Silken Chains

Bond by Morozov Bratva #1

by Mya Grey

Wanna know what's shittier than your scumbag (ex) husband selling you to a dangerous Russian mafia boss? I've got the answer...

Finding out the condom couldn't handle the intensity of your sordid tango between the sheets with that said Russian mafia boss.


Don't get me wrong, the whole one-night stand,
steamy hookup thing isn't usually my style.

I'm just plain ol' Laura. - Bookworm. Vanilla. Boring.


I didn't plan on locking lips with him, but God, I couldn't resist.


I mean, have you seen the man?
Chiseled jaw, smoldering eyes, body built for sin.
He's walking, talking temptation in a tailored suit.


And when he chased after me from his club,
Wrapped his designer coat around my half-naked body,
Offered me a ride home in his sleek black car,
Well, let's just say my panties didn't stand a chance.


One minute I'm drowning in those bedroom eyes,
His lips devouring mine like a starving man.
And baby, I was the all-you-can-eat buffet.
The next thing I know, I'm in his arms.
Princess-carried like a bride towards his penthouse instead.


Little did I know, our little foray between the sheets,
Would have life-changing consequences.

The broken condom.
The two pink lines.
The baby growing in my belly.


And the daddy?
None other than Victor Morozov.
Mafia boss. Ruthless kingpin.
My baby daddy.


Welcome to the ‘Bond by Morozov Bratva Series’! Book 1, ‘Silken Chains’ kicks things off—it's all about Laura getting knocked up by a Russian Mafia big shot. It's dark, it's dark Russian, it's romantic. Then, check out Book 2, ‘Velvet Chains’, to see how Laura and Victor's story wraps up with a happily ever after.
Enoy the ride!

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Crime, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2024

Reviews

[Hilda Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! Victor makes me hot! I can see why Laura is so attracted to him! This story is so compelling I could not put it down! The characters are so captivating, some meaner than a Wolverine, some so cute you just have to smile. Laura is put through the wringer. Fires, kidnapping, forced marriage. Not knowing who to trust, will they survive!I can’t wait to read the sequel!
I received an advance copy of Silken Chains, and voluntarily leave this review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback *


I encounter more misses then hits in the mafia subsection of the darker romance genre. Nine times out of ten the author will try to show how strong, sassy & self-relent the heroine is, by making her unafraid to speak up and solving her own problems. Unfortunately this usually ends up making our 'heroine' looking like a argumentative bitch, who picks fights and stupidly shrugs of all offers of help, when it's evident that she can't dig herself out of whatever hole she's ultimately found herself in.

I knew that Silken Chains would be more enjoyable then the majority of these genre offerings early on, for the simple reason that I didn't want to throttle Laura. She remains level headed throughout most of the story, and when she does put herself in harms way I can see her reasoning's for doing so. Victor is far away from being all sweetness and light, but he doesn't come of of as being needlessly bullying or overly aggressive. He actually continues to do everything that he would usually do, even when faced with a out-of-her-depth Laura, questioning family and his own misgivings. Again this is a nice change not to have the author whitewash things, trying to make the unpleasant realities of her world setting more romantic and lovey dovey.

The romance between Laura & Victor works; I really become caught up with their mutual attraction, budding romance and their feelings of hopelessness and inevitability, as there doesn't seem to be a way for them to find a way towards
a happy ending. The development of their feeling towards each other doesn't feel too rushed given the surrounding circumstances, and their chemistry is instantly apparent.


I have high hopes for the second half of this story and I can't wait to read it.

[Becca’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Little firecracker,” he says, and it’s like a shot to the heart. “You should’ve thought of that before playing with matches.”

❤️Russian Mafia Boss
❤️Simple ordinary girl
❤️One night stand
❤️Powerful/sexy connection
❤️Contract
❤️Drama
❤️Mafia family
❤️Lovers to Enemies
❤️Swoon worthiness


I’M ADDICTED!!! If you haven’t read any of Mya Grey’s books get started NOW and you will be hooked, promise!

This author has created a powerful beginning with Victor and Laura and I couldn’t stop reading once I got started. This breathtaking and intensified romantic dark love story is filled with mystery, intrigue, plot twist, steamy hotness, and just enough craziness and stubbornness to make you giggle. From a billionaire mafia boss to a woman who lost it all, this story takes you on a journey that keeps you wanting more. I freaking love the story!

Victor and Laura’s story will keep you fascinated to find out what happens next in their travels together. He’s a hot, swoon-worthy, strong alpha hero and she’s a gorgeous, stubborn and feisty heroine ….the bantering alone makes them a dynamite combination!

I’m so addicted to Mya Greys writing that I can’t wait to read Velvet Chains to see what happens next for this couple. Once you have sampled this author’s writing you will crave more and more of her books to see what she composes next! Her books are beyond excellent and SO compelling!

So get comfy because this story grabs you straight from the start and it’s hard to stop. Let the drama and excitement suck you in for Victor and Laura as they begin their journey! Definitely a MUST READ!!!!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great read! I did not want to put this book down after I started reading it. Laura’s scumbag ex husband sold her to the Bratva to cleat his debts after he cleared out all of her accounts. Victor the son of the Pakhan goes to see Laura at the book store she owns and decides to take that offer. These two are super hot together and burn up the sheets, couch and wherever. There is a war coming and a surprise wedding too. This book ends in a cliffhanger but the second book will be out in a couple of weeks. It’s definitely a must read.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Victor and Laura. Victor and Laura have an intense night of sex. Laura’s ex sold her out and to the Russian Bratva to clear his debts. Laura goes through a lot in this book but she seems to handle it well. Victor’s father is the pahkan of the Bratva. Victor finds Laura irresistible and the passion they share will produce an heir? I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via BookFunnel.

Excellent Start to the Bound By Morozov Bratva series!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silken Chains is just one of Mya's many stellar stories and I loved it the drama just pours off the pages. There's no way you don't feel sorry for Laura and that black cloud that hovers over her head waiting to pour down on her no matter what's she's trying to do. It's sinister how Victor and Laura become involved but I'm not giving that secret away. I have that pins and needles feeling waiting for the next book.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

It’s sooooooo damn goooooooood. Passion, danger, hart-stopping moments, darkness…….
I was complete wrapped up in Victor and Laura’s story.
The book ends in a cliffhanger; I need book 2 ‘Velvet Chains’, to see how Laura and Victor's story wraps up with a happily ever after NOW!!!!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story is a roller coaster of bad luck and up/down emotions for Laura. Her family’s book store burns down, her husband leaves her and wipes out her bank account. Laura meets Victor and she decides to let loose and had an amazing night. Their super explosive chemistry was HOT! Their story continues with Laura’s funny banner and Victor handling brava matters. That cliff hanger was intense. Very entertaining story.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book grabs you from the first page. The chemistry between Victor and Laura is very hot. It has plenty of secrets to keep you guessing who the real villi an is, and enough action to keep you entertained. Can not wait for the next book to come out.

[Anastasia Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! Well, this book was great. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Lots of drama and steam. Laura has no idea who she married but Victor has no problem telling her and claiming her for himself. But neither really believe their feeling are more than an arrangement to help benefit each other. Great read.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mega-Watt Electricity!
Victor and Laura are electric. With one touch he has her orgasmic! And that’s just the beginning. He commands her with just a look and a promise as he speaks. How can she refuse?! Why would she want to?! They are more than a contract, they are destiny!

[Kathleen M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silken Chains is yet another great book by Mya Grey!!! I always enjoy losing myself in her stories, especially one about the Russian Bratva. The character building is lengthy, but hang in there. It is soooo worth it. It is very necessary in getting to know and understand Victor and Laura. Silken Chains is well written with an exciting, action-packed plot full of betrayals and secrets. I loved it!!! I'm very eager to move on to part two!!!

[Lara Stegman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner. Not as much character development as I like, but a good story.

[STXBookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3

[SheaButtahBookhead · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book ends just as things start happening. Not that unique or thrilling.

[Catie Busen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I liked it I did. But the conversations were just so repetitive. And not like they had the same conversation multiple times. But it was like the author was going for back and forth but would just repeat the same thing over and over again.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

great characters in a dangerous world

How well do you know your spouse? Do they harbor secrets that could potentially harm you? Get ready to meet the ultimate unsuspecting wife. The fallout in her life will keep you riveted to the page. As usual, Mya Grey has created great characters in a dangerous world.

[Caz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Duet with a cliffhanger grrrrr why oh why a duet!! Seriously a few more chapters and this could be wrapped up. Why do I do this to myself. I’m not a fan of duets in this genre.

The drama was boring. Their get together boring. Characters are not really likable. The only person I like is the kid.

I felt the one-night stand earlier in the book was cringe and just badly written. It set my mood for the rest of the book - namely not really liking either of them.

I’m not sure I’m invested enough in this book or characters to read the next one. I honestly don’t care how they end up. Even the cliffhanger to know how he gets himself out of that mess I couldn’t care less.

Also the book felt a bit disjointed and at times had me thinking what did I just read (not in the good way either). The writing sometimes juvenile?

I realised I have read a few of her other books. The Brutal Kings series and didn’t like them. Saw this was a recommendation in a group I’m in and thought I would give it a go.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

26% in .. not so bad until now... the thoughts in her head the way he's reacting is just not doing it for me.. tried again NOPE

[Teigan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Consent was the biggest issue in this book. Laura doesn't want to do anything with Victor but he makes her say yes anyway.

A red flag for each time Laura isn't consenting:

- He helps her get away from a creep so he tells her to have a drink with him. She says no. 🚩
- She wants to leave the club. He pleads with her to stay, telling her she owes him.🚩
- She tries to get a taxi to go home. He sends them away and picks her up over his shoulder.🚩
- She tells him to let her go. He says no.🚩
- She doesn't want anything sexual from him. He fingers her clit until she says yes but that's when she's on the verge of coming.🚩
- She doesn't want sex. He tells her not to lie to him until she lets him.🚩
- She wants to go home. He tells her not to leave or he'll punish her.🚩
- She doesn't want to be with him. He sends guys to kidnap her.🚩
- She doesn't want to marry him. He threatens to kill her friend (Serena) until she says yes. 🚩
- She wants to change herself. His sister makes the maids strip her bare in front of her.🚩

^ You see how many times she does stuff against her own will?? Not a single time did she willingly consent to anything he did to her. 🚩🚩 That's not even the entire book! I could've listed more!

"Just because you saved me earlier doesn’t mean I owe you anything,” I start, trying to sound bold, but my voice quivers. Victor’s response is immediate, flipping my panties aside. His thumb presses against my clit, sending waves of unexpected pleasure surging through me. I gasp, my resolve wavering under his expert touch.

^ She had been drinking as well. So drinking + not consenting = rape. 🚩

Issue number 2: cringe writing.

- She's called Laura - her best friend calls her LuLu. (these women are 32 by the way)
- She calls her friend Ser instead of Serena. Was pronouncing this as Sir every time.
- Her best friend is beyond obsessed with fantasy smut.
- They use emojis far too much.
- Laura disappears for an entire day and her friend goes from threatening to calling the police to asking if she moved to France??
- Didn't like the writing style.
- Laura ranks high in cringe FMCs. Here's an example:

I nudge that tiny dessert into my mouth, and — Holymotherofgod, my tongue just had an orgasm!

A few minor issues and questions I had:

1. If Victor has an older brother and multiple older sisters why is he specifically required to marry and have heirs? Not how family heir line works my friend.

2. What were the characters saying half the time? You can't write multiple lines in Russian and not offer a translation. You can't expect your audience to google translate everything, especially when it's so inaccurate, I don't trust it.

3. David offers Victor his wife but as soon as they've made the deal, David says "You're all fucking monsters. Laura doesn't deserve this shit."
^ First of all, he literally just traded his wife in for 2 million dollars. Second, he literally put Laura through marriage fraud. Third, he stole all of Laura's money.
4. In the span of 3-4 of the last few chapters. He gives her a ring. He's being shot at and being ambushed. They're having sex. He has a bullet through his head. She's panicking. The end.
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Ann Thompson runs her family’s bookstore, Thompson Tales. Her husband of three years, David, is in trouble. He skimmed and lost 2 million dollars of the Morozov Bratva’s money. He offers Laura and the bookstore to Victor Morozov as payment.

2 months later, Laura is all alone. David cleaned out their bank accounts and left with her 20 year old assistant Polly. Then she gets a phone call from the fire department. The bookstore is on fire. Her father is another man in her life that does not respect her. He always wishes that he had a son instead of Laura. He is always blaming her for anything that goes wrong. She knows that he will somehow blame her for the fire. The only person in Laura’s life that she can count on is her best friend Serena.

Victor Morozov finds out that David is not who he says he is and that he left town. He is mad that the bookstore David “signed over” to the Bratva ends up burning down the day after David signed it over. Victor watched Laura as she looked at the fire and the rubble. Now, he is at Club V, which he owns. Laura was supposed to meet Serena there, but her toddler has a fever and she bailed. Laura has a few shots and looks around. Some drunk guy hits on Laura and tries to manhandle her. Victor sees what is happening and pretends to be her boyfriend to get rid of the creep.

Victor ends up taking Laura across the street to Hotel V. They go to his penthouse, have sex but the condom breaks. Laura is confused as how Victor knows her full name. He tells her that he knows everything about her. She is worried about who Victor is. Victor then gets a call to take care of some business. Laura leaves, gets the morning after pill and tries to forget Victor.

Ksenia is 41 and Victor’s older sister. She is 6 years older than him, married to Dmitri and has a cute daughter named Eli. Ksenia is there to tell Victor that their father is in the hospital. Their father wants Victor married within five days to keep the Bratva strong. There is a list of mafia princesses for Victor to choose from but he is only thinking of Laura.

Victor tells Laura about David and threatens to hurt Serena if Laura doesn’t take his deal. Laura is to marry Victor for a year and in return, he will rebuild her bookstore, give her a monthly allowance and take care of all of her debt. She has no choice but to sign the contract.

Very Interesting.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 The story was good but was of a repetitive nature from books that I have read before. The collateral damage victim, (aka Laura) becoming responsible for what David did to the Bratva has been done quite a bit. Allot of authors in this genre are starting to use a different approach to "a revenge" plot. The characters had their moments and were engaging enough to keep me interested.

I really didn't like Victor. I thought his character was a douche bag as he played cat and mouse with Laura throughout book one. Considering everything that had happened to Laura in book one I felt she deserved to be a brat throughout book one. Her father, David, her co-worker and then Victor and his sister were enough to make anyone snarky, angry, despondent and sad. Eli, Yuri and Victor's father were characters who were refreshing and helped tame the hostility of Victor's sister and Victor's behavior.

Laura had been dealt a lousy hand in book one. My only concern with her character was how many times the author had her use the "f....k" word. I have no issues with that word in books, but this author reduced Laura's vocabulary by overusing it throughout this book. I am not always onboard when an author tries to use angst between two characters that are sexually drawn to one another but can't stand each other with an on again off again theme in a book. Such was Victor's and Laura's relationship.

I am not sure why Victor used her best friend's family safety as a way of forcing her to marry him, since he was offering her more money than she could earn in a lifetime. Again, over dramatic. This guy was so hot and cold throughout book one that I had whiplash. One moment he was trying to seduce Laura and the next time he was treating her like a paid prostitute. There is a difference when a man is a demanding lover and one that just has his sexual kinks that feed a selfish ego. I never felt like Victor was a lover just someone that had a sexual ego the size of another country. His feelings didn't match his actions toward Laura. Sometimes it is hard to see what these women see in these guys.

Finally, I had a hard time with the author flipping between a Russian criminal institution that is called a "Bratva" but referencing the word Mafia which is Italian. Two different criminal organizations run by two different ethnic origins.

[❤SanaReads❤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐2 "I-feel-like-I-wanna-break-something" stars⭐

*Proceed with caution you may encounter some spoilers*

I m so sad I dnf this book at 29% and I m blaming the h. She is just a

No.

Nope.

Non.

لا

I'm a sucker for unplanned pregnancies. Add a bravta mafioso and I'm a goner.

I can read this trope non stop and it will always be my favorite, but this book!!! Nope. Nope. Nope.

I don't know if it's a me thing or the heroine thing but I just couldn't.

I hated Her guts. The h not the author 😌

She was dumb, stupid and the most doormat character of them characters I have ever had the non-pleasure to meet.

Because of the high ratings, I forced myself to keep reading. I really wanted to give this book a chance because that COVER is just wow, but at about 29% I could no more.
.
.
.
.
.
Seriously though....

Her store turned into ashes and all the poor books were burnt and a legacy was ruined and she SMILED!!!!! The only thing she FEARED was telling her dad!!
Shoot me now 🔫🔫🔫

I would need two lives of therapy for such a thing...
.
.
.

Then, her supposedly husband of 3 years clears her bank account, runs with her friend and she didn't even had a moment with herself to think about it...

Okay!!!

I have nothing against the author and I will definitely give her books a second chance (not this duet though) but this book got on my nerves 😔

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

Book one of the duet. When a simple woman Laura finds herself in a downward spiral after her ex deceived her in every way she just needed a break.
She finds herself stranded at the V club only to be saved from a grabby man by the big Russian Victor. Why is he calling her his woman?
Victor future Pakhan does not take betrayal lightly. Dave (Laura's cheating husband) is caught stealing, he offers his wife and her beloved bookstore. So now Laura is Victor's.
Victor is struggling with feelings that Laura brings out. He doesn't love and doesn't want children, specially the life he leads.
Marriage of convenience is agreed, so his dad will have surgery and she can have her bookstore renovated.
Their chemistry is hot but plenty of jealous woman around making Laura doubt things. Also her ex is after her and her life might be in even more danger than she thinks.
Victor was mean to her a lot, just because he didn't want to feel. Laura was strong but at times gave up easily.
It started of with so much heat and then nothing rest of the book.
My only issue was why didn't she continue her normal pills and how many morning after pills can one take in such short periods?
Great intensity, high drama, suspense, secrets, action, violence and emotional.
Does end in cliffhanger.

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Morozov Bratva series. The story of Laura and Victor. Victor is about to become the pakhan of is Bratva. In order to do that though his father wants him married. Laura's husband was in deep trouble with the Morozov Bratva and owed them millions. To try to settle the debt, he offers Laura's bookstore as well as Laura himself. Seems the husband was a scam artist and imposter, and Laura didn't know it. She just knows she has had some really bad karma. Her husband left her with all her money, her bookstore burns down and then she learns her husband had not kept up with the insurance payments. To drown her sorrows, she goes out to a club and meets Victor. He knows who she is, but she doesn't know who he is. They have instant chemistry and end up having a steamy night. She leaves thinking she will never see him again. Boy was she wrong, when she learns about the debt she is in shock and from there things happen quickly. Ends in a cliffhanger. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars +++ Wonderful Funny, Violent, Bratva Love Story
OMG, Laura is a sad character who has a crappy father, and a more than crappy run-away husband but her humor throughout is awesome. I laughed more than cried. With all the bad stuff that happens to her, you would think she would give up but this lady, while comically talking to herself, just soldiers on. Laura owns and runs her family bookstore in New York. It is her sanctuary; books are her passion until suddenly her store is all gone. Victor Morozov is the heir to the Morozov Bratva and is very serious about the family's business. Morozov Bratva is owed a lot of money by this shady character David, so to keep breathing the little twerp signs over his wife's cute little bookstore along with his wife! Really?? David is a snake! But it’s a good thing because Victor needs a good woman in his life and Laura needs a protector and a good man to love her. I loved Laura and Victor and their connection. They are perfect for each other. I loved this story and can’t wait to see how it concludes. I received an ARC copy of this story, and this is my opinion. Linda

[Lois Karasek · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Silken Chains" is the first half of a bratva duet. While I was excited to read it, I was disappointed after having done so. In my opinion, the theme of the story is good. The recitation, however, left something to be desired.

The characters, for the most part, were not likeable; not even the two protagonists. At least, I didn't care for them. I especially did not like Laura. She was wishy-washy, and that's probably the nicest thing I can say about her. Her sassy attitude soon became irritating. Victor seemed to have an exceptional amount of patience with her, even though he was no angel, either.

Another personal quirk of mine is that when a story features foreign (to Americans) characters, the dialog should reflect the associated accents and/or speech patterns of their native language to make it more authentic. That's missing in this story, unfortunately.

On the plus side, there were very few typos and grammatical errors. Reviewing the list of books by this author on Amazon, it is apparent that she writes a lot of mafia style stories. I hope she'll take my critique to heart and include some things I have mentioned in her future stories.

[Alyx Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always know I’m going to enjoy Mya’s stories. She does not write mafia light, so I know I’m going to get all the suspense, tension, violence, and darkness of the criminal underworld. Oh, and the alphahole bratva boss who has decided he’s just going to take what he wants.

I won’t lie, I wanted to cry when Laura’s bookstore burned, I mean, books! Plus, to have a lousy, lying, stealing ex on top of everything is just icing on the dooky cake. Of course, if he steals from his ex, he’s dumb enough to steal from the Russian Bratva, deciding to offer up his ex in payment though?

I love how Laura doesn’t quit, and how she comes to embrace her inner darkness. Accepting we’re both can be hard, learning how to do it and not let it overwhelm you is even harder. Of course, she got some pretty scorching lessons from Victor.

Growly, possessive, over the top, touch her and die mmc’s are my jam. So Victor is obviously to die for. He is dangerous and dominant, and more than a match for Laura. The ending was a great twist, and had me reaching for the next book immediately. You won’t regret reading this!

[Rozebudzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura and Victor

I didn’t like Laura. Her internal dialog was boring and immature. I hated that she constantly referred to herself as “Laur” (“Get a grip, Laur”) Why? She has a short simple name. Shortening it to “Laur” sounds silly. Looks ridiculous in print. She also argued with Victor constantly, even when her arguments didn’t make sense. She’s hyper-independent but didn’t seem to learn from her mistakes.

Victor was annoying at first but he slowly became more self aware by the end of the first book and into the second. He was often mean to Laura but it never got to the point of bullying. These two are lousy communicators and that was the core of their problems. They weren’t really fleshed out and I’m just not convinced their HEA will last.

The villain in this story was obvious and the plot was pretty simple. I liked the side characters but a little more backstory would’ve been nice.

[Sara Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanging On

So, Julia owns a bookstore that has been in the family. Het husband, David takes off with an employee and cleans out their bank account. David is involved in shady business and Julia is unaware.

David has taken money from the bratva and offers, Julia and the bookstore as payment. Julia is unaware of what David is up to then gets a call, her bookstore is on fire. While waiting for the insurance to contact her, Julia has a one night with Victor Morozov, bratva.

Things get worse when Julia finds out, David never paid the insurance company or other bills. The landlord is calling and Julia discovers more about David's secrets.

Victor's father had a stroke, needs surgery and now he must marry, as a condition to under go said surgery. It gets a little more complicated for Victor and Julia. Julia is not legally married to David and he's who he claims to be? There is an ambush waiting for Victor and his men. The story continues...