I was here for it. Oh my... The way he is smitten by her and becomes crazy about her.... Yes, please 😍

But there are bigger plans and moves hidden at play and together Dmitri and Laurel strike a bargain to help each other out.

There's loads of action in this one and also the highlight has to be - Becoming the obsession of a dangerous man.

But there's also a painful past that Laurel is running away from and even though we do get snippets of something bad that's happened, yet I was so teary eyed for this woman when we learn about her past but I also admired her for the strong woman she is today.

The best part was how in spite of being a curvy woman, Laurel owns the way she is and revels in her 𝗌𝖾𝗑iness.
And what makes it all the more special is when Laurel witnesses Dimitri's madness for her and also for her body and the way he makes her feel 𝗌𝖾𝗑𝗒 through his eyes.

The ending was fast paced and had me full of nerves but was full of action.

Once again, that epilogue... Oh my... What just happened... I'm so excited for Luca's story next especially after finding out the shocking secret about his past.
Loved this one.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy it but there’s too many plot mistakes that ruined it. Also we never really found out what happened to Laurel.

While I did enjoy it in places, some of the plots were ridiculous, there’s loads of things that weren’t explained like Laurel’s childhood. It hints that she grew up in an extremely rich family, and they’re a crime family. The author never explains that, does Laurel have any brothers or sisters, or cousins? Is her grandmother who she loves still alive? Then there’s Dimi and his family. He’s a captain in the Bratva and his father is the Pakhan. His father regularly beats him, to ‘toughen him up,’ yet Dimi just puts up with it, and won’t usurp his father. His father isn’t a great leader either, as he doesn’t make as much money as he could. His father beats him so badly that he’s caused permanent damage to his spine and he puts up with it. I felt like screaming at him just get rid of him. Dimi with his cousins are gradually killing all his soldiers that are loyal to his dad, by poison that supposedly no one will guess they’re murdered, they’ll think they ALL had heart attacks. SERIOUSLY??? The police would have been investigating all these young fit men that suddenly died of heart attacks. His dad and his men would have known it was Dimi as well as it’s pretty obvious. 😡😡😡

I also hate it when authors keeps describing the mfc as fat, other people calling her a heifer or a cow. It’s repulsive and it wouldn’t happen as Dimi is struck by her beauty straight away and loads of men are. Laurel also significantly changes throughout the book. At the beginning she can’t bear to be with a man as the author insinuates that she had something really bad happen to her.

Laurel is working in a strip club when she overhears someone plotting to kill Dimi. So she goes to his house and asks to see him so she can warn him. 😂😂😂 A strange woman walks up to the Bratva’s compound and they don’t kill her? Laurel and Dimi are soon having endless s*x and Laurel is completely fine now with it. She was terrified before! Meanwhile the Pakhan is still beating and torturing Dimi and he’s STILL NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!! 😡😡😡😡

Some parts were enjoyable. I liked how Dimi was to Laurel, but the rest of it was quite bad.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Vlasov Bratva series only thing I can say hang on and you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way! Dimitri sexy as all get out next in line to be pakhan after his father but others around them do not want him to become pakhan so there are plots to take him out betrayal with their own family, he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, but he knows being pakhan means he has to lose himself but he can’t allow that to happy he can and will be deadly but deadly with a big heart. Laurel is sweet with a whole lot of spice works as a bartender has seen, heard a lot from her patrons but, she has a past that she is running from her family an arranged fiancé trying her best to ensure they stay her review mirror so when she overhears a plot to take out the next pakhan the very man who helped when she was living on the street, she has to do something and makes the decision to warn the him but without sticking around or being noticed she hopes. Laurel makes an impression that is lasting on Dimitri now that she is on his radar there is no walking away especially with the resources he has at his fingertips. The magnetic pull between the two of them can’t be ignored once he finds her realizes she has her own demons to fight but not she no longer has to fight them alone they can face their demons together they are much stronger together than apart, but will her family find her, will he protect her from her family intentions, will she prevent the plot against him, will he prove himself the pakhan his father raised him to be, when his enemies come for them will he show that he is willing to be the ruthless leader they need, and can they find the happiness they both seek with a small amount of peace?

[Eleonoras.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merciless Princess by Alexa Michaels completely blew me away. From the very first page, I was drawn into the raw, emotional, and dangerous world of the Bratva and I never wanted to leave.
This book is everything I love in a dark romance: complex characters, deep emotional wounds, heart-stopping passion, and a story that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Dimitri and Laurel are phenomenal. Dimitri, the heir to the Bratva throne, is the perfect mix of ruthless and vulnerable, a man torn between duty, loyalty, and the desire to be free of his father’s shadow. Laurel is his perfect counterpart: strong, fearless, and compassionate despite the pain she’s endured. She’s the light that cuts through Dimitri’s darkness, but she’s not afraid to fight her own battles. Their chemistry is explosive, grumpy/sunshine perfection with just the right amount of hurt/comfort, trauma healing, and “touch her and die” energy.

I loved watching their relationship unfold. There’s marriage of convenience, redemption, healing, and plenty of spice, all balanced with emotional depth and genuine tenderness. Laurel’s strength and resilience make her a standout heroine, and Dimitri’s journey from cold, controlled mob prince to a man capable of love was beautifully done.

The side characters also shine and add so much richness to the story. The found family dynamic, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds between the Bratva brothers were one of my favorite aspects of this world.

Alexa Michaels has once again proven to me why she’s a must-read author for mafia romance fans. Her storytelling is dark, emotional, and addictive, but always layered with heart and redemption. The pacing, world-building, and dialogue were spot-on, and I found myself highlighting so many lines.

If you love morally gray heroes, badass heroines, and intense, emotional love stories that stay with you long after you finish, this is the book for you.

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

[Shelley Drinkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read in this series (I read number 4 first and onto 1 &2) and this is as good as the others I’ve read in the series so far! I’m absolutely loving this series and this author is fast becoming one of my favourites!

This is Dmitri and Laurel’s story. Dmitri is the heir to the Vlasov bratva and has suffered through viscous abuse by the packhan, his father, since childhood and has is sure he isn’t worthy of caring and loving someone so when Laurel flies into his life with a warning that his life is at risk after overhearing a conversation whilst working, he becomes infatuated and soon falls in love and will do anything to keep her safe but not believing that she will ever return his love.

Laurel is in hiding after escaping her controlling parents and abusive fiancée. When a stranger shows her kindness when she arrives in Chicago, broke, broken and on the streets she is able to create a new life for herself thanks to his kind act, she now owes him a life debt that she hopes and intends to repay to him one day. After finding work in a rival bratva’s club as a bartender, she discovers the identity of the Russian stranger who helped her. Thanks to her job she overhears a conversation detailing a plot to take out Dmitri, so she finds him and tells him what she’s heard before leaving and planning not to see him anymore. After a few steamy encounters Dmitri proposes a plan to be able to keep seeing each other… get married. Hesitant at first but letting herself follow her feelings laurel agrees and soon falls just as hard as Dmitri does. There is no lengths either will go to to keep the other safe.

The story is very well written and the characters are complex and perfectly written. It is possible to read as a standalone story but characters and overarching storylines continue through the series. I can’t wait to read the next instalment and future ones!.

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

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merciless Princess is the 1st Book in the Vlasov Bratva Series. This is Dimitri and Laurel's dark mafia romance.
Dimitri Vlasov is the Prince of the Vlasov Bratva Family. Dimitri is known to be a good man, but also can be ruthless and very dangerous when crossed. Laurel Gundry is an intelligent, raven-haired beauty, who is keeping secrets. Laurel works as a bartender at the STYX Gentlemen's Club. She usually stays behind the bar mixing drinks, until one night a mistake was made by someone else on a drink order. Laurel went to apologize and remake the drink order. These men were talking about Dimitri Vlasov and Laurel knew she needed to tell him what she had overheard. The guards were not letting Laurel into the building, even though she told them she had something very important to tell Dimitri. She had waited in the cold for sometime until Ilya Pavlovn arrived. Finally, Laurel gets her chance to speak with Dimitri and tell him what she had heard. Dimitri thinks to himself, she is a mysterious and beautiful woman. She has no fear of being here before these dangerous men. Dimitri and Laurel can feel this magnetism pulling them closer, but it can't go any farther. He is in her debt and wants to be her protector.

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a prince of the underworld when positioning himself to take the twisted crown of crime must be in want of a queen to stand at his side.

Laurel:
I couldn’t let them do it. Let them end the life of the bratva prince. He’s a good man; a dangerous one, but a good one. I had to warn him! I owed this mobster a life debt, even though he’s forgotten my face. So I did it. I passed him the message and disappeared into the night. The only problem? When you enter the monster’s lair, he might not be ready to let you fly away.

Dimitri:
When a decadent vision appeared at my doorstep one night, I found myself stunned. How is it that after years of emptiness, there is a flicker of light in my dark existence?

I blink, and she’s gone. But my pretty little bird left a feather. It’s enough to track her down. When I find her, I’m going to make her mine.

This is the second book in “The Vlasov Bratva” - I could not put it down. I have thoroughly enjoyed Dimitri and Laurel’s story with all their trials and tribulations, the ups and the downs, the love and the violence - it is certainly entertaining. It was also lovely to read more of Kaz and Danielle’s relationship - this is always one of my favourite things about series. The book goes from pages sizzling with hot wanton sex 🥵 to extreme violence to the most beautiful tender moments! I’m very happily hooked 😊 I did not want it to end!

A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Jennifer Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am officially obsessed with the Vlasov Bratva tales! I absolutely LOVED Dani and Kazimir's story and I squealed anytime they made an appearance in this second book. Dimitri and Laurel's love story was the perfect follow up. Dimi was kind of an a$$hole in Vengeful Dreams and I didn't really think I would like him that much. Boy, was I wrong. I felt so bad for him, with the abuse he received from his father and his belief that he would have to go through life alone. My heart definitely broke for him. But then it was put back together because of Laurel.

I think Laurel has to be one of my favorite FMC's ever. She's been through some tough sh!t. When her own brain works against her and she's spiraling with anxiety, she fights to pull herself out of the abyss. A lot of her struggles with body image and dealing with the negative opinions of others is universal to all woman, making her so relatable. I love how she was portrayed, with moments of weakness and then finding incredible strength.

The chemistry between Dimi and Laurel was explosive! FIRE! Scorching hot! Even though their physical relationship started pretty early in the book, it still felt like a slow burn because they wouldn't admit their feelings. The tension built and built, and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for everything to tip over. It was brilliantly done.

Excited to read Luka's story!

[Lisa Ann D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿"
Merciless Princess
(The Vlasov Bratva)
by
Alexa H. Michaels
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱- surpassed 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

Dark Mafia Romance
Forced Proximity Touch her and 🔪🔫💪🏼☠️
“Who did this to you?”
Bratva -Mob-Mafia
𝖢𝗎𝗋𝗏𝗒 𝗆𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝖿𝖾𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋
Morally Grey
Fake marriage
Obsessive MMC
Spice
𝖲𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗌/𝖧𝗂𝖽𝖽𝖾𝗇
Revenge
Found family & Extended family

-𝗈𝖿 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾 some 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗈𝗋 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾ries 𝖺𝗌 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽.
They are presented as stand alone books; but they already feel like they should be read in order.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

This novel manages to be fun and cute despite the dark themes and stories at times. The character banter is believable and often witty.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

★★★★☆
ғᴏᴜʀ sᴛᴀʀs ���ᴜᴛ ᴏғ ғɪᴠᴇ

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
╝ Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧

[Ak · Rating 3 out of 5]

the starting was goated. but the middle kind of ruined it. it dragged on and on, it made me care less about the characters. the hyped back stories turned out to be meh. the insta love killed me. and the ending 🙂 God, please kill me. Laurel was such a baddie the entire book and at last she took the dumbest decision. AND AND they were planning on laundering money, they met some people after that and it was never mentioned again????? was it a success or a fail???? the ending was rushed. the author dragged on the book and then ended it so quickly. I mean🙂
you know what, the best part was Luka, and he is not even the main character. Dimitri was just there, dumb and naive. so according to him, he can save the fmc but if the fmc does the same shit, it is "wrong" and she needs punishment. and she saved his life once, he never even said "Thank you".
all in all, this book was not my favourite. the characters were interesting at the start, but then their monologues became repetitive and I honestly lost the ability to even CARE about them.
read it if you like a mmc who compliments the fmc for having a BRAIN, a fmc who always does dumb shit, gets in trouble and then the mmc comes rushing in to help her and an evil father who just needs to get called down by Satan.

[Amanda Buntin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I know these books are stand alone but they kind of go hand in hand with one another. If you haven’t read the first I would because then you have a better understanding of these characters and who and what role they play. This story follows Laurel and Dimitri. Laurel is on the run from her past life. She’s hiding from her family and her fiancé. She meets our MMC while living on the streets and he helps her get back on her feet. Our MMC Dimitri is our underworld Prince/ soon to be king. Who needs a princess/queen by his side. These two go hand and hand with each other she is our VERy Strong FMC! But there isn’t anything these two wouldn’t do for each other. They have both killed for one another; they’ve bled for one another they’ve fucking wept for one another. Those book was so good. And the characters were beautifully written and they just go together. I was somewhat in tears by the end of the book at some secrets that finally came to fruition. It was tugging on my heart strings. And let me tell you the spice was spicing. I can’t wait to read the next story and see these beautiful characters again.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Vlasov bratva following Dimitri and Laurel. Dimitri is the heir to the Vlasov bratva. He is powerful enough but also has many enemies and a difficult relationship with his father the pakhan.
Laurel is making her living as dancer in a nightclub. She is a young independent, lonely woman, who has been through a lot in her past, keeps men at a distance. She carries secrets and is not who she let's people think she is. When she overheard that someone ordered the assassination of Dimitri, she feels she must warn him, no matter what. She owes him a lot after all....later on in the book we are told about their past encounter and what impact he made in her life in a moment she needed help. Laurel us a force of nature and Dimitri falls first for her and hard. She needs to trust men again before she can allow her feelings for him to grow, but when it happens, she fights like a lioness for him ❤️🔥❤️ Another amazing story in the Vlasov bratva universe that I highly recommend.

[Victoria Scozzafava · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Merciless Princess by Alexa Michaels is the second book in The Vlasov Bratva series. I am truly enjoying this series so far. The plotline in this book was intersting and kept my attention. I have been waiting for one person to meet their end since book 1. I really enjoy these characters. They really make me laugh and love them. I love the dynamic between the cousins in the Bratva. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Laurel was feisty, intelligent, and strong willed. She was such a fun FMC! She had me laughing so many times. She was also so relatable. Dimitri was protective, caring, and overall an amazing MMC. Dimirti and Laurel complimented each other really well and had great chemistr. I loved how they both supported and cared for one another no matter what was happening. Their bond was strong and really made this book for me. I am looking forward to reading the next cousin’s, Luka’s book.

PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING

(SWIPE FOR BLURB)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

HAPPY READING

[Rozebudzz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laurel and Dimitri

Laurel is hiding from a past. Dimitri is the pakhan’s son. They met briefly many years before and altho Laurel remembers it vividly, Dimitri doesn’t. Laurel feels like she owes Dimitri a debt so when she overhears someone planning to kill him, she decides to warn him. Dimitri is attracted to Laurel and becomes obsessed with finding her and keeping her.

Laurel is strong, stubborn and outspoken. She’s also very smart and has hidden talents that she uses to help Dimitri. Someone is still trying to kill Dimitri so to keep Laurel safe, they marry, making this is a fake marriage trope. Dimitri is under his abusive father’s thumb but has the support of his cousins. He’s actually written as a pretty one dimensional character with Laurel being the more interesting personality.

I love the side characters, the cousins, who make Dimitri feel more interesting. The plot here is a little boring. There’s a 3rd act breakup almost at the very end that is completely unnecessary.

[drusilla duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75

When I found out it would be a marriage of convenience, but with the mafia trope in it, I knew I would love it. I am glad to say that I was not disappointed. Laurel and Dimitri's interactions were amazing. I especially loved how Dimitri's the heir, yet he turns into a puddle in front of Laurel, not being able to say no (unless it’s a dangerous situation). It's even better when he's spent the beginning of the book mocking his cousin for being in love. I like that Laurel was portrayed as a strong and independent woman, who was smart and calculated within an environment that's known to be conniving and dangerous. This was my first book from Alexa Michaels and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to pick up the other books in the series as well. If you're a fan of marriage of convenience, mafia dark romance, and strong female leads, then I'd highly recommend this book.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merciless Princess is part of the Vlasov Bratva book series. Once I read the blurb for Merciless Princess I knew I had to read the book. After reading Merciless Princess, I found the book to be an amazing Mafia Romance! Merciless Princess follows the story of Dimitri and Laurel. I thought the author did a phenomenal job of telling their story. I found Merciless Princess to be both enjoyable and an entertaining read. This book kept me on the edge of my seat during the whole time I was reading it. I found Dimitri and Laurel to be charismatic and interesting characters. Now I’m not going to give out details because I don’t want to spoil the book for future readers. However, I would highly recommend this book to others who enjoy reading a good Mafia romance.

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

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Vlasov Bravta series and is the story of Laurel, a woman in hiding, and Dimitri, heir to the Vlasov Bravta.

This was an amazing read. The plot has action, twists and turns, secret identity, a fake marriage and plenty of smoking hot smexy times.

Laurel is a bartender who overhears a plot to unalive the heir of the Bravta. She takes it upon herself to personally warn him as he once saver her life. Dimitri is not sure what to make of the beautiful woman when she appears with the warning. However, the more she talks, the more he believes her, and an obsession is born.

I devoured this book in one setting, and I cannot wait until the next story comes out. This author writes action filled plots and characters you will remember. I love these cousins and each one deserves their own story.

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merciless Princess is a steamy return to the Vlasov family. This time we get to follow Dimitri, the son of the pakhan and heir to the Vlasov Bravata. He is met by the mysterious Laurel. A woman with many secrets and an unknown past. She warns Dimitri of a threat to him, and the two cannot stop thinking about each other. A fake marriage ensues to protect Laurel. The two have a steamy connection that is perfect for the two. They work together to figure out who the threat is while also keeping their heads down to not upset the order of the Bravata. This story is full of action, spice, and plenty of Mafia craziness. There are mentions to events from Vengeful Dreams (Kaz and Daniella's story), however you don't need to have read that story to understand this one. Completely recommend for my mafia and spicy romance lovers alike!

[Soophel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and it's just as good as the first! A lot of mafia series have the same plot over and over again so I'm glad to say this one isn't like that!

The FMC, Laurel, is a strong woman who doesn't take any shit, but knows very well what her limitations are. She's mature and has a backbone, she doesn't get pushed around by the MMC.

Dimitri, the MMC, was adorably confused at the beginning. He had no idea what to do with his feelings, so he was bumbling along. After he defined what he was feeling, he never wavered in his adoration of Laurel.

I felt like there were some loose ends after reading this. I can't really name them 'cause... Spoilers! But they weren't big glaring plot holes, just some small annoyances.

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

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked right from the dedication page: "Dear Reader, You were born a princess. Don’t settle for a partner who won’t make you their queen." Alexa Michaels

This was an excellent addition to the series.
I love her Mafia romance books. This dark mafia romance captured me and I didn't want to put this book down.

Laurel (FMC) is hilarious. I was laughing out loud at the things this character thought and said. Her intelligence throughout the story was also refreshing. All she wanted to do was warn the mafia prince but she started something more than she bargained for.

Dimitri (MMC) is our morally grey hero. He is completely unhinged, dark, and delicious. He is so obsessed with Laurel and treats her like his queen. *swoon*

Their chemistry and banter are perfect. I couldn't get enough for them. I just love this dark mafia world. I can't wait for the next book.