Defiled Innocence

Innocent Brides #6

by Measha Stone

Amelia Moreau is barely holding herself together in the wake of her brother’s death. Lukas had been her guardian, her rock—and now, his loss has left her adrift. But when she learns the terms of her inheritance, her grief turns to shock: to claim the fortune Lukas left behind, she must marry. Not just anyone, but Dimitri Dragunov, a commanding Russian mob boss whose reputation is as dark as the secrets he keeps.

Her first instinct is defiance. She doesn’t need her brother’s money; she’s managed without it and can continue to do so. But rejecting Dimitri isn’t without consequences. Too many lives depend on her decisions, and walking away would leave the people she’s vowed to protect vulnerable. She has no choice but to agree.

Determined to endure the arrangement, Amelia steels herself for a cold, transactional union devoid of intimacy or emotion. But Dimitri has no intention of allowing her to fade into the background as his wife. With a dominance that leaves her breathless, he demands not just her compliance but her surrender—mind, body, and soul.

As she navigates her enigmatic husband’s world of control and obsession,
unsettling truths about her family begin to unravel. The brother she idolized wasn’t the man she thought he was, and the path Amelia is now on is darker—and far more dangerous—than she ever imagined.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark

Unknown Binding

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Pat Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tropes…..
🔥Mafia Romance
🔥Arranged Marriage
🔥Age-Gap (15 years)
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Family Secrets
🔥Spankings
🔥Touch her and Die
🔥Both fall hard

Defiled Innocence: A Dark Romance is the 6th book in the Innocent Brides Series by Measha Stone. This is the love story of Amelia Moreau (MFC) and Dimitri Dragunov (MMC).

Amelia’s brother Luke is killed in a car crash. Luke has raised Amelia after both of her parents died at different times. Amelia runs a foundation that is funded by her brother Luke. After Luke dies, she learns from his attorney that she gets for the foundation (which is her baby) requires her to get married to Dimitri who is the head of mafia. Amelia is furious and tries to figure a way of this clause. A good friend Christian suggests that they get married and go to court to get the will overturn. Amelia turns him down and marries Dimitri.

Amelia and Dimitri have good banter, and HOT CHEMISTRY. Dimitri has a need for control and wanting Amelia to obey. She does not obey often. Both are attracted to each other. They really like one another and neither one of them wants to admit it.

Unknown to Amelia Dimitri has some secrets about her family and Christian wants to blackmail him. This is when secrets are told and hurt Amelia. This book is fast and has a really good story line. This book is part of a series and is standalone. The characters from the previous book appear in this book.

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smutty Mafia read that hit all my Mafia buttons. While not entirely unique, I just really enjoy these books.

[Louise Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous books in this series, Ms. Stone is well-versed in the Mafia lifestyle. The story was professionally written and fast-paced, with characters that were hard to resist. I enjoyed the palpable tension between Amelia and Dmitri, which mostly led to steamy encounters. Their relationship was complex and fraught with power struggles until they learned mutual respect and trust.

I initially wondered if Amelia would be another helpless female dependent on a male to help her succeed, but I was wrong. Amelia was a strong, sassy, independent, professional woman running her foundation. Amelia did not appreciate Dmitri’s intrusion into her life, but she had no choice but to marry him or lose everything she had worked for.

Dmitri Diagunov, part of the Russian Mafia, could not turn down a good business deal. He took full advantage of Amelia’s situation and followed the terms of her brother’s will. He needed to marry at some point, and Amelia fell into his lap. Dmitri was my ideal anti-hero. He was dark and menacing in the best possible way. Yes, he could be brutal and violent at times and was not afraid to get his hands dirty, but he was also protective and loving towards Amelia and supported her dreams. He saw the fight in her eyes, and it intrigued him.

Defiled Innocence is a dark, moody, delicious story with seductive undertones. It was
an entertaining and compelling experience. I hoped for a happy ending but wondered
how the author would achieve this, but I should not have been concerned because, as usual, Ms.Stone weaved her magic.

[Kelly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Dimitri were amazing. I loved them together. They had some serious chemistry!! I feel for her on the loss of her brother but he helped her heal!

[Christy Warthen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

Crazy way to set up an arranged marriage! Dmitri and Amelia have a great story as they navigate these lives and the twists along the way.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[Yana Lately · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt VERY mature, if that makes any sense?

It follows Amelia, who runs a foundation dedicated to helping those in need. She is deeply passionate about her work and has been involved with the center since she was in college. The organization was heavily funded by her brother, Luca, who tragically died in a car accident. To ensure the foundation continues to operate, Amelia discovers that she must marry her brother’s business partner, Dimitri. She is taken aback by this arrangement, especially since she was completely oblivious of her brother’s connection to the mob.

I love that Amelia is her own person. Losing her mom at 13 and having an absent dad, Amelia was forced to grow up quickly. So she’s wise beyond her youth. To pay homage to her late mom, she basically dedicated her life to the center and to help those in need. Suffice to say, Dimitri needed her more than she needed him 🤭.

Knowing this, Dimitri will stop at nothing to make her submit to him. She’s pretty stubborn and always picking fun at his age while also finding him insanely attractive. I love the chemistry between the two characters, especially when they go back and forth with one another. 🤗

Despite the secrets, they’re always honest with each other. However, I wished Dimitri opened up to her a bit more because other than Amelia being the root of his obsession, parts of him still remain a mystery.

I really love how he allows her to grieve and gives her closure too. Since they met, he’s proven time and time again that he will protect her at all cost (even protecting her from herself).



What to expect:
• Age Gap
• Mafia
• Forced marriage
• Good girl x Bad boy


Thank you to author, Measha Stone and The Next Step PR for an ARC of this title.

[Mary Pulvermacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I loved how possessive Dmitri was, it was hot.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I love possessive mafia men 😍

age gap
arranged marriage
forced proximity
Russian mafia

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dimitri and Amelia’s story was perfect in every way. This couple scorched my kindle with their smexy times and kept me glued to their story until the end.
Beautifully written story ❤️

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiled Innocence is a stand-alone novel which is the sixth book of the Innocent Brides series. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. It's interconnected with characters from the previous books making appearance and contributing to the story. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book. A filthy, sinful, twisted and dark read. It's fast paced, thrilling and tantalizing. This is Dmitri and Amelia story which is told from a dual POV. A beautifully crafted story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you transfixed and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane action, and non-stop twists and turns. An unputdownable and addictive read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this rollercoaster ride of tension, cravings and heart-stirring emotions and follow along as these two characters fall in love.
An organized crime story, crime thriller story, romantic suspense story, touch-her-and-die romance, contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, morally-grey antihero romance, age gap trope romance, arranged marriage romance, Bratva romance, forced marriage romance, forced proximity romance, forbidden romance, taboo romance, off-limits romance, protective alpha hero story, OTT possessive alpha hero romance with passion, lies, losses, grief, death, healing, dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, revelations, hurt and pain, power and control, obsession, healing, possessiveness, banter, drama, threats, spice, heartbroken, anger, darkness, secrets, love, praises, betrayal, madness, survival, danger, punishment/discipline, jealousy, mention of suicide, hatred, mention of drug addiction, murder and friendship.
Amelia Moreau twenty-three as just lost her half-brother and last living relative Lucas to a car accident which leaves her devastated and unable to cope. She buries herself in the work of her foundation and the Moreau Community Center which Lucas had helped her form a couple years ago. Lucas lawyer had been trying to get a hold of her for two months since his death and she had been pushing him away until he had no choice but to come she her at the center. Lucas has left his entire estate to her but in order to collect her inheritance and keep the foundation alive which keep the center open, Lucas as left a stipulation in his will that she would have to get marry. Specifically, Dmitri Dragunov is business partner and ruthless Russian mob boss. She was furious with the stipulation of the will and decided that she would go to Dmitri and see if she could get by the stipulation of the will. But when she got there she barged into his office while he was in a meeting with his cousin Nikolai and started to read him the riot act. He tells her that they were getting married unless she would lose the foundation and center within a couple of months.
Amelia doesn't want to marry him and if they don't get married Dmitri will not receive the majority shares of the Moreau Investments Firm which Lucas was using to help him launder his money. Additionally, he needs the company because it would bring some legitimately to his organization. At first Dmitri was going to let her off the hook and take the small amount of the company that he would've gotten if they don't get married. But after she storm into his office and he bend her over his desk and bare her ass and spank her then they her brutally he decided that he wouldn't let her go that she was his his after tasting her. Amelia is beautiful, fiesty, challenging and a hell-cat and all those features only turn Dmitri on. Amelia fights Dmitri every step of the way on their arranged marriage and she has even tried ways to get out of the arrangement. She doesn't understand why Lucas would've left such a stipulation for her to retain the center and the foundation.
Dmitri is handsome, powerful, dangerous, domineering, possessive and jealous. From the moment he saw Amelia he was calling her his wife even though weren't even married yet and he would kill anyone who got close to what he considered as his. Because she didn't want to lose the center because a lot of people in the community depends on it she agrees to the marriage putting her own stipulation on it of not having sex and keeping it as a business arrangement. But Dmitri wasn't having none of it. He told her that their marriage was going to be marriage in every sense of the way with her sharing his bed and them having sex and her giving him a baby, that they were joined forever and wasn't getting a divorce. Although she was against the marriage she loved the sex and was putty in his hands everytime he touched her.
She didn't know that she needed someone to dominate her and as it turns out they were perfect for each other. She turned the jaded and hard man to someone he didn't know that he could be. He finally feel what his cousins feel and why they reacts to their wives the way that they do because now he's just like them. It was a sensual and beautiful romance that demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life and gave that something extra that you craved and never thought that needed.

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

[Mariel Gieser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it even though it wasn’t a book I would normally gravitate towards. It has a strong willed female main character, age gap, mafia romance, touch her and die trope. The pacing was very well done and I honestly felt like I couldn’t put it down.

[Moraima Roa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short,spicy and yet Satisfying!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Couldn’t Put It Down – A Passionate, Powerful Read!

I absolutely loved this story! It was a short, easy read that had me hooked from the very first page. Dmitry and Amelia are two strong characters thrown into an arranged marriage in order to secure their inheritance. Amelia is furious, especially with a secret her late brother left behind (no spoilers here!), and while there’s a plot twist I personally didn’t think was necessary, hey—I’m not the author! 😄 that’s why only 4 stars.

The story includes elements of BDSM, but it’s not degrading or abusive. Yes, Dmitry is controlling, but never cruel. Even in scenes where he’s punishing Amelia, there are no harsh or demeaning words, which was very important to me as a reader. The author did a fantastic job of portraying their emotions and making the characters feel real and human. I felt like I was right there, front row, living every page.

Now the spice level? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sweet, passionate, intense, and yes—loving. Dmitry is powerful, and his punishments? Let’s just say, I wouldn’t have minded being on the receiving end! 😅 Amelia is strong and determined, but also humble enough to admit what she truly wants and needs from Dmitry.

This felt more like a romance than a mafia novel, and I’m not complaining! Dmitry may be ruthless with his enemies, but when it comes to his wife, he’s unforgettable. I devoured this book in a day and didn’t want it to end!

[Tina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, but a bit boring, and not very well written. I didn’t like the mfc though.

I didn’t hate it but there’s a lot missing in it. When Amelia’s brother dies (Still have no clue what killed him.) he leaves Amelia a lot of money on condition she marries Dmitri. Dmitri is a cold heartless man who is in the Russian Bratva, I think. It keeps saying the mafia but that’s Italian. Dmitri only wants to marry her at first as he gets a lot of money, and her brother’s businesses, but also he wants an heir. If she doesn’t marry him she’ll lose the foundation that helps people in need. It’s obvious straight away that they’re both developing feelings for each other but they’re both in denial. Weirdly.

There’s a lot of s*x and a huge amount of going over feelings from Amelia, and that’s it. I’ve finished the book and i still don’t know a lot about either of them. I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I think Dmitri was way to soft on Amelia. She might be pregnant with his baby and she goes out slamming shots down with some random men! I don’t even know where to start on that. She’s terrified he won’t ever love her so she goes out with her friend and has drinks with random men. Yeah most men wouldn’t be happy with that and yet Dmitri is really sweet to her.

It was just okay. It was a bit boring as nothing happens though and I still don’t like Amelia.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is a busy woman. She doesn’t have time for distractions. However, her attorney needs to go over the will and what it entails. Finding time, it short but when she does find out what her brother left her and has decreed, she isn’t happy. Dimitri Dragunov knows all about what Lucas put in his will. Handling Amelia is tough. She is an independent woman and hard working. She just wants to care for her foundation with no husband. But without Dima, she could lose it all.

I have to say, I do love that Amelia tries to deal with this very calmly and keeps telling Dima she will not marry him. Dima loves her fire. He knows she wants to keep working on her foundation, but she needs to realize they both need to work together to keep funding it. But there are others that aren’t too happy about this alliance. I knew something was up with Christian. He just seemed off. I was surprised about what happened to Amelia’s mom. Her death and the death of her brother way heavy on her. She definitely needs someone to hold her close and show that she is loved. Looking forward to Kost story and finding out what the deal is with Harper.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th story in the Innocent Brides Series. This is the first one for me and found the story full of danger, unexpected loss, secrets and a wonderful dark romance. Amelia is a giving woman caring for others at her foundation everyday that her brother, Lukas helped her create and funds. He’s been her savior since she was a kid and provided for her so when he unexpectedly dies in an accident she’s devastated and deals by avoiding the reading of his will. When time runs out in order to keep funding the foundation she must marry Dimitri a business partner that she doesn’t know. Dimitri finds Amelia to be a strong independent woman and knows getting anywhere with her will be difficult and enjoyable at the same time. Amelia refuses to marry Dimitri over and over even looking for a legal way out so when Lukas’s friend Christian offers his help, do things go sideways. Dimitri becomes possessive of Amelia and puts Christian in his place keeping her safe. The secrets Dimitri has keep trying to protect Amelia come to light and cause them problems. Dimitri is a dominant alpha man and he expects a true marriage with Amelia so when she realizes that Dimitri offers her safety and love does their relationship become more!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Amelia Moreau was forced to marry Russian mafia boss, Dmitri Dragunov to save her foundation and community center. All Amelia ever wanted was for the community center to succeed and continue helping the people in the city. She needed the support of her brother to do that. When Amelia’s brother died, he stipulated that she must marry Dmitri to continue getting funding. The question on everyone’s mind is why.

Amelia is a grown woman that knows her own mind. She refused to let Dmitri force her to do anything. Dmitri knew exactly what she needed. He also knew after the first meeting he would never let her go. They would be married and it would be real. This steamy book gives readers what they are used to getting from this series. An overprotective male that makes it a point to show his partner her place. Amelia is a little different. She cannot deny that she is attracted to Dmitri. Their marriage maybe full of passion, but will it ever include love? Amelia has to figure out how to keep her heart out the equation while falling for Dmitri. Ms. Stone gives readers the perfect partners. Amelia and Dmitri are hot and spicy. I loved it.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at "part of the Innocent Brides series". Another rare five stars and one night read. The characters are absolutely terrific. Amelia is a strong, determined young lady who says what she wants, when she wants and it doesn't matter who it is, she takes no prisoners. Dimitri is an alpha male mob boss who just wants the marriage part done and so he accepted her brother's terms for the deal he made. He's not quite expecting the spitfire determined woman who Amelia had become. I laughed, shouted YES, was extremely sad, then very happy. This book was the perfect return to the series. Old friends showed up, old friends were mentioned, and one old man actually was redeemed. The story was quick paced and no flightiness. My interest is piqued with Kons, Dimitri's brother whose story is next. I do think one character got off extremely light & Dimitri taking his cousins advice was the cherry on top of the cake. The interactions with those three were hilarious. Dimitri and Amelia are two halves of the same whole and matched to perfection.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discipline by MeemsAngel82

I absolutely love anything to do with this series! Actually, I love her books. The writing is wonderful and the steam is so good! This H wants obedience and boy will get it it if he wants it. If not our H is going to be feeling her consequences. They have some great chemistry and she tries to defy him which I appreciated, but ultimately he's get this way.

Her brother passed and wanted her to marry. But why this man?

Well, there isn't a better choice for her! He can protect her and it would take a tough man to tell her what to do! And he more than fits that bill! They are attracted but understandably, she balks at the whole idea of a forced marriage. I am shocked she had to as well, but again, he can protect her and care for her like no other. They come together in a natural way and despite her reservations, she comes to realize being with him has some perks, lol! They do make a great couple and I enjoyed having them get together.

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

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoking Hot Mafia Romance!!

Lia is completely engrossed in running her foundation. As a child she was the one who discovered her mom, her father was really not a loss, but losing her brother who played a fatherly role is devastating. When forced to finally acknowledge that loss, and deal with lawyers she discovers to keep her foundation she must marry Dmitri Dragunov. From here we are off to the races.

Dmitri knew he would eventually marry, and is drawn to Amelia especially when she fights him. This is scintillating, witty, captivating and a bit raw and gritty in all the best ways. Russian nicknames, lessons in obedience, secrets from the past and current threats add to this emotional story..

One of my favorite lines: “Why are you here, Amelia?”
“Because you have the emotional intelligence of a neanderthal who can’t take an apology when it’s given.”
So much to enjoy here.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het is al weer een tijd geleden dat ik wat las van deze schrijver, maar dit boek kwam langs en omdat ik de laatste tijd meer boeken in dit genre lees, sprak de beschrijving van dit boek me aan. Ik kreeg er geen spijt van dat ik dit boek koos om te lezen, want ik las het boek in twee dagen uit. En dat was omdat het op dag 1 echt te laat begon te worden om nog verder te lezen.

Wat een doorzettingsvermogen heeft Amelia en wat een karakter. Ze komt voor zichzelf op, ook al zorgt dit ervoor dat ze in de problemen komt met Dimitri. Dimitri die ineens in haar leven komt. Om de erfenis van haar broer te kunnen krijgen moet ze met hem trouwen. Eigenlijk wil ze niet, maar om haar werk door te kunnen zetten heeft ze geen andere keus.

Dimitri is erg dominant, maar zorgt daarnaast voor Amelia en alles wat ze nodig heeft op allerlei manieren. De uitspattingen tussen deze twee lezen lekker weg.

Ik ga zeker niet lang wachten om weer meer van deze schrijver te lezen.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is a caring and generous young woman, who runs The Moreau Center Charitable Foundation. The center serves people with addiction issues, as well as temporary housing needs. In order to inherit her brother’s vast estate, and continue receiving funding for her organization, Amelia must marry Dmitri Dragunov. Dmitri, on the other hand, is an older businessman and an integral part of the Russian Bratva. She is quite reluctant at first, but Dmitri is able to convince her of the necessity for their marriage.

Dimitri never lies to her, but there are family secrets well hidden in Amelia’s background that does not come to light until her exfriend Christian steals from the foundation and forces her to face the truth. Simitri must find a way to give Amelia the space she needs, while somehow helping her through the heartbreak into a new freedom.

This is an excellent story.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Defiled Innocence is part of the Innocence Bride series, still one of my favorite dark romance series so far!

Alas, with this one, I couldn't really connect with the main characters.

I thought it was rather annoying how Amelia is portrayed—very unfocused, impulsive, and “stomping her foot“, which made her feel more like a child than the successful businesswoman she claims to be.
Dimitri (wow, do I adore the front cover model!) is all in from the get-go, but I couldn’t quite understand why, which led to some disconnect for me.

That being said, it’s still a classic forced mafia marriage story with the steamy scenes we’ve come to expect from the genre. If you enjoy the series and are looking for an easy, predictable read, this one might be for you.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am choosing to leave a review, and all thoughts are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defiled Innocence was a steamy, fast paced, romantic suspense read with a strong story involving secrets and promises and a grieving heroine, Amelia, mourning her brother, forced to accept a proposal she can’t refuse from Dmitri, a Russian mob boss if she wants her inheritance

You’ve got to love a caveman type of hero and mobster Dmitri, who like all great anti heroes starts off determined not be emasculated by any woman unlike his cousins, gives off that vibe in spades. What he says goes and he’s not above punishing any disobedience with a spanking. Unfortunately, …… or perhaps that should be fortunately Amelia is strong, feisty and determined so this leads to several sizzling confrontations with him which added a liberal dose of sizzling spice to what was a strong plot involving secrets and blackmail making this book a fabulous addition to the Innocent Brides series.

[Polly Barreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Dimitri and Amelia

Loved the whole story from the first page til the last! These two were brought together by Lucas’ (her late brother) will and last wishes. If Amelia is to get anything, she needs to marry. However, its not a man of her choosing… her brother picked Dimitri Dragunov.

Loved their banter, the spice, the sexy, the protective side of Dimitri, the stubbornness of Amelia, their chemistry…..it just all worked! Story flowed nicely and I loved how Ms. Stone tossed in a few Romanov family members into the mix – they are one heck of a family!

Publisher's Note: Defiled Innocence is a stand-alone novel which is the sixth book of the Innocent Brides series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiled Innocence is book 6 in The Innocent Brides series and is Amelia/Lia and Dimitri's intense, arranged marriage story. I absolutely LOVE Amelia! She's a force to be reckoned with. I LOVE that Dimitri isn't intimidated by such a strong woman and that he's strong and confident enough in himself that she can shine and it's ok. The banter between them is funny at times and he loves seeing her get fired up. Then there's the chemistry. The chemistry between them is so freakin hot it's palpable and once theyvstop fighting it, they're off the charts together. Defiled Innocence is at times an emotional story and at other times it's intense. It's a fantastic journey that'll consume you quickly and won't let go until it's over.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book!
Loved the storyline and plot and the characters.
Dmitri is Russian Mafia. Deadly and ruthless, someone you do not want to cross.
Amelia runs and owns a center to help addicts and house them.
The foundation means the world to her.
When her brother dies unexpectedly, his will stimulates that she must marry in order to inherit and keep the foundation going.
What she doesn’t understand is why he would insist she marry into the mafia.
The secrets and mystery going on is suspenseful and intriguing.
The chemistry between Lia and Dmitri is intense and sizzling hot.
Dmitri is pure alpha male, dominant and possessive.
Lia is strong willed and determination seeps from her pores.
Well you can only imagine the clashes these two are going to have.
And the punishments that are in store 😉
I enjoyed Defiled Innocence very much with all the twists and turns and love in unexpected ways.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Amelia and Dimitri’s journey.
Amelia is struggling with the loss of her brother whom she idolized, and the terms of her inheritance are that she must marry, and not just anyone, but controlling and possessive, Russian mob boss, Dimitri.
This is a well written action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, intrigue, loss, grief, forced marriage, dark secrets, an age gap, overprotective hero, revelations, healing, challenges, suspense, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and unpredictable, dark mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes fate is inevitable!
I feel for Amelia when her brother’s will reveals the most archaic clause that if she doesn’t agree to it, will end her non-profit. Dimitri is patient enough with Amelia, but needs this caveat to fall in to place with all his business plans. When Amelia’s financials go suddenly askew, it’s Dimitri that takes the matter in hand vs her brother’s friend and board member who tries to steer Amelia in a different direction. As Amelia and Dimitri dance around one another getting closer with each pass, is it even remotely possible that their unlikely match can become the real deal? Will Dimitri pose his will on her or will Amelia’s independence shine through? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Sidika Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It flowed very well. I couldn’t put it down. Dmitri and Amelia make such a cute couple in such a different way. I look forward to reading more by Measha Stone!

Amelia has lost everyone in her family. In her meeting with her attorney, she finds that she is to marry a Russian mafia boss. She refuses but in order to save her pride and joy, her crisis center, she must marry Dmitri.
As their relationship grows, things from her past come to light causing her to run and not trust Dmitri.
She realizes she loves him despite everything and accepts his acts of love and grants herself closure that she hasn’t allowed herself before.

[Brenda Patel-Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling and fast-paced read! Amelia is grieving the recent loss of her brother and has been avoiding meeting with the attorney to finalize his estate and will. When she finally meets with him, she discovers that her brother has left everything to her—but with one condition: she must marry Dmitri, a member of the Russian mafia. Amelia does everything she can to escape this stipulation, but Dmitri refuses to let her go. As the story unfolds, Amelia uncovers the truth about who her brother was and the reasons behind the strange clause in his will. Meanwhile, she struggles with her growing attraction to Dmitri, a connection she can't ignore.

A great blend of intriguing plot and sizzling tension!