The Russian Monarch

Lords of The Commission - New York #6

by Stephanie Amaral

This book can be read as a standalone
Adrianne

I was taken between the main course and dessert at my sister’s wedding.

Kidnapped.

They call me by her name. Call me princess. But I’m nobody’s princess. I’m just the forgotten daughter who didn’t even know she had a family until three weeks ago.

My captor is all sharp edges and winter eyes. Nikolai Volkov looks at me like I’m a means to an end, a pawn in whatever game he’s playing with his father.

He’s brutal.

Cold.

Deadly.

So why do I feel safer with him than I did in that marble prison he rescued me from?

Nikolai

She was supposed to be Alison Battaglia. The perfect leverage against the Italian Mafia. My ticket to freedom from Vladimir Volkov’s iron grip.

Instead, I got Adrianne.

The wrong sister. The nobody. The one who looks at me with those brown eyes and sees past the monster to something I’m not sure exists anymore.

She should hate me.

I kidnapped her.

Delivered her to my father like a lamb to slaughter. But when I saw her on her knees, collared like an animal, something inside me snapped.

Now I’m breaking every rule I’ve ever lived by. Because Adrianne Dornier might have been the wrong target, but she’s becoming the only right thing in my world of wrongs.

The problem with saving someone from a monster? Sometimes you become one yourself.

The Russian Monarch is a full-length, interconnected stand-alone romance novel with open door steamy scenes and a guaranteed HEA, written in dual POV.


This is the sixth book in the Lords Of The Commission – New York series and it’s a little darker than the previous books, featuring a Beauty and the Beast vibe with one bed, forced proximity and age gap tropes amongst others. There are dark subjects throughout, but it can’t be considered an overly dark story. Content warnings do still apply.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Romance

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2026

About the author

Hi. I'm Stephanie, big dreamer and self-confessed accidental writer. This corner of the internet is where my big dreams and my “accident” meet.
Welcome!
What started as a way to push my boundaries and keep myself busy, turned into something I never expected when I clicked on a button with the word “publish”.
Fast-forward a year and I have three books to my name: Beyond Temptation, Beyond Deception and Beyond Redemption.
The Beyond Series.

For news and exclusive content, sign-up for my newsletter:

https://www.stephanie-amaral.com/

I promise not to spam.

Love
S.

Reviews

[Cole Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST ONE IN THE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

Hey everybody welcome back to another audiobook review! We are talking about one of my absolute favorite mafia romance series. This is the final book in the Lords of the commission series the Russian monarch. The Lords of the commission series is an interconnected series, so if you’re not read any of them previously before reading Russian monarch, you’re gonna see some characters from previous books. This audiobook is narrated in duet style with Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas. Who both do absolutely phenomenal jobs as their respected main characters plus all the side characters that they also play as. The story follows Adrianna Battaglia, she is the half sister of Liam, Matt and Allison who we see in previous books. She has recently learned that she has this family and they have accepted her into the life and during her sister‘s wedding she is kidnapped by the Russian mafia thinking that she is her sister. The man behind her being kidnapped is the son of the Russian mafia, Nikolai Volkov. And from there, it is just an absolutely amazing story. I fell in love with both of these characters right away. I don’t know how many times I messaged the author Stephanie Amaral just giving her a crash out of my thoughts because I was loving the story! It’s probably one of my favorite mafia romances that I have read this year and it also has one of my absolute favorite to hate mafia romance villains with Vladimir Volkov, Nikolai‘s father. The things that Vladimir Volkov does throughout this book or disposable, but that’s also what makes them such a great villain for Nikolai and Adrianna! If you’ve not read any of the Lords of the commission series and you want to I highly recommend that you make this your first and go back and read the other Battaglia siblings books later, because this one is just too good to pass up on and have to wait until the end to read this one! I want to say a big thank you so much to Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis for bringing these characters to life. I absolutely loved you both so much in this. you both brought so much to these characters and I don’t think I could picture anyone else playing NikolaI and Adrianna! I wanna say a big thank you to Blue Nose AUDIO for allowing me to have the early listen of the Russian monarch and thank you for so much for having me as a member of the team! And then finally a big thank you to Stephanie Amaral for creating this book and creating the series because it has become one of my favorite mafia romance series that I love to recommend people who want to get into mafia romance. This is such a fitting finale to the series. I do hope that one day you make a spinoff series following all the children of the Battaglia family!

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikolai (36) & Adrianne (26).

There is a decent amount of action in the beginning and towards the end.

I liked how Nikolai was in constant fight with his feelings. He has some dark elements for sure but I liked him. Adrianne, I’m not sure, I couldn’t understand some of her actions and I couldn’t connect with her. I would have liked to learn more things about her past, I felt as if something was missing.

Their relationship was slower in the beginning, which I thought was nice since it allowed them to see glimpses of each other and start feeling things, but then it became too serious too fast.

In a nutshell, it’s a book I enjoyed and hopefully I’ll get to read the previous ones in the series.

-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.

I received an Adv. Readers version of this book and I have given this honest and voluntary review.

[BooksbyKim98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I can’t believe that this is the last book already😭 Stephanie we need you to keep writing more books for us!!!

This book was again an absolute masterpiece! This book is once again an emotional rollercoaster!

[Allanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer- this was an ARC but I am not being paid in any way for this review.

It’s part of the Lords of Commission series and it was glorious. The book focuses on Adrianne who is the half sister of the Battaglia family. She’s kidnapped from her sister’s wedding because they think she’s her sister. Nikolai kidnaps her for his father chasing his own ghosts from his past but forma an attachment with Adrianne so he doesn’t let her stay with his father for long.

It’s a story of love, overcoming grief and loss from the past and trying to move forward. It’s beautifully written and has all the right elements of a mafia romance, including pet names and overcoming family drama.

There is a few twists and back stabbings which really make it interesting and the spice is great 😊

Overall, it was an intense story and I read it in one sitting. I loved every minute. Spice was great and went with the story so not out of no where. Lots of jealousy and tension. Overall I Loved It! 😊

[Sierra's Book Wanderings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew, that audiobook was sooo good, and I have a new favorite narrator: Brandon Francis! My gosh, his accent, the way he seamlessly switched between each male character, voice inflections, and even sexual moans were impressive!

I don't think I've ever read a mafia book so focused on the love story, and I was here for it. The chemistry was off the charts for these two, and the narration only heightened it! I only wish there was more background on Adrianne, since only a bit of her background is mentioned in a few paragraphs, which made it harder to connect with her. I did love her sassy and brave personality though.The book is solely focused on Nikolai's history between his evil as f*ck father and why he became a badass mafia man, and at times an alphahole too!

Even though the story largely focuses on the love story, Stephanie Amaral still intertwines plenty of action and a mafia plot set in the winter time in Russia. I've never read a book set in a snowy location in Russia so that was fun! But anyway, the author made it all fit in there, and I was never bored, which is saying a lot because as much as I love a mafia romance, sometimes there is WAY too much time spent on explaining strategy and talking about different mafia groups.

I loved how Nikolai called Adrianne his butterfly and his heartbreaking yet beautiful story about his mother and her love for butterflies. The scene where Nik and Adrianne make love in the butterfly observatory has to be one of my top 10 sex scenes, thanks to its surroundings and the beautiful way it was written. Also, there's a scene at the very end where I loved Nik's thoughts about life and finding a way to move forward. It brought tears to my eyes!

So if you're in the mood for incredible duet narration, plenty of romance (hello, spicy scenes!), action, an alphahole turned golden retriever mafia man, and a bold & brave heroine, check this out!

[Mother Of Dragons 86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review provided by Blue Nose audio:

4.5 ⭐️

I went into The Russian Monarch completely blind as an ALC listener, having never read the Lords of the Commission series before... and now I absolutely need to go back and read the entire series.

Even though this is book six, it works surprisingly well as a standalone.
I never felt lost, but I could definitely feel the depth of the interconnected world and history between these families, which only made me more intrigued to dive into the earlier books.

This one definitely leans darker than I expected, but not overwhelmingly so. It has the perfect balance of mafia danger, emotional intensity, steam, and a subtle Beauty and the Beast vibe woven through it all.

Now let’s talk about the audiobook, because Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis absolutely delivered. Their duet narration elevated this story so much. They didn’t just narrate Adrianne and Nikolai, they became them. Every emotional moment hit harder because of their performances.

My only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because there were a couple moments where I wanted just a little more emotional depth before the ending... but that’s honestly me being picky.

This was a beautifully brutal mafia romance that completely pulled me in, and now I’ve officially added the entire Lords of the Commission series to my TBR.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

I… have no words — oh wait! 👏👏👏

Holy mafia romance. That was WILD.

Okay, so I went into this book completely blind, never having read the other books in the series, but I was immediately hooked by the cover because ✨vibes✨ and honestly? Zero regrets.

Savannah Tomas and Brandon Francis’s performances were absolute perfection. I didn’t just feel the emotions — I experienced everything right alongside Nik and Addy to the point where I was genuinely questioning my own mental stability.

From the anger and emotional overload to the vulnerability woven between all the chaos, I could not stop listening.

I was hooked. I was invested. And I am fully prepared to fall headfirst down the mafia romance rabbit hole.

I haven’t had the chance to read more books by Stephanie (hi twin) Amaral yet, but I am proudly announcing that every other book on my TBR is officially being put on hold so I can binge the first five books in this series because there is absolutely no way I’m patient enough to wait after THIS review. (Sorry, TBR.)

The story was addictive, the pacing was fantastic, the darker themes added so much depth beneath the intensity of the mafia world and OOF — don’t even get me started on the spice because 🤌🤌🤌

Thank you Blue Nose for the ALC 🩷

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like that we have reached the final book of the Lords of Commission series and let’s just say Stephanie finished off the series strong🥹

If you have been keeping up to date with the series thus far you will know how Adrianne and Nikolai’s story begins and that is Adrianne goes missing and is presumed take during her half sister Alison’s wedding. Adrianne is only recently after reconnecting with her half siblings and the last thing she expected was to be taken by a rival family, but there’s a snag, she’s not the person they set out it take - it was actually supposed to be her sister Alison oops😅

Of course as soon as Nikolai realises he must adapt his plan. Reluctantly under his father’s instructions Nikolai must bring her to him and upon doing so he will be told his mother and sister final resting places. From the moment that Adrianne is in Nikolai’s hands his cold heart starts to thaw- he’s quite shocked with the empathy that Adrianne shows toward him and she does in fact save him in one occurrence. This is when he realises that he cannot deliver her to his father and this opens up quite a bit of a can of worms. Now Nikolai has Adrianne’s brothers and his father looking for him.

The emotions were definitely an all time high in this book and sometimes Nikolai couldn’t contain his emotions and reactions where Adrianne was concerned and yes I did want to jump between the pages and tell him to get his act together but it most certainly worked out in the end. These characters had an undeniable chemistry from the get go and the tension/ back and forth between these two were just impeccable.

Adrianne is definitely a feisty and fierce FMC and she does not back down when it comes to Nikolai which is definitely something I loved about her especially since this world was so new to her. Nikolai initially came off as cold because at the end of the day nothing mattered except his family but he soon came to realise that Adrianne was now a loved one that he must protect and he was willing to do anything to protect her that’s for sure.

This was a great book to finish off the series and while I’m sad that it is ending I most certainly enjoyed each couples journey from start to finish. I do hope we may get an epilogue book about these couples or possibly a second generation 🤭

Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Giavanna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the Lords of the Commission New York Series did not disappoint! Stephanie has always truly captivated me with her writing style, character development and genuine passion🖤🖤

Divine intervention had Nikolai and Addy’s paths cross & the wild ride of hate, fear, lust, past/ghosts, love & vulnerability will shake you to your core! Just when you think you have the story line and characters figured out… another plot twist arises. The way you feel like you know these characters is unreal. I love how Steph fully develops the characters and shares enough to really help you connect. This book was so powerful and so beautiful with just enough spice, I’m so sad the series is over! I’ve been along this ride since the first book in the series and I’m so grateful to have found this author and this series. Nikolai, you now have a piece of my heart too alongside Giancarlo, Liam, Matteo & Max

•FIVE STAR READ •

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! 
Nikolai unexpectedly turned out to be my favourite mmc from this series. His backstory broke my heart. Adrienne's a kind woman. I would have loved to see more of her interests and personality. Their relationship develops through slow burning yearning and then gets physical. What the story lacks in emotional development between the main characters, is made up for in the action department and the dynamics outside of their relationship. 

This was an exciting final instalment of the series and I enjoyed it overall. 

•••

I received an ARC from the author.
My opinions are my own.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Russian Monarch by Stephanie Amaral is Book 6 in the Lords of the Commission series, and as usual, the author did not disappoint.

Stephanie Amaral’s writing style continues to shine with her easy, flowing storytelling that pulls you in right away. The story opens strong with Nikolai kidnapping Adrianne—only to realize he’s taken the wrong sister, which immediately sets the tone and hooks your attention.

I really liked the MCs, Adrianne (Addy) and Nikolai. Their chemistry was solid, and Addy absolutely gives as good as she gets. Her ability to stand her ground and answer back made her an enjoyable and engaging FMC.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the ongoing family and friend dynamics, and I loved seeing those relationships continue to develop here. It adds depth and continuity that makes the series feel connected and lived-in.

While I liked this book, I didn’t quite love it as much as others in the series. That said, it’s still a good, solid instalment and well worth the read—especially for fans of the Lords of the Commission.

Thank you for the ARC.

[Gina Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I’ve read this author and wow was it a good book. The characters were very intriguing and also well developed. The story was full of deceit and action. Definitely a page turner. I’ll be finding other books from this author as soon as possible.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review — THE RUSSIAN MONARCH (Lords of the Commission #6)

Wrong sister. Wrong target. Right story.

The Russian Monarch pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. What starts as a calculated kidnapping quickly turns into something far darker, deeper, and far more emotional than I expected.

Adrianne is not the sister meant to be taken. She’s the forgotten one—the afterthought—thrown into a brutal mafia world she didn’t even know she belonged to. Watching her navigate fear, confusion, and betrayal while still holding onto her inner strength made her incredibly compelling. She isn’t loud or flashy strong, but her quiet resilience hit hard.

Nikolai Volkov is everything you want in a dark mafia hero: cold, lethal, controlled, and shaped by cruelty. But the moment he realizes Adrianne was never meant to be collateral damage, the cracks begin to form. His internal battle—between survival, obedience, and the need to protect her—was one of the strongest parts of this book. The emotional conflict felt raw and believable.

The relationship development was perfectly paced. There’s no instant trust, no easy forgiveness—just two broken people finding safety in each other in the middle of violence and control. The tension simmers, the emotions run deep, and when the lines finally blur between captor, protector, and lover, it feels earned.

Dark, intense, and emotionally charged, The Russian Monarch delivers danger, depth, open-door steam, and a satisfying HEA. It can absolutely be read as a standalone, but it also fits beautifully into the larger series.

If you love mafia romance with high stakes, morally gray men, strong heroines, and an emotional punch—you don’t want to miss this one.

✨ Tropes:• Beauty & the Beast vibes• Forced proximity• One bed 😏• Age gap• Dark mafia romance

Now let’s talk AUDIO 🎧🔥

Savannah Thomas brought Adrianne to life in the most emotional, raw way. You could feel every ounce of fear, strength, and vulnerability. She made Adrianne’s journey so real and so powerful.

And Brandon Francis as Nikolai? Whew 🫠That deep, commanding tone mixed with underlying tension and emotion? PERFECTION. He captured both the ruthless exterior and the slow unraveling underneath so effortlessly.

Together, their chemistry was undeniable. The tension, the emotion, the connection—it all came through so vividly. This is one of those audiobooks where you don’t just listen… you experience it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (5/5)Dark, emotional, and completely consuming—with a narrator duo that absolutely elevates the story.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The finale of all finales

If you crave suspense and danger. If you seek revenge in the most dangerous way, if you want possessive and dominant then this is the book for you.

When the MMC kidnaps the MFC and ends up becoming obsessive and possessive you know its a book worth binging!

The final chapter to the mafia dark romance collection was absolutely a book worth waiting for!

[Jennifer DuPriest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the book I thought it was going to be from TikTok’s. I knew it wasn’t going to be my favorite when SA was mentioned like 3 times on the first few chapters. Love the mafia trope but not degrading women or r@%#. He was also a giant A-hole to her for most of the book then obsessed.

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤❄️ A kidnapped “princess,” a ruthless Bratva monster, and a love story forged through danger, survival, and impossible choices. ❄️🖤

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️☆☆ (3/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Lords of The Commission – New York, Book 6 (interconnected standalone)
HEA: No, cliffhanger

And just like that, we’ve reached the final installment in the Lords of The Commission series and honestly? Stephanie Amaral finished this series incredibly strong. The Russian Monarch feels darker, heavier, and more emotionally layered than some of the earlier books, while still keeping the addictive tension and emotional chaos this series does so well.

This book leans hard into the Beauty and the Beast energy. Forced proximity, captivity, emotional walls, morally gray choices, and two people slowly learning to trust each other in a world built on violence and manipulation. The relationship development here is one of the strongest parts of the story because nothing comes easily. There’s no instant trust, no quick forgiveness, and no magically fixed trauma. Everything between Adrianne and Nikolai feels gradual, messy, and earned.

The Story

The Russian Monarch thrives on emotional tension and character development more than nonstop action. Adrianne and Nikolai are constantly caught between survival, loyalty, fear, and attraction, and that emotional push-and-pull gives the story so much weight.

Nikolai is cold, brutal, and emotionally detached in the way you expect from a Bratva MMC, but underneath all of that is someone unraveling under the realization that Adrianne was never supposed to matter to him. Watching those walls slowly crack was easily one of the strongest aspects of the book.

And Adrianne works surprisingly well opposite him because she doesn’t instantly become fearless or magically adapt to the violence surrounding her. She feels vulnerable, emotionally reactive, and human in a way that keeps the darker themes grounded.

This book is definitely darker than previous installments, but it never crosses into darkness purely for shock value. The heavier themes actually serve the emotional stakes and relationship progression instead of overshadowing them.

And that ending? Yeah… Stephanie Amaral still enjoys emotionally assaulting her readers apparently.

🎧 Narration

Performed in duet by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis.

Both narrators were already familiar voices to me, and once again they absolutely delivered.

Savannah Thomas captured Adrianne’s emotional vulnerability, fear, and gradual strength beautifully, while Brandon Francis was perfect for Nikolai’s colder, emotionally restrained presence. He has a way of delivering those morally gray MMCs that makes every moment feel heavier and more emotionally charged.

Together, they elevated the tension, chemistry, and emotional intensity throughout the entire audiobook.

What I Loved

✔️ Slow-burn trust and emotional relationship development
✔️ A darker tone that still feels emotionally grounded
✔️ Beauty and the Beast vibes done well
✔️ Morally gray Bratva MMC with real emotional depth
✔️ Strong emotional tension and push-and-pull dynamics
✔️ Audiobook performances that perfectly fit the characters

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Mafia / Bratva Romance
✔️ Kidnapped Heroine
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Beauty and the Beast Vibes
✔️ Morally Gray MMC
✔️ One Bed
✔️ Touch Her and ☠️
✔️ Emotional Angst
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Dual POV

Final Thoughts

The Russian Monarch is dark, emotional, tense, and incredibly addictive. Stephanie Amaral balances danger, emotional vulnerability, romance, and suspense beautifully here, creating a story that feels intense without becoming overwhelming.

Nikolai and Adrianne’s relationship feels earned every difficult step of the way, and that emotional realism made the payoff hit so much harder. The chemistry works, the emotional stakes stay high, and the darker themes are handled with enough care that they strengthen the story instead of consuming it.

If you love darker mafia romance with emotional depth, morally gray heroes, forced proximity, and slow-burn tension that actually feels earned, this one absolutely delivers.

[Christa Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Stephanie Amaral fangirl and when this book slipped into my Kindle, I made my world stop so I could read it. Dinner- ordered out. Laundry- could fold itself for all I cared. This story is a combination of plot and character driven storytelling. The plot drives what happens to the characters and the way they respond to the circumstances drives them into each other's arms.

The author writes so the reader can feel like they've been dropped right into the story with the characters. In the freezing snow, she doesn't hold back and brings in all the sensory details one would expect in that landscape. In a rundown warehouse, the reader can feel the warn materials and disconnected buildings. She uses all of these wonderfully so there's no "white walls" or a feeling of being above the story looking down upon it.

I really liked the way these two mains started and how they connected at first. Nikolai's decisions were brutal. His experiences painting everything he did with a solid reasoning. Addie, goodness, talk about being thrown straight into the fire. She had barely got her legs under her from the life she'd lived before only to be ripped from it and flung into Nikolai's sphere.

I read this book in 2 days staying up WAAAAAY too late into the wee hours of the morning because I needed to see Nikolai come to the realization that she was his in every single possible way. And, when it finally happens, it is marvelous.

I did sit there and wonder what the heck Matteo was thinking. (I will always be a Matteo fangirly especially when Joe Arden voices him because OMG) and you know what the author knew we'd all be wondering that too. So, she even thinks about Matteo too! If you have not read Bound By Deception what are you waiting for just goooo get it, too.

If Dark Romance Mafia with a Russian Bratva and Russian speaking MMC who is OTT/JP and can take a life without blinking with a level-headed non bratty, smart, self-sufficient FMC who just wants to survive is in your wheelhouse-- PICK THIS ONE UP! It is so good.

It can be read as a standalone but there are little callbacks to the previous stories. However, the author does a great job of giving the reader clues on what happened so you never feel like you don't have all the information you need to read this.

5 shining stars for story
5 flames for heat.
5 red flags that Nikolai totally waves- proudly. But he'd be ???? I chose the color red.
5 !!!!! for excellent writing.

[Jammie Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Russian Monarch is the sixth audiobook in Stephanie Amaral’s dark, mafia romance series, Lords of the Commission - New York. While this is the sixth book in the series, each book focuses on a different couple and can be read as a standalone. I warn you, though, this series is so freaking good, you’re definitely going to want to listen to any audiobooks you’ve missed. I speak from experience. This story focuses on Adrianne, half-sister of the Battaglia mafia family, and Nikolai, the heir to the Pakhan of the New York Bratva. Nikolai and his men kidnap Adrianne on his father’s orders, thinking she’s her half-sister, Alison Battaglia. He’s immediately taken in by her, saving her from one of his father’s men assaulting her. But once he finds out they’ve got the wrong sister, it’s complete chaos. He decides to deliver her to his father disguised as Alison. But after witnessing his father’s brutal treatment of her, he rescues her and takes her to Russia, intending to take his father down once and for all. Of course, things don’t go according to plan—with the takeover or with Adrianne. As much as he fights it, he’s drawn to her more strongly than ever… and the insane attraction is apparently not one-sided. Adrianne can’t deny the attraction any more than Nikolai can, especially as she starts to see there’s much more to him than the monster he portrays to the world. Their push-and-pull journey to love is absolutely riveting to listen to. This story certainly keeps you on your toes. Between the constant threat of being discovered by Nikolai’s father and the Battaglia family, unforeseen betrayals, past trauma, and Adrianne and Nikolai’s sizzling chemistry, the action never stops. As dark, mafia romances go, this is definitely one of the best I’ve come across.

The amazing duet-style narration from Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis adds yet another fantastic layer to this compelling story. They both deliver outstanding performances that are incredibly nuanced and packed with emotion, passion, and authenticity. If you are at all a fan of dark, mafia romance audio—or heck, dark romance audio in general—this is not an audiobook you’ll want to miss!

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapters, Adrienne’s voice settles into your chest and refuses to leave. Her belief that she is “the mistake,” the lesser-than sister, the disposable one isn’t just something you read — it’s something you feel. Stephanie Amaral does an incredible job of immersing the reader in Adrienne’s emotional landscape, making her pain raw, constant, and achingly real. Every self-doubting thought, every quiet moment of resignation hit deep, and it’s impossible not to hurt alongside her.

Nikolai Volkov is everything you expect and then so much more. He’s ruthless, cold, and cutting — often cruel in ways that make you flinch — and yet he’s written with such depth that you can’t fully hate him. His trauma bleeds through the cracks of his icy exterior, and the push-and-pull between his darkness and his growing need to protect Adrienne is utterly consuming. You’re drawn to his blackened heart even while questioning yourself for it, which is exactly what makes this story so powerful.

The emotional tension between them is relentless. The forced proximity, the one-bed moments, the Beauty and the Beast undertones — all of it is layered with genuine emotional weight rather than just trope-driven heat. Their connection builds slowly, painfully, and beautifully, shaped by fear, survival, and two deeply broken people recognizing something familiar in each other.

This book is darker than previous entries in the series, but never gratuitous. The heavier themes are handled thoughtfully, with content warnings that matter, and they serve to deepen the emotional stakes rather than overshadow the romance. By the time you reach the end, the HEA feels earned — hard-won, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t just entertain but hurts, heals, and lingers long after the final page, The Russian Monarch delivers. This story left me emotionally wrung out, tender-hearted, and completely in awe. 💔🖤

Thank you for the ARC. I received a free copy and this review is only my opinion.

[Jreadsreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, but rounded up because of Goodreads not having half scores.

My feelings towards this book are incredibly mixed. The small plot twist towards the end had me hooked in, but aside from that I wasn’t really absorbed in the story. Most of the story felt repetitive, which slowed the pacing of the first 80% severely. By 33% in, I was already beyond annoyed with the “why do I care” questions coming from both characters. They knew why, I knew why, everybody knew why - move on. I normally love enemies to lovers, in fact that is pretty much all I read anymore. But this book just fell short on it. The story was fragmented in ways that made it impossible for me to really connect with the story. Too much was just glossed over with no development, and it really felt like the majority of the book wasn’t driving the plot forward.

Addy was new to the mafia world, grew up with a sick mother apparently, and came from poverty. However, there was zero elaboration on any of that. It was very much a “by the way this is a fact about the character that will not be tied into the story at all” situation. Aside from being flat out told she was from a poor background and new to the mafia world, there was literally nothing done with it. Nikolai was described as both brutal and traumatized (rightfully so, his upbringing sounds horrible), but it felt out of place almost.

Most of the story was predictable. One minute they were asking themselves why they liked each other, they’d have a moment, and instantly you’d know when you turned the page Nikolai was going to be back to his cold self and Addy was going to whine about how dumb she felt. That being said, I did like the plot twist. The ending tension was great, but it made me feel more disappointed. I wished the whole book felt like that. If I cut out the first 50-60% and made it into a novella, I think I’d have rated it 4 stars.

[Sandy Belrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨AUDIOBOOK & EBOOK REVIEW✨

Wrong sister kidnapped but you end up with a hot Russian m@fia man! Hot Hot Hot🔥😍🥵
The Russian Monarch by Stephanie Amaral certainly delivered!! This is book 6 in the Lords of the Commission series but can easily be read/listened to as a standalone.

This was my first book by Stephanie Amaral so I went completely blind into this story and fell in love with the characters. I'm definitely curious to read the previous books in this series after devouring this book with the amazing audiobook. I did immersive reading and couldn't get enough of that sexy Russian accent.

If you enjoy dark m@fia romance with beauty and the beast vibes plus a kidnapped heroine who falls for her captor and forced proximity with a morally grey MMC with an age gap then this is for you!!

🎧 The audiobook totally brought this story to life with the amazing duet narration of Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas. They were both fantastic at portraying all the characters and making this a fully immersive experience with all the accents.

🎙️ Brandon Francis did not just narrate the character of Nikolai but fully became him with his performance. He portrayed all the emotions necessary to bring emotional depth to the character and he was also amazing with all the other male characters in the book including doing different accents for each. Savannah Thomas is one of my favorite female narrator and she was phenomenal as always. She fully brought to life the character of Adrianne and was a pleasure to listen to. Their chemistry and banter was perfection and don't get me started on the sexy spice!!

🥵 The spice in this book was amazing but on audio, it was 10x better especially when you take into account the sexy Russian accent.

Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 3🌶️
Audiobook: 5🎧
Audiobook Format: Duet Narration

TROPES
🔥 Dark M@fia Romance
🔥 Captive/K!dnapped FMC
🔥 Bratva MMC
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Mistaken Identity
🔥 Age Gap (10 years)
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Morally Grey MMC
🔥 Traumatic Past
🔥 Beauty and the Beast vibes
🔥 Touch Her and D!e
🔥 Slow Burn
🔥 Dual POV

Thank you to Blue Nose Audio and Stephanie Amaral for the advanced copy of the audiobook. All my bookish opinions are my own.

💜 Follow me on TikTok & IG @SandyBelrose for audiobook recommendations 💜

[Tiffani Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest — finishing this book felt like closing the front door on a world I didn’t want to leave. The Russian Monarch is exactly the kind of finale that balances the weight of its history with the fire of its characters’ hearts. There’s darkness and danger, sure — but what stays with you is the connection that survived every twist, every betrayal, every unspoken longing.

From the very first page, this story greets you with that familiar: tension sparking against ice, desire simmering under control, and a pull between two people that feels both inevitable and deeply hard-won. The enemies-to-lovers energy here isn’t shallow or quick — it’s layered with history, pride, fear, and that delicious ache of I want you even when I shouldn’t. Every charged look, every clipped response, and every moment of vulnerability in the shadows underlines just how much these characters have evolved — and how much they still want each other even when the world says they shouldn’t.

There’s suspense, political intrigue, and the looming threat that’s been threading through the series, but at its core The Russian Monarch is a love story about claiming what should’ve been yours all along — even if fate kept trying to play spoiler. Stephanie Amaral writes with heart and fire: scenes that make you breathe a little faster, emotional beats that hit deep, and a payoff that feels satisfyingly complete while leaving you nostalgic for this world.

If you want a finale that’s intense, romantic, and deeply emotional — one that ties up the threads of a long-lived series with flair and heart — this is exactly the kind of ending that feels like a kiss and a promise all at once.

Tropes:
🔥 enemies to lovers
👑 romantic suspense
🇷🇺 Russian monarchy/royal intrigue
💥 intense chemistry
📜 found history & legacy
🔥 slow burn meets powerful payoff
🖤 emotional ending for a beloved series

[Angela Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in an amazing series. I've loved every single book and the characters, but I have to say this is hands down my favorite book in the series.

Adrianne is the half sibling of Matt, Liam, and Alison. They've recently learned about her and immediately brought her into the family fold, because family is everything to them. Adrianne grew up with her mom, working several jobs, living paycheck to paycheck, so this more lavish lifestyle is an adjustment. At her sisters wedding, she's kidnapped by the Russian mafia when they mistake her for Alison. Shortly after she's taken by Nikolai and his crew, he realizes she's the wrong sister. He can't fail his father so he decides to go with it and gives Adrianne green contacts, since she looks identical to her sister, just different eyes and slightly younger looking.

Nikolai has grown up with an extremely abusive father, who killed his mother. He watched his older sister drown and couldn't save her. His father has hidden both their bodies in unmarked graves for 20 years and Nikolai is desperate to find out where they are so he can give them a proper burial and finally have some peace. During the short journey to deliver Adrianne to Nikolai's father he falls for her but also doesn't believe in love or feelings, because that makes you weak. After delivering Adrianne to to his father, he realizes its a mistake and kidnaps her for a second time.

This isn't your instant love story, Nikolai is cold, calculating, dark, and the way he treats Adrianne makes you want to scream at times. Adrianne should hate Nikolai, but she see's the real him under his armor.

This book was amazing and I truly fell in love with Nikolai and Adrianne!

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an end to a series!!!!

I received this as an ARC

I am beyond grateful to have received it. I cant believe this is the final book in the series. First off I want to start off by saying I have been very lucky to have been an ARC reader for every single one of the books in this series for Stephanie and glad I was able to finish this ride out with an amazing author. Thank you so much Stephanie for giving me a series I truly love and enjoyed from the very first book to the very last one.
I have enjoyed this journey with Lords of the Commission, The Russian Monarch is the final book in the interconnected series (it can be read as a standalone but highly recommend reading from book one through to fully enjoy the experience.

In this book we follow Adrianna who is Alison Battaglia half sister, Addy is kidnapped from her half sisters wedding by our MMC Nikolai Volkov who is the son to the head of the Russian Mafia for leverage against the Italians. Obviously Nikolai doesn't realize they dont have the right girl until its to late, but he decides to keep her and still hand her over to his father for information of where is dead mother and sister are to give them a proper burial and goodbye. As you know nothing ever works out how they want, he starts to like her and decided to save her from his father, Nikolai is definitely hot and cold with Addy, but the banter between the two is chemistry and the feelings getting more intense for each other. The spice was hot hot 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶,I truly love their development of their love story, they both had past trauma, no matter how much they pushed each other they were still drawn to each other. This was truly a way to end the series and I am so glad I got to enjoy each book and theirs stories. Definitely a HEA. Definitely recommend if you love Mafia Romances, forced proximity, age gap.

[Jodie Digney · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Angel of Sin meets Russian Steel — a crown forged in darkness

If you love dark romance that balances brutality with heart, Russian Monarch delivers in a powerful, unforgettable way.

Adrianne is kidnapped at her sister’s wedding. Mistaken for someone else. Forgotten her entire life, never the princess, never the chosen one. She’s taken by a group of mobsters with one objective…
Enter Nikolai Volkov.
Cold. Calculated. Dangerous.
A man raised in violence, bred for cruelty, and shackled to his father’s control.

Adrianne and Nikolai’s story is a powerful collision of two souls forced into close proximity, fuelled by intense sexual tension and a connection that should never exist. He is a ruthless killer. She is a captive of the Bratva. And yet, in a world of cages and power plays, safety is found in the last place it should exist. From red ribbons to secret mazes, this story is intriguing, ruthless, and thick with tension.

The Beauty and the Beast undertones, the age gap, the moral conflict, the hunger - it all works together to create a story that feels intense without tipping into gratuitous darkness.

Stephanie Amaral writes broken men and underestimated women exceptionally well, and Russian Monarch is no exception. The dual POV pulls you deep into both characters’ internal battles, and the chemistry is undeniable. Open-door spice, strong emotional payoff, and a well-earned HEA make this a deeply satisfying read.

This may be the final book in the series, but it stands strong on its own and is a fitting, powerful ending to the Lords of the Commission.

A princess doesn’t always inherit her crown.
Sometimes she survives hell and takes it.

[Bobbi-Ann Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this whole series by Stephanie Amaral. Savage Temption had been my favorite through all of The Lords of Commission - New York Series, but The Russian Monarch and Nikolai quickly became my absolute favorite, sorry Liam!

Nikolai and a crew were sent to take Alison as revenge against the Battaglia family. Only they took the wrong sister. Once Nikolai discovers this he decides to still go ahead with his plans to turn her over to his father the Pakhan.

Adrianne who didn't grow up around the Battaglia family and was new to the mafia world was thrown head first into a whole other dark world.

Nikolai who was raised by his father the Pakhan couldn't show weakness. But he battled his own inner demons and past trauma all at the hands of his ruthless father.

They find peace in each other and soon are forced to fight both sides. One side to proved their love, the other the fight of their lives.

I can honestly say that Brandon Francis made Nikolai whole character come to life. His accent and the way he narrated; quickly put him on my list as one of my top favorite narrators. I felt the trauma that Nikolai was feeling, his inner turmoil and the love he had for Adrianne. Every time he said "moya baboshka" I swooned. Seriously is there a way to get this as a ringtone for my phone? 🤣🤣

I don't think there was another narrator that could've made Adrianne come to life more that Savannah Thomas. She was perfection telling her story and I felt all of her emotions throughout the story.

Also the SPICE!!!! Both Brandon and Savannah during those scenes.....WOW....it was mind blowing!!!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to arc read this.

Mafia romances are absolutely my jam, and this one? Did not disappoint in the slightest. From the very first page, I was completely pulled into the dark, dangerous, high-stakes world and couldn’t put it down. The tension, the intensity, and the constant edge of danger had me hooked immediately and kept me fully invested until the very last page.

I loved the kidnapping element—it added that deliciously dark twist that mafia romances do so well and set the tone perfectly for everything that followed. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, and the sassy FMC brought so much fire, attitude, and strength that she never once felt overshadowed. She held her own in every situation, which made her even more compelling to read.

And the MMC? Chef’s kiss. An absolute standout. Watching him fall first and fall hard was everything I want in a mafia romance. His possessiveness, loyalty, and willingness to burn the world down for her made the love story hit even harder. The love between them was intense, passionate, and downright 🔥🔥🔥—the kind that jumps off the page and leaves you feeling every emotion right along with them.

From start to finish, this book kept me completely gripped. Every chapter pulled me in deeper, and I loved every second of the emotional highs, the dangerous moments, and the explosive chemistry. This was dark, addictive, and incredibly satisfying—well worth the read and an absolute must for mafia romance lovers. 🖤🔥

[Lisa Ferri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Bratva Finale: A Standalone Mafia Masterpiece That Left Me Obsessed!

Wow, The Russian Monarch absolutely blew me away! I received an ARC of this book, and even though it’s the final installment in the Lords of the Commission (New York Series), I read it as a complete standalone and had zero issues diving right in. No spoilers, but the story hooked me immediately, and now I’m dying to go back and read the entire series because these characters are just that addictive.

The plot revolves around Nikolai Volkov, the commanding heir to the Russian Bratva mafia (hello, my ultimate mafia crush!), who’s all brooding intensity and unyielding power, yet with vulnerable layers from his past that make him impossible not to root for, leading to a deeply satisfying bond. Enter Adrianne “Addy” Dornier, the fierce heroine kidnapped by mistake during her half-sister’s wedding, who matches him perfectly in this enemies-to-lovers setup full of forced proximity. I adored the high-stakes action, the romance, and the emotional depth that kept me turning pages late into the night. The New York backdrop adds such a gritty, atmospheric vibe, and the twists had me on the edge of my seat.

Stephanie Amaral’s writing is top-notch (sharp, immersive, and packed with heart). Even jumping in at the end, everything felt seamless and standalone-friendly. If you’re into dark mafia romances, especially with Bratva elements like me, this is a must-read gem. I finished it in one sitting and can’t recommend it enough!

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, dangerous, and utterly gripping, The Russian Monarch delivers a thrilling conclusion to Stephanie Amaral’s Lords of the Commission series. Packed with mafia intrigue, kidnapping, and morally gray romance, this final installment raises the stakes and refuses to let go.

When Adrianne Smith-Dornier is accidentally kidnapped at her sister’s wedding, chaos ignites. What begins as a mistake quickly becomes something far more twisted as Nikolai Volkov—a man shaped by violence, loyalty, and secrets—sets his sights on uncovering the truth about his mother and sister. Desperate for answers and trapped under his father’s ruthless control, Nikolai is a force driven by blood, power, and survival.

The suspense is relentless. While the story starts at a slower pace, everything shifts the moment we land in Russia. From there, the tension tightens, the danger escalates, and the dark romance takes center stage. Amaral excels at weaving emotional intensity with high-stakes mafia politics, keeping you on edge and constantly questioning who can be trusted.

What truly stood out was the atmosphere—cold, ruthless, and seductive—and the way the characters evolve under pressure. The push and pull between Adrianne and Nikolai is layered with fear, attraction, and inevitability, making their connection both unsettling and impossible to ignore.

As the final installment in the series, The Russian Monarch delivers in every way. It ties together lingering threads while upping the emotional and psychological stakes, cementing its place as my favorite book in the series. Dark romance lovers who crave suspense, danger, and morally complex characters will not want to miss this unforgettable finale.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a polished book review based on the description you shared:

⸻

This novel delivers a dark, emotionally charged mafia romance that pulls the reader in from the very first page. What begins as a case of mistaken identity quickly becomes a tense exploration of power, captivity, and unexpected connection. Adrianne is a compelling heroine—not because she is powerful or fearless, but because she is human. Her vulnerability, confusion, and quiet strength make her easy to root for, especially as she navigates a world of violence and manipulation she never chose to enter.

Nikolai Volkov is a classic dark romance anti-hero done well: cold, brutal, and shaped by a lifetime under a monster’s control. What sets him apart is the internal conflict simmering beneath his ruthless exterior. His growing attachment to Adrianne feels earned, driven by guilt, protectiveness, and a desperate need for redemption. The dual point of view adds depth, allowing readers to understand not only their actions but the emotional scars motivating them.

The story excels in atmosphere—grim, tense, and dangerous—while still leaving room for slow-burn intimacy and emotional growth. Themes of identity, freedom, and the cost of survival are woven seamlessly into the romance. This is not a light read, but for fans of dark mafia romance with morally gray characters, high stakes, and a love story born in the worst of circumstances, this book is gripping, intense, and hard to put down.