Wicked Arrangement

by Aria Ray, Sarina Hart

For two weeks, I’m his.
The deal that turned deadly—he can never know I’m carrying his child.

Our fender-bender was an explosive disaster—and that was before I found out who he really was.
Yaroslav Volkov, the feared Russian Bratva boss, owes me a life debt after that chaotic encounter.
He offers me his protection, but when I’m forced to accept, the tables turn—I end up indebted to him. And there’s only one kind of repayment he has in mind.

For two weeks, I belong to him.

Drawn into a world of power and seduction, I can’t help but succumb to his dangerous allure. His touch is fire, his presence addictive, and I’m losing every piece of myself to this man. But one secret remains locked I’m pregnant with his child.

Turns out, fairytales had it all wrong.

The beauty doesn’t tame the beast—instead, he awakens the one hidden inside her.


"Wicked Arrangement" is a suspenseful Russian mafia romance novel co-authored by Aria Ray and Sarina Hart. It is a standalone story with a happy ending and no cliffhangers.

553 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2024

About the author

Aria Ray writes suspenseful, hot, and intense romance stories featuring powerful alpha-men and witty heroines, full of sacrifice, love, and happily-ever-afters. Like the heroines of her novels, Aria has always had a crush on sinfully sexy bad boys - dark, controlling, irresistible, but tender and loving.

When she is not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she loves to spend time with her own gang of alpha males -
a husband and twin boys. But the real mob boss of the family is Don Corleone - the cat.

If you'd like to be notified of updates, teasers, and promotions, subscribe to Aria's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hqXjur

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kimberly crashes into Yaroslav Volkav's car, she knows she can't afford to fix but she is proud and will make payments if she needs to. When the car blows up though Yaroslav gives her a marker for saving his life which she calls in but he has an arrangement for her. Two weeks in his house, if she wants to be intimate its her choice.

Yaroslav has not stopped thinking about the beauty who saved him, unbeknownst to her he is the head of the Bratva and has a viper in his den trying to remove him. Two weeks he should be able to get her out of his system, but will it be enough?

A bit angsty and I thought Yaroslav was a bit hedgy with Kimberly. I get it but it took awhile before you saw his true feelings show. Kimberly I liked, a little naive but overall a good fit for Yaroslav. Full of twists and turns.

[Anni Barkla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable Mafia story about Yaroslav & Kimberly. Pushed into each others paths purely by accident this read is in depth, full of twists & turns, loyalty, brotherhood, deception, lies & spilt blood. I really enjoyed the intricacies, the family ties, and the stories behind it all. I read this slowly and really enjoyed it. The Chemistry between the mains was fabulous & I really enjoyed Kim’s connection with her Gran & Yaro’s Brother, David. An awesome read with lots of action, spice & feels.

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

[MARTINA SCULLY · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually do not.like to leave a bad review but this is the absolute worst book I have ever read.
The main characters are so unbelievable and the plot is awful..
For a mafia boss he is a joke and if she is meant to be the love of his life then God help us all because it was like if she dies she dies kinda plot..
As for the female character COME ON, how can she not even think he is into to some shady sh@t I mean a BOMB exploded in his car when they met.
I swear I could pull my hair out after reading this cr@p

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Arrangement is a dark suspenseful Russian mafia romance novel co-authored by Aria Ray and Sarina Hart. It is a full-length standalone story with a happy ending and no cliffhangers. A fast paced, dark, twisted and gripping read. An absorbing addictive and unputdownable read. Wow is all that I can say about this book. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing story and follow along as these two characters fall in love with each other. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of tension, cravings and heart-stirring emotions. Dark. Captivating. Dangerous. Decadent. A definite page turner. A brilliantly written story with complex individuals and a fascinating and twisty storyline that grabs the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. This is Kimberly and Yaroslav story which is told from a dual point of view.
A multicultural & interracial romance, dark mafia romance, Russian Bratva romance, organize crime story, contemporary romance, romantic suspense story, secret pregnancy story, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, secret baby romance, billionaire romance, taboo romance, age gap trope story, relationship-that-started-with-a-deal story, business arrangement with dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, revelations, power struggle retaliation, revenge, enemies, rivalry, passion, survival, resilience, lust, anger, angst, tragedy, darkness, obsession, death, sex and pleasure, spanking, possessiveness, danger, drama, threats, fear, attacks, surprising twists and turns, mystery, suspense, acceptance, friendship, loyalties, loss, guilt, attempted murder, secrets, jealousy, throat play, betrayal, backstabbing, murder, losses, trauma, family dysfunction, traitors, kidnapping, hurt and pain, steam and love.
Kimberly Walsh a.k.a. Kimmy is a twenty year old waitress who works at Dom' diner as a waitress. She was late leaving the diner for her best friend Amelia birthday party and stuck in traffic when she hit an expensive car because she was distracted on the phone. She hit her head on the steering wheel and was temporarily disoriented. When she came out of the car the chauffeur was coming then the back door opened and this beautiful Adonis came out. He told his driver Ivan to move the car out of road so that it didn't cause more problems for other drivers, then he asked Kimmy for her keys then the two started arguing then not long after they heard a boom. His car blew up along with his driver and trusted man. Someone had planted a bomb intended to kill him and if it wasn't for her hitting his car he would've been dead along with Ivan. Yaroslav Volkov, the feared Russian Bratva pakhan of the Volkov Wolfpack. He's thirty-seven year old, stoic, handsome, powerful, dangerous and ruthless. He's also a billionaire eligible bachelor. The two was taken to the hospital for treatment from the blast and Yaroslav had them move him into Kimmy's room. He doesn't believe in coincidences and wondered if she was behind the hit sent by one of his enemies. After getting discharged from the hospital he wanted to talk to her because he doesn't like owing anyone nothing.
He tells her that he owed her a life debt after the accident that she caused which saved his life. He paid for both their medical bill and her car repair and tells her if she was ever in bind that she should call him. But make sure that she really needs it because it was a one time offer. Yaroslav is attracted to Kimmy and haven't been able to stop thinking about her since they collided with each other and have asked his men to look into her. He cannot wait for her to call in her debt because he as plans for her. Kimmy and her gram moved from Charleston to Atlanta. They had to sell the house that she grew up in and move to a small flat in Atlanta just to pay for gram treatment who has Alzheimer. She had been taking care of her grandmother for the last two years by herself after her older brother Noah abandon them because he didn't want to help and wanted to live his life. Kimmy had to give up her dream of studying interior design in New York so that she could take care of her. Kimmy no good brother comes around every few months whenever he needs money to fund one of his get rich schemes.
He was in the kitchen yelling at her for money when his grandmother went in and called him by his dead father's name which made him livid and he pushed her down causing her to hit her head on the table knocking her unconscious. He then run out of the house without lifting a finger to help leaving his grams bleeding on the floor and Kimmy devastated. She was rushed to hospital where they had perform emergency surgery. But because of her health condition and the basic level of her insurance plan Kimmy nows a little eighty thousand dollars for the visit. Kimmy was losing her mind because they didn't have that type of money. She wished she had a rich uncle or family member who could help her with the bill. She was rocking her brains wondering how she was come up with the money when she remembered that she was owed a debt by Yaroslav that she could cash in on. She called him and tell him what happened and asked for his help which he agreed. But Yaroslav has a plan of his own. He send one of his guys to pick her and bring her to his house. He tells her that he would like her to stay with him for two weeks and that he wouldn't do anything that she didn't want and that it started immediately. She was worried about her jobs and grams but he tells her that he would take care of her jobs and after her gram gets discharge he would put her up in one of the best facility. She agreed and after her shower she was masturbating thinking about Yaroslav which he walked in on because she was in his room instead of one assigned to her.
Yaroslav was happy because he was just about to masturbate to the memory of her. They give into their desires and from that moment on he became addicted. He finally saw what older guys seen in a younger woman. He was so smitten by her that he wanted more time after the two weeks which she agreed to one. She got along so good with his mental challenge brother David that he started becoming dependent on her and didn't want her to leave at the end of the three weeks so he set a fire to her apartment which forces her to stay with them permanently. Yaroslav and Kimmy relationship got stronger to the point where he was neglecting his work. But his relationship got stronger his biggest enemy Roman Sharkozi who he believed killed his parents show up in the US from Russia just as he's making the biggest deal of his life with the Gillihan mob who would solidify is power in a America. He doesn't believe in coincidence and realized that he must have a mole in his organization who is feeding him information. He flush out and kill the mole but there are others in his organization he was trying to upsurp him and take his Bratva.
His enemies as also realized that he now as a weakness Kimmy who they can use against him. Kimmy is pregnant and is keeping it a secret from Yaroslav because of what he said when she was signing the NDA. Yaroslav is estranged from his sister Marta who he blames for abandoning him after their parents died and he was forced to take on the Bratva at eighteen years old. But they were more at play than he knew. Kimmy talked Yaroslav into a reunion with his sister which gave him more clarity. His uncle Innokentiy who he trust wants his Bratva and was the one who killed their parents and was in bed with the Sharkozi. Kimmy thought that it was a good thing when she reunited with her best friend Amelia unbeknowing to her that she had always hated. She used Kimmy against Yaroslav and had her and Marta kidnapped to lure Yaroslav. All hell broke loose on their rescue attempt and Yaroslav lost his sister to a bomb in the warehouse that he barely made it of causing his uncle to come to the US to take over while he was in a coma.
Kimmy was shocked to see Amelia her best friend on the third day of her captivity and wondered if she had came to rescue her. But she will soon realize that wasn't the case and Amelia would torture her every day. Amelia was married to Bogdan Sharkozi, the son of a Russian Bratva boss Roman Sharkozi who just so happens to be Yaroslav sworn nemesis. If Yaroslav didn't survive they plan on taking over his Bratva and raising his heir as their own. It was a lot of bloodshed, mayhem, treachery, blood and gore, alliances, torture, madness, double-cross and action in a race to get back his Bratva and uncover the other moles in his organization.

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

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: 1 point for the cover
Did Aria Ray really write this book? Did someone edit this book? My advice is to get a sample of this book before you either purchase this book or get through KU and make your own determination.

I have read other books by this author that were good, but this one was just a colossal train wreck. The editing or complete lack of it, was apparent through the first 35% of the book. There was no "ah ha" moment that made me think the book was going to get better. I stopped there because the writing style, poor editing, subpar characters and predictable plot was nothing special. There were misspelled words, run-on sentences, weird punctuation, too many "Um's" and sentences that failed to convey a complete thought. I'm grateful this was not a purchase because I would have asked for my money back. A special note: Ivan's character is killed off in the car explosion only to have his name or ? reincarnated several pages later and presto, disappear again. Oops.

Kimmy wasn't the strong character that the author was trying to convey to readers but indecisive, immature and annoying. Her life was one drama after another with no back-up plan for an emergency. Did she honestly think that a crime boss asking her to stay at his home for two weeks to work off the loan didn't include sex? Did she forget that someone tried to kill him in a car bomb explosion?

Yaroslav's character was somewhat similar to the main male characters in this genre. He had two roles; running his criminal underworld "Bratva" organization while hiding behind the billionaire businessman façade. He wasn't a main character that I felt any connection with and I didn't think he was a great Pakhan.

Terminology as well as readable content was just off from the first chapter and failed to improve as the story progressed. I felt the writing was from someone very inexperienced and was writing something for a basic high school writing class.

This is not what I expect from this author and will consider this a one-off but will read the sample provided of any new release before committing to read the book.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Arrangement by Aria Ray is a dark and steamy Bratva romance that follows Kimmy and Yaroslav. Their story kicks off when Kimmy accidentally rear-ends Yaroslav’s car on her way to a party. While they’re outside exchanging information, his car suddenly explodes—essentially saving his life. Grateful, Yaroslav tells Kimmy that she can come to him anytime she needs help. Later, when she does, he agrees but insists she stay with him in return. Kimmy knows he’s wealthy, but she doesn’t realize just how deep his criminal ties run until she’s already in too deep.

I enjoyed the story, but there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me. The constant distrust between Kimmy and Yaroslav made sense initially, but it was drawn out longer than necessary. There were also a lot of side characters with complex subplots, which sometimes made the main story harder to follow. At around 550 pages, it’s a long read—but since it’s a standalone, I approached it as if it were a duet and just kept going. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, though it probably could have been tightened up a bit to cut down on the filler.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an action-packed dark mafia romance full of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages to see what's going to happen next. When Kim who works as a waitress gets in an explosive car accident with Bratva boss Yaroslav she has no idea how much this one accident will change her life. After Kim hits Yaroslav's Mercedes he gets out of the car and a bomb goes off and when she worries that she caused the explosion he tells her that she saved his life. Yaroslav tells her that he owes her a favor now while they're at the hospital for saving his life he just never expected to hear from her just a week later. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this action-packed dark mafia romance full of twists and turns to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning! The back and forth between Yaroslav (Pakhan) and Kim will keep you on your toes. Is it a coincidence that Kim rear ended Yaroslav and then after he is out of the car helping her, the car explodes? When Kim’s grandmother needs medical care, she calls him to take him up on his offer to repay the favor for saving his life. It comes at a price though – she has to stay with him for 2 weeks. Kim has a mind of her own, and seems to try and get away with as much as she can – going to a party he does not want her to go to (deals going on upstairs that was dangerous!)

There is a lot of family drama, mafia business and a few secrets! Add in some betrayal, violence, lies, a little forgiveness and lots of chemistry and you will find it hard to put this book down!

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimmy never excepted how driving to her bestie's birthday party, would change her life. When she hits a luxury Mercedes and it explodes, it takes out the driver, she thinks it is all her fault but the man in the backseat, Yaroslav Volkov, the feared Russian Bratva boss, knows she saved his life.

Kimmy has no idea who the man is but he tells her if she ever needs anything to contact him. When she needs his help he considers her indebted to him there is only one thing is waiting from her.

As with most of the author's books there is plenty of action, intense chemistry between the main character and a story that will keep you riveted until the end.

I received a free copy of this book 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.

OMG, Kimmy, of all people to have a crash with not knowing who he is, she knows he is not forward in telling her what he does he. Yaroslav is gorgeous, dominant, dangerous, and he became Pakhan at a young age after both his parents died. Yaroslav had collided with another car he got out to check the other car when his car exploded now he needs to find out who did it. There is so much more action, twist and turns, thrills that nail biting hair raising suspense.

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

[Patricia Ausmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would imagine that getting in to a fender bender would result in your life changing drastically but that is what happens to Kim when trying to get around traffic on her way to her BFF's birthday party. And the car she runs into is an expensive Mercedes.
And when the car explodes killing the driver she wonders if it was her fault. But the handsome Russian man that was in the back seat convinces her that it wasn't her, in fact she saved his life. He tells her that if she ever needs help to call him. But he doesn't expect that call in less than a week.
And what follows kept me enthralled.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Yaroslav and Kim
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- 500+ pages
Heat- They do the things and use the P word when naming parts.
Series? N
Safety? Y
Triggers- Violence, More Violence, Graphic Violence, Mayhem.
Tropes- He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Indecent Proposal, Mob Debt, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Multicultural; Russian, Dressing
Mewsings
What I liked this book was not boring. There were twists and turns.
What I didn’t- parts of the book could have been trimmed down a bit.
What I loved- the heroine’s hair game was on point.

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

[Elizabeth A. Madigan-Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I’ve just started reading Bratfa romance books and find that I really enjoy them. But this one I liked so much that as soon as I finished it, I went right back to the beginning and read it all over again. And I enjoyed it all over again.The book has such a wide range of emotions. The characters, all of them, get in bad situations and good situations and I just found the book amazing and I would so recommend it to everybody. Even if you’re not into Bratfa romance. I liked it so much. I even wrote this review. I’ve never done that. But it is such a good book. It really needs to be recommended to everybody.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting take. Yaroslav was the one trying to figure out how to make Kim stay rather than just taking. Their story started with a bang and unfurled at time a bit too slowly but that's me. The story on the business side was good. What really touched me was Kim's relationship with her grandmother and how her life unfolded. I don't want to give much a way but just be prepared for a very touching and loving personal interaction between all the characters. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Kimmy is 20 years old and takes care of her grandmother with alzehmers. She works two jobs to survive but still struggles. She is running late for her best friend birthday party she gets into a car wreck where the driver she hits is Mafia. When they are out of vehicle talking, his car blows up. He tells her he owes her a life debt. She doesn't think anything of it, but a week later, she asks for help. This talks about kidnapping,death, and trust. This book had twists and turns i did not expect. I really enjoyed it.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Arrangement is a fantastic Bratva romance story that reads like a made-for-television movie. The characters are engaging, pulling you into the story and keeping you turning the pages. Though some aspects of the storyline may be triggering to some, it is quite compelling and full of drama, Bratva action, tragedy, steamy romance, some humor, suspense, and much more. I could not put the book down.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

They meet as the result of a car crash followed by an explosion. Yaroslav owes Kimmy for saving his life and he doesn't take it likely but when the tables turns and she owes him, he asks her to spend two weeks with him as payment. This starts their thrilling journey filled with action-packed drama that kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved how the author developed the story between these two people who are from very different backgrounds. The dynamics and chemistry is heartstopping. I loved the twists and turns and adventure the author took us on. I would definitely recommend this book. Grab your favourite spot and blanket and settle in to be completely hooked.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Russian Mafia Romance Story has an intriguing Mafia Romance Story, a well crafted world and intense characters. These characters have unique personalities, complicated histories, and believable interactions. This story has a car accident/car bomb, a life-debt, offer of protection, a reverse debt, 2 weeks with him, a Protective male, a secret pregnancy, twists, turns, danger, chemistry and a HEA. This is a must read Mafia Romance.

[Gskm · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good red

I enjoyed this mafia romance. I did find a flaw though. Supposedly Ivan died early on after an automotive accident. Yet, Ivan was mentioned repeatedly through out the book in participating in various activities. I suggest changing the chauffeur who died to something besides Ivan. The story is filled with family drama and mafia business strategies. The characters are engaging and I recommend you enjoy this one.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild Ride

Wicked Arrangement is the first book I have read by co-authors Aria Ray and Sarina Hart. I have read a couple books by Aria Ray before so I thought I knew what I was getting with this story. But it turned out to be a lot more of all that I was expecting. It starts with an accident then a bomb and then something that you don't expect. One wild ride later and I loved it all...sign me up for another ride please!

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was well written and the storyline was great. I loved the twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat trying to work out who was the rat, I never saw that coming. I loved the characters and I loved how they met my chance after an accident. Great book. Loved it, highly recommend.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to start your next binge reading mafia romance book by Aria. It has the best storyline ever and don't forget about the characters they are intense and will leave you breathless. You're going to really love reading this suspenseful and wickedly hot romance book with a dangerous bad boy vibe to it. Overall, it is a 5-star read with a great HEA ending.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yaroslav owed Kimberly a debt that in turn ended up with her owning him and he wants her for 2 weeks, their steamy chemestry is off the charts but woth thendeadline approaching how will things change? Well written engaging steamy, desires and more.

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

[Nez]

I liked this author's books, but well, I'll stick with the few I read a while ago.

NOTE FOR ME:

I lost my virginity to my high school boyfriend, and we only ever had missionary sex, and I never once came with him. After that, I had a couple of drunken one-night stands which were unsatisfying and left me feeling ashamed and disappointed.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Russian mafia romance. It started off full of action and pulled me right in! The entertaining story kept me turning pages. Yaroslav and Kimberly are a great couple with amazing chemistry, although they are from two different worlds. The story was very engaging and held my interest all the way through.

[Angela Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by this storyline and the book lived up to my expectations Yaroslav and Kimberly had great chemistry and heat! I loved the supporting characters as well they were well done I thought.
Definitely worth the read and I recommend grabbing this one of you love Bratva Romance.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Meet

Yaroslav and Kimberly met in a way that captured my attention from the beginning. It was full of suspense, twists, turns, and a whole lot of intensity. I did not want to put this one down at all as it was an enthralling read.

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

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story about Yaroslav and Kimberly. Something happened unexpectedly for their first meeting. This story holds the readers attention with twists and turns, danger, violence and the characters are wonderful.

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

[Tina Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

stay with it

I admit this book took me a minute to get into but it was well worth the continuation. By mid chapter I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know how the story ends and I’m glad I did. This was a good read with plenty of twists and turns giggling and tears of emotions. Highly recommend reading this book.