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The Turgenev Bratva Chronicles #1
Dark Angel
I've been in love with Alexi Turgenev all my life. Though he's called the Angel of Death in our world, this tall, beautiful man has always been my savior, my protector.
Until I'm promised to his older brother in an arranged marriage between our Bratvas. Dmitri Turgenev is a monster. A vicious, evil man who delights in tormenting me. And once we're married, there's no escape for me.
Can Alexi overcome his lifelong vow of duty to the Turgenev Bratva and defy them, or will he watch his brother take me?
I know one thing. I will never survive this marriage.
Dark Angel - A Bratva Arranged Marriage Romance can be read as a standalone with no cheating and a HEA. While this will be part of a series, there are no cliffhangers. If you love your men dark, beautiful and dangerous, you're going to love Alexi!
Until I'm promised to his older brother in an arranged marriage between our Bratvas. Dmitri Turgenev is a monster. A vicious, evil man who delights in tormenting me. And once we're married, there's no escape for me.
Can Alexi overcome his lifelong vow of duty to the Turgenev Bratva and defy them, or will he watch his brother take me?
I know one thing. I will never survive this marriage.
Dark Angel - A Bratva Arranged Marriage Romance can be read as a standalone with no cheating and a HEA. While this will be part of a series, there are no cliffhangers. If you love your men dark, beautiful and dangerous, you're going to love Alexi!
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2025
661 people are currently reading
2001 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 18, 2025
my therapist will be hearing about this
February 16, 2025
Dark Angel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first book I've read by this author. I really loved Alexi and Lucya story, I did have a feeling that Dimitri would mess it up somewhere along the line and I was right. Even though Alexi was dark and dangerous he had a soft spot for Lucya and feeling did grow. I think I've read this book out of order as it's said in some reviews Alexi has been mentioned in other books, will have to go and download these. Looking forward to reading more this book did not disappoint. ❤️
This is the first book I've read by this author. I really loved Alexi and Lucya story, I did have a feeling that Dimitri would mess it up somewhere along the line and I was right. Even though Alexi was dark and dangerous he had a soft spot for Lucya and feeling did grow. I think I've read this book out of order as it's said in some reviews Alexi has been mentioned in other books, will have to go and download these. Looking forward to reading more this book did not disappoint. ❤️
February 22, 2025
2.75 - 21st century or 20th century? Real time or the past? I like this author, but not this particular book. The entire story filled with the first name of the character as well as the last name grew very tiresome, very quickly.
I tried to like this story and tried to like the characters but just couldn't get past the fact that this book seemed like it was taking place in a prior decade. Very old school with a plot that left no surprises or revelations accept for the last few chapters. "The Angel of Death" name for Alexi seemed over emphasized making him seem like some demon from a fantasy novel instead of a Vor in the Bratva.
Lucya was just too young and immature for me. I don't like young heroines who don't make a significant impact on the plot and story due to the fact that they have few life experiences to draw from. She had her moments, but was blind to her sister's manipulations as well as her Uncles right up to the end of this book.
Lucya and Alexi's relationship wasn't anything I haven't read about in this genre many times before. Nothing in this book had an "ah ha moment" or the realization that it felt actually plausible. Alexi recovering from three gun shot wounds that should have killed him in record time was laughable.
I really enjoyed Alexi's brothers and especially Nikolai. I hope their stories are better.
I tried to like this story and tried to like the characters but just couldn't get past the fact that this book seemed like it was taking place in a prior decade. Very old school with a plot that left no surprises or revelations accept for the last few chapters. "The Angel of Death" name for Alexi seemed over emphasized making him seem like some demon from a fantasy novel instead of a Vor in the Bratva.
Lucya was just too young and immature for me. I don't like young heroines who don't make a significant impact on the plot and story due to the fact that they have few life experiences to draw from. She had her moments, but was blind to her sister's manipulations as well as her Uncles right up to the end of this book.
Lucya and Alexi's relationship wasn't anything I haven't read about in this genre many times before. Nothing in this book had an "ah ha moment" or the realization that it felt actually plausible. Alexi recovering from three gun shot wounds that should have killed him in record time was laughable.
I really enjoyed Alexi's brothers and especially Nikolai. I hope their stories are better.
February 24, 2025
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Lucya sweet, shy for the most part but a little too trust for me or maybe the wrong thing to say she believes that everyone is good until the truth sort of knocks her in the head so to speak now at 11 she fell through the ice while skating saved by the one person she never forgot and fast forward that crush grew into all out love for the two of them. Alexi sexy as all get out Pakhan but was a hero at 17 years old when he saved the young girl when she fell through the ice one he never forgot fast forward to today he has reputation proceeding him one of the most powerful bosses, he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, and isn’t a man you want on your radar whatever you do don’t cross him. But when she is forced to witness something he was forced by his father to do and in dealing with it he rejected her which of course crushed her soon after her father is murdered and the slimy uncle they were trying to stay away from takes over the family but her mother outsmarts him sending her daughters away when she learns what his plans are for her girls to the Boston. In walks the one and only Alexi yep, she witness something she shouldn’t have and he doesn’t recognize her as his hummingbird but when he does, he also sees all that she has given up for her family, her strength, her beauty and he wants wait no re knows he needs it in his life and will do whatever it takes to keep it but will thy overcome everything thrown at them by her uncle as well as enemies, betrayals from within the family, and will they find the happiness somewhere along the way they been waiting so long?
May 31, 2025
“Dark Angel” is the first book in “The Turgenev Bratva Chronicles.” “If you love your men dark, beautiful and dangerous, you're going to love Alexi!” Alexi is an Enforcer/Vor and second son to the Pakhan of the Turgenev Bratva. To Alexi, Lucya, will always be his little Kolibri, aka hummingbird, always flittering around. A love that was destined from a young age, until they are torn apart. When Lucya’s beloved father is killed and her uncle takes over as Pakhan of the Dubrovin Bratva. When her mother learns of his intentions for both her daughters, she sends both Lucyca and her sister Inessa away to Boston to protect them.
Lucya is waitressing in a Russian restaurant in Boston whilst Inessa attends university. She hears a voice behind her - it’s Alexi. “I know that voice. Deep enough to vibrate in your bones, raspy with the rough undertone of a Russian accent. He’s a giant. Tall and broad and built like a mountain. Glacier blue eyes roam over my face for a moment before returning indifferently to the Albanians.” He doesn’t recognise her. In the midst of trying to strangle her, after she witnessed him murder five men, he realises she is his hummingbird.
“Lucya...
I know the exact moment I fell in love with Alexi Turgenev.
I was eleven.”
“Alexi...
Sweet Lucya Dubrovina. Kolibri.
The little girl I remember had endless energy, fluttering from place to place so often that I nicknamed her Kolibri, the hummingbird.”
Now her life is about to change, thanks to her Uncle, the Pakhan of the Dubrovin Bratva. Her sister is to marry Dimitri, the future Pakhan of the Turgenev Bratva, and she is to marry Alexi. Lucya’s innocence and humour belies a hidden strength that brings out the best in Alexi, a side of him that he thought was gone forever. The “Angel of Death” has her heart, and she has his. Their true love for each other reunited after all this time apart. “….crawling into my lap to kiss me. “So happy. I have loved you since I was eleven years old and you saved my life. Thank you. Thank you for everything, the ice rink, the tree, thank you for your heart. You’ve always had mine. His alarmingly sculpted abdomen and the trail of dark hair disappearing into his pants are almost pornographic. Follow us, baby. You’re going to enjoy the trip.”
Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. Is there a chance of a happily ever after for them? I’m very happily hooked on this series - looking forward to the next book.
This book had me hooked from the start! Being a Mafia Romance story, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between them. You will fall in love with Alexi and Lucya, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Lucya is waitressing in a Russian restaurant in Boston whilst Inessa attends university. She hears a voice behind her - it’s Alexi. “I know that voice. Deep enough to vibrate in your bones, raspy with the rough undertone of a Russian accent. He’s a giant. Tall and broad and built like a mountain. Glacier blue eyes roam over my face for a moment before returning indifferently to the Albanians.” He doesn’t recognise her. In the midst of trying to strangle her, after she witnessed him murder five men, he realises she is his hummingbird.
“Lucya...
I know the exact moment I fell in love with Alexi Turgenev.
I was eleven.”
“Alexi...
Sweet Lucya Dubrovina. Kolibri.
The little girl I remember had endless energy, fluttering from place to place so often that I nicknamed her Kolibri, the hummingbird.”
Now her life is about to change, thanks to her Uncle, the Pakhan of the Dubrovin Bratva. Her sister is to marry Dimitri, the future Pakhan of the Turgenev Bratva, and she is to marry Alexi. Lucya’s innocence and humour belies a hidden strength that brings out the best in Alexi, a side of him that he thought was gone forever. The “Angel of Death” has her heart, and she has his. Their true love for each other reunited after all this time apart. “….crawling into my lap to kiss me. “So happy. I have loved you since I was eleven years old and you saved my life. Thank you. Thank you for everything, the ice rink, the tree, thank you for your heart. You’ve always had mine. His alarmingly sculpted abdomen and the trail of dark hair disappearing into his pants are almost pornographic. Follow us, baby. You’re going to enjoy the trip.”
Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. Is there a chance of a happily ever after for them? I’m very happily hooked on this series - looking forward to the next book.
This book had me hooked from the start! Being a Mafia Romance story, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between them. You will fall in love with Alexi and Lucya, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
March 10, 2025
Finally... The Angel of Death
Every time I would read the next series in the reading order of Arianna's books I would look to see if Lucya & Alexi had a book yet.
I will say that this book NEEDS to be read with the first series before the Academy or Morozov Bratva Series.
I am not going to go into the story other than to say we get a timeline of Alexi & Lucya as kids/teens. Adults and being in an arranged marriage then married.
We get all the answers we wanted and more but I still would've liked that we didn't see the same meanness and brutality that Alexi's father treated him with and Alexi still carrying that on to Konstantine. After reading the other books we know how hard Alexi is on him and why but in the hatred that Alexi had for his father and love of Lucya he wouldn't have been so harsh. Also at the end we see that mask crack and you can definitely feel that there could be changes in the older books to align this book better with the flow of the character through the various series.
Anyway, besides that I would like to see Alexi's brothers and sister get their books next.
Every time I would read the next series in the reading order of Arianna's books I would look to see if Lucya & Alexi had a book yet.
I will say that this book NEEDS to be read with the first series before the Academy or Morozov Bratva Series.
I am not going to go into the story other than to say we get a timeline of Alexi & Lucya as kids/teens. Adults and being in an arranged marriage then married.
We get all the answers we wanted and more but I still would've liked that we didn't see the same meanness and brutality that Alexi's father treated him with and Alexi still carrying that on to Konstantine. After reading the other books we know how hard Alexi is on him and why but in the hatred that Alexi had for his father and love of Lucya he wouldn't have been so harsh. Also at the end we see that mask crack and you can definitely feel that there could be changes in the older books to align this book better with the flow of the character through the various series.
Anyway, besides that I would like to see Alexi's brothers and sister get their books next.
June 29, 2025
Yasss!!! Power Couple!!
Absolutely perfect!!
Arianna, this book was epic!
Such a great story with so much depth and detail!
Alexi is magnificent
Lucya is incredibly fierce fierce, loving, & resilient
Loved the spice!
Love the power dynamic!
Love all the chaos!!
Absolutely perfect!!
Arianna, this book was epic!
Such a great story with so much depth and detail!
Alexi is magnificent
Lucya is incredibly fierce fierce, loving, & resilient
Loved the spice!
Love the power dynamic!
Love all the chaos!!
March 8, 2025
This book was good. Alexi is able of death and works for his father the bratva he always saving lucya and she has fallen for him buy 1 night he pushes her away and she keeps her promise. She and her sister are sent to America for school so they aren't around her uncle which tool over the bratva she ends up working while her sister goes to university which you'll end up not liking her sister. One night she sees alexi and follows him to the alley and watches him kill people he sees her and almost kills her until she speaks then that's when it all begins love twists and turns. Something happens and she is promises to her love alexi but thing take a turn. I highly recommend this book
March 30, 2025
Entwined
A couple with lots of history, an arranged marriage, lust, denial, revenge, danger, family issues, great characters, and a juicy story!!
A couple with lots of history, an arranged marriage, lust, denial, revenge, danger, family issues, great characters, and a juicy story!!
March 28, 2025
Brilliant
Wow I totally loved this book, the characters are such fun and I just couldn't put it down and so to the next one
Wow I totally loved this book, the characters are such fun and I just couldn't put it down and so to the next one
March 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book. There is a 20 year old that she has always been in love with an older mafia prince he saves her when she is young and then rejects her at age 16. Her and her sister were sent away to get away from her uncle after her father died. She is working in a restraunt, putting her sister through school when she runs into him. He did not recognize her, and he tried to get her out of his head, but he couldn't. Then she is kidnapped, and two arranged marriages happen.
March 9, 2025
Exceptional
One ofvthe best Bratva books I've read and I've read most of them mixture of love violence and sex to keep me happy Thank you.
One ofvthe best Bratva books I've read and I've read most of them mixture of love violence and sex to keep me happy Thank you.
March 5, 2025
Idk so I'm between wtf. Did I read, and why did it end to being? I'm glad it ended as I do t think I could take having all the emotions I'm feeling right now. Dark Russian betrayal piercings to possible I've always been in love with him since I was 11. And the betrayal comes from I no words lol I cried and got angry and. Wheres the next book......????
February 24, 2025
Lucya' has been in love with Alexi since he saved her when she was 11, as Vor of the bravta he was always around and always protecting her. When Lucya' was 16 she watched as Alexi was forced to kill, Alexi never wanted Lucya' to see him that way so he pushed her away. Lucya' and her sister were sent to Boston to get away from their uncle, who has unsavory intentions for the girls. Four years later Lucya' comes face to face with Alexi again turning her world up side down.
When an alliance was made in the form of marriage between Lucya'a, her and Alexi and his brother,
Alexi must decide if he wants this marriage when he always thought his life would be full of solitude.
When Alexi's brother, Dimitri, becomes pakham everything changes in an instant.
Good read, this was my first by this author but it wont be my last. The pace was good, and the connection between Alexi & Lucya's felt realistic. The spice was there, good quick, easy read.
When an alliance was made in the form of marriage between Lucya'a, her and Alexi and his brother,
Alexi must decide if he wants this marriage when he always thought his life would be full of solitude.
When Alexi's brother, Dimitri, becomes pakham everything changes in an instant.
Good read, this was my first by this author but it wont be my last. The pace was good, and the connection between Alexi & Lucya's felt realistic. The spice was there, good quick, easy read.
March 1, 2025
Dark angel: Alexi and Lucya 🥰
Best line ever: Lucya said: “ i would rather lick the toilet seat in a subway bathroom “ 🤣🤣🤣🤣
With just that sentence , you should be curious enough to go read this dark Bratva novel and next to put it in your TBR list !!!!
Best line ever: Lucya said: “ i would rather lick the toilet seat in a subway bathroom “ 🤣🤣🤣🤣
With just that sentence , you should be curious enough to go read this dark Bratva novel and next to put it in your TBR list !!!!
March 17, 2025
Lucya and Alexi
This is definitely a story worth reading. Great character development. Told from dual POVs with an epilogue and an option for an extra scene.
Lucya really was the underdog in her family. Her sister you learn to hate.
Alexi was definitely an Alpha male with look at her and perish vibes.
Really enjoyed it.
This is definitely a story worth reading. Great character development. Told from dual POVs with an epilogue and an option for an extra scene.
Lucya really was the underdog in her family. Her sister you learn to hate.
Alexi was definitely an Alpha male with look at her and perish vibes.
Really enjoyed it.
February 28, 2025
I really like all of these somewhat interconnected stories.
March 16, 2025
My review?
I want to start by saying I love the commentary before the chapter begins. It was a good story. when I was away from it I found my self thinking about it and wondering what happened next.
I want to start by saying I love the commentary before the chapter begins. It was a good story. when I was away from it I found my self thinking about it and wondering what happened next.
February 24, 2025
Fab hot story
I loved this hot story about childhood crush Alexi and Lucya. She survived him since being a child but never thought he would ever want her. She was young and just a silly little girl. However when a marriage is arranged, it seems Fate has played a part in their ever after story.
I loved this hot story about childhood crush Alexi and Lucya. She survived him since being a child but never thought he would ever want her. She was young and just a silly little girl. However when a marriage is arranged, it seems Fate has played a part in their ever after story.
February 24, 2025
Very good 👍
February 22, 2025
the Angel of Death
The enforcer for the Turgenev Bratva, his father’s Bratva and a cruel man. By some turn of fate, his father decrees he will marry his “hummingbird “, but before he can his brother intervenes and his father is dead. His brother decides he wants his bride to be, shooting before he can save her. This is their story .
The enforcer for the Turgenev Bratva, his father’s Bratva and a cruel man. By some turn of fate, his father decrees he will marry his “hummingbird “, but before he can his brother intervenes and his father is dead. His brother decides he wants his bride to be, shooting before he can save her. This is their story .
February 15, 2025
A fabulous book
This is an amazing book, this is the story of Alexi and Lucya’ love story. They are the parents of Konstantin, another hero. The h has always loved him since she was 11, he has saved her so many times. She was sent to Boston to protect her and her sister from their slimy uncle. The plot and characters were very well written. There is betrayal, kidnappings,attempted murder and so much more. The H was known as The Angel of Death, he was a scary man. They survived the issues and found their HEA. Great epilogue.
This is an amazing book, this is the story of Alexi and Lucya’ love story. They are the parents of Konstantin, another hero. The h has always loved him since she was 11, he has saved her so many times. She was sent to Boston to protect her and her sister from their slimy uncle. The plot and characters were very well written. There is betrayal, kidnappings,attempted murder and so much more. The H was known as The Angel of Death, he was a scary man. They survived the issues and found their HEA. Great epilogue.
February 12, 2025
Lucya and Alexi shared a bond, until her uncle took over the family and forced her and her sister away, now aliances have been made and Lucya is promised to Alexi brother, and now everyone will see the lengths this dark angel will go to get what's his. Well written engaging steamy dark themes, desires and more! I can't wait for more of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2025
This one gave me strong Christmas vibes!
I know it was released on Valentin ´s day and the last scene was nice but still felt like a Christmas story!
The end was a nice, stressful, surprise!!
I know it was released on Valentin ´s day and the last scene was nice but still felt like a Christmas story!
The end was a nice, stressful, surprise!!
February 20, 2025
Great read!!
Lucia and Alexi are perfect together
Lucia and Alexi are perfect together
May 20, 2025
The setup promises dark romance and danger, but the rushed pacing leaves little space for tension to build. It’s fast, flashy, and about as deep as a shot glass.
February 14, 2025
I've been intrigued with Alexi Turgenev and Lucya Dubrovina since they were first featured in "Mistaken" which is Maksim and Ella's book. I remember thinking that theirs is a story that needs to be told someday. That being said, this review does contain SOME SPOILERS.
I have to say I was captivated from the very first paragraph in the Prologue. The setting is St. Petersburg, Russia. The shy and awkward, Lucya, is 11 years old and has accidently fallen through the ice while skating, and Alexi, who is 17, saves her life. Of course, she falls madly in love with her hero from that day forward. He has an affection for young Lucya and calls her "hummingbird” because she’s always fluttering around. This beginning is reminiscent of a chapter in "Mistaken" where Ella saves the life of Alexi and Lucya's daughter after she falls through the ice on the Neva River in Russia. I, for one, really like that connection between the two stories.
Five years later, Lucya is still yearning for Alexi, who is the second oldest son of the cruel and powerful Pakhan of the Turgenev Bratva. While at a dinner celebration at the Turgenev estate, Lucya and her family are forced to witness Alexi's father coerce him into committing a heinous act in order to prove his loyalty to the Bratva. When Lucya tries to comfort him afterwards, he cruelly rejects her and she is crushed. Not long after, Lucya's beloved father is murdered, and his brother, Rurik, takes over the Dubrovin Bratva. When her mother learns of his evil intentions toward Lucya and her older sister, Inessa, she sends her daughters a world away to Boston for their own safety.
Years later, Lucya is a hard working server in a Russian restaurant/club in Boston while Inessa attends college. One evening while she's waiting on a raucous group of men, who should walk in but the man who still owns her heart, Alexi!! He is living in Boston in order to expand the territory for his Bratva. Once again, poor Lucya accidentally witnesses another murder at the hands of Alexi. Not recognizing the now grown up and beautiful Lucya, Alexi turns on her in order to eliminate a potential witness. He is shocked to discover that the woman he intends to silence is none other than his sweet "hummingbird."
This story is "darker" than Ms. Fraser's usual Bratva romances. Despite the trauma Lucya has endured, and the sacrifices she's made for her family, she is a devoted daughter and sister. Lucya simply wants to find love and be appreciated for who she is. Alexi, known by his moniker, the Angel of Death, feels he has lost his humanity. His Bratva role is that of a "vor" and one of his responsibilites is acting as a killler for the family. When these two lonely souls reconnect, Alexi realizes that Lucya's innocence, inner strength, and humor is what he’s been missing in his for so many years. Now, he will do whatever is within his power to keep them together.
However, there are many unforseen challenges ahead. Darker forces want to keep them apart as family loyalties are tested. How will they be able to overcome these obstacles in order to reach their happily ever after? This beautiful story is filled with longing, heartache, greed, resilience, sexy times, and an everlasting love between two people who just know that they are two halves of one whole.
I have long been an admirer of Ms. Fraser's books. She has a unique style of writing characters, plots, and dialogue that totally resonates with me. Her stories are about innocent women who are paired with imperfect men (I mean they are in the Bratva/Mafia!), but you can't help but love them. She creates storylines that are imaginative, full of action, danger, possessive love, and laugh out loud moments!
I highly recommend "Dark Angel" and I know I’ll be reading it again. If you haven’t read it yet, or any of Arianna Fraser’s other books, what are you waiting for?
I have to say I was captivated from the very first paragraph in the Prologue. The setting is St. Petersburg, Russia. The shy and awkward, Lucya, is 11 years old and has accidently fallen through the ice while skating, and Alexi, who is 17, saves her life. Of course, she falls madly in love with her hero from that day forward. He has an affection for young Lucya and calls her "hummingbird” because she’s always fluttering around. This beginning is reminiscent of a chapter in "Mistaken" where Ella saves the life of Alexi and Lucya's daughter after she falls through the ice on the Neva River in Russia. I, for one, really like that connection between the two stories.
Five years later, Lucya is still yearning for Alexi, who is the second oldest son of the cruel and powerful Pakhan of the Turgenev Bratva. While at a dinner celebration at the Turgenev estate, Lucya and her family are forced to witness Alexi's father coerce him into committing a heinous act in order to prove his loyalty to the Bratva. When Lucya tries to comfort him afterwards, he cruelly rejects her and she is crushed. Not long after, Lucya's beloved father is murdered, and his brother, Rurik, takes over the Dubrovin Bratva. When her mother learns of his evil intentions toward Lucya and her older sister, Inessa, she sends her daughters a world away to Boston for their own safety.
Years later, Lucya is a hard working server in a Russian restaurant/club in Boston while Inessa attends college. One evening while she's waiting on a raucous group of men, who should walk in but the man who still owns her heart, Alexi!! He is living in Boston in order to expand the territory for his Bratva. Once again, poor Lucya accidentally witnesses another murder at the hands of Alexi. Not recognizing the now grown up and beautiful Lucya, Alexi turns on her in order to eliminate a potential witness. He is shocked to discover that the woman he intends to silence is none other than his sweet "hummingbird."
This story is "darker" than Ms. Fraser's usual Bratva romances. Despite the trauma Lucya has endured, and the sacrifices she's made for her family, she is a devoted daughter and sister. Lucya simply wants to find love and be appreciated for who she is. Alexi, known by his moniker, the Angel of Death, feels he has lost his humanity. His Bratva role is that of a "vor" and one of his responsibilites is acting as a killler for the family. When these two lonely souls reconnect, Alexi realizes that Lucya's innocence, inner strength, and humor is what he’s been missing in his for so many years. Now, he will do whatever is within his power to keep them together.
However, there are many unforseen challenges ahead. Darker forces want to keep them apart as family loyalties are tested. How will they be able to overcome these obstacles in order to reach their happily ever after? This beautiful story is filled with longing, heartache, greed, resilience, sexy times, and an everlasting love between two people who just know that they are two halves of one whole.
I have long been an admirer of Ms. Fraser's books. She has a unique style of writing characters, plots, and dialogue that totally resonates with me. Her stories are about innocent women who are paired with imperfect men (I mean they are in the Bratva/Mafia!), but you can't help but love them. She creates storylines that are imaginative, full of action, danger, possessive love, and laugh out loud moments!
I highly recommend "Dark Angel" and I know I’ll be reading it again. If you haven’t read it yet, or any of Arianna Fraser’s other books, what are you waiting for?
February 22, 2025
Dark Angel by Arianna Fraser
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Alexei and Lucya
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- Novel
Heat- I feel like I should go to Confession after reading the sexytime scenes, and I’m not even Catholic.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Attempted SA, Language In Two Languages, Violence, Kidnapping,
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Childhood Crush, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Arranged/Forced Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy— He’s My Bratva, Surprise Pregnancy, That’s Not My Leg, Virgin Heroine, You Say Familial I Say Psychotic, Cinderella, Just an Ordinary Day with Violence.
Mewsings
Ebil family members are the name of the game in Dark Angel. Uncle, sister, father, brother… they make the Borgia family look like the Brady Bunch. It reminds me of my Cousin Diana’s Graduation Party, actually, with the factions, the betrayals, and not enough booze. Good times.
Anyway, Alexei is hawt, like star-of-the-rub-hub hawt. Arianna has a gift for creating heroes whom I want Alexa to add to my cart. Just like the hot Scots, this one is mine-MINE!- because I licked him. Or I want to lick him. Either way, he’s going in the Hizem.
Lucya is very relatable. I mean, who hasn’t felt like the family’s ugly duckling at least once in their life? And she has a total blind spot where her sister is concerned. Granted, I don’t think I’d have stayed silent if my sister had maxed out my credit card, and I adore her. But Lucya is definitely a better person than I am.
I love that they live in sin-not-sin. They have all of the benefits of marriage, including the supremely sizzling sex without the hassle of trying to arrange a seating chart. (Next time I get married, I swear I am eloping because we are running out of people we can sit my Aunt Candy next to at family events.) Plus, Alexei is a hero in public and a delicious villain in the sack which makes him irresistible.
The book is definitely a page turner. I finished it in one sitting. I had to be reminded to eat, and I don’t miss meals for anybody. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Alexei and Lucya
Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- Novel
Heat- I feel like I should go to Confession after reading the sexytime scenes, and I’m not even Catholic.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Attempted SA, Language In Two Languages, Violence, Kidnapping,
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Childhood Crush, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Arranged/Forced Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy— He’s My Bratva, Surprise Pregnancy, That’s Not My Leg, Virgin Heroine, You Say Familial I Say Psychotic, Cinderella, Just an Ordinary Day with Violence.
Mewsings
Ebil family members are the name of the game in Dark Angel. Uncle, sister, father, brother… they make the Borgia family look like the Brady Bunch. It reminds me of my Cousin Diana’s Graduation Party, actually, with the factions, the betrayals, and not enough booze. Good times.
Anyway, Alexei is hawt, like star-of-the-rub-hub hawt. Arianna has a gift for creating heroes whom I want Alexa to add to my cart. Just like the hot Scots, this one is mine-MINE!- because I licked him. Or I want to lick him. Either way, he’s going in the Hizem.
Lucya is very relatable. I mean, who hasn’t felt like the family’s ugly duckling at least once in their life? And she has a total blind spot where her sister is concerned. Granted, I don’t think I’d have stayed silent if my sister had maxed out my credit card, and I adore her. But Lucya is definitely a better person than I am.
I love that they live in sin-not-sin. They have all of the benefits of marriage, including the supremely sizzling sex without the hassle of trying to arrange a seating chart. (Next time I get married, I swear I am eloping because we are running out of people we can sit my Aunt Candy next to at family events.) Plus, Alexei is a hero in public and a delicious villain in the sack which makes him irresistible.
The book is definitely a page turner. I finished it in one sitting. I had to be reminded to eat, and I don’t miss meals for anybody. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Dark Angel. This book had me in a vice grip from page one with Lucyas' flashback. I read this book in one sitting... YES its THAT GOOD.
What you can expect from Dark angel is an action packed story filled with the perfect balance of the Bratva life and the challenges it entails perfectly intertwined in a beautiful romance overflowing with action, love, honor, loyalty (family first and always), betrayal and a fair amount of gaslighting.
Lucya always had a crush on Alexi, son of the Turgenev Pakhan. The two had an unspoken bond, a special connection. She got into trouble and Alexi was there to get her out of it. At the age of 16 Lucyas uncle takes over as Pakhan for her family after the death of her father. His intentions were anything but pure forcing her mother to send her and her sister away to Boston. A life of hardship found them there. Her uncles actions leaves the lives of Inessa and Lucya at the mercy of the Turgenev family. Marriages were arranged to strengthen alliances and it seemed that Lucya may just get everything she's ever dreamed of....or will she? Could she be happy with the Angel of Death or will external forces keep them apart again?
A fast paced riveting book.
There are Russian phrases, titles and the Russian language in this book. It is a Russian Mafia book after all and I absolutely love that Arianna includes translations so I know what I'm reading. Personally I feel it helps me with the characters identities because when I first got into Mafia Romance I associated Mafia with only Italian. I find that with authors like Arianna I can now see and hear the characters in my head as they were intended. This is why I feel its so important to include the relevant dialect as it leaves a lasting imprint on the reader.
A job well done in such a short time. 5 stars, 10/10, A+.... All the good stuff.
Highly recommended.
What you can expect from Dark angel is an action packed story filled with the perfect balance of the Bratva life and the challenges it entails perfectly intertwined in a beautiful romance overflowing with action, love, honor, loyalty (family first and always), betrayal and a fair amount of gaslighting.
Lucya always had a crush on Alexi, son of the Turgenev Pakhan. The two had an unspoken bond, a special connection. She got into trouble and Alexi was there to get her out of it. At the age of 16 Lucyas uncle takes over as Pakhan for her family after the death of her father. His intentions were anything but pure forcing her mother to send her and her sister away to Boston. A life of hardship found them there. Her uncles actions leaves the lives of Inessa and Lucya at the mercy of the Turgenev family. Marriages were arranged to strengthen alliances and it seemed that Lucya may just get everything she's ever dreamed of....or will she? Could she be happy with the Angel of Death or will external forces keep them apart again?
A fast paced riveting book.
There are Russian phrases, titles and the Russian language in this book. It is a Russian Mafia book after all and I absolutely love that Arianna includes translations so I know what I'm reading. Personally I feel it helps me with the characters identities because when I first got into Mafia Romance I associated Mafia with only Italian. I find that with authors like Arianna I can now see and hear the characters in my head as they were intended. This is why I feel its so important to include the relevant dialect as it leaves a lasting imprint on the reader.
A job well done in such a short time. 5 stars, 10/10, A+.... All the good stuff.
Highly recommended.
February 14, 2025
From the beginning... By MeemsAngel82
I am so stunned! I cannot believe what I was going to be reading when I realized the names of the leads! This is the story of a couple mentioned in Mistaken, a previous book. You do not need to read that one to enjoy this one, but I personally have read all of her books and I adored the fact that we get their love story too! I was just so happy about getting their love story! This was her usual fantastic writing. Her characters are ones I truly care about and they are fully rounded characters, just like her plots. This one started from when they were younger and that just made me even happier. I absolutely love it when they have a younger connection and one where they are it for one another. She didn't know it at first, but he was always hers.
He had to do hard things to be the Vor in his family, a very important position in any Bratva. He was a good man she knew, she fell for him from so young and her feelings hadn't changed. And now she was getting what she wanted when she was being forced to be his bride years later. But she hadn't asked for it this way...
Oh this poor thing! My heart hurt for her when he was rude and held back from her, and then later on to find out who had forced some scary moments on her? Oh my goodness! He had such a tough role to play and having his heart back and softening for his girl was so great! There is some SHOCKING moments and Arianna you had me there, I was so happy how things turned out! And the twists to his family! Wonderful! His next younger brother seems like a fun handful! I absolutely loved what happened and our lead's connection was so sweet and steamy. Their families, wow. Do I look forward to hopefully reading more about his siblings!! I loved this and am honored to have received my ARC copy for free, I happily leave this review for one of my favorite authors. What a story and I can't wait for more!
I am so stunned! I cannot believe what I was going to be reading when I realized the names of the leads! This is the story of a couple mentioned in Mistaken, a previous book. You do not need to read that one to enjoy this one, but I personally have read all of her books and I adored the fact that we get their love story too! I was just so happy about getting their love story! This was her usual fantastic writing. Her characters are ones I truly care about and they are fully rounded characters, just like her plots. This one started from when they were younger and that just made me even happier. I absolutely love it when they have a younger connection and one where they are it for one another. She didn't know it at first, but he was always hers.
He had to do hard things to be the Vor in his family, a very important position in any Bratva. He was a good man she knew, she fell for him from so young and her feelings hadn't changed. And now she was getting what she wanted when she was being forced to be his bride years later. But she hadn't asked for it this way...
Oh this poor thing! My heart hurt for her when he was rude and held back from her, and then later on to find out who had forced some scary moments on her? Oh my goodness! He had such a tough role to play and having his heart back and softening for his girl was so great! There is some SHOCKING moments and Arianna you had me there, I was so happy how things turned out! And the twists to his family! Wonderful! His next younger brother seems like a fun handful! I absolutely loved what happened and our lead's connection was so sweet and steamy. Their families, wow. Do I look forward to hopefully reading more about his siblings!! I loved this and am honored to have received my ARC copy for free, I happily leave this review for one of my favorite authors. What a story and I can't wait for more!
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