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Devils Will Rise: Melnikov Legacy #2
Born into Blood
I’d give my life for my family…but I won’t give hers.
My family is everything, and the Bratva I help run is all I care about.
Until I meet her.
One look and I know she’s mine,
the only woman I’ll ever want, and the only one I’ll ever have.
My little kisa belongs to me, and I won’t let anything come between us…not even my own family.
I’ve been taught since birth to hate the Melnikovs.
They’re the monsters who are responsible for my father’s death,
or at least that’s what my mom says,
but Luka Melnikov isn’t the monster I’m expecting.
He’s a man who’s dedicated his life to his family’s Bratva,
a man who’s never allowed women to get close to him,
but he takes one look at me and decides I’m his.
He wants me to be his first,
his last,
his everything,
and he’ll end anyone who tries to stand between us.
This is a very steamy dark mafia romance. It has an untouched MMC who is possessive and protective to the extreme. This is the second book in the Melnikov Legacy series. The books are interconnected, but each can easily be read as a standalone. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA is always guaranteed! Please see warning at beginning of novel and read responsibly.
My family is everything, and the Bratva I help run is all I care about.
Until I meet her.
One look and I know she’s mine,
the only woman I’ll ever want, and the only one I’ll ever have.
My little kisa belongs to me, and I won’t let anything come between us…not even my own family.
I’ve been taught since birth to hate the Melnikovs.
They’re the monsters who are responsible for my father’s death,
or at least that’s what my mom says,
but Luka Melnikov isn’t the monster I’m expecting.
He’s a man who’s dedicated his life to his family’s Bratva,
a man who’s never allowed women to get close to him,
but he takes one look at me and decides I’m his.
He wants me to be his first,
his last,
his everything,
and he’ll end anyone who tries to stand between us.
This is a very steamy dark mafia romance. It has an untouched MMC who is possessive and protective to the extreme. This is the second book in the Melnikov Legacy series. The books are interconnected, but each can easily be read as a standalone. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA is always guaranteed! Please see warning at beginning of novel and read responsibly.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
761 people are currently reading
1786 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
August 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐ (rounding up cuz it's dual-V)
This is cheesefest, smutfest, lovefest, whatever; the point is, this is a fest. 😂
Romance-wise, I had fun with the story. They both fell fast and hard, and it took them a few days or a few weeks before they realized they're both endgames for each other. I loooved that they're each other's first and only, and I'm here for all of that. Of course, it's insta-love; I think that's the trademark of this author. No complaints here, because I did enjoy it.
But it still made me scratch my head knowing that Lara and Luka were only 19 years old and went all in so quickly. I guess it's a good thing that they found the love of their lives at a young age. 🤔 Idk, imo, I think they could still do a whole lot of enjoyable things instead of making a family. I'm not saying having one isn't a good experience; it's just that I think it's still different when it's just the two of them spending time together and enjoying their youth; they're teenagers after all. Why can't they just be a couple, and, idk, probably the epilogue would be many years later with them married and with kids? I know this is fiction, and I have to suspend disbelief, but I really can't when it comes to starting a family at a very young age. 🫣
This is obviously a me thing, but reading about teenage pregnancy never fails to make me uneasy in some way. And although the adults around them 100% support them, I still can't wrap my head around it. Then again, like I said, this is a me problem, and other readers might be fine with it. To each their own I suppose. 🤷♀️
Also, I don't like the fact that Lara keeps looking down and talking negatively about herself. I get that people have their own insecurities, but to read about them over and over again is making me irked for some reason. She's not confident about her curvy body, and she kept saying she's not like model-thin and how Luka would prefer that body type over her. She made a lot of assumptions about him and his supposed preferences with women, and I just don't think it's fair. At one point, she just comes off as a whiny teenage girl, and let's just say it's not adorable to read. 😐
Luka, on the other hand, keeps proving and reassuring her time and time again that she's beautiful and that she's enough for him. Not once did he make her feel less, and I swear this guy is almost perfect; he could go toe to toe with his Uncle Matvey when it comes to being a green-flag boyfriend or husband. He's so good with her, and I honestly think he's way too good for her. 🤷♀️
Look, I know it seems like I didn't enjoy it, but I really did, and I know it's mainly because of Luka. 😂🫣 It was a good insta-love story, and that's what I'm into atm. Nothing's held my interest these last few days, but this book sure did. 🤭 Anyway, it was a good one, and I'm actually excited to read the books of the other cousins.
Book info:
- Dual V!!! 🥰
- Violence
- Attempted SA
- Self harm
- Paranoia
- Abuse (past)
- Mention of trafficking
- Insta-love
- Breeding
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- HEA (1 yr later, married and with a son)
This is cheesefest, smutfest, lovefest, whatever; the point is, this is a fest. 😂
Romance-wise, I had fun with the story. They both fell fast and hard, and it took them a few days or a few weeks before they realized they're both endgames for each other. I loooved that they're each other's first and only, and I'm here for all of that. Of course, it's insta-love; I think that's the trademark of this author. No complaints here, because I did enjoy it.
But it still made me scratch my head knowing that Lara and Luka were only 19 years old and went all in so quickly. I guess it's a good thing that they found the love of their lives at a young age. 🤔 Idk, imo, I think they could still do a whole lot of enjoyable things instead of making a family. I'm not saying having one isn't a good experience; it's just that I think it's still different when it's just the two of them spending time together and enjoying their youth; they're teenagers after all. Why can't they just be a couple, and, idk, probably the epilogue would be many years later with them married and with kids? I know this is fiction, and I have to suspend disbelief, but I really can't when it comes to starting a family at a very young age. 🫣
This is obviously a me thing, but reading about teenage pregnancy never fails to make me uneasy in some way. And although the adults around them 100% support them, I still can't wrap my head around it. Then again, like I said, this is a me problem, and other readers might be fine with it. To each their own I suppose. 🤷♀️
Also, I don't like the fact that Lara keeps looking down and talking negatively about herself. I get that people have their own insecurities, but to read about them over and over again is making me irked for some reason. She's not confident about her curvy body, and she kept saying she's not like model-thin and how Luka would prefer that body type over her. She made a lot of assumptions about him and his supposed preferences with women, and I just don't think it's fair. At one point, she just comes off as a whiny teenage girl, and let's just say it's not adorable to read. 😐
Luka, on the other hand, keeps proving and reassuring her time and time again that she's beautiful and that she's enough for him. Not once did he make her feel less, and I swear this guy is almost perfect; he could go toe to toe with his Uncle Matvey when it comes to being a green-flag boyfriend or husband. He's so good with her, and I honestly think he's way too good for her. 🤷♀️
Look, I know it seems like I didn't enjoy it, but I really did, and I know it's mainly because of Luka. 😂🫣 It was a good insta-love story, and that's what I'm into atm. Nothing's held my interest these last few days, but this book sure did. 🤭 Anyway, it was a good one, and I'm actually excited to read the books of the other cousins.
Book info:
- Dual V!!! 🥰
- Violence
- Attempted SA
- Self harm
- Paranoia
- Abuse (past)
- Mention of trafficking
- Insta-love
- Breeding
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- HEA (1 yr later, married and with a son)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Perfection is nice and all... but boring af
In our pursuit for the 'healthy' possessive hero I think we've fallen into an obvious trap:
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
In our pursuit for the 'healthy' possessive hero I think we've fallen into an obvious trap:
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
dual-v-card-holders
August 3, 2024ARC review soon!
This has both virgin leads who has only ever been w each other {including first kisses}! PUUURRRR.
This has both virgin leads who has only ever been w each other {including first kisses}! PUUURRRR.
October 6, 2024
‼️ warning rambling and giggling ‼️
𝓜𝓒𝓼:
Luka (19)
Lara (19)
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🖤 Insta-love
🖤 Cat parents
🖤 Curvy (insecure) FMC
🖤 Secret cinnamon roll MMC
🖤 He calls her ”Kisa” (kitten)
🖤 She’s the only girl for him
🖤 He falls first and harder
🖤 Touch her and die (literally)
🖤 Found family 🥹🫶🏻
𝓘𝓷𝓯𝓸:
Prologue (h’s mom / 20 yrs earlier)
Dual 1st person POV
Violence
Murder
Self harm (h’s past)
Attempted SA (on h)
Abuse
Mental health issues (h’s mom)
No ow/om drama
No cheating
Both virgins (first everythings!!)
Open door spice (LOTS)
Breeding
Cock warming
Praise
69
🍑 play
No third-act breakup
Epilogue (1 yr later, married w/ kid)
HEA
𝓝𝓸𝓽𝓮:
—OW: No owd, but women do come onto Luka a few times. He called one of them a fucking idiot (she heard it too) and didn’t even notice the others, so I didn’t mind 👀🫣
𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
I was a little nervous going in, I’m not gonna lie… but it was a lot better than I thought it would be. I was basically giggling and kicking me feet the whole time 😭💗
The prologue was ROUGH (and long imo) but also needed, so I'm just putting a warning out there. It also confused me at first because I was like, “Who the hell is Chloe? 🤨”
All the chapters were 15-25 minutes long, which was sad because I’m a slut for short chapters 😔
The family aspect was so cute and sweet!! There were a lot of people, so I’m still confused on who’s who, but I was smiling and laughing a ton. It was very Dom Toretto. They may kill together, but everyone is a giant softy 🥰
Lara had really bad insecurities (her mom, scars, body, etc.) and talked down on herself quite a bit. It did get annoying after a while, but I can understand where she was coming from. I just wish there was a little less. Every time one of her insecurities popped up, Luka was there to remind her she’s the only one for him.
THIS MAN WAS DOWN BAD. I swear he has to be somewhat blind because he doesn’t see ANY women but his girl. I’m serious, she’ll be like, “I bet you’re making those girls behind us jealous,” and he’ll respond, “What girls?” AND HE ACTUALLY MEANS IT BECAUSE HE’S APPARENTLY BLIND. Amazing ☺️
The MCs are a little too young for my liking, and I wish they were together a little longer before getting pregnant. The marriage thing I don’t mind much because it’s insta-love, so it was kind of inevitable 🤷♀️
It couldn’t have been a little shorter, given they got together around 30%. I didn’t hate the story though, so it wasn’t too bad.
The epilogue could have been better. It was just another sex scene. I love spice, don’t get me wrong, but not in my epilogues (most of the time), and certainly not when the book was already full of it.
I might read some other books by this author. I’ll probably read the parent’s stories in the previous series, and the next book looks interesting. (I’m still VERY confused on who’s who) ⬇️
**update**
Parents series books 1-4 all manwhores but will be reading book five and maybe more of this series
In the end, just like Angela said, this is a super safe and cheesy love story! It was just a little drawn out. Definitely recommend!
P.S. I still hate the cover 😃
𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼/𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼:
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m not usually this nice, kisa.”
“So I’m getting the royal treatment?”
Her words are more breathy whisper than anything, and I can tell by the look on her face that she’s completely clueless as to the effect it has on me.
“You deserve nothing less.”
Lara Swan is mine. She can try and fight this all she wants, but it’s a done deal as far as I’m concerned. She’s the only woman I’ll ever want, and the only one I’ll ever have.
“Intimacy turns me on, sharing something with someone that no one else will ever get to experience turns me on. That’s what I like. The idea of fucking some girl that I don’t know or care about doesn’t do shit for me.”
I’d say I’m falling hard for Lara Swan, but the truth is I fell head-fucking-first the second I saw her. I’m a goner, plain and simple, and I know myself well enough to know there’s no going back.
I always want to be her safety net, the person she runs to anytime she’s scared or worried or needs comfort. I want to be everything for her, just like she is for me.
“I will love you and be faithful to you for the rest of my life, and when I leave this world, it’s only going to be so I can find you in the next one. We’re connected, kisa. You’re a part of me, I feel like you always have been, and I will always find you. Whatever life awaits us after this one, we’re spending it together. I don’t just want one life with you, baby, because one could never be enough. I want forever with you. I want an eternity.”
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭:
I hate the cover, but dual V and no OW drama?! Yes please!!
𝓜𝓒𝓼:
Luka (19)
Lara (19)
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🖤 Insta-love
🖤 Cat parents
🖤 Curvy (insecure) FMC
🖤 Secret cinnamon roll MMC
🖤 He calls her ”Kisa” (kitten)
🖤 She’s the only girl for him
🖤 He falls first and harder
🖤 Touch her and die (literally)
🖤 Found family 🥹🫶🏻
𝓘𝓷𝓯𝓸:
Prologue (h’s mom / 20 yrs earlier)
Dual 1st person POV
Violence
Murder
Self harm (h’s past)
Attempted SA (on h)
Abuse
Mental health issues (h’s mom)
No ow/om drama
No cheating
Both virgins (first everythings!!)
Open door spice (LOTS)
Breeding
Cock warming
Praise
69
🍑 play
No third-act breakup
Epilogue (1 yr later, married w/ kid)
HEA
𝓝𝓸𝓽𝓮:
—OW: No owd, but women do come onto Luka a few times. He called one of them a fucking idiot (she heard it too) and didn’t even notice the others, so I didn’t mind 👀🫣
𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
I was a little nervous going in, I’m not gonna lie… but it was a lot better than I thought it would be. I was basically giggling and kicking me feet the whole time 😭💗
The prologue was ROUGH (and long imo) but also needed, so I'm just putting a warning out there. It also confused me at first because I was like, “Who the hell is Chloe? 🤨”
All the chapters were 15-25 minutes long, which was sad because I’m a slut for short chapters 😔
The family aspect was so cute and sweet!! There were a lot of people, so I’m still confused on who’s who, but I was smiling and laughing a ton. It was very Dom Toretto. They may kill together, but everyone is a giant softy 🥰
Lara had really bad insecurities (her mom, scars, body, etc.) and talked down on herself quite a bit. It did get annoying after a while, but I can understand where she was coming from. I just wish there was a little less. Every time one of her insecurities popped up, Luka was there to remind her she’s the only one for him.
THIS MAN WAS DOWN BAD. I swear he has to be somewhat blind because he doesn’t see ANY women but his girl. I’m serious, she’ll be like, “I bet you’re making those girls behind us jealous,” and he’ll respond, “What girls?” AND HE ACTUALLY MEANS IT BECAUSE HE’S APPARENTLY BLIND. Amazing ☺️
The MCs are a little too young for my liking, and I wish they were together a little longer before getting pregnant. The marriage thing I don’t mind much because it’s insta-love, so it was kind of inevitable 🤷♀️
It couldn’t have been a little shorter, given they got together around 30%. I didn’t hate the story though, so it wasn’t too bad.
The epilogue could have been better. It was just another sex scene. I love spice, don’t get me wrong, but not in my epilogues (most of the time), and certainly not when the book was already full of it.
**update**
Parents series books 1-4 all manwhores but will be reading book five and maybe more of this series
In the end, just like Angela said, this is a super safe and cheesy love story! It was just a little drawn out. Definitely recommend!
P.S. I still hate the cover 😃
𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼/𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼:
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m not usually this nice, kisa.”
“So I’m getting the royal treatment?”
Her words are more breathy whisper than anything, and I can tell by the look on her face that she’s completely clueless as to the effect it has on me.
“You deserve nothing less.”
Lara Swan is mine. She can try and fight this all she wants, but it’s a done deal as far as I’m concerned. She’s the only woman I’ll ever want, and the only one I’ll ever have.
“Intimacy turns me on, sharing something with someone that no one else will ever get to experience turns me on. That’s what I like. The idea of fucking some girl that I don’t know or care about doesn’t do shit for me.”
I’d say I’m falling hard for Lara Swan, but the truth is I fell head-fucking-first the second I saw her. I’m a goner, plain and simple, and I know myself well enough to know there’s no going back.
I always want to be her safety net, the person she runs to anytime she’s scared or worried or needs comfort. I want to be everything for her, just like she is for me.
“I will love you and be faithful to you for the rest of my life, and when I leave this world, it’s only going to be so I can find you in the next one. We’re connected, kisa. You’re a part of me, I feel like you always have been, and I will always find you. Whatever life awaits us after this one, we’re spending it together. I don’t just want one life with you, baby, because one could never be enough. I want forever with you. I want an eternity.”
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭:
I hate the cover, but dual V and no OW drama?! Yes please!!
August 2, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
•V-Card MMC and FMC!!!
•Insta-love
•He falls first and harder
•No one will ever touch you but me
•No other woman exists for me but you
• Lots of Spice!!
•Touch her and die
•Dark but oh so sweet
NO cheating and NO OW drama!
“I'd give my life for my family...but I won't give hers.”
OH. MY. GOOD.
This book is so fucking cute. Dark? Yes, but also very sweet, with a perfect mix of spice and humor.
Sonja did it again, the story is so precious that I still can't process it all. I need Luka in real life please
I was screaming from page 3, the connection and love between Luka and Lara was incredible. And the scenes where the rest of the Melnikov Family appeared?? It was all perfect, reading how the relationship between everyone is and how they would die for each other made me cry. Although it can be read independently I recommend reading the previous book and the first generation series too, they are totally worth it!
I can't wait to read Sveta's book (I really want to read Vitaly as a father-in-law) and learn more about Val and Yelena's relationship🖤
•V-Card MMC and FMC!!!
•Insta-love
•He falls first and harder
•No one will ever touch you but me
•No other woman exists for me but you
• Lots of Spice!!
•Touch her and die
•Dark but oh so sweet
NO cheating and NO OW drama!
“I'd give my life for my family...but I won't give hers.”
OH. MY. GOOD.
This book is so fucking cute. Dark? Yes, but also very sweet, with a perfect mix of spice and humor.
Sonja did it again, the story is so precious that I still can't process it all. I need Luka in real life please
I was screaming from page 3, the connection and love between Luka and Lara was incredible. And the scenes where the rest of the Melnikov Family appeared?? It was all perfect, reading how the relationship between everyone is and how they would die for each other made me cry. Although it can be read independently I recommend reading the previous book and the first generation series too, they are totally worth it!
I can't wait to read Sveta's book (I really want to read Vitaly as a father-in-law) and learn more about Val and Yelena's relationship🖤
August 9, 2024
3.5-4 stars
This is a one click author for me. I usually don’t have to read the reviews because I know her books are safe and will always be safe and she will never betray us safety girls like another Mafia/bratva author I know **cough NEVA cough**. BUT it pains me to say I did NOT eat this book up! It took me over two days to read which attests to that.
Don’t get me wrong I LOVED Luka. He was such a great MMC. An untouched MMC who has never even kissed anyone and doesn’t see the point in sleeping around which made him even better. He also treated Lara like an absolute queen!!
My troubles with this book lie with Lara though. She was really sweet and she fell for Luka as hard as he fell for her. I loved that no matter what her mom said about Luka’s family she never believed it and she didn’t take her mom’s side. But Lara was EXTREMELY insecure. I’ve read about insecure FMCs before but Lara takes the cake. Every time Luka would reassure her on things she never believed him. “You’re so beautiful” “no I’m not” “I love you so much” “you don’t have to say it if you don’t mean it.” It got to be frustrating at a point. And there was no character growth with her. She was insecure for the entire book. I wouldn’t have minded if she started off insecure and then grew into her confidence but that never happened. When the villain was telling her all sorts of mean things I just wanted her to stand up for herself and say no Luka loves me and we are meant to be. Instead she got in her head and became even more insecure. I just needed some character growth from her.
Also, something I say about every single one of this authors books. The sex scenes are overdone and they last forever!! The epilogue was even a sex scene! We’ve seen them have sex 7 times already we don’t need to see it again!! Also Luka is a virgin but of course he’s like the best in bed. Not super realistic. But I guess you can’t have this badass Bratva guy bad in bed.
My favorite part of this book was when the whole family is around. I liked the little hints of future books we are going to get. I’m happy that it seems like none of the cousins are manwhores at this point. They all seem to be on the same vibe as Luka and don’t mess around. Which makes me even more excited to keep reading the series. I didn’t like Svetlana in the last book but I actually really liked her in this one. It’s going to be fun to watch her and her bodyguard fall for each other, even though it’s obvious they both already have. I can’t wait for the two cousins to come out with their relationship as well ( not blood related).
As always my fav is still Vitaly. He’s just so freaking funny and provides much needed comedic relief.
Also I felt so bad for Lara’s mom. She was not mentally stable and I’m glad she’s going to be okay.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (just Luka being wanted by every woman as if they have never seen a good looking guy before)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
ATTEMPTED SA ON FMC
MURDER
TALK OF SEX TRAFFICKING
This is a one click author for me. I usually don’t have to read the reviews because I know her books are safe and will always be safe and she will never betray us safety girls like another Mafia/bratva author I know **cough NEVA cough**. BUT it pains me to say I did NOT eat this book up! It took me over two days to read which attests to that.
Don’t get me wrong I LOVED Luka. He was such a great MMC. An untouched MMC who has never even kissed anyone and doesn’t see the point in sleeping around which made him even better. He also treated Lara like an absolute queen!!
My troubles with this book lie with Lara though. She was really sweet and she fell for Luka as hard as he fell for her. I loved that no matter what her mom said about Luka’s family she never believed it and she didn’t take her mom’s side. But Lara was EXTREMELY insecure. I’ve read about insecure FMCs before but Lara takes the cake. Every time Luka would reassure her on things she never believed him. “You’re so beautiful” “no I’m not” “I love you so much” “you don’t have to say it if you don’t mean it.” It got to be frustrating at a point. And there was no character growth with her. She was insecure for the entire book. I wouldn’t have minded if she started off insecure and then grew into her confidence but that never happened. When the villain was telling her all sorts of mean things I just wanted her to stand up for herself and say no Luka loves me and we are meant to be. Instead she got in her head and became even more insecure. I just needed some character growth from her.
Also, something I say about every single one of this authors books. The sex scenes are overdone and they last forever!! The epilogue was even a sex scene! We’ve seen them have sex 7 times already we don’t need to see it again!! Also Luka is a virgin but of course he’s like the best in bed. Not super realistic. But I guess you can’t have this badass Bratva guy bad in bed.
My favorite part of this book was when the whole family is around. I liked the little hints of future books we are going to get. I’m happy that it seems like none of the cousins are manwhores at this point. They all seem to be on the same vibe as Luka and don’t mess around. Which makes me even more excited to keep reading the series. I didn’t like Svetlana in the last book but I actually really liked her in this one. It’s going to be fun to watch her and her bodyguard fall for each other, even though it’s obvious they both already have. I can’t wait for the two cousins to come out with their relationship as well ( not blood related).
As always my fav is still Vitaly. He’s just so freaking funny and provides much needed comedic relief.
Also I felt so bad for Lara’s mom. She was not mentally stable and I’m glad she’s going to be okay.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (just Luka being wanted by every woman as if they have never seen a good looking guy before)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
ATTEMPTED SA ON FMC
MURDER
TALK OF SEX TRAFFICKING
September 12, 2024
How is this the first book that I'm reading by this author 😭???
No third-act breakup and a really solid, developed plot and mafia??? And the romance??? I'm in shock rn.
I'm running to read the original series so I can know all the lore behind the families 👀.
(The cover scares me though 💀).
No third-act breakup and a really solid, developed plot and mafia??? And the romance??? I'm in shock rn.
I'm running to read the original series so I can know all the lore behind the families 👀.
(The cover scares me though 💀).
August 1, 2024
ARC
5 🌟
Sonja, thank you for the ARC. I am so honored to be a part of your ARC team!
The perfect man does not exist.
Luka has entered the chat.
That man was PERFECTION. I'm convinced men like him don't exist. He is tied with Matvey for me (let's be honest--no one will ever pass him for me, but Luka can stand beside him). Sonja writes THE best characters. I have never put one of her books down and said "ugh that FMC was annoying" or "I hated that MMC." She writes characters that you fall in love with. I HIGHLY recommend reading the first generation books first. They add so much to the story.
Luka is Roman and Emily's oldest son. He is 20 and following his family footsteps with the Bratva. Up until he meets Lara, family is his only concern. The man has never even kissed a woman. Yep--another V MMC. Just like the rest of the Melkinov men, Luka falls fast. This is another insta-love story. Luka is the ultimate book boyfriend.
Lara is Osip (from the previous stories) daughter. He died before she was born. This storyline is why you should read the first-generation books first. He was a horrific nightmare of a man. Chloe is Lara's mother. She has some major mental health issues. She is completely delusional and poor Lara has been a victim of living with those delusions her entire life. Luckily, she has a good head on her shoulders and understands her mother is mentally unstable. Also, that prologue was INTENSE!!!
Luka and Lara's love story was fast-paced and beautiful. As always, Vitaly provided a lot of humor. I love the family dynamic and vibes!
This was my 2nd favorite Sonja book, but it's still a perfect 5-star read. I couldn't find anything I didn't love. Can't wait for the next one!!!
5 🌟
Sonja, thank you for the ARC. I am so honored to be a part of your ARC team!
The perfect man does not exist.
Luka has entered the chat.
That man was PERFECTION. I'm convinced men like him don't exist. He is tied with Matvey for me (let's be honest--no one will ever pass him for me, but Luka can stand beside him). Sonja writes THE best characters. I have never put one of her books down and said "ugh that FMC was annoying" or "I hated that MMC." She writes characters that you fall in love with. I HIGHLY recommend reading the first generation books first. They add so much to the story.
Luka is Roman and Emily's oldest son. He is 20 and following his family footsteps with the Bratva. Up until he meets Lara, family is his only concern. The man has never even kissed a woman. Yep--another V MMC. Just like the rest of the Melkinov men, Luka falls fast. This is another insta-love story. Luka is the ultimate book boyfriend.
Lara is Osip (from the previous stories) daughter. He died before she was born. This storyline is why you should read the first-generation books first. He was a horrific nightmare of a man. Chloe is Lara's mother. She has some major mental health issues. She is completely delusional and poor Lara has been a victim of living with those delusions her entire life. Luckily, she has a good head on her shoulders and understands her mother is mentally unstable. Also, that prologue was INTENSE!!!
Luka and Lara's love story was fast-paced and beautiful. As always, Vitaly provided a lot of humor. I love the family dynamic and vibes!
This was my 2nd favorite Sonja book, but it's still a perfect 5-star read. I couldn't find anything I didn't love. Can't wait for the next one!!!
August 31, 2024
PHENOMENAL!!!!
This was freakin FABULOUS! So much swoon from the get go! Both MCs are totally drawn to one another from the very first moment they meet. The hero is obsessed. The heroine is shy and reticent and knows she needs to stay away, but she just can’t.
The writing was razor sharp, the emotions were palpable, the characters clicked together seamlessly, the steam was fierce. And the cherry on top?
DUAL VIRGINS!!!! YASSSSSS, fucking PLEASE!! More of this! The way the hero was so attuned and observant of the heroine, his focus on pleasing her—seriously what dreams are made of!
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!
Super safe. Both MCs are each others first and only. No cheating or sharing or abuse. POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: heroine used to cut herself, and is scarred. Heroine’s mother has mental health issues. Heroine is kidnapped by sex traffickers and is physically assaulted and almost sexually assaulted. Hero and his bratva come to the rescue. HEA with epilogue and babies.
This was freakin FABULOUS! So much swoon from the get go! Both MCs are totally drawn to one another from the very first moment they meet. The hero is obsessed. The heroine is shy and reticent and knows she needs to stay away, but she just can’t.
The writing was razor sharp, the emotions were palpable, the characters clicked together seamlessly, the steam was fierce. And the cherry on top?
DUAL VIRGINS!!!! YASSSSSS, fucking PLEASE!! More of this! The way the hero was so attuned and observant of the heroine, his focus on pleasing her—seriously what dreams are made of!
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!
Super safe. Both MCs are each others first and only. No cheating or sharing or abuse. POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: heroine used to cut herself, and is scarred. Heroine’s mother has mental health issues. Heroine is kidnapped by sex traffickers and is physically assaulted and almost sexually assaulted. Hero and his bratva come to the rescue. HEA with epilogue and babies.
October 10, 2025
Okay, besties 😭, buckle up because this book was a pure cheesefest deluxe, a smutfest, lovefest, all the fests rolled into one. I was giggling, blushing, and occasionally side-eyeing my Kindle like “girl… calm DOWN” 😂
Let’s start with the basics: Luka Melnikov and Lara Swan. These two fall fast and hard, like blink and suddenly they’re soulmates, engaged, and talking babies 😭. Normally, I’d roll my eyes at insta-love, but Luka?? My man was down so bad it was actually adorable. He only has eyes for Lara. Literally. She’ll be like, “You’re making those girls jealous,” and he’s like, “What girls?” Because this man’s eyesight apparently filters out anyone who isn’t his woman. 💀 10/10 delusional devotion. I love it here.
Now Lara… sweet, shy, scarred Lara. 🥺 My heart broke for her insecurities and how rough her childhood was. Her mom’s mental health issues and paranoia really shaped her, and I totally understood why she struggled so much with self-worth. BUT I won’t lie, her constant self-doubt did start to feel repetitive after a while. Luka could write her a 10-page love letter, and she’d still go, “You don’t mean that.” Girl, he means it 😭
The prologue had me spinning like a confused Roomba. I was like, “Who’s Chloe?? What’s happening??” It’s long, heavy, but also necessary — just know going in that it’s rough emotionally. Once you get past that, the book really finds its groove.
The Melnikov family chaos is elite. Think “Fast & Furious” meets “Bratva Family BBQ.” Everyone’s scary but also secretly a cinnamon roll. The teasing, the protectiveness, the found-family love? Absolute serotonin boost. 🥰 I was cackling at their banter and melting at how they all welcomed Lara in like she’d always belonged.
And let’s talk spice 🌶️ because whew 😮💨 Sonja Grey did NOT hold back. Luka might be a virgin, but man’s got PhD-level bedroom instincts. The scenes were passionate, emotional, and frequent. Like… very frequent. Maybe a few too many. Even the epilogue was another sex scene 😭 (personally, I prefer my epilogues with a baby or a wedding cake, not more moaning lol).
There’s also some dark content: attempted SA, talk of trafficking, self-harm, and mental illness. so check those trigger warnings. Sonja handled them with sensitivity, though, and they fit the story.
🖤 What I loved:
Luka being the softest, most loyal green flag in Mafia-land 🌹
Dual virgins! A refreshing twist in this genre
The family dynamics — chaotic but heartwarming
Luka kissing Lara’s scars 😭 (my heart left my body)
Let’s start with the basics: Luka Melnikov and Lara Swan. These two fall fast and hard, like blink and suddenly they’re soulmates, engaged, and talking babies 😭. Normally, I’d roll my eyes at insta-love, but Luka?? My man was down so bad it was actually adorable. He only has eyes for Lara. Literally. She’ll be like, “You’re making those girls jealous,” and he’s like, “What girls?” Because this man’s eyesight apparently filters out anyone who isn’t his woman. 💀 10/10 delusional devotion. I love it here.
Now Lara… sweet, shy, scarred Lara. 🥺 My heart broke for her insecurities and how rough her childhood was. Her mom’s mental health issues and paranoia really shaped her, and I totally understood why she struggled so much with self-worth. BUT I won’t lie, her constant self-doubt did start to feel repetitive after a while. Luka could write her a 10-page love letter, and she’d still go, “You don’t mean that.” Girl, he means it 😭
The prologue had me spinning like a confused Roomba. I was like, “Who’s Chloe?? What’s happening??” It’s long, heavy, but also necessary — just know going in that it’s rough emotionally. Once you get past that, the book really finds its groove.
The Melnikov family chaos is elite. Think “Fast & Furious” meets “Bratva Family BBQ.” Everyone’s scary but also secretly a cinnamon roll. The teasing, the protectiveness, the found-family love? Absolute serotonin boost. 🥰 I was cackling at their banter and melting at how they all welcomed Lara in like she’d always belonged.
And let’s talk spice 🌶️ because whew 😮💨 Sonja Grey did NOT hold back. Luka might be a virgin, but man’s got PhD-level bedroom instincts. The scenes were passionate, emotional, and frequent. Like… very frequent. Maybe a few too many. Even the epilogue was another sex scene 😭 (personally, I prefer my epilogues with a baby or a wedding cake, not more moaning lol).
There’s also some dark content: attempted SA, talk of trafficking, self-harm, and mental illness. so check those trigger warnings. Sonja handled them with sensitivity, though, and they fit the story.
🖤 What I loved:
Luka being the softest, most loyal green flag in Mafia-land 🌹
Dual virgins! A refreshing twist in this genre
The family dynamics — chaotic but heartwarming
Luka kissing Lara’s scars 😭 (my heart left my body)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
4.5⭐🥰
Saben quién me saco del mini bloqueo lector que me dio Binding 13? Este libro. Y lo amo por eso y porque me gustó mucho.
Primera vez que leo a esta autora. Encontré fue la saga de los padres pero no me llamaron la atención, cuando pasé a esta dije SÍ. No empecé por el primero porque me dio cosa la diferencia de edad de 25 años 🥴. Pero creo que no fue necesario.
Me pareció muy wholesome y lindo, la verdad. Ver qué aunque fue instalove, hubo un pequeño desarrollo del amor. Que se fue desarrollando y experimentaron sus primeras veces porque solo Dios sabe cómo de harta estoy con el cliché de mafioso manwhore que se las coge a todas y chica inocente que no sabe nada y que es virgen.
Si me debati mucho en lo de que están muy jóvenes para ser padres pero también por el carácter que muestran, creo que no está tan desacertado. Hasta ahora son mis favoritos.
Saben quién me saco del mini bloqueo lector que me dio Binding 13? Este libro. Y lo amo por eso y porque me gustó mucho.
Primera vez que leo a esta autora. Encontré fue la saga de los padres pero no me llamaron la atención, cuando pasé a esta dije SÍ. No empecé por el primero porque me dio cosa la diferencia de edad de 25 años 🥴. Pero creo que no fue necesario.
Me pareció muy wholesome y lindo, la verdad. Ver qué aunque fue instalove, hubo un pequeño desarrollo del amor. Que se fue desarrollando y experimentaron sus primeras veces porque solo Dios sabe cómo de harta estoy con el cliché de mafioso manwhore que se las coge a todas y chica inocente que no sabe nada y que es virgen.
Si me debati mucho en lo de que están muy jóvenes para ser padres pero también por el carácter que muestran, creo que no está tan desacertado. Hasta ahora son mis favoritos.
August 20, 2024
3,2 🌟
Había estado esperando este libro demasiado después de leer un poco la decepción que fue el anterior y... Volvemos a la jugada. Es justo lo que necesitaba leer para pasar el rato y reírme a gusto.
Luka es de mis favs hasta ahora. Igual a su padre jajaja. También me gustó Lara, se me hizo de las protagonistas más reales (aunque todas lo son). Como la tía Katya y la tía Alina la acojieron cuando supieron quien era, so pretty 💖.
Me encantaron las escenas con su hermano, Damien. Como lo ayudaba con sus tareas para que asi pudiera comprenderlas sin hacerlo sentir menos por su dislexia 🥹. También como se apoyaban mutuamente Luka, Val y Max, igual de unidos que su padres 💞.
La verdad es que soy muy fácil de convencer a la hora de calificar un libro. Solo se necesita que me haga reír y disfrutar 💞✨. Y eso ha sido justo lo que hizo este libro.
Es que la familia Melnikov es de mis favoritas y los amo ❤️🩹. Son de mis sagas de mafia comfort (aunque también son mi gusto culposo 😪😌) y estoy deseando los siguientes.
Sveta y Vitya son los siguientes en la saga y aaaaahhhhh, se viene romance de guardaespaldas omggg 🥳🥳🥳. (Ya quiero ver como le toca sufrir a Vitaly jajaja 😌).
También ansío demasiado el de Val y Yelena 🥹✨✨✨ son muy lindos y me da cosita como tienen que esconderse, los necesito juntos sin que se escondan.
Había estado esperando este libro demasiado después de leer un poco la decepción que fue el anterior y... Volvemos a la jugada. Es justo lo que necesitaba leer para pasar el rato y reírme a gusto.
Luka es de mis favs hasta ahora. Igual a su padre jajaja. También me gustó Lara, se me hizo de las protagonistas más reales (aunque todas lo son). Como la tía Katya y la tía Alina la acojieron cuando supieron quien era, so pretty 💖.
Me encantaron las escenas con su hermano, Damien. Como lo ayudaba con sus tareas para que asi pudiera comprenderlas sin hacerlo sentir menos por su dislexia 🥹. También como se apoyaban mutuamente Luka, Val y Max, igual de unidos que su padres 💞.
La verdad es que soy muy fácil de convencer a la hora de calificar un libro. Solo se necesita que me haga reír y disfrutar 💞✨. Y eso ha sido justo lo que hizo este libro.
Es que la familia Melnikov es de mis favoritas y los amo ❤️🩹. Son de mis sagas de mafia comfort (aunque también son mi gusto culposo 😪😌) y estoy deseando los siguientes.
Sveta y Vitya son los siguientes en la saga y aaaaahhhhh, se viene romance de guardaespaldas omggg 🥳🥳🥳. (Ya quiero ver como le toca sufrir a Vitaly jajaja 😌).
También ansío demasiado el de Val y Yelena 🥹✨✨✨ son muy lindos y me da cosita como tienen que esconderse, los necesito juntos sin que se escondan.
February 28, 2025
Teniendo en cuenta que el anterior fue una decepción me alegro muchísimo de que este vuelva a subirme las expectativas, me pone blandita que salgan los personajes originales y AMO a Lara y Luka
October 8, 2024
Tropes: mafia MF romance, insta love, he falls first and harder, dual v!rgins, touch her and 💀, curvy FMC, cat parents, found family, mental health rep.
Rating: 1.5✨
DFN @ 46%
I have to start saying that this is the first book I’ve read from this author and it was actually painful reading the prologue. I’ve never read someone being more delulu than the woman in the first chapter. Turns out she has some kind of mental issue and she’s not even on any medication.
Unfortunately this is not a book for me, I tried to finish it bc I was genuinely curious about this story, but I just couldn’t go on anymore and had to DFN it.
It’s too much insta everything for my taste and it’s way too sappy. It made me cringe too many times.
I also didn’t like the way the author described Luka’s family. I mean I get it, they are all very close and love each others very dearly, but this is still a family of criminals we are talking about and I just didn’t get that vibe at all.
Ultimately I really couldn’t stand neither of the main characters, so it gave me no other choice to give up on this book, but believe me, I really tried because there is nothing I hate more than leave things unfinished.
Rating: 1.5✨
DFN @ 46%
I have to start saying that this is the first book I’ve read from this author and it was actually painful reading the prologue. I’ve never read someone being more delulu than the woman in the first chapter. Turns out she has some kind of mental issue and she’s not even on any medication.
Unfortunately this is not a book for me, I tried to finish it bc I was genuinely curious about this story, but I just couldn’t go on anymore and had to DFN it.
It’s too much insta everything for my taste and it’s way too sappy. It made me cringe too many times.
I also didn’t like the way the author described Luka’s family. I mean I get it, they are all very close and love each others very dearly, but this is still a family of criminals we are talking about and I just didn’t get that vibe at all.
Ultimately I really couldn’t stand neither of the main characters, so it gave me no other choice to give up on this book, but believe me, I really tried because there is nothing I hate more than leave things unfinished.
November 11, 2025
3.5 🌟
The writing is nothing to be singing its praises. It's pretty surface level. Vanilla Mafia with some tongue cutting and a few headshots for good measure.
Definitely insta love. The book is very fast paced. There is no buildup to their relationship. It was merely, I see you, I want you, I have you.
The MMC is nothing less than picture perfect. He's everything a woman would want in a man. He always says the right thing. Does the right thing. To the extent that it is borderline cheesy. His whole mission in life becomes to dote on her and worship her.
It's Dual V which I absolutely adore. But as is usual in these CR books, MCs turn from never having been with anyone to porn level experts.
I might skip Sveta's and Vitya's book but definitely interested in Yelena's and Val's.
Ticking another Fall/Winter 🍁❄️ Bingo square:
17) "Author's first or last name starts with a G"
🔴 | 05 | 30 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 20
🔴 | 09 | 31 | 04 | 25 | 🔴
19 | 08 | 13 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 35
🔴 | 🔴 | 12 | 🔴 | 04 | 🔴
🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 11
🔴 | 33 | 18 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴
The writing is nothing to be singing its praises. It's pretty surface level. Vanilla Mafia with some tongue cutting and a few headshots for good measure.
Definitely insta love. The book is very fast paced. There is no buildup to their relationship. It was merely, I see you, I want you, I have you.
The MMC is nothing less than picture perfect. He's everything a woman would want in a man. He always says the right thing. Does the right thing. To the extent that it is borderline cheesy. His whole mission in life becomes to dote on her and worship her.
It's Dual V which I absolutely adore. But as is usual in these CR books, MCs turn from never having been with anyone to porn level experts.
I might skip Sveta's and Vitya's book but definitely interested in Yelena's and Val's.
Ticking another Fall/Winter 🍁❄️ Bingo square:
17) "Author's first or last name starts with a G"
🔴 | 05 | 30 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 20
🔴 | 09 | 31 | 04 | 25 | 🔴
19 | 08 | 13 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 35
🔴 | 🔴 | 12 | 🔴 | 04 | 🔴
🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 11
🔴 | 33 | 18 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴
January 6, 2026
I loved Luka and Lara's book sm!! 2nd Gen is so well written!! I definitely like it more than 1st Gen.
can't wait for Sveta and Vitya's book. Mia and Dario's too!
can't wait for Sveta and Vitya's book. Mia and Dario's too!
September 7, 2024
“Born into Blood” is the story of Lara and Luka.
Insta love, double v card, sweet hero and innocent heroine, loads of sex, family drama and happy ending. I quite enjoyed this one. There’s also a cute kitten and kinky epilogue.
Can’t wait for Svetlana and Vitya!
Safe
4/5
Insta love, double v card, sweet hero and innocent heroine, loads of sex, family drama and happy ending. I quite enjoyed this one. There’s also a cute kitten and kinky epilogue.
Can’t wait for Svetlana and Vitya!
Safe
4/5
August 10, 2024
4.3
Noooo vale, Luka y Lara, son adoradísimossss🥹❤️
Los ame demasiadooo, se convirtieron en una de mis parejas favs en todos estos libros (Matvey y Alina siempre serán mi #1, aunque me huele a que Val y Yelena van por el mismo camino)
Lo que me lleva a, protect Val and Yelena at all cost😭😭😭 (necesito ese libro YA) aunque Vitya y Sveta tambien me tienen alborotada🤪
Siento que fue todo tan sweet (apartando las escenas mas dramáticas) que estuve todo el libro fangirling (de paso que amo a los Melkinov). Also, Vitaly, no cambies nunca😂
Noooo vale, Luka y Lara, son adoradísimossss🥹❤️
Los ame demasiadooo, se convirtieron en una de mis parejas favs en todos estos libros (Matvey y Alina siempre serán mi #1, aunque me huele a que Val y Yelena van por el mismo camino)
Lo que me lleva a, protect Val and Yelena at all cost😭😭😭 (necesito ese libro YA) aunque Vitya y Sveta tambien me tienen alborotada🤪
Siento que fue todo tan sweet (apartando las escenas mas dramáticas) que estuve todo el libro fangirling (de paso que amo a los Melkinov). Also, Vitaly, no cambies nunca😂
August 7, 2024
I absolutely adore the Melnikov’s first generation and the second generation is become a firm favourite. Now it could be because all the old favourites are still there but I just love them and I loved this book.
No offence to Dominic and Natalya but for me this one was better. Maybe it was because a lot of the plot in this one had based around the Paved in series.
At first I was confused to who or why we had Chloe 20 years ago since the character didn’t ring any bell from the Paved series but then when Osip was introduced it made sense.
Our Roman and Emily made Luka
Chloe and Osip made Lara
Chloe brought Lara up believing she should hate the Melnikov’s because of them killing Osip. Doesn’t help that she’s romanticized there relationship. It’s safe to say Chloe has some issues.
Luka thinks the Bratva should always come first but that’s knocked on its head when Lara is knocked on her ass by someone in Dominic’s club and of all the Uncles to witness the little spark it had to be Vitaly.
I liked the fact she seemed to have the same hang ups about herself that Emily did. Thinking she was too big to be picked up and stuff but then Luka being like Roman in the fact that all he saw was her and not her flaws. Shows he was raised right.
I do feel bad for Val and Yelena, I’m rooting for them like the cousins but with the way the Vitaly went on about Lara and Luka being cousins because they were his niece and nephew when the aren’t related I get that Vitaly is the king of wind ups that why he’s one of my favourites but Val talking to Luka the night before the wedding just made me sad for them. I really hope it works out for them.
Would highly recommend if you loved the Paved in series.
I love that Sonja does the little bonus bits if you are on her mailing list and I love that she's doing a POV for the dad's. Roman getting to meet his grandson was so go. The honeymoon bonus was good but Roman's was better. So looking forward to Sveta's book next. Hopefully Lev and Roman can get some of there on back with Vitaly.
No offence to Dominic and Natalya but for me this one was better. Maybe it was because a lot of the plot in this one had based around the Paved in series.
At first I was confused to who or why we had Chloe 20 years ago since the character didn’t ring any bell from the Paved series but then when Osip was introduced it made sense.
Our Roman and Emily made Luka
Chloe and Osip made Lara
Chloe brought Lara up believing she should hate the Melnikov’s because of them killing Osip. Doesn’t help that she’s romanticized there relationship. It’s safe to say Chloe has some issues.
Luka thinks the Bratva should always come first but that’s knocked on its head when Lara is knocked on her ass by someone in Dominic’s club and of all the Uncles to witness the little spark it had to be Vitaly.
I liked the fact she seemed to have the same hang ups about herself that Emily did. Thinking she was too big to be picked up and stuff but then Luka being like Roman in the fact that all he saw was her and not her flaws. Shows he was raised right.
I do feel bad for Val and Yelena, I’m rooting for them like the cousins but with the way the Vitaly went on about Lara and Luka being cousins because they were his niece and nephew when the aren’t related I get that Vitaly is the king of wind ups that why he’s one of my favourites but Val talking to Luka the night before the wedding just made me sad for them. I really hope it works out for them.
Would highly recommend if you loved the Paved in series.
I love that Sonja does the little bonus bits if you are on her mailing list and I love that she's doing a POV for the dad's. Roman getting to meet his grandson was so go. The honeymoon bonus was good but Roman's was better. So looking forward to Sveta's book next. Hopefully Lev and Roman can get some of there on back with Vitaly.
February 28, 2025
este sí que me gustó mucho más. luka y lara son de mis personajes favoritos y me encanta que sigan saliendo tanto el resto de la familia
September 16, 2024
Good story, great characters but it is too sweet for me :))
Can’t wait for Svetlana and Vitya! VERY excited for Svetlanas !!!
Can’t wait for Svetlana and Vitya! VERY excited for Svetlanas !!!
April 9, 2025
Sonja I have my earnest request to you!! Please Never Ever stop Writing Breeding Kink in your stories!! ❤️ ✨ 🦋
😭 Also Love my babies Luka and Lara! ❤️
😭 Also Love my babies Luka and Lara! ❤️
August 1, 2024
Where are the tissues? And not because this book is sad or frustrating but because of the warmth and love that shines through!
Lara works hard to support herself and her mother and tries to remain a wallflower, having grown up with her mother telling her to be wary of the Melnikovs. She might lack confidence in some areas, but she has a big heart and will fight for what she wants.
Luka is the oldest of the Melnikov children. He has a natural leadership, cares for all of his cousins and believes in family, loyalty and trust above all. He also will protect the people he cares about and is open minded.
These two are ultimate cinnamon rolls. Luka and Lara instantly like each other and become fond of each other, even to the minute details. Lara likes that Luka is sweet and tender but can also take command of the room and then into a fierce fighter. She finds comfort in him as he sees all of her and doesn’t judge her for anything at all. He is there to support her any time she needs and will do whatever it takes to make her feel secure, safe and comfortable. Luka loves how kind Lara is and how strong she has stood given her past. She has small mannerisms he can’t help but smile at. He also finds that she has a quiet, steady presence that grounds him, and loves even more so her dedication to what she cares about. They also have easy banter and get along the moment they meet. It honestly felt like reading a mix of the OG Melnikov couples and I couldn’t help but feel teary-eyed but also smiling the whole way through.
Speaking of, we get to see our beloved characters throughout the pages with laughs and smiles at their antics. We continue to see the bonds and love this clan has for each other such that it truly feels like a cozy blanket. They all know each other really well and will always be there for one another. I also loved seeing how far the OG Melnikovs have come, as their children are definitely like them and more, and we have to give them a shoutout for raising this new generation to be just as lovable and endearing as they were. Oh and add in a too cute kitten and you’ve got chef’s kiss.
Moreover, we see some past fixtures raising their ugly heads (so if you haven’t read the OG Melnikov’s, you definitely should to avoid some spoilers but also so you can fall in love with them!!). There is some suspense and action here, and the pacing was just right. We also get some hints at future stories and I cannot wait to read those!
Overall, this was an engaging read, and just like the others, it felt like coming home. This clan definitely has burrowed deep!
Lara works hard to support herself and her mother and tries to remain a wallflower, having grown up with her mother telling her to be wary of the Melnikovs. She might lack confidence in some areas, but she has a big heart and will fight for what she wants.
Luka is the oldest of the Melnikov children. He has a natural leadership, cares for all of his cousins and believes in family, loyalty and trust above all. He also will protect the people he cares about and is open minded.
These two are ultimate cinnamon rolls. Luka and Lara instantly like each other and become fond of each other, even to the minute details. Lara likes that Luka is sweet and tender but can also take command of the room and then into a fierce fighter. She finds comfort in him as he sees all of her and doesn’t judge her for anything at all. He is there to support her any time she needs and will do whatever it takes to make her feel secure, safe and comfortable. Luka loves how kind Lara is and how strong she has stood given her past. She has small mannerisms he can’t help but smile at. He also finds that she has a quiet, steady presence that grounds him, and loves even more so her dedication to what she cares about. They also have easy banter and get along the moment they meet. It honestly felt like reading a mix of the OG Melnikov couples and I couldn’t help but feel teary-eyed but also smiling the whole way through.
Speaking of, we get to see our beloved characters throughout the pages with laughs and smiles at their antics. We continue to see the bonds and love this clan has for each other such that it truly feels like a cozy blanket. They all know each other really well and will always be there for one another. I also loved seeing how far the OG Melnikovs have come, as their children are definitely like them and more, and we have to give them a shoutout for raising this new generation to be just as lovable and endearing as they were. Oh and add in a too cute kitten and you’ve got chef’s kiss.
Moreover, we see some past fixtures raising their ugly heads (so if you haven’t read the OG Melnikov’s, you definitely should to avoid some spoilers but also so you can fall in love with them!!). There is some suspense and action here, and the pacing was just right. We also get some hints at future stories and I cannot wait to read those!
Overall, this was an engaging read, and just like the others, it felt like coming home. This clan definitely has burrowed deep!
July 27, 2025
Born Into Blood by Sonja Grey
DNF @ 9%
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lou’s is a club that entertains strippers fighting for an earning and predatory men who view women as objects.
Unfortunately, Chloe falls into the former category and is manipulated and harassed by a client, Osip, once she informs him of her pregnancy.
The indroduction to Chloe is significantly rushed and the author does not provide readers any room to understand her as a character, a personality, or a woman outside of her stripping. The diction within this novel is quite aggressive and crass thus, it was quite difficult for myself to empathise or express any relatability to the characters.
Whilst, I am not new to the world of violent and crude mafia novels, this one did not seem well thought out and instead it was articulated as if a horny 13-year-old boy wanted to write a book. I could not go past the first chapter hence, my DNF.
DNF @ 9%
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lou’s is a club that entertains strippers fighting for an earning and predatory men who view women as objects.
Unfortunately, Chloe falls into the former category and is manipulated and harassed by a client, Osip, once she informs him of her pregnancy.
The indroduction to Chloe is significantly rushed and the author does not provide readers any room to understand her as a character, a personality, or a woman outside of her stripping. The diction within this novel is quite aggressive and crass thus, it was quite difficult for myself to empathise or express any relatability to the characters.
Whilst, I am not new to the world of violent and crude mafia novels, this one did not seem well thought out and instead it was articulated as if a horny 13-year-old boy wanted to write a book. I could not go past the first chapter hence, my DNF.
November 24, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ they were so fucking cute! luka is perfect and i loved lara. i think this is the spiciest book ive read from sonja. i’m loving all the crumbs we get of all the cousins and i really hope sasha gets a book.
March 4, 2025
Esta historia es demasiado tierna 💕💕
Me gustó la historia, es bien entretenida.
Ya en este punto de la familia no esperaría menos de un Melnikov que un instalove, un romance intenso, gente virginal y embarazos tempranos.
Luka es igual a su padre Roman y lo encontré genial. Cumple el mismo rol casi como jefe de la familia, se preocupa por todos y es entregado en su trabajo (delictivo 😂), pero se enamoró fuerte y duro. Y hace lo mismo que su padre de cambiar las cerraduras de su amada. Lo que en la vida real sería una red flag atómica 😂 aquí lo amamos 💕.
Lara es lo mas tierno que hay y veo imposible que Luka no se enamorara de ella y no la quiera cuidar porque cualquier lectora querría hacerlo. Me encantó el apodo que le puso él porque así se llamaba una gata que tuve 🥹 Kisa 💕💕
Este libro lo que tiene es que te deja pero con la tremenda expectativas, dudas y ganas de leer la historia de dos parejas que son los siguientes libros de esta saga 🙈
Me gustó la historia, es bien entretenida.
Ya en este punto de la familia no esperaría menos de un Melnikov que un instalove, un romance intenso, gente virginal y embarazos tempranos.
Luka es igual a su padre Roman y lo encontré genial. Cumple el mismo rol casi como jefe de la familia, se preocupa por todos y es entregado en su trabajo (delictivo 😂), pero se enamoró fuerte y duro. Y hace lo mismo que su padre de cambiar las cerraduras de su amada. Lo que en la vida real sería una red flag atómica 😂 aquí lo amamos 💕.
Lara es lo mas tierno que hay y veo imposible que Luka no se enamorara de ella y no la quiera cuidar porque cualquier lectora querría hacerlo. Me encantó el apodo que le puso él porque así se llamaba una gata que tuve 🥹 Kisa 💕💕
Este libro lo que tiene es que te deja pero con la tremenda expectativas, dudas y ganas de leer la historia de dos parejas que son los siguientes libros de esta saga 🙈
September 13, 2024
3 stars
Tropes : mafia romance, rich guy x poor girl, insta love, J/P H, obsessed H, warring family
Ending : HEA(married with a baby boy)
Triggers : violence, attempted SA, 💀, murder, gore, abuse
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : none
Intimacy details: dual virgins, rough sex, spanking, oral
Standalone/Series : part of an interconnected series
Hero : Luka Melnikov (19)
Heroine: Lara Swan (19)
This is too sweet for me 😂 very insta love-y and Luka was the perfect possessive gentleman, no assholery at all.
Very safe read (except some gory scenes and an attempted SA) with lots of smut.
Sadly it’s too mild and low angst to the point where I skimmed quite a bit when I reached 70% mark.
Tropes : mafia romance, rich guy x poor girl, insta love, J/P H, obsessed H, warring family
Ending : HEA(married with a baby boy)
Triggers : violence, attempted SA, 💀, murder, gore, abuse
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : none
Intimacy details: dual virgins, rough sex, spanking, oral
Standalone/Series : part of an interconnected series
Hero : Luka Melnikov (19)
Heroine: Lara Swan (19)
This is too sweet for me 😂 very insta love-y and Luka was the perfect possessive gentleman, no assholery at all.
Very safe read (except some gory scenes and an attempted SA) with lots of smut.
Sadly it’s too mild and low angst to the point where I skimmed quite a bit when I reached 70% mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating:🌶🌶.5
HEA: 🌟🌟🌟/3
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Kidnapping (on-page) Domestic Violence (on-page, not MCs) Threats of Abortion (on-page, not MCs) Sexual Assault/Attempted Rape (on-page) Self Harm (Mentioned) Vioelnce/Murder (on-page) Mental Illness (on-page, not MCs)
📌 HEA: Married with a baby
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OMD/OWD: Virgin MCs
📌 No Separation/Third-act Breakup
Spice Rating:🌶🌶.5
HEA: 🌟🌟🌟/3
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Kidnapping (on-page) Domestic Violence (on-page, not MCs) Threats of Abortion (on-page, not MCs) Sexual Assault/Attempted Rape (on-page) Self Harm (Mentioned) Vioelnce/Murder (on-page) Mental Illness (on-page, not MCs)
📌 HEA: Married with a baby
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OMD/OWD: Virgin MCs
📌 No Separation/Third-act Breakup
August 4, 2024
Genre/Trope: Russian Bratva Romance
Book Type: Interconnected Standalone
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: A metropolitan city in America
Male MC: Luka Melnikov is the son of Roman and the next generation leader of the Melnikov Bratva. He is strong, brave and incredibly loyal to his family. Luka is 19 and has dark hair and green eyes.
Female MC: Lara Swan was raised by a loving but mentally unstable mother who had ties to a rival Russian Bratva. She also struggles with some mental health issues herself as well. Lara is 19 and has dark hair and blue eyes.
Endearment: Kisa and Baby
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium/High
Angst Level: Low
Cliffhanger: No
My Review: Another fun and spicy installment of this series that I love so much. Luka and Lara were amazing together and their romance is swift, sexy and incredibly sweet. Luka is super protective of Lara and is gentle, tender and so devoted to only her. I love how these men fall so hard and intensely for their beautiful women. It’s always an exciting ride and I look forward to each book immensely.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book Type: Interconnected Standalone
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: A metropolitan city in America
Male MC: Luka Melnikov is the son of Roman and the next generation leader of the Melnikov Bratva. He is strong, brave and incredibly loyal to his family. Luka is 19 and has dark hair and green eyes.
Female MC: Lara Swan was raised by a loving but mentally unstable mother who had ties to a rival Russian Bratva. She also struggles with some mental health issues herself as well. Lara is 19 and has dark hair and blue eyes.
Endearment: Kisa and Baby
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Medium/High
Angst Level: Low
Cliffhanger: No
My Review: Another fun and spicy installment of this series that I love so much. Luka and Lara were amazing together and their romance is swift, sexy and incredibly sweet. Luka is super protective of Lara and is gentle, tender and so devoted to only her. I love how these men fall so hard and intensely for their beautiful women. It’s always an exciting ride and I look forward to each book immensely.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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