Captive of the Bratva King

Kingdoms #7

by Aria R. Blue

It was just a kiss.

But it changed everything.

I wake up in a hospital room with a darkly gorgeous Bratva king holding my hand. He tells me that we were once lovers.

Only I have no memory of ever loving him.

I try to distance myself from him, but that quickly backfires.

He steals me away to a private island.

He turns me into his captive, locking me in a guesthouse and telling me that I belong to him.

Apprehension turns into hate.

But every time we're in the same room, I keep thinking about kissing him again. I keep thinking about how his hands would feel on my body.

My mind knows that he'll only drag me deeper into this dark world.

My heart beats just to catch another glimpse of him.

And while all of my emotions are at war, I start uncovering his secrets.

Including the one about his unborn child growing inside me.



Welcome to ‘Kingdoms’. Each book is a fairy-tale based contemporary standalone set in the criminal underworld. Book 7 is a loose modern adaptation of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. If you like your romance steamy and bordering on the dark side with twists that will have your heart racing, this book is for you. HEA always.

Genres: Mafia Romance

449 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2024

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot of jumping between past and present, but it didn’t take away from the story. Briar and Dimitri were meant to be together and nothing will keep them apart. I will definitely read this again!.

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

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening to Love and No Memories: A Fiery Modern Twist on Sleeping Beauty

Captive of the Bratva King is the seventh book in the Kingdoms universe, which takes inspiration from the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty and reimagines it through the world of mafia, romance, and intense spice.

“My heart feels like it’s the only organ in my body right now. It expands, growing larger and larger until it takes up all the space inside my rib cage. It’s filled with so much love for this girl that I feel like I can’t contain it within me.”

Briar awakens to a kiss but with a crucial catch—she has no memories of her past or her supposed lover. As Briar comes back into her new life, she finds herself drawn to Dimitri, a man has been by her side through the coma and wants to possess and love her through anything. The magnetic pull between them is undeniable, yet Briar fights with her feelings, uncertain of why she’s so compelled by this stranger.

Dimitri is a standout MMC! He’s a sweet and dirty-talking, fiercely protective figure who will go to great lengths for Briar. His dedication and the lengths he’s willing to go to keep her safe from her mother’s grip. He struggles with insecurities of whether he is capable enough to protect Briar from his world and fears of Briar’s memories returning because he just loves her so much that losing her for a second time would destroy him. I loved how fiercely he fought for Briar from start till end and Dimitri truly had me swooning page after page.

“Because it's who you are, princess," I say. "Your beauty is more than just skin deep. Your soul is made of stardust.” 

The absolutely electric push and pull between Briar and Dimitri was both thrilling and deeply engaging. The spicy scenes are indeed SPICY, boy did Aria Blue deliver on the heat! Between the intense scenes and intimate cuteness of their cheeseburger dates, this book was truly an unexpected but charming read. The combination of Dimitri’s raw protectiveness and the fiery romance makes for an irresistible read.

I haven’t read the others in the series yet but you can bet that I’ll be getting started on this series from the start today because if the rest of the books are like this one, I'm going to absolutely devour them!

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dimitri and Briar, modern Sleeping Beauty. She wakes up in the hospital from a coma, and is missing memories. Most specifically the memories of him, the big man who says he loves her and they were in a relationship. She is confused and overwhelmed by his big presence and goes on the run, he catches her and whisks her away to his private island for her "protection" but she still isn't sure what he is protecting her from. As the past begins to unravel for her, she isn't sure who to trust. There are many other factors at play, he is the head of a Russian Bratva, and there are old wounds and business there to deal with. She comes from a murky and controlling family that she doesn't understand. Somehow there are connections between the two and neither knows what they mean and they set out to figure it out. This is a complicated story, they have a romance. It is an epic thing where he was hit with instalove when they met and it has been leading him since. She was not far behind and in him she found freedom and acceptance she never felt before. Their passion is strong and spicy. The half of the story is the winding and complicated stories of their pasts and how they have to fight those demons to be free. It is well written and the character development of the FMC and MMC is impressive. They are very deep and nuanced with more emotion than you generally get in a story like this. There are some details that are hard to overlook...there is a universal poison antidote......but he can't trace a cellphone and it was a little rushed at the end after the extensive build up of the story.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What andadventure!

This one picks up right after Chloe's story and is Briar and Dimitri's story. It deals with amnesia and the fallout from the previous story.

We get to see flashes of the past to know what they meant to each other, but have to wait to find out why they had broken up. Mistakes were made, and new ones get made as these characters are not used to not getting what they want.

We get rare moments when the men put their bs aside to do what is needed to keep their women safe.

Book had me clinging to their story. I wanted to know what happened and how it would end. Interesting moment with unknown character that I think sets up next story that I am excited to see.

Could definitely see myself reading this one again to experience the intriguing reveal and twists and turns again.

Great addition to the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shanita Broussard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time finishing this book. When I saw the cover and title, I envisioned this harsh, yet sensual, big bad Bratva king. Instead, I got a Bratva boss who spent his time waxing poetic to a woman about days passed. He spent a lot of time lying and hiding truths from “the love of his life”. Briar was so wishy washy. It was a tad bit annoying. The spicy scenes hit the mark every time. Well written so the reader could feel the heat and chemistry. The dirty talk was cringy. Especially when he referred to himself as the king, but called her princess instead of his queen. Plenty of action at the very end, but still plenty of loose ties that may be tied up in the next installment. I’ve read other books by this author and loved them, but this one missed the mark for me.

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

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this book was offered to me as an advance review copy my interest was peaked because it was a mafia story and I love mafia stories. Captive of the Bratva King by Aria R. Blue was all that and more. It had me enthralled with the characters Briar and Dimitri from the beginning. I finished it a lot faster then I thought I would and I wished I had read it slower so it did not end.
The story opens with Briar in the hospital in a coma. Dimitri has not left her side. The only problem, when she wakes she does not remember him. There is a lot of action in this book. You will not be bored.
Kudos to Ms. Blue for an excellent book.
I received and advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this retelling of the classic tale, Sleeping Beauty, Briar awakens in hospital to Dimitri's kiss...and doesn't know who he was, even though they were together before she was kidnapped by her wicked stepmother...taking forty-seven days to recover his lover...but now that she's awake, how long will the diagnosis of retrograde amnesia hold true?? Briar decides she needs to get as far away from Dimitri as she can, but when she does leave, he finds her, taking her to a private island to ensure her safety...but between the secrets, deceit, disappearances and finally discovering each other's haunted pasts, could their love survive??? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Dimitri and Briar
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Genre- Fairy Tale Retelling (Sleeping Beauty)
Length- novel
Heat- Frequency 4/5 with BDSM elements.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, language in two languages, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Amnesia, J/P Hero, Captor/Captive, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Convenient Coma Recovery, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva
Mewsings
What I liked- I liked the construction of the story, with the present when she’s comatose and flashbacks to how she got that way, and tracing their relationship in between the action.
What I didn’t- his obsession did get a little old, as did her constantly comparing him to her ebil mother.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy to read and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

Captive of the Bratva King is a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Briar is in a coma and we learn how she became this way in flashbacks. She loved Dimitri and he loved her but now, post-coma, she doesn't remember him. Dimitri is a bit obsessed and protective but his motive is from a good place for her. The whole kidnapping thing is a bit over the top for me but again he means the best.

The mafia story is well written and the characters too. I got sucked into the story pretty quickly. It kept me reading long into the night. I really like this book and series. Great retelling.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you will get with CAPTIVE OF THE BRATVA KING is a story that will satisfy your appetite for OTT obsessive MMC romance. Dimitri is so obsessed it is a miracle he has time to be a Bratva Pakhan. He is so immersed in Briar from the first page.

What you will also get is so much spice, bunnies will look lazy. Dimitri not only speaks loudly with his actions, but he is particularly talented with his words.

I did have a little trouble following some things in the story that took place in other books in the series, and this book ended rather abruptly. I can offer my opinion after reading an early copy of the book, and I recommend it for people that enjoy dark mafia and obsessive romance.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the Kingdoms series where each book is a modern day twist on a classic fairytale. In this book we get Dimitri and Briar's take on Sleeping Beauty when she wakes up from a coma in the hospital to a kiss from Dimitri who she has no memory of. This is a really captivating and entertaining story I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between Dimitri and Briar is electric they're like magnets they have a pull towards each other and Dimitri is obsessed with Briar. You really need to read this bratva twist on a classic fairytale.

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

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes us on a journey filled with unexpected plot twists and turns. As we uncover the identity of the hero, we begin to question whether he truly fits the traditional mold of a hero. However, there is no doubt when it comes to his unwavering love for a certain woman. Once he sets his sights on someone, there is no escaping his determination. In addition to the complex hero, there is another character who serves as an anti-hero, and it seems that another anti-hero may emerge as the story unfolds. The siblings certainly have a knack for attracting complicated individuals into their lives.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mafia re-telling of the sleeping beauty fairytale. Briar wakes in the hospital not knowing what happened or who the man holding her hand is. He tells her that they were lovers, she tries to get away from him but he will not let her. He takes her to his private island to protect her.

Dimitri had distance himself from her to protect her and that did not work out well. Now nothing is going to keep him from her, only he can protect her.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Dimitri and Briar’s story. She wakes up in a hospital room with a darkly gorgeous Bratva king holding her hand. He says that we were once lovers. But she has no memory of ever loving him.
She try to distance herself from him, but that quickly backfires. He steals her away to a private island.
He turns her into his captive, locking her in a guesthouse and saying she belongs to him. While all of her emotions are at war, she starts uncovering his secrets. What will happen? It was an intriguing and intense read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Canyonmoon ._. Hq · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good......th plot , the mystery and the story is all good and interesting.....It made me turn pages from pages. now.....you'll be thinking " if the book is this good why would I rate it 4" ....the reason is that it seems like the mmc is not is love with the fmc.....there are so many chapters just about s3x and I kind of become bored 😐 because why does he always say the same thing again and again......he and I know both know the the fmc is freakin beautiful.....but you know sometimes this scenes in too much amount doesn't fit right with the book.......at last it's actually good

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar and Dimitri will have you hooked from the start and the twists and turns keep you guessing till the end!, waking up to a stranger telling you were once lovers is only the begining of their story, being taken and held on and island, and discovering Dimitris secrets will that push Briar away on will another secret keep her tethered to him forever? well written steamy, desires, and more.

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

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice twist to the classic of sleeping beauty. The previous book doesn't need to be read but it would be helpful in understanding the plot and the predicament of Briar. At times, the story and characters were on the dramatic side but it was really good. Glad the villian of the plot was bot dragged out but there are a few things that were left open which I hope will be addressed in the next book.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleeping beauty, but also not. Briar is in a coma thanks to her horrible mother. Dimitri is beating himself up because of Briar's situation, because Dimitri is absolutely obsessed with Briar from the very beginning.
I loved how this book was written. While reading I was brought back to the past of both Dimitri and Briar. I love how the story develops, keeping me guessing and engaged. Many questions I had are answered, but there is still more to learn. I love Aria R. Blue's books I am always in awe.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it will pull you in from the start. The emotional turmoil Briar goes through because of her wicked mother's jealousy, she has been in a coma for two months he has never left her side. Dimitri, is older than Briar but when she is in hospital in a coma the ruthless Bratva King will not leave her side while his men are out looking for her the mother, mother of all evil, making the Bratva look like saints.

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

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my most assuredly lots and lots of really steamy stuff. Dimitri has got a very dirty mouth but Briar certainly enjoys it so hey to each his own. The action was nonstop and I really hope we get Chloe and Graces stories too this world was too captivating to not have more people speak out from it. If we are lucky mom will be taken care of where she is. This one just grabbed me and kept hold till the very end. Hope there will be more from this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author is an amazing Storyteller!
Loved the storyline and of Dimitri and Briar. It was very complex including a sociopathic mother and her daughters who must survive despite its effects. Briar is the middle dtr who is deeply attracted to the Bratva King, Dimitri. He will do anything to protect her and over the course of the story, he proves it time and again. But is it enough. While their story may find some resolution the overarching plot will continue on into the next book. I’m highly recommending this story for your reading pleasure and satisfaction. PEACE.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Briar and Dimitri. The story keeps us engaged with fears, determination, connection, denial, suspense, danger and steam. The ending of the story leaves us with the need to read the next book in order to answer some lingering questions.

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

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captive of the Bratva King is an age-gap mafia romance and a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty . The story was well written and captivating plot and engaging characters. Briar wakes up from coma and doesn’t remember Dimitri. Dimitri won’t back down and go all in to be together. I was totally hooked to these two characters and read how the story unfolds. It was an engaging and entertaining read.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleeping Beauty with No Memory

Briar and Dimitri's story is finally here but she wakes up with no memory of what happened or who he is. Starting off with such an emotional shock to the plot was intense yet captivating. This was an excellent read with suspenseful twists and surprises that drove this story till the end.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this author is honestly just not for me, and that’s ok! I love a good amnesia trope and an over the top soap opera style premise, but I just wanted more plot to be honest. Briar felt a little too stockholmed and I wanted Dimitri (and Briar too tbh) to have more character development. I loved the premise and the world building but I think the story just wasn’t for me 🤷🏼‍♀️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dimitri and Briar. She awakes to him by her bedside and holding her hand and saying they are lovers. She doesnt know who he is or remember them at all. So he captivates her...literrally...to an island holding her captive. She wants him but she fights it. WOW what a read. Couldnt put it down. The way he whispers in her ear you can hear him whispering to you, oh my. A must read.

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

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awakening to a whole new world

Captive of the Bratva King is the seventh book in the Kingdoms series. This story is a modern day, and darker, take on Sleeping Beauty, with a lot more spiciness in the mix. The story is almost epic in it's tale, but definitely not what I would call a fairytale. I quite enjoyed the way the author developed the story and the characters, with some twists along the way.

[Mireille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series and have been looking forward to this book. This book picks up where the last one left off. Briar has been found and now has amnesia. This fact isn’t stopping Dimitri from claiming her.
I enjoyed this book. It has mystery, thrilling excitement and some fairly steamy sexy times. I’m assuming there’s a third book as there’s a third sister, I’m looking forward to reading it.
I received the book from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was so good! Captured me from the very start.

When Briar wakes, she has no memory of the man Dimitri, beside her bed and his arresting personality.

So well done, Dimitri is a possessive and dominant man who takes what he wants and he wanted her. But Briar sure isn't laying down and taking the treatment.

This is a first by this Author for me but I'll be looking for more. It was a quick read, and loads of action. very well done!!

[Smut Cartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was just a kiss.
But it changed everything.
He turns me into his captive, locking me in a guesthouse and telling me that I belong to him.

This is the 7th Kingdoms series book, Dimitri and Briar's story is filled with mystery, secrets and twists and turns.
A great modern retelling of sleeping beauty with Mafia aspects.

Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Amnesia
- Sleeping beauty retelling
- Age gap
- Mystery