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Ruthless Bonds
Six years ago, I thought I could escape the devil. I was dead wrong.
Kreos Zokrov has found me, and this time, running from him isn’t an option. New York’s most feared mafia boss swears I’ve stolen from him, and to spare my family, he demands the one thing I swore I’d never give.
My freedom.
I’ve spent my life fighting and clawing my way through the streets to protect my siblings. I was so close to a new life, until Kreos dragged me back into his world of power and mayhem. But the worst part isn’t the constant danger…it’s that I feel safer with the monster than anywhere else.
He doesn’t just love. He possesses.
He doesn’t just protect. He destroys.
And when he says I belong to him, he means forever.
But with enemies closing in, and the past refusing to stay buried, the war between us threatens to burn everything to the ground.
If I want to survive this time, I’ll have to make a choice…
Embrace his darkness or be consumed by it.
I ran from him once.
He’ll never let me do it again.
Ruthless Bonds is a standalone, full-length mafia romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. This is a dark romance and may contain themes some readers may find triggering.
Tropes: Forced marriage, bratva, age gap, OTT possessive/jealous hero, blackmail, he falls first, second chance.
Kreos Zokrov has found me, and this time, running from him isn’t an option. New York’s most feared mafia boss swears I’ve stolen from him, and to spare my family, he demands the one thing I swore I’d never give.
My freedom.
I’ve spent my life fighting and clawing my way through the streets to protect my siblings. I was so close to a new life, until Kreos dragged me back into his world of power and mayhem. But the worst part isn’t the constant danger…it’s that I feel safer with the monster than anywhere else.
He doesn’t just love. He possesses.
He doesn’t just protect. He destroys.
And when he says I belong to him, he means forever.
But with enemies closing in, and the past refusing to stay buried, the war between us threatens to burn everything to the ground.
If I want to survive this time, I’ll have to make a choice…
Embrace his darkness or be consumed by it.
I ran from him once.
He’ll never let me do it again.
Ruthless Bonds is a standalone, full-length mafia romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA. This is a dark romance and may contain themes some readers may find triggering.
Tropes: Forced marriage, bratva, age gap, OTT possessive/jealous hero, blackmail, he falls first, second chance.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
156 people are currently reading
2713 people want to read
About the author
Dani Antoinette
5 books133 followersA total bookworm and a hopeless romantic, Dani Antoinette likes to write the kind of stories she loves to read—stories about hot alpha males who embrace the thin line between right and wrong, and the strong, fearless women who are able to handle them. When Dani isn’t devouring books by her favorite authors at her local café in downtown Chicago, she spends her time interviewing prospective characters out loud in public places, all while planning her takeover of the romance world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 22, 2025
This was a fun time. I will keep an eye on this author! I had never heard of Dani Antoinette but I am a sucker for a cover with this model. It's just truth. Haha! I'm drawn to them.
This was a very unique story of a little thief who had an encounter with a Mafia man. They had a night of passion where she lost her virginity to him and they both went on their way. Now 6 years later when ends up in his clutches again, and this time, he's never letting her go.
I love a possessive man and Kreos, now the Pakhan of the Bratva, is as ruthless as they come. There's something about Alora that he's never been able to shake her. His life is not always his own, but he's going to make sure that Alora is. I loved that.
I do think the villains seemed to be a bit too many in number and there were many many characters. It got a bit overwhelming. But I think I'll be better prepared for the next one.
I think fans of Neva Altaj will find something to like with this one.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Attempted Assault, death/grief of a family member, violence, kidnapping, torture, drugging, drugging of an animal (lives)
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and my review is my own.*
This was a very unique story of a little thief who had an encounter with a Mafia man. They had a night of passion where she lost her virginity to him and they both went on their way. Now 6 years later when ends up in his clutches again, and this time, he's never letting her go.
I love a possessive man and Kreos, now the Pakhan of the Bratva, is as ruthless as they come. There's something about Alora that he's never been able to shake her. His life is not always his own, but he's going to make sure that Alora is. I loved that.
I do think the villains seemed to be a bit too many in number and there were many many characters. It got a bit overwhelming. But I think I'll be better prepared for the next one.
I think fans of Neva Altaj will find something to like with this one.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Attempted Assault, death/grief of a family member, violence, kidnapping, torture, drugging, drugging of an animal (lives)
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and my review is my own.*
Currently reading
March 24, 20253/24: It's release day! Thank you so much to everyone who has read Ruthless Bonds. I'm so happy you love Kreos and Alora as much as I do. The best way to support an author is to leave a review. Please consider reviewing on Amazon. I would greatly appreciate it!
Happy reading!
______
So excited to announce my new series! Ruthless Bonds is book one in the Hearts of Mayhem series. Each book will be a standalone with a guaranteed HEA.
Book One: Kreos and Alora
Book Two: Dove and Gavriil
Book Three: TBD
Happy reading!
______
So excited to announce my new series! Ruthless Bonds is book one in the Hearts of Mayhem series. Each book will be a standalone with a guaranteed HEA.
Book One: Kreos and Alora
Book Two: Dove and Gavriil
Book Three: TBD
March 28, 2025
My Review:
I saw that this was recommended as a book similar to that of Neva Altaj and so I immediately picked it up and unfortunately this one didn't quite meet up to expectations. I am not sure why this was recommended as a book similar to Neva Altaj because the heroine in this was awful and I did think the mafia and crime aspects were more darker than what that author actually writes if I am being honest. Its definitely a darker mafia even for mafia romance. I found the premise of it to be very interesting but it didn't quite execute the way that I would have hoped for. There are some flashbacks which I wasn't a fan of. I really found the hero a solid mafia hero. It was really the heroine that I struggled in this one and honestly all the women in this were very prickly and not likeable at all. Very black cat like heroines and those are some of my least favorite heroines. The heroine was very disloyal, not willing to keep her word and be very deceptive for her own desires and never thinking about the consequences of her actions. And because of the heroine, I honestly am not sure I would ever want to read her again. I am interested about some of the other heroes but not sure if its enough with these type of heroines this author probably tends to write.
Overall while I enjoyed some aspects of this one, I mostly just skimmed it because of the way the heroine was written that just rubbed me the wrong way.
I saw that this was recommended as a book similar to that of Neva Altaj and so I immediately picked it up and unfortunately this one didn't quite meet up to expectations. I am not sure why this was recommended as a book similar to Neva Altaj because the heroine in this was awful and I did think the mafia and crime aspects were more darker than what that author actually writes if I am being honest. Its definitely a darker mafia even for mafia romance. I found the premise of it to be very interesting but it didn't quite execute the way that I would have hoped for. There are some flashbacks which I wasn't a fan of. I really found the hero a solid mafia hero. It was really the heroine that I struggled in this one and honestly all the women in this were very prickly and not likeable at all. Very black cat like heroines and those are some of my least favorite heroines. The heroine was very disloyal, not willing to keep her word and be very deceptive for her own desires and never thinking about the consequences of her actions. And because of the heroine, I honestly am not sure I would ever want to read her again. I am interested about some of the other heroes but not sure if its enough with these type of heroines this author probably tends to write.
Overall while I enjoyed some aspects of this one, I mostly just skimmed it because of the way the heroine was written that just rubbed me the wrong way.
March 10, 2025
One of my favorite mafia romances!!
I loveddd these two and could not put this book down. Alora and Kreos are absolutely perfect! I loved how fierce Alora was and stuck to her goals and dreams. She didn't cave to a man who could give her everything in the blink of an eye. She stood up for herself and her sister and I just loved her. Kreos is the perfectly morally-grey gentleman. There is nothing better in a mafia romance than the "I lost her and now she's mine and I'm never letting her go" trope. Kreos is gold and I love, love, love how he worked for her love and didn't just demand it.
I loved that it was a slower burn as well. The tension that build is *chef's kiss*. The twists and turns in the beginning kept me intrigued and trying to figure out how all the pieces worked together.
Cannot wait for the next book!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for a free early copy for my honest review.
I loveddd these two and could not put this book down. Alora and Kreos are absolutely perfect! I loved how fierce Alora was and stuck to her goals and dreams. She didn't cave to a man who could give her everything in the blink of an eye. She stood up for herself and her sister and I just loved her. Kreos is the perfectly morally-grey gentleman. There is nothing better in a mafia romance than the "I lost her and now she's mine and I'm never letting her go" trope. Kreos is gold and I love, love, love how he worked for her love and didn't just demand it.
I loved that it was a slower burn as well. The tension that build is *chef's kiss*. The twists and turns in the beginning kept me intrigued and trying to figure out how all the pieces worked together.
Cannot wait for the next book!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for a free early copy for my honest review.
March 25, 2025
4.25/5 stars
i read this book in one sitting because i just could not put it down—it was exactly what i wanted and needed in my life right now. the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was electric, and the tension was palpable. not only that, but the two main characters had so much love and respect for one another, totally abandoning most of the classic toxic behavior these types of romances usually subscribe to. probably contrary to popular opinion, i was actually really happy that this focused mostly on the development of their relationship with the “climax” of her being taken a really small percentage of the book, with the HEA a great cherry on top. i loved these two together and it was all i wanted to read about—any other mention of other plot points in the story felt like a crime. the spicy scenes were sooooo hawt and well done. i actually was craving more spice which i never thought would come out of my mouth lmfao
KREOS!!!! kreos. omg that man. his filthy mouth, his possessiveness, his alpha mob boss persona!!!! like, a tall dark and handsome fully tatted russian mafia man, but make him a devoted husband/partner?! come onnnn it seriously doesn’t get much better than that. our FMC alora was also strong and held her own, constantly proving her place as queen of the russian mob.
i have a feeling the rest of this series will be written how the legacy of gods series is written with each couple getting their own standalone book. i have suspicions on who these potential future books are about, and let me tell ya, i am excited.
i read this book in one sitting because i just could not put it down—it was exactly what i wanted and needed in my life right now. the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was electric, and the tension was palpable. not only that, but the two main characters had so much love and respect for one another, totally abandoning most of the classic toxic behavior these types of romances usually subscribe to. probably contrary to popular opinion, i was actually really happy that this focused mostly on the development of their relationship with the “climax” of her being taken a really small percentage of the book, with the HEA a great cherry on top. i loved these two together and it was all i wanted to read about—any other mention of other plot points in the story felt like a crime. the spicy scenes were sooooo hawt and well done. i actually was craving more spice which i never thought would come out of my mouth lmfao
KREOS!!!! kreos. omg that man. his filthy mouth, his possessiveness, his alpha mob boss persona!!!! like, a tall dark and handsome fully tatted russian mafia man, but make him a devoted husband/partner?! come onnnn it seriously doesn’t get much better than that. our FMC alora was also strong and held her own, constantly proving her place as queen of the russian mob.
i have a feeling the rest of this series will be written how the legacy of gods series is written with each couple getting their own standalone book. i have suspicions on who these potential future books are about, and let me tell ya, i am excited.
May 3, 2025
i’m emotionally scarred by this disaster
March 24, 2025
This was one of the best mafia romances I've ever read. The chemistry, the angst, the longing was just so captivating.
It was so well written and I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Mr Kreos Zokrov knows what he's doing not only to Alora but everybody who was reading.
Rating
🌶🌶🌶
It was so well written and I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Mr Kreos Zokrov knows what he's doing not only to Alora but everybody who was reading.
Rating
🌶🌶🌶
March 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love a good mafia romance and this one did not disappoint!
Immediately, I fell in love with the writing style. Not only was this book fast paced, but it was full of depth and detail. Honestly, my favorite kind of read.
The story line was packed full of substance and had me clinging to my kindle for more. There was never a moment where I felt like the story slowed down. It was engaging from the very first page, to the very last. Not only was the flow excellent, but the layers of conflict that all blended together seamlessly made for a truly interesting read. This was one of those books I desperately needed to finish because I had to have answers.
The main characters were seriously everything to me. I loved them both so much!
Alora is such a strong female lead. After being forced to look after her younger siblings while she was still a child herself and living a difficult life, it hardened her. Which honestly is so perfect since she ended up with a mafia boss. I just wholeheartedly adore strong female characters and Alora is no exception to that. Not only is she strong, but she is smart and extremely talented. It’s definitely easy to see why a billionaire mafia boss would be obsessed with her.
Now Kreos…. Raw, next question.
That man was everything I wanted in a Russian mafia book boyfriend. He is undeniably rough and scary, but the gentleness he has for Alora is heartwarming. His “touch her, you die” attitude is delicious and I was eating that shit up. His possessiveness and obsession with Alora is everything we want in our fictional men. But it’s not just how he would do anything to protect her, it’s also the love and trust he has for her. My heart!
The ending was mostly wrapped up really well. Everything in regards to Kreos and Alora is answered and then some. What we don’t really get is a conclusion to Dove’s story. (Alora’s sister) At first this bugged me but I think it’s because the author may be gearing up to give her a book of her own. At least, it was definitely set up that way. I personally am not mad at it and think it’s brilliant from a marketing standpoint. I never feel the need to read other books in a standalone series but best believe I will be reading Dove’s book if that day were to come.
The spicy scenes were definitely spicy. There wasn’t smut in every chapter which I totally appreciated but the bits we do get are steamy! I’m here for it!
I personally would read this one again and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a Russian mafia romance. Especially is you are looking for a possessive MMC and a strong FMC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love a good mafia romance and this one did not disappoint!
Immediately, I fell in love with the writing style. Not only was this book fast paced, but it was full of depth and detail. Honestly, my favorite kind of read.
The story line was packed full of substance and had me clinging to my kindle for more. There was never a moment where I felt like the story slowed down. It was engaging from the very first page, to the very last. Not only was the flow excellent, but the layers of conflict that all blended together seamlessly made for a truly interesting read. This was one of those books I desperately needed to finish because I had to have answers.
The main characters were seriously everything to me. I loved them both so much!
Alora is such a strong female lead. After being forced to look after her younger siblings while she was still a child herself and living a difficult life, it hardened her. Which honestly is so perfect since she ended up with a mafia boss. I just wholeheartedly adore strong female characters and Alora is no exception to that. Not only is she strong, but she is smart and extremely talented. It’s definitely easy to see why a billionaire mafia boss would be obsessed with her.
Now Kreos…. Raw, next question.
That man was everything I wanted in a Russian mafia book boyfriend. He is undeniably rough and scary, but the gentleness he has for Alora is heartwarming. His “touch her, you die” attitude is delicious and I was eating that shit up. His possessiveness and obsession with Alora is everything we want in our fictional men. But it’s not just how he would do anything to protect her, it’s also the love and trust he has for her. My heart!
The ending was mostly wrapped up really well. Everything in regards to Kreos and Alora is answered and then some. What we don’t really get is a conclusion to Dove’s story. (Alora’s sister) At first this bugged me but I think it’s because the author may be gearing up to give her a book of her own. At least, it was definitely set up that way. I personally am not mad at it and think it’s brilliant from a marketing standpoint. I never feel the need to read other books in a standalone series but best believe I will be reading Dove’s book if that day were to come.
The spicy scenes were definitely spicy. There wasn’t smut in every chapter which I totally appreciated but the bits we do get are steamy! I’m here for it!
I personally would read this one again and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a Russian mafia romance. Especially is you are looking for a possessive MMC and a strong FMC.
March 20, 2025
I love this book I absolutely could not put it down. The girl who saved his life 6 years ago in an alley and couldn't get out of his head, but he decided to let go and not drag into his life happens to show up just when he's being pushed to marry someone. The character development in this novel is impressive. Alora is portrayed as strong and resilient, yet the pressure of her family's struggles makes her relatable and deeply human. Kreos, on the other hand, is the perfect blend of charm and danger, embodying the classic qualities of a mafia anti-hero while also revealing his vulnerabilities. Their chemistry sizzles with tension, making each interaction feel electric. The background characters are also well written and have great character development instead of just blending into the background of the story line. I will absolutely be reading anything written by Dani Antoinette in the future.
**Thank you by Victory Editing & netgalley for the ARC copy of this book**
**Thank you by Victory Editing & netgalley for the ARC copy of this book**
March 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dani Antoinette for the ARC of Ruthless Bounds.
Do you like morally grey men? Overprotective obsession? Do you think Zade is top tier book boyfriend? Then you NEED to read this…. Because you need to meet Kreos and Alora.
Without any spoilers let me tell you, Dani does the BEST job at getting the SPICE hot and steamy.. 12% into the book and I was kicking my feet and screaming!
Not only the spice being spicy, the characters were unique, intelligent, sexy and each character was given enough story time to keep you hooked and asking for more without being too much of too little.
There were so many events and situations that happened in the book that left so much room for suspense without being overwhelming or frustrating that we were getting enough from the story line and I wasn’t left with too many questions.
Alora is by far my favorite character in the book. She shows tremendous resilience, she is strong willed, determined and focused. She is personable without being careless or clueless. She is stubborn without being conceited, she is humble but strong in her intentions and beliefs. She is independent but somehow a “husband’s girl.
Am I Russian? No. Do I want to be called kotic? Yes.
This is my first Dani Antoinette read and I would put her in my top 3 favorite authors. I’ve added a few other books she has written to my TBR. I’m so very excited for this series to continue.
Happy reading! 🫶
Do you like morally grey men? Overprotective obsession? Do you think Zade is top tier book boyfriend? Then you NEED to read this…. Because you need to meet Kreos and Alora.
Without any spoilers let me tell you, Dani does the BEST job at getting the SPICE hot and steamy.. 12% into the book and I was kicking my feet and screaming!
Not only the spice being spicy, the characters were unique, intelligent, sexy and each character was given enough story time to keep you hooked and asking for more without being too much of too little.
There were so many events and situations that happened in the book that left so much room for suspense without being overwhelming or frustrating that we were getting enough from the story line and I wasn’t left with too many questions.
Alora is by far my favorite character in the book. She shows tremendous resilience, she is strong willed, determined and focused. She is personable without being careless or clueless. She is stubborn without being conceited, she is humble but strong in her intentions and beliefs. She is independent but somehow a “husband’s girl.
Am I Russian? No. Do I want to be called kotic? Yes.
This is my first Dani Antoinette read and I would put her in my top 3 favorite authors. I’ve added a few other books she has written to my TBR. I’m so very excited for this series to continue.
Happy reading! 🫶
March 23, 2025
Kreos and Alora’s story is a dark and twisty ride that’ll leave you begging for more. I love a good villain gets the girl story and Dani always delivers on swoon-worthy book boyfriends. I can’t wait for Dove’s story next!
March 28, 2025
3.5*
Really liked the author writing style, to the point that i'm hoping every side character has their own book.
Didn't understand the 6-year timeline; 1 or 2 years would be more than enough, and it wouldn't "clash" so much with the whole love-at-first-sight thing.
That said, even with all the gore it wasn't a dark book!
The h got on my nerves several times.
Really liked the author writing style, to the point that i'm hoping every side character has their own book.
Didn't understand the 6-year timeline; 1 or 2 years would be more than enough, and it wouldn't "clash" so much with the whole love-at-first-sight thing.
That said, even with all the gore it wasn't a dark book!
The h got on my nerves several times.
May 30, 2025
Dnf at 80% got bored also like haven’t been feeling a lot of read my pick it back up as right now don’t really know
March 9, 2025
My first read from the author and i'm not sure how i feel. Kinda mix feeling here.
First few chapt, with its going back and forward from few days then few years ago to today, bit uncomfortable for me to read. But good thing it was only few chapt, so i let them go.
The segsi time, suprisingly, was sparse. I mean, with that cover, the cover that make me drool before i read the blurb, i tought its gonna be pages after pages of segs... Lol.. I know, i'm that bad.
Not actually complaining about the sparse of segs, cause too much can be boring too. Just suprise, its all.
But, when the story rolls on, i feel like having half baked cake.
Too many charachters with possibly issue and threats for main charachters, but like i said, half baked. I dont know where the author is going with all that charachters. The mole, his parents, the assasin, her brothers, the FBI agent, her friends... Too much, it took away chemistry between the main charachter.
Aaaand by the end, all those charachters feel like distraction from the mole i already see miles away. It would be great if those side charachters add layers to the story, but unfortunetly, i see none here.
Like i said, mix feeling at the end.
I always love finding new author. But half baked with too many charachters that just feels like distraction while chemistry between main charachters werent dig deep enough? Yeah, i left feeling unsatisfied.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First few chapt, with its going back and forward from few days then few years ago to today, bit uncomfortable for me to read. But good thing it was only few chapt, so i let them go.
The segsi time, suprisingly, was sparse. I mean, with that cover, the cover that make me drool before i read the blurb, i tought its gonna be pages after pages of segs... Lol.. I know, i'm that bad.
Not actually complaining about the sparse of segs, cause too much can be boring too. Just suprise, its all.
But, when the story rolls on, i feel like having half baked cake.
Too many charachters with possibly issue and threats for main charachters, but like i said, half baked. I dont know where the author is going with all that charachters. The mole, his parents, the assasin, her brothers, the FBI agent, her friends... Too much, it took away chemistry between the main charachter.
Aaaand by the end, all those charachters feel like distraction from the mole i already see miles away. It would be great if those side charachters add layers to the story, but unfortunetly, i see none here.
Like i said, mix feeling at the end.
I always love finding new author. But half baked with too many charachters that just feels like distraction while chemistry between main charachters werent dig deep enough? Yeah, i left feeling unsatisfied.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
4.5⭐️
ARC REVIEW🤪
This is my new favorite mafia romance book (and it will be yours too)🧎♀️➡️
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!! It was intense and it was amazing🤌🏼 An OBSESSED Russian mafia boss finds the girl who he slept with 6 years ago and decided to make her his wife 🧎♀️➡️ they OBVS fall in love and it was SUCH A FUN TIME FOR ME AS THE READER!!
It was so so so good, I loved it - I think you should read it😠 Miscommunication is a trope (in novels and in real life) that I’m not a fan of, and that was a main theme in this book🙃 BUT it was needed to move the story along, so it was forgivable🤭 (and it came up like maybe 3 times, so you don’t really remember it until it’s mentioned again☺️)
I’m so excited for the next book in the series!! (I think I’m going to read all of the other books this author has written in the meantime🤪)
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the ARC🫶🏼)
ARC REVIEW🤪
This is my new favorite mafia romance book (and it will be yours too)🧎♀️➡️
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!! It was intense and it was amazing🤌🏼 An OBSESSED Russian mafia boss finds the girl who he slept with 6 years ago and decided to make her his wife 🧎♀️➡️ they OBVS fall in love and it was SUCH A FUN TIME FOR ME AS THE READER!!
It was so so so good, I loved it - I think you should read it😠 Miscommunication is a trope (in novels and in real life) that I’m not a fan of, and that was a main theme in this book🙃 BUT it was needed to move the story along, so it was forgivable🤭 (and it came up like maybe 3 times, so you don’t really remember it until it’s mentioned again☺️)
I’m so excited for the next book in the series!! (I think I’m going to read all of the other books this author has written in the meantime🤪)
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the ARC🫶🏼)
March 21, 2025
I loved this book! It was fast paced, kept you on the edge of your seat not wanting to put it down! The banter had me giggling like a school girl. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series!!!
March 19, 2025
Ruthless Bonds was for me a lot of first times, the first time I read a book written by Dani Antoinette, the first time I read a mafia romance and the first time I hysterically contacted friends to make them promise to read this book.
March 12, 2025
A captivating dark romance that twists and turns until the end about the head of the Russian mafia and the young woman who once saved his life.
Alora is down on her luck, barely keeping her head above water in the aftermath of her sister’s attack. She’s working around the clock to pay the bills and when she’s given the opportunity to get ahead, she takes it. She’s caught in the aftermath and finds herself needing to call in a favor from the man who she saved six years ago. In exchange for forgiving her crimes, she agrees to be his. But someone is attacking the mafia from within and before the empire crumples, will Kreos be able to save them all?
Alora is down on her luck, barely keeping her head above water in the aftermath of her sister’s attack. She’s working around the clock to pay the bills and when she’s given the opportunity to get ahead, she takes it. She’s caught in the aftermath and finds herself needing to call in a favor from the man who she saved six years ago. In exchange for forgiving her crimes, she agrees to be his. But someone is attacking the mafia from within and before the empire crumples, will Kreos be able to save them all?
June 8, 2025
The beginning of this book was a bit slow for me but after the first couple chapters it started to pick up and I enjoyed it. Do not go into this book if you’re looking for a plot heavy mafia romance but there is still an interesting plot line throughout the book. But definitely read this book if you want a morally grey mafia MMC who is obsessed with the FMC and will go to great lengths to make her fall in love with him. It was fast paced but in my opinion very enjoyable to read.
March 11, 2025
Amazing book! I would love to read more about their future so hopefully that comes!
This book had it all; spice, romance, thrill, suspense.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
✨Russian Mafia
✨Forced proximity
✨Dark Romance
✨He falls first
✨Forced Marriage
Chocolate Cake 🍰 😩 🤌🏼 tear jerker!
This book had it all; spice, romance, thrill, suspense.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
✨Russian Mafia
✨Forced proximity
✨Dark Romance
✨He falls first
✨Forced Marriage
Chocolate Cake 🍰 😩 🤌🏼 tear jerker!
March 11, 2025
Kreos and Alona way a fun complicated relationship. I loved her strong personality and her sassing the big bad mafia king. It was a fun read and add in the spice and you see why it is so wonderfully balance of chaos and structure. I love a touch her and die tale.
March 2, 2025
This book will hook you with the first chapter. You have two people who met one night years ago. That night altered their lives and they haven’t seen each other since. Now K is the head of the Russian mafia and he is determined to stay that way even if it means getting married. Alora is all about protecting Dove and making sure she stays on the healing path after such a horrible kidnapping. Alora is working three jobs just to pay rent and she is determined to get out of their apartment he’ll hole and do so by winning the photographer contest. What fate has in store for these two is very different than what they were expecting and who knows if they will make it. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2025
Love this book! FMC is strong and smart but not bratty. MMC only soft to her. He massage her feet!!!😩😍
The suspense and plot just kept me hooked the whole time, well balance of spicy and plot.
Really enjoyed this book, can't wait for book and other characters' sotry!!
The suspense and plot just kept me hooked the whole time, well balance of spicy and plot.
Really enjoyed this book, can't wait for book and other characters' sotry!!
May 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Kreos is pure, dark, unrelenting perfection. He’s dangerous, possessive, and absolutely obsessed with Alora—and I ate up every second of it. Alora is no damsel either. She’s fierce, sassy, and so full of fire that she kept Kreos (and me!) on edge the whole time.
Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension, the power plays, the emotion—it’s the kind of dynamic that ruins you for other couples. And the spice? Dani Antoinette doesn’t just deliver, she devastates.
Every character mattered, and their bonds made the darker moments even more impactful. I didn’t just read this book—I felt it.
👑 Mafia Boss Alpha
💃 Sassy, Strong Heroine
🔥 Obsessive Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
💔 Dark Past
🔒 Possessive Hero
🔥 High Heat
2 of my favourite quotes:
“There is no God here, my love. Just the Devil, and I’ve come to collect your soul.”
“You’ll what, Katia?” I let the claws graze against her skin, and she gasped. “Let me be crystal clear. Touch Kreos again, and I’ll show you exactly how creative I can be with these ice tongs.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Kreos is pure, dark, unrelenting perfection. He’s dangerous, possessive, and absolutely obsessed with Alora—and I ate up every second of it. Alora is no damsel either. She’s fierce, sassy, and so full of fire that she kept Kreos (and me!) on edge the whole time.
Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension, the power plays, the emotion—it’s the kind of dynamic that ruins you for other couples. And the spice? Dani Antoinette doesn’t just deliver, she devastates.
Every character mattered, and their bonds made the darker moments even more impactful. I didn’t just read this book—I felt it.
👑 Mafia Boss Alpha
💃 Sassy, Strong Heroine
🔥 Obsessive Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
💔 Dark Past
🔒 Possessive Hero
🔥 High Heat
2 of my favourite quotes:
“There is no God here, my love. Just the Devil, and I’ve come to collect your soul.”
“You’ll what, Katia?” I let the claws graze against her skin, and she gasped. “Let me be crystal clear. Touch Kreos again, and I’ll show you exactly how creative I can be with these ice tongs.”
September 13, 2025
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. It was everything I look for when reading mafia dark romance and I couldn’t put it down!!! I gotta say that Alora is one of my favorite FMC’s. Shes a bad ass, sassy, and stubborn enough to do what she wants and nothing can stop her. Kreos was also a top tier MMC. His love and devotion towards Alora had me highlighting literally everything that came out of his mouth. Can we also talk about the mouth on Kreos??? Whewwwww it was making me weak. 🥵
I also wanted to shout out Dani’s prequel “Ruthless Hearts”. It was SO GOOD. I definitely recommend reading it first to catch a good look into Alora and Kreos’ first encounter.
Instant fan!!! 🖤
I also wanted to shout out Dani’s prequel “Ruthless Hearts”. It was SO GOOD. I definitely recommend reading it first to catch a good look into Alora and Kreos’ first encounter.
Instant fan!!! 🖤
May 26, 2025
I seriously loved everything about Kreos and Alora’s relationship. The way Kreos always made sure she ate? That small but super thoughtful gesture totally got me. And him constantly asking for permission like, that level of respect is so rare and honestly so cute.
What really did it for me was how he was always ready to drop everything for her. That kind of dedication? Ugh, my heart. And the way he was endlessly patient and understanding with Alora… it just made me love him even more.
But the best part? The constant reassurance. He always knew exactly what she needed to hear and never made her feel like a burden. Like… why is that so hot?? I was swooning the whole time
What really did it for me was how he was always ready to drop everything for her. That kind of dedication? Ugh, my heart. And the way he was endlessly patient and understanding with Alora… it just made me love him even more.
But the best part? The constant reassurance. He always knew exactly what she needed to hear and never made her feel like a burden. Like… why is that so hot?? I was swooning the whole time
March 24, 2025
So tired of weak main characters. She gives in so fast.
March 6, 2025
Ruthless Bonds (Hearts of Mayhem Book 1) is one of my top 3 reads of 2025 so far. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I absolutely could not put it down and have continued to think about the story and what have quickly become beloved characters!. Kreos is one of my new favorite MMCs and I am obsessed!
Alora is a new favorite FMC as well, she is so well written. Even after her hard and sad life, she is so full of love and still has the ability to care deeply for those she is close to, so much strength and resilience in her. And Kreos is everything that she has always needed and when I say that he is obsessed with her, it is no exaggeration. He had pined for her, yearned for her for years after their first meeting and once they meet again, he knows that he will NEVER let her go!
Our FMC has been in survival mode for years, one loss after another, one stressful situation after another. She works multiple jobs to take care of her younger sister Dove, who had experienced a serious trauma and is dealing with traumatic mutism. Alora still manages to find time for her passion which is photography and has made it to the finals of a competition that could be life changing.
She is also still dealing with her younger brother Dylan (Dove’s twin), who is constantly putting himself and also his sisters in bad situations. While helping Dylan on a heist one night, things go very wrong. The fallout from that night is Alora being captured and brought to the attention of the Pakhan of the Zokrov Bratva in NYC, who turns out to be our MMC Kreos!
These two have a history in the form of a chance meeting six years before. They both helped and saved each other back then. This led to a night of passion that neither one could forget. As I mentioned before Kreos has been pining for her since then and has never forgotten the most beautiful, feisty, and intelligent woman he has ever met.
This story is fast paced and action packed, and there are a couple of different but related mysteries within the main story that were so amazing. And the steamy parts are passionate and romantic and very well written. The chemistry, longing, and eventual love between Kreos and Alora is off the charts and they have quickly become one of my favorite book couples!
I have to mention the side characters because there were so many amazing ones! Her sweet angel sister Dove, Kreos’ fierce second in command Gavriil, Bela, her bodyguards, and of course Sasha the Doberman. Even the bad guys in this story are believable and well written. There are some amazing plot twists and overall this is just a great book, intriguing story, perfect HEA, and a new favorite of mine. I cannot wait to read book 2 of this series which is about Dove and Gavriil, need it asap Ms. Antoinette!
Favorite quotes:
“And I wanted Alora Wolfe. I’d already decided to marry her. She just didn’t know it yet. I’d witnessed firsthand her devotion to her family, and I had no doubt she would make the perfect wife and mother to my children.” Kreos
“Is that your sister over there looking like a virgin sacrifice?” Bela
“I wanted her to be as obsessed with me as I was with her.” Kreos
“You can’t force someone to love you by imprisoning them. It’s a beautiful prison, don’t get me wrong. But it’s still a prison. And you can’t expect her to open her heart when she’s scared she could lose you.” Dove
“He hadn’t just given me the chocolate cake. He’d given me a connection to my mom. It was like she was in the room with us at that moment.” Alora
Alora is a new favorite FMC as well, she is so well written. Even after her hard and sad life, she is so full of love and still has the ability to care deeply for those she is close to, so much strength and resilience in her. And Kreos is everything that she has always needed and when I say that he is obsessed with her, it is no exaggeration. He had pined for her, yearned for her for years after their first meeting and once they meet again, he knows that he will NEVER let her go!
Our FMC has been in survival mode for years, one loss after another, one stressful situation after another. She works multiple jobs to take care of her younger sister Dove, who had experienced a serious trauma and is dealing with traumatic mutism. Alora still manages to find time for her passion which is photography and has made it to the finals of a competition that could be life changing.
She is also still dealing with her younger brother Dylan (Dove’s twin), who is constantly putting himself and also his sisters in bad situations. While helping Dylan on a heist one night, things go very wrong. The fallout from that night is Alora being captured and brought to the attention of the Pakhan of the Zokrov Bratva in NYC, who turns out to be our MMC Kreos!
These two have a history in the form of a chance meeting six years before. They both helped and saved each other back then. This led to a night of passion that neither one could forget. As I mentioned before Kreos has been pining for her since then and has never forgotten the most beautiful, feisty, and intelligent woman he has ever met.
This story is fast paced and action packed, and there are a couple of different but related mysteries within the main story that were so amazing. And the steamy parts are passionate and romantic and very well written. The chemistry, longing, and eventual love between Kreos and Alora is off the charts and they have quickly become one of my favorite book couples!
I have to mention the side characters because there were so many amazing ones! Her sweet angel sister Dove, Kreos’ fierce second in command Gavriil, Bela, her bodyguards, and of course Sasha the Doberman. Even the bad guys in this story are believable and well written. There are some amazing plot twists and overall this is just a great book, intriguing story, perfect HEA, and a new favorite of mine. I cannot wait to read book 2 of this series which is about Dove and Gavriil, need it asap Ms. Antoinette!
Favorite quotes:
“And I wanted Alora Wolfe. I’d already decided to marry her. She just didn’t know it yet. I’d witnessed firsthand her devotion to her family, and I had no doubt she would make the perfect wife and mother to my children.” Kreos
“Is that your sister over there looking like a virgin sacrifice?” Bela
“I wanted her to be as obsessed with me as I was with her.” Kreos
“You can’t force someone to love you by imprisoning them. It’s a beautiful prison, don’t get me wrong. But it’s still a prison. And you can’t expect her to open her heart when she’s scared she could lose you.” Dove
“He hadn’t just given me the chocolate cake. He’d given me a connection to my mom. It was like she was in the room with us at that moment.” Alora
May 27, 2025
Family & Loyalty = Destiny & Love 🥰
Alora Wolfe (25) is an ex thief with a dream of becoming a great photographer…. She is the eldest sister of her two step siblings, Dove and Dylon…. She has been acting like their mother…. like their father…. Like their protector, especially the fact her eldest brother, Jameson has die from tragic events and mother who has died from a broken heart…. She has always been a survivor and a fighter especially when it comes to the people she truly cares about…. She would do anything to protect her family…. She even agrees to do one last thieving score to protect her Family…. which Leeds her straight into Kreos ruthless clutches…. The question is…. will she survive him ….. will she betray him …. Will she love him…😏🤭😏
Kreos Zokrov (???) is The Pakhan (Boss) of the New York Bratva (Russian) mafia…. He is the eldest brother of two siblings., Bela and Constantine…. He is ruthless and cruel, especially when it comes to protecting his people…. His territory and his family…. He would do anything to protect his family even blackmail :: cough, cough :: Marry an Ex lover 😏 an Ex Lover how got away…. An Ex Lover how is NOW back in HIS life…. An Ex Lover that HE will NEVER let go Ever again 😏 the question is…. Will he survive her brattiness and sassiness 🤭….
Alora & Kreos’s Love & relationship is like I hate you…I need you…I love you… I can’t live without you 😏🤭😏 it’s definitely rags to riches vibes 🥰
Ruthless bonds is book 1 in the Hearts of Mayhem series will take you on a wild ride of Love, Destiny, Loyalty and Mystery…. The 🌶️’s lvl for me being 2/5 because of the vanillaIsh 🌶️s and graphic content and is a 3 ⭐️ read for me because of the banter between the FMC & MMC 🥰 can’t what for DOVES story! lol Great start to this series 🥰
Book 📕 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️ lvl = 🌶️🌶️
😘
Alora Wolfe (25) is an ex thief with a dream of becoming a great photographer…. She is the eldest sister of her two step siblings, Dove and Dylon…. She has been acting like their mother…. like their father…. Like their protector, especially the fact her eldest brother, Jameson has die from tragic events and mother who has died from a broken heart…. She has always been a survivor and a fighter especially when it comes to the people she truly cares about…. She would do anything to protect her family…. She even agrees to do one last thieving score to protect her Family…. which Leeds her straight into Kreos ruthless clutches…. The question is…. will she survive him ….. will she betray him …. Will she love him…😏🤭😏
Kreos Zokrov (???) is The Pakhan (Boss) of the New York Bratva (Russian) mafia…. He is the eldest brother of two siblings., Bela and Constantine…. He is ruthless and cruel, especially when it comes to protecting his people…. His territory and his family…. He would do anything to protect his family even blackmail :: cough, cough :: Marry an Ex lover 😏 an Ex Lover how got away…. An Ex Lover how is NOW back in HIS life…. An Ex Lover that HE will NEVER let go Ever again 😏 the question is…. Will he survive her brattiness and sassiness 🤭….
Alora & Kreos’s Love & relationship is like I hate you…I need you…I love you… I can’t live without you 😏🤭😏 it’s definitely rags to riches vibes 🥰
Ruthless bonds is book 1 in the Hearts of Mayhem series will take you on a wild ride of Love, Destiny, Loyalty and Mystery…. The 🌶️’s lvl for me being 2/5 because of the vanillaIsh 🌶️s and graphic content and is a 3 ⭐️ read for me because of the banter between the FMC & MMC 🥰 can’t what for DOVES story! lol Great start to this series 🥰
Book 📕 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️ lvl = 🌶️🌶️
😘
March 25, 2025
I'm a big romance reader, but this is my first mafia dark romance and not gonna lie, I had to look up what Bratva was before reading this book. Ruthless Bonds kept me glued to my Kindle, unable to put the book down. I enjoyed this one so much I read it in one sitting, which is rare for me these days. The characters are both strong and believable, the pace is fantastic, and there are none of those questionable moments where you don't know where the story is going.
I loved FMC Alora! She's strong and sassy, without being obnoxious. She cares about her family and will do anything to help those she loves, including commit crimes to help them. At the beginning of the story Alora works at a bar and does everything she can to provide for her sister and when she runs into trouble doing that, she doesn't bend or break, and she doesn't go crying to anyone to help her. She bucks up and helps herself.
Kreos, the MMC, is also strong and manages to be decisive and powerful without being cruel. Is he a killer? Yes. Is he the leader of a crime family? Yes. But, he's got all the powerful traits we love in a dark MMC and, *swoon* he falls first which is incredibly sexy.
The story progresses along at a great pace. It's not too slow or too rushed. Kreos and Alora get just the right amount of time together to make the romance believable. Since it's a mafia story, there's a mafia plot happening in the background and there're some twisty moments, including a character who comes back from the presumed dead! What I loved the most is at the end, even though Kreos shows up for Alora, she's capable of helping herself. I absolutely loved this one and I'm looking forward to more from this series by Dani Antoinette.
❤❤❤❤❤ - Overall, I loved it!
I loved FMC Alora! She's strong and sassy, without being obnoxious. She cares about her family and will do anything to help those she loves, including commit crimes to help them. At the beginning of the story Alora works at a bar and does everything she can to provide for her sister and when she runs into trouble doing that, she doesn't bend or break, and she doesn't go crying to anyone to help her. She bucks up and helps herself.
Kreos, the MMC, is also strong and manages to be decisive and powerful without being cruel. Is he a killer? Yes. Is he the leader of a crime family? Yes. But, he's got all the powerful traits we love in a dark MMC and, *swoon* he falls first which is incredibly sexy.
The story progresses along at a great pace. It's not too slow or too rushed. Kreos and Alora get just the right amount of time together to make the romance believable. Since it's a mafia story, there's a mafia plot happening in the background and there're some twisty moments, including a character who comes back from the presumed dead! What I loved the most is at the end, even though Kreos shows up for Alora, she's capable of helping herself. I absolutely loved this one and I'm looking forward to more from this series by Dani Antoinette.
❤❤❤❤❤ - Overall, I loved it!
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