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Bratva Kings #3
Brutal Reign
Hope King was supposed to die by my hand. Instead, she became my obsession.
For five years, I’ve hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment.
When I find her on her wedding day, I don’t eliminate her like I was ordered to—I marry her instead.
She thinks I’m the monster who destroyed her world, and she’s right. But she also shattered mine—carving a void in my soul that only she can fill.
Now she’s trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and I’m never letting her go.
Brutal Reign is a dark mafia romance that includes forced marriage, accidental pregnancy, and a secret child. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Can be read as a complete standalone.
For five years, I’ve hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment.
When I find her on her wedding day, I don’t eliminate her like I was ordered to—I marry her instead.
She thinks I’m the monster who destroyed her world, and she’s right. But she also shattered mine—carving a void in my soul that only she can fill.
Now she’s trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and I’m never letting her go.
Brutal Reign is a dark mafia romance that includes forced marriage, accidental pregnancy, and a secret child. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Can be read as a complete standalone.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2025
917 people are currently reading
2046 people want to read
About the author
Monica Kayne
9 books1,096 followersMonica Kayne is a TV producer turned proud romance writer. She writes dark and swoony romance novels with a liberal dose of sass and humor.
Her favorite characters to write are sweetly possessive bad boys and the feisty, smart-mouthed heroines that they can’t resist.
When she’s not dreaming up sexy plots, she can be found searching for the perfect negroni and her next K-drama fix. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.
Join Monica Kayne's newsletter for a FREE short story:
https://linktr.ee/monicakayne
Her favorite characters to write are sweetly possessive bad boys and the feisty, smart-mouthed heroines that they can’t resist.
When she’s not dreaming up sexy plots, she can be found searching for the perfect negroni and her next K-drama fix. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.
Join Monica Kayne's newsletter for a FREE short story:
https://linktr.ee/monicakayne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
January 12, 2026
SUBLIME love at first stabbing! 🖤🔪✨ Impeccable SECRET BABY trope with a truly obsessed mafia mmc that’s just a giant teddy bear!
✨🖤🦕 💍 🦕🖤✨
”This man, who commands fear and obedience from everyone else, looks at me like I’m his weakness.”
Pavel is a tough mafia giant hardened by poverty & death of his baby sister. Despite his roughness his teddy bear feelings start showing when he refuses to kill an enemy’s daughter…and falls for her instead ✨ Leaving Hope behind is the hardest thing he ever had to do but when she resurfaces in an enemy’s lair he decides to claim her (AND HER SON!) as his. One chaotic wedding crashing & a tied up priest later he can finally relax!
This man loves with his ENTIRE BODY!! Pavel can’t stop thinking about Hope since the night she stabbed him & he remains celibate for half a decade 🖤😭 DON’T EVEN TRY to convince me mafia men are not the most OBSESSED mmcs. When giant fierce men crumble for their wives…it’s literally my kryptonite!
💍 one night stand but she doesn’t know who he is
🖤 DEADLY adorable moments between mmc and the son
💍 he will protect her AT ALL COST
🖤 gun fucking *I can’t never get support this*
💍 forbidden age gap & size difference
Smut was THAT GIRL because this story had it all! Passionate one night stand, panty raiding & uncontrollable desire seasoned with delectable dirty talk ✨ All of that with a secret baby trope all but killed me because this man LOVED that kid before even knowing about his true parentage.
Story covers a lot of ground as it spans across years but the pace was impeccable. I truly enjoyed the writing with a great balance of vulnerability & mafia swagger magic.
mafia romance
ott protective mmc
Asian fmc
age gap
size difference
stalking
dirty talking
one night stand
she’s afraid to get attached
forced marriage
secret baby
found family
HEA
✨🖤🦕 💍 🦕🖤✨
”This man, who commands fear and obedience from everyone else, looks at me like I’m his weakness.”
Pavel is a tough mafia giant hardened by poverty & death of his baby sister. Despite his roughness his teddy bear feelings start showing when he refuses to kill an enemy’s daughter…and falls for her instead ✨ Leaving Hope behind is the hardest thing he ever had to do but when she resurfaces in an enemy’s lair he decides to claim her (AND HER SON!) as his. One chaotic wedding crashing & a tied up priest later he can finally relax!
This man loves with his ENTIRE BODY!! Pavel can’t stop thinking about Hope since the night she stabbed him & he remains celibate for half a decade 🖤😭 DON’T EVEN TRY to convince me mafia men are not the most OBSESSED mmcs. When giant fierce men crumble for their wives…it’s literally my kryptonite!
💍 one night stand but she doesn’t know who he is
🖤 DEADLY adorable moments between mmc and the son
💍 he will protect her AT ALL COST
🖤 gun fucking *I can’t never get support this*
💍 forbidden age gap & size difference
Smut was THAT GIRL because this story had it all! Passionate one night stand, panty raiding & uncontrollable desire seasoned with delectable dirty talk ✨ All of that with a secret baby trope all but killed me because this man LOVED that kid before even knowing about his true parentage.
Story covers a lot of ground as it spans across years but the pace was impeccable. I truly enjoyed the writing with a great balance of vulnerability & mafia swagger magic.
mafia romance
ott protective mmc
Asian fmc
age gap
size difference
stalking
dirty talking
one night stand
she’s afraid to get attached
forced marriage
secret baby
found family
HEA
September 18, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
🤍 Hidden identity
🤍 ONS
🤍 Second chance
🤍 Secret baby
🤍 Celibate heroine x HERO (5 YEARSS)
🚩no cheating or sharing, no OW/OM
Lovvveddd Hope & Pavels story & omggg Kin is so freaking cutee😭😍🤍
🤍 Hidden identity
🤍 ONS
🤍 Second chance
🤍 Secret baby
🤍 Celibate heroine x HERO (5 YEARSS)
🚩no cheating or sharing, no OW/OM
Lovvveddd Hope & Pavels story & omggg Kin is so freaking cutee😭😍🤍
September 15, 2025
Hope has a complicated life to say the least, she’s the princess of a triad king but she wants nothing to do with that world. Her father knows his end is coming so he sets her up for a good life, with money hidden for her, the catch? She can’t access it until she’s 25. So she goes into hiding until a super hot blonde Viking look alike comes into the picture.
Pavel was supposed to finish his job quickly, get in, kill the woman who stabbed him during a job, and get out. Simple, right? Not for Pavel. The moment she stabbed him and he defended her, he knew he was done for. He was already obsessed with her. But he doesn’t finish the job, he falls into his emotions and leaves her behind, not knowing what will happen 5 years after that night.
“You carved yourself into my soul, Hope. Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant.”
Monica’s books are always so bingeable, and this one was no different. The chemistry, the intensity, the forbidden pull between them it hooked me from start to finish. I loved how their relationship developed despite all the danger hanging over them. He was sent to kill her but fell in love instead, and every scene between them was magnetic.
I’m still screaming at the fact that HE’S BEEN CELIBATE FOR FIVE YEARS BECAUSE OF HER.
_________________________________________
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Facebook
Pavel was supposed to finish his job quickly, get in, kill the woman who stabbed him during a job, and get out. Simple, right? Not for Pavel. The moment she stabbed him and he defended her, he knew he was done for. He was already obsessed with her. But he doesn’t finish the job, he falls into his emotions and leaves her behind, not knowing what will happen 5 years after that night.
“You carved yourself into my soul, Hope. Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant.”
Monica’s books are always so bingeable, and this one was no different. The chemistry, the intensity, the forbidden pull between them it hooked me from start to finish. I loved how their relationship developed despite all the danger hanging over them. He was sent to kill her but fell in love instead, and every scene between them was magnetic.
I’m still screaming at the fact that HE’S BEEN CELIBATE FOR FIVE YEARS BECAUSE OF HER.
_________________________________________
Instagram Facebook 
September 13, 2025
4🌟, 3 🌶️
Hope never imagined that on the day of her wedding, the man she’s loved in secret would storm in—take down her captors—and claim her as his bride.
The next gripping installment in the Bratva King Series, Brutal Reign, Hope loses everything when her father is murdered. While fleeing, she stabs Pavel—who spares her life. Months later, they share one passionate night before he disappears, leaving her pregnant and alone. Five years later, on the day of her forced wedding, Pavel returns, rescues her, and marries her himself.
What follows is a tense, passionate journey as Hope learns to trust Pavel again while raising her son, Kin, and stepping into his dangerous world. A world full of betrayal, power, and chaos, their love burns fierce and unbreakable—proving that some bonds are worth every risk.
Monica Kayne blends violence, betrayal, and sizzling chemistry perfectly—creating a love story that’s dark, tender, and completely addictive.
~~~~
Many thanks to Monica Kayne and The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Hope never imagined that on the day of her wedding, the man she’s loved in secret would storm in—take down her captors—and claim her as his bride.
The next gripping installment in the Bratva King Series, Brutal Reign, Hope loses everything when her father is murdered. While fleeing, she stabs Pavel—who spares her life. Months later, they share one passionate night before he disappears, leaving her pregnant and alone. Five years later, on the day of her forced wedding, Pavel returns, rescues her, and marries her himself.
What follows is a tense, passionate journey as Hope learns to trust Pavel again while raising her son, Kin, and stepping into his dangerous world. A world full of betrayal, power, and chaos, their love burns fierce and unbreakable—proving that some bonds are worth every risk.
Monica Kayne blends violence, betrayal, and sizzling chemistry perfectly—creating a love story that’s dark, tender, and completely addictive.
~~~~
Many thanks to Monica Kayne and The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
September 11, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 “He-married-me-instead-of-murdering-me” stars! 💍🔫🔥
Okay. So listen. Brutal Reign had me by the throat in the first few chapters. I was gripped, emotionally compromised, and muttering “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m. like a liar. 😩 This book is basically what happens when your enemies-to-lovers trope takes a detour through “oops-he-was-supposed-to-kill-me-but-now-he’s-my-husband.” Classic mafia romance chaos. 💅
Let’s start with Pavel, our blond, broody Viking with an emotional support gun and enough possessiveness to make even Christian Grey say “chill, man.” He’s dark, he’s dangerous, and get this, he’s been celibate for five years because of Hope. FIVE. YEARS. In mafia romance time, that’s basically sainthood. 🕊️
Now, Hope. I wanted to root for her, did! She’s been through trauma, loss, and a full-on soap opera of betrayal. But somewhere between “motherhood mode” and “main character energy,” she kind of… fizzled. Like, girl, please buy your own clothes or hack into a bank account or pet anything that shows us you have a life beyond being a mom and crying over a morally grey man with cheekbones sharp enough to slice a watermelon. 🥲
Don’t get me wrong, her love for her son Kin was sweet. That kid was the real MVP. Every time he appeared, I perked up like, “oh, thank god, something wholesome is happening.” He brought heart to the chaos and made the found family moments genuinely adorable. 🧸
The story itself? Oh, it’s got all the good mafia seasoning: betrayal 🩸, violence 💣, forced marriage 💍, steamy tension 🔥, and at least three scenes where you’re like “someone call a therapist immediately.” It’s dramatic, intense, and unapologetically over the top way all mafia romances should be.
BUT and it’s a big but (like Pavel’s ego), some parts dragged. The pacing went from “we’re in a shootout!” to “domestic routine simulator 2025” real quick. 💤 There’s also a moment (you know the one 👀) where Hope kills Simon, and… yeah. That scene had me squinting like, “Really, babe? That’s your villain origin story?” It didn’t quite land emotionally for me it felt less ‘fit of rage’ and more ‘fit of questionable writing choices.’
On the bright side, Monica Kayne’s writing? Still addictive as hell. Her prose is smooth, the dialogue snappy, and the chemistry between Hope and Pavel? Whew. You could light a cigarette off the tension between those two. 🔥
Also, can we talk about Dinara, the hacker? 👩💻 My girl barely shows up and yet somehow steals every scene. She’s giving coolest side character energy, and I’m already planning my preorder for her book. Hackers > Hitmen. Every. Time.
So yeah, Brutal Reign gave me all the messy, dark, dramatic energy I crave in a mafia romance. It wasn’t perfect, but it was bingeable. I rolled my eyes, I gasped, I cackled, I highlighted quotes like “You carved yourself into my soul” because I’m a sucker for poetic toxicity. 😭💔
Would I reread it? Maybe
Would I read the next one? Absolutely, if only to see Dinara hack the entire Bratva while sipping coffee in her pajamas. ☕💻
Okay. So listen. Brutal Reign had me by the throat in the first few chapters. I was gripped, emotionally compromised, and muttering “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m. like a liar. 😩 This book is basically what happens when your enemies-to-lovers trope takes a detour through “oops-he-was-supposed-to-kill-me-but-now-he’s-my-husband.” Classic mafia romance chaos. 💅
Let’s start with Pavel, our blond, broody Viking with an emotional support gun and enough possessiveness to make even Christian Grey say “chill, man.” He’s dark, he’s dangerous, and get this, he’s been celibate for five years because of Hope. FIVE. YEARS. In mafia romance time, that’s basically sainthood. 🕊️
Now, Hope. I wanted to root for her, did! She’s been through trauma, loss, and a full-on soap opera of betrayal. But somewhere between “motherhood mode” and “main character energy,” she kind of… fizzled. Like, girl, please buy your own clothes or hack into a bank account or pet anything that shows us you have a life beyond being a mom and crying over a morally grey man with cheekbones sharp enough to slice a watermelon. 🥲
Don’t get me wrong, her love for her son Kin was sweet. That kid was the real MVP. Every time he appeared, I perked up like, “oh, thank god, something wholesome is happening.” He brought heart to the chaos and made the found family moments genuinely adorable. 🧸
The story itself? Oh, it’s got all the good mafia seasoning: betrayal 🩸, violence 💣, forced marriage 💍, steamy tension 🔥, and at least three scenes where you’re like “someone call a therapist immediately.” It’s dramatic, intense, and unapologetically over the top way all mafia romances should be.
BUT and it’s a big but (like Pavel’s ego), some parts dragged. The pacing went from “we’re in a shootout!” to “domestic routine simulator 2025” real quick. 💤 There’s also a moment (you know the one 👀) where Hope kills Simon, and… yeah. That scene had me squinting like, “Really, babe? That’s your villain origin story?” It didn’t quite land emotionally for me it felt less ‘fit of rage’ and more ‘fit of questionable writing choices.’
On the bright side, Monica Kayne’s writing? Still addictive as hell. Her prose is smooth, the dialogue snappy, and the chemistry between Hope and Pavel? Whew. You could light a cigarette off the tension between those two. 🔥
Also, can we talk about Dinara, the hacker? 👩💻 My girl barely shows up and yet somehow steals every scene. She’s giving coolest side character energy, and I’m already planning my preorder for her book. Hackers > Hitmen. Every. Time.
So yeah, Brutal Reign gave me all the messy, dark, dramatic energy I crave in a mafia romance. It wasn’t perfect, but it was bingeable. I rolled my eyes, I gasped, I cackled, I highlighted quotes like “You carved yourself into my soul” because I’m a sucker for poetic toxicity. 😭💔
Would I reread it? Maybe
Would I read the next one? Absolutely, if only to see Dinara hack the entire Bratva while sipping coffee in her pajamas. ☕💻
September 12, 2025
This was an amazing book . I read it in a couple days. I 10/10 recommend this book.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 17, 2025
4⭐️
I'm always going to be a sucker for a big tough mafia man who is secretly soft and gentle with the people he loves. And that is DEFINITELY Pavel. On the outside he's this mountain of a man with scars and tattoos from his life in the Bratva, but with Hope and Kin? Soft as pudding.
I really think my favourite part of this story was Kin. The love that Hope had for her son was so wonderful to read about- when we first met her she was at a hopeless point in her life, barely scraping by and just trying to get by. But once she had Kin she knew she would do absolutely everything she could to fight for him. And Pavel with Kin? Freaking adorable. I loved every single scene they had, just making breakfast and swimming and talking about dinos together.
"You're not just my wife. You're my soul. You and Kin are my light in the darkness. I would rip through hell itself to get you back."Another fun story in the Bratva Kings series! Thoroughly enjoyed this. We have a mafia story with forced marriage, second chance, secret baby and they come from different crime families? SO GOOD
I'm always going to be a sucker for a big tough mafia man who is secretly soft and gentle with the people he loves. And that is DEFINITELY Pavel. On the outside he's this mountain of a man with scars and tattoos from his life in the Bratva, but with Hope and Kin? Soft as pudding.
I really think my favourite part of this story was Kin. The love that Hope had for her son was so wonderful to read about- when we first met her she was at a hopeless point in her life, barely scraping by and just trying to get by. But once she had Kin she knew she would do absolutely everything she could to fight for him. And Pavel with Kin? Freaking adorable. I loved every single scene they had, just making breakfast and swimming and talking about dinos together.
September 10, 2025
4.5/5 stars 3.5/5 spice
This is my favourite book from the series so far. This couple gave me all the feels. Pavel is the perfect morally grey book boyfriend. He was super protective over Hope, he always chose her over himself, and he was only ever with her, even when they were apart. He loved Kin as if he were his own son not even knowing that he actually was. All of their interactions had my heart melting.
I loved that Hope wasn’t some hot headed, naive woman. She thought things through and acted with a level head. She was strong and smart, no matter what life threw at her. I’m glad she got the future she always envisioned for herself in the end.
Some of the twists I predicted but there was one I hadn’t, and thank god because I love to be surprised. The found family Hope and Kin gained from Pavel and his brothers was beautiful. It was nice to see Kin being a kid who was free to be himself.
If you love mafia romances with an over the top protective, morally grey love interest, this one is for you. I haven’t read a Monica Kayne I didn’t love. This can definitely be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series.
- Mafia romance
- Age gap
- Accidental pregnancy
- Rivals
- Found family
- Forced marriage
This is my favourite book from the series so far. This couple gave me all the feels. Pavel is the perfect morally grey book boyfriend. He was super protective over Hope, he always chose her over himself, and he was only ever with her, even when they were apart. He loved Kin as if he were his own son not even knowing that he actually was. All of their interactions had my heart melting.
I loved that Hope wasn’t some hot headed, naive woman. She thought things through and acted with a level head. She was strong and smart, no matter what life threw at her. I’m glad she got the future she always envisioned for herself in the end.
Some of the twists I predicted but there was one I hadn’t, and thank god because I love to be surprised. The found family Hope and Kin gained from Pavel and his brothers was beautiful. It was nice to see Kin being a kid who was free to be himself.
If you love mafia romances with an over the top protective, morally grey love interest, this one is for you. I haven’t read a Monica Kayne I didn’t love. This can definitely be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series.
- Mafia romance
- Age gap
- Accidental pregnancy
- Rivals
- Found family
- Forced marriage
October 1, 2025
Absolute must read for øbsėssive MMC lovers
📚Book = Interconnected Standalone, (Bk 3 in series)
💕Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 9/10,
😬Angst = Med,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = No,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MF✨Age gap✨Stalking Her✨Mafia Bratva & Triad✨Daughter of the Enemy✨Size difference✨Accidental Pregnancy / Surprise child✨He falls first and hard✨ Abducts Her✨Forced Marriage✨Forced Proximity✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
This book was absolutely brilliant and a wonderful epic story of love and acceptance, with a possessive man who will burn the world down to keep you safe. The pace keeps you totally engaged from the beginning to end, taking you through quite a few emotions from Hope & Padel’s intense smoking hot chemistry, to longing and hurt, then to enemies and on to burning hot lovers. Hopes son was such a cutie and I felt for him and Hope during Simon’s rule, however it was so wonderful when Pavel treats him like a son without knowing the full truth, so heartwarming, loved every minute.
It’s a book I can highly recommend if you love a good Mafia romance with a strong obsessed man with angsty moments thrown in between.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@monicakayneauthor
📚Book = Interconnected Standalone, (Bk 3 in series)
💕Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 9/10,
😬Angst = Med,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = No,
🔹POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance,
🔹Tropes = MF✨Age gap✨Stalking Her✨Mafia Bratva & Triad✨Daughter of the Enemy✨Size difference✨Accidental Pregnancy / Surprise child✨He falls first and hard✨ Abducts Her✨Forced Marriage✨Forced Proximity✨
‼️Check TW’s before reading‼️
This book was absolutely brilliant and a wonderful epic story of love and acceptance, with a possessive man who will burn the world down to keep you safe. The pace keeps you totally engaged from the beginning to end, taking you through quite a few emotions from Hope & Padel’s intense smoking hot chemistry, to longing and hurt, then to enemies and on to burning hot lovers. Hopes son was such a cutie and I felt for him and Hope during Simon’s rule, however it was so wonderful when Pavel treats him like a son without knowing the full truth, so heartwarming, loved every minute.
It’s a book I can highly recommend if you love a good Mafia romance with a strong obsessed man with angsty moments thrown in between.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@monicakayneauthor
September 10, 2025
ARC Review - BRUTAL REIGN by Monica Kayne
TROPES
🥀 Dark Mafia
💀 Kidnapping
🌹 Obsessed MMC
☠️ Touch her and die vibes
💍 Forced marriage
🌹 Plenty of “ my wife “
🥀 Surprise pregnancy
Spice rating - 🔥🔥
Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pavel and Hope's story is book 3 in the Bratva Kings series. It is an interconnected standalone he is sent to tie up his loose end and ends up head over heels.
“ Hope King was supposed to die by my hand. Instead, she became my obsession.”
Pavel : strong Alfa MMC, learning about his past trauma and his baggage this dark Viking as more to him throughout the story with twists and turns that get you along the way.
“ I beat a man half to death to protect Hope-a woman I'm supposed to end soon.
Fuck My Life.”
Hope: She's a fierce, strong FMC, with a sneaky little addition that melts your heart throughout the story
“ You carved yourself into my soul, Hope.
Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant."
I love how others from the series come in and we get an updated to their life.
Highly recommend this book
#arcreader #RomanticSuspense #MafiaRomance #ForcedMarriage #JealousPossessive #Kidnapped#enemiestolovers #TouchHerandDie
TROPES
🥀 Dark Mafia
💀 Kidnapping
🌹 Obsessed MMC
☠️ Touch her and die vibes
💍 Forced marriage
🌹 Plenty of “ my wife “
🥀 Surprise pregnancy
Spice rating - 🔥🔥
Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pavel and Hope's story is book 3 in the Bratva Kings series. It is an interconnected standalone he is sent to tie up his loose end and ends up head over heels.
“ Hope King was supposed to die by my hand. Instead, she became my obsession.”
Pavel : strong Alfa MMC, learning about his past trauma and his baggage this dark Viking as more to him throughout the story with twists and turns that get you along the way.
“ I beat a man half to death to protect Hope-a woman I'm supposed to end soon.
Fuck My Life.”
Hope: She's a fierce, strong FMC, with a sneaky little addition that melts your heart throughout the story
“ You carved yourself into my soul, Hope.
Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant."
I love how others from the series come in and we get an updated to their life.
Highly recommend this book
#arcreader #RomanticSuspense #MafiaRomance #ForcedMarriage #JealousPossessive #Kidnapped#enemiestolovers #TouchHerandDie
September 10, 2025
5 ⭐️/3.5 🌶️
Okay, this book… wow. Definitely my favorite of the series so far! Pavel and Hope completely stole my heart. Monica really outdid herself with these two.
The first few chapters had me so emotional, Pavel and his sister, Hope and her dreams, it was just heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. 🥹 And then, when Pavel and Hope finally came together? The chemistry was instant. You could literally feel it jumping off the page.
I loved how their relationship played out. The push and pull felt so real, not over the top, just perfectly balanced. Add in all the mafia shenanigans we crave in this trope, and it made the story impossible to put down. 🙌🏼
The writing was flawless, the romance was warm and addictive, and now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for Monica’s next book. 🙈
Trope: Mafia romance, Secret baby
Okay, this book… wow. Definitely my favorite of the series so far! Pavel and Hope completely stole my heart. Monica really outdid herself with these two.
The first few chapters had me so emotional, Pavel and his sister, Hope and her dreams, it was just heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. 🥹 And then, when Pavel and Hope finally came together? The chemistry was instant. You could literally feel it jumping off the page.
I loved how their relationship played out. The push and pull felt so real, not over the top, just perfectly balanced. Add in all the mafia shenanigans we crave in this trope, and it made the story impossible to put down. 🙌🏼
The writing was flawless, the romance was warm and addictive, and now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for Monica’s next book. 🙈
Trope: Mafia romance, Secret baby
January 5, 2026
First read of the new year!
Overall I liked this book it had all my fav trobes such as
• forced marriage
• second chance
• secret pregnancy
I also liked the many mentions of Vikings when it came to the MMC because it’s reminiscent of my own heritage
The MMC was down bad for the FMC and I loved seeing their relationship development, along with the storyline for their son
The only reason for my 4/5 star rating is this was more “mafia lite” imo
Overall I liked this book it had all my fav trobes such as
• forced marriage
• second chance
• secret pregnancy
I also liked the many mentions of Vikings when it came to the MMC because it’s reminiscent of my own heritage
The MMC was down bad for the FMC and I loved seeing their relationship development, along with the storyline for their son
The only reason for my 4/5 star rating is this was more “mafia lite” imo
September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3🌶️🌶️🌶️
What do you do when the man you’ve been pining over for 5 years turns up at your forced wedding and saves you, only to demand you marry him instead?
Brutal Reign is the third book in the Bratva King Series. This book focuses on Pavel and Hope.
Hope is our FMC who has had a tragic upbringing. She is a princess to one of the Triad gangs. When an invasion goes wrong, Hope’s father is murdered and she is left on her own. As she is running to safety, she meets someone who was after her family. She stabs this person and then leaves for a new life.
Our MMC, Pavel, is a broken man who lost everyone he had ever loved. During an invasion, he is stabbed by a girl but lets her go. He senses that something is broken in her like him.
Fast forward a couple months , Hope is living in England working at a bar to get by. One night Pavel comes into the bar to “unalive” Hope, but ends up lightly stalking her. One thing leads to another and the two end up hooking up. Pavel ends up leaving her to protect her, but not without a reminder of him…..
5 years later the two cross paths on Hope’s wedding day. Pavel rescues her from one forced marriage only to force her into another one to protect her. Pavel is such an amazing protector for Hope and Kin. He just transforms from an all business mafia boss, to a thoughtful, caring protector.
I loved the surprise element of betrayal in this book from Hope’s family and how she came to trust herself enough to be apart of Pavel’s found family.
Thank you to the Smuthood and Monica Kayne for the advanced copy of this book.
What do you do when the man you’ve been pining over for 5 years turns up at your forced wedding and saves you, only to demand you marry him instead?
Brutal Reign is the third book in the Bratva King Series. This book focuses on Pavel and Hope.
Hope is our FMC who has had a tragic upbringing. She is a princess to one of the Triad gangs. When an invasion goes wrong, Hope’s father is murdered and she is left on her own. As she is running to safety, she meets someone who was after her family. She stabs this person and then leaves for a new life.
Our MMC, Pavel, is a broken man who lost everyone he had ever loved. During an invasion, he is stabbed by a girl but lets her go. He senses that something is broken in her like him.
Fast forward a couple months , Hope is living in England working at a bar to get by. One night Pavel comes into the bar to “unalive” Hope, but ends up lightly stalking her. One thing leads to another and the two end up hooking up. Pavel ends up leaving her to protect her, but not without a reminder of him…..
5 years later the two cross paths on Hope’s wedding day. Pavel rescues her from one forced marriage only to force her into another one to protect her. Pavel is such an amazing protector for Hope and Kin. He just transforms from an all business mafia boss, to a thoughtful, caring protector.
I loved the surprise element of betrayal in this book from Hope’s family and how she came to trust herself enough to be apart of Pavel’s found family.
Thank you to the Smuthood and Monica Kayne for the advanced copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
Brutal. Addictive. Utterly unputdownable.
Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne had me hooked from the very first page. This is dark romance is gritty, intense, and dripping with raw chemistry.
The tension between the characters? 🔥 Off the charts. Kayne masterfully weaves a story full of secrets, power plays, and twisted passion that kept me on edge the whole way through. The dynamic is not for the faint of heart, but if you love morally gray characters and high stakes emotions, this one delivers.
It’s the book that makes your heart race, your jaw drop, and your mind spiral and I loved every second of it.
Highly recommend if you’re into:
• Dark, dangerous love stories
• Possessive anti-heroes
• Emotional trauma + slow-burn healing
• Enemies-to-lovers with real stakes
Monica Kayne just earned a permanent spot on my auto-buy list. 👑
Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne had me hooked from the very first page. This is dark romance is gritty, intense, and dripping with raw chemistry.
The tension between the characters? 🔥 Off the charts. Kayne masterfully weaves a story full of secrets, power plays, and twisted passion that kept me on edge the whole way through. The dynamic is not for the faint of heart, but if you love morally gray characters and high stakes emotions, this one delivers.
It’s the book that makes your heart race, your jaw drop, and your mind spiral and I loved every second of it.
Highly recommend if you’re into:
• Dark, dangerous love stories
• Possessive anti-heroes
• Emotional trauma + slow-burn healing
• Enemies-to-lovers with real stakes
Monica Kayne just earned a permanent spot on my auto-buy list. 👑
September 14, 2025
My very first ARC read and I absolutely ATE this up!
“I like when he’s so obsessed he’d burn the world down before letting anyone hurt her.” Girl same!! I’ll be daydreaming of Pavel for the foreseeable future.
-Forced Marriage
-Bratva × Triad
-Daughter of his Enemy
-Accidental Pregnancy / Secret Child
-Abducts Her from Her Wedding
-Stalking
-Size Difference
-He Falls First & Harder
-Age Gap
“I like when he’s so obsessed he’d burn the world down before letting anyone hurt her.” Girl same!! I’ll be daydreaming of Pavel for the foreseeable future.
-Forced Marriage
-Bratva × Triad
-Daughter of his Enemy
-Accidental Pregnancy / Secret Child
-Abducts Her from Her Wedding
-Stalking
-Size Difference
-He Falls First & Harder
-Age Gap
December 19, 2025
Hate this kind of men
November 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Dual POV
No info on last times before they first met 5 years ago (neither virgins, MMC says he’s been with many women but it’s really 2 sentences in the whole book and FMC was with a few others before)
Both celibate during separation (5 YEARS I love a MMC like that)
Secret baby
No cheating or OW/OM drama
HEA + epilogue
I enjoyed it, but it didn’t fulfil me the way I’d hoped - possibly because I didn’t read the previous books in the series
Dual POV
No info on last times before they first met 5 years ago (neither virgins, MMC says he’s been with many women but it’s really 2 sentences in the whole book and FMC was with a few others before)
Both celibate during separation (5 YEARS I love a MMC like that)
Secret baby
No cheating or OW/OM drama
HEA + epilogue
I enjoyed it, but it didn’t fulfil me the way I’d hoped - possibly because I didn’t read the previous books in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
I love me a good mafia romance and this one was a treat! We get all the elements I like: a bad ass, hot as sin, protective Bratva boss; a strong, fierce, bad ass mafia princess / mama bear; action; suspense; betrayal; a found family; scorching spice and sweet romance. Pavel and Hope were great together and their chemistry was fire! The only thing I didn’t really like was the fact Hope kept the fact that Pavel was her son’s father from him for way too long. It became frustrating. Apart from that, I enjoyed this thoroughly and will be looking into more work from this author!
Safety:
- No OW
- OM: evil OM wants h (for her name and money)
- No cheating
- 5 year separation after initial ONS. Both celibate in that time!!
- No third act break up.
Safety:
- No OW
- OM: evil OM wants h (for her name and money)
- No cheating
- 5 year separation after initial ONS. Both celibate in that time!!
- No third act break up.
September 26, 2025
"𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝘾𝘼𝙉 𝙍𝙐𝙉 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙈𝙀, 𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙇 𝙈𝙊𝙔. 𝙄 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀 𝙏𝙊 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙎𝙀. 𝘽𝙐𝙏 𝙒𝙃𝙀𝙉 𝙄 𝘾𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙄 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝙇, 𝙄 𝙒𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙇𝙀𝙏 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙂𝙊"
If you know anything about me from my reviews and book tastes...you know that I absolutely SALIVATE for a good, GRITTY, all consuming mafia romance. And Monica Kayne...SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS! This is BY FAR my favorite Monica Kayne book...and without a doubt my favorite in the series. So many incredible elements combined to create an explosive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat and gasping for more. This is the third book in the Bratva Kings series...these are all stand alones so you can ABSOLUTELY read them separately, but I promise...if you don't go back and read the rest of the books in this series, you are doing yourself a diservice.
This book revolves around our Triad princess FMC, Hope...and our viking look-a-like syndicate, Pavel. Pavel and his crew are responsible for the murder of Hopes father...and Pavel is personally tasked with eliminating the last barrier in the complete take over of the Triad...Hope...But after hope stabbed him while escaping and Pavel letting her go...he's not really keen on hurting her...feeling a pull towards her that he tries to ignore. Months later he tries again, and instead ends up tangled in the sheets with her for one passionate night...solidifying that he can't end the woman who has captured his heart...so instead he disappears.
Five years later, Hope is a single mom to an adorable, dino loving boy, Kin...and shes standing at the altar...ready to be married to someone she doesn't love in order the save the remnants of the Triad...when in walks Pavel...he destroys everyone and everything in that room and forces Hope to marry him...leaving zero room for objection or discussion.
What I loved most about this book is watching this big monster of a man who is feared by EVERYONE...show his soft side. Nothing about this relationship between Pavel and Hope is easy. Their families have been at war with each other for longer than they have been alive...blood has been shed and contracts on their lives put out...but the heart wants what it wants...and from the moment Hope stabbed Pavel, their paths were destined to be intertwined in a way that no one could predict.
While Pavel is a brut...he is also a heartfelt man who would do any and everything for the ones he loves. And he TRULY loves hope and little Kin...he wants to take care of them...love them and most of all protect them...he will LITERALLY burn the world down for them.
And Hope?? She just might be my favorite FMC to date. She has not had it easy...born into a world she hates...forced into another world she doesn't understand...her life constantly on the line when she's done nothing to deserve it except exist...she has EVERY reason to be mad...to be angry...but she isn't. She is calm...calculated...smart...her quiet strength sets her apart and she doesn't act out of emotion...but takes her time to understand every angle of every problem put before her before she acts. Together with Pavel, they are a formidable team...one that could rule the world if given the chance.
Watching them fall in love and create a family out of the chaos they were thrust into was beautiful...watching the way Pavel handled her in the bedroom, though??? Even better 🥵🥵🥵 This man was PURE FILTH! I ate it up...left ZERO CRUMBS...I need a viking look alike in my life with a mouth like that ASAP if not sooner. Seriously...this man did things to me and I was just reading about him...if he was real I would be a literal puddle on the floor.
As with any Monica Kayne book, we have our healthy heaping of angst, suspense and edge of your seat conflict that keeps you turning those pages...and TRUST ME...it's worth every gasp and feet kick...Im ready to re-read this IMMEDIATELY if not sooner!!
Thank you so much to Monica Kayne for the AMAZING opportunity to ARC read this PHENOMENAL book! 🖤🖤
🖤Dark Mafia Romance
👑Triad Princess FMC
🖤Syndicate MMC
👑Age Gap
🖤Forced Marriage
👑Accidental Pregnancy
🖤Rivals
👑Found Family
🖤Hidden Identity
👑Shmurder
🖤One Night Stand
👑Second Chance
🖤Celibate MC’s (5 years)
👑Bratva x Triad
🖤Secret Child
👑Stalking
🖤Kidnapping
👑Posessive Hero
🖤Strong Heroine
👑Forbidden
🖤He Falls First & Hard
👑Daughter of His Enemy
🖤Touch Her & 💀
👑Time Jumps
🖤Dual POV
👑HEA
If you know anything about me from my reviews and book tastes...you know that I absolutely SALIVATE for a good, GRITTY, all consuming mafia romance. And Monica Kayne...SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS! This is BY FAR my favorite Monica Kayne book...and without a doubt my favorite in the series. So many incredible elements combined to create an explosive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat and gasping for more. This is the third book in the Bratva Kings series...these are all stand alones so you can ABSOLUTELY read them separately, but I promise...if you don't go back and read the rest of the books in this series, you are doing yourself a diservice.
This book revolves around our Triad princess FMC, Hope...and our viking look-a-like syndicate, Pavel. Pavel and his crew are responsible for the murder of Hopes father...and Pavel is personally tasked with eliminating the last barrier in the complete take over of the Triad...Hope...But after hope stabbed him while escaping and Pavel letting her go...he's not really keen on hurting her...feeling a pull towards her that he tries to ignore. Months later he tries again, and instead ends up tangled in the sheets with her for one passionate night...solidifying that he can't end the woman who has captured his heart...so instead he disappears.
Five years later, Hope is a single mom to an adorable, dino loving boy, Kin...and shes standing at the altar...ready to be married to someone she doesn't love in order the save the remnants of the Triad...when in walks Pavel...he destroys everyone and everything in that room and forces Hope to marry him...leaving zero room for objection or discussion.
What I loved most about this book is watching this big monster of a man who is feared by EVERYONE...show his soft side. Nothing about this relationship between Pavel and Hope is easy. Their families have been at war with each other for longer than they have been alive...blood has been shed and contracts on their lives put out...but the heart wants what it wants...and from the moment Hope stabbed Pavel, their paths were destined to be intertwined in a way that no one could predict.
While Pavel is a brut...he is also a heartfelt man who would do any and everything for the ones he loves. And he TRULY loves hope and little Kin...he wants to take care of them...love them and most of all protect them...he will LITERALLY burn the world down for them.
And Hope?? She just might be my favorite FMC to date. She has not had it easy...born into a world she hates...forced into another world she doesn't understand...her life constantly on the line when she's done nothing to deserve it except exist...she has EVERY reason to be mad...to be angry...but she isn't. She is calm...calculated...smart...her quiet strength sets her apart and she doesn't act out of emotion...but takes her time to understand every angle of every problem put before her before she acts. Together with Pavel, they are a formidable team...one that could rule the world if given the chance.
Watching them fall in love and create a family out of the chaos they were thrust into was beautiful...watching the way Pavel handled her in the bedroom, though??? Even better 🥵🥵🥵 This man was PURE FILTH! I ate it up...left ZERO CRUMBS...I need a viking look alike in my life with a mouth like that ASAP if not sooner. Seriously...this man did things to me and I was just reading about him...if he was real I would be a literal puddle on the floor.
As with any Monica Kayne book, we have our healthy heaping of angst, suspense and edge of your seat conflict that keeps you turning those pages...and TRUST ME...it's worth every gasp and feet kick...Im ready to re-read this IMMEDIATELY if not sooner!!
Thank you so much to Monica Kayne for the AMAZING opportunity to ARC read this PHENOMENAL book! 🖤🖤
🖤Dark Mafia Romance
👑Triad Princess FMC
🖤Syndicate MMC
👑Age Gap
🖤Forced Marriage
👑Accidental Pregnancy
🖤Rivals
👑Found Family
🖤Hidden Identity
👑Shmurder
🖤One Night Stand
👑Second Chance
🖤Celibate MC’s (5 years)
👑Bratva x Triad
🖤Secret Child
👑Stalking
🖤Kidnapping
👑Posessive Hero
🖤Strong Heroine
👑Forbidden
🖤He Falls First & Hard
👑Daughter of His Enemy
🖤Touch Her & 💀
👑Time Jumps
🖤Dual POV
👑HEA
September 9, 2025
Final Polished Review ✍️
I’ll start with how the book ends, because this is the real truth: family isn’t just blood. It’s the people who show up, who stay, who choose to love you even when it’s complicated.
Now, let’s talk about — ladies and gentlemen, the one and only — PAVEL.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with those intense storm-gray eyes and that low, rumbling voice with a hint of an accent that makes your stomach flip.
I love books where the hero fights for her. Where he’s possessive and a little dangerous, but only for her. And this book? Just like that.
✅ Found family
✅ Age gap
✅ “Touch her and you die” vibes
✅ Mafia princess
✅ Obsessive MMC
This was a 10/10 stars read.
He waited for her five years. 😭😭😭
She ruined him for every other woman.
And those steamy, dirty scenes? Oh. My. God. 🔥 Who knew hard metal could feel this good?
The confession of the year absolutely destroyed me. 🤯
And let me just say — I adore when books mix English with another language. The sudden Russian words caught me off guard in the best way.
“Zhena moya. M-O-Y-A. MOYA!!!” I screamed.
But no, I saved the best for last. I have a new trophy quote here:
🏆 “Angel moy.” 🏆
“He’d burn down the world to keep me safe, and I’d do the same for him.”
And here’s what makes this book truly unforgettable:
✨ The author left her soul on these pages. It’s so beautifully written that every emotion bleeds right through the words.
✨ The heroine is a real heroine in every sense. Hope. She is the hope that one day there can be peace in life, that it’s possible to live without fear.
✨ With all the secrets, intrigues, and power struggles — everything a mafia/dark romance lover craves — this book has more than enough to hook anyone into reading it.
I’ll start with how the book ends, because this is the real truth: family isn’t just blood. It’s the people who show up, who stay, who choose to love you even when it’s complicated.
Now, let’s talk about — ladies and gentlemen, the one and only — PAVEL.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with those intense storm-gray eyes and that low, rumbling voice with a hint of an accent that makes your stomach flip.
I love books where the hero fights for her. Where he’s possessive and a little dangerous, but only for her. And this book? Just like that.
✅ Found family
✅ Age gap
✅ “Touch her and you die” vibes
✅ Mafia princess
✅ Obsessive MMC
This was a 10/10 stars read.
He waited for her five years. 😭😭😭
She ruined him for every other woman.
And those steamy, dirty scenes? Oh. My. God. 🔥 Who knew hard metal could feel this good?
The confession of the year absolutely destroyed me. 🤯
And let me just say — I adore when books mix English with another language. The sudden Russian words caught me off guard in the best way.
“Zhena moya. M-O-Y-A. MOYA!!!” I screamed.
But no, I saved the best for last. I have a new trophy quote here:
🏆 “Angel moy.” 🏆
“He’d burn down the world to keep me safe, and I’d do the same for him.”
And here’s what makes this book truly unforgettable:
✨ The author left her soul on these pages. It’s so beautifully written that every emotion bleeds right through the words.
✨ The heroine is a real heroine in every sense. Hope. She is the hope that one day there can be peace in life, that it’s possible to live without fear.
✨ With all the secrets, intrigues, and power struggles — everything a mafia/dark romance lover craves — this book has more than enough to hook anyone into reading it.
September 8, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 12, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
• forced marriage
• mafia romance
• age gap
• forbidden love
• accidental pregnancy
• secret child
• stalking
• kidnapping
• bratva x triad
• possessive hero
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Brutal Reign follows Hope King, the strong and determined daughter of a powerful enemy, whose life turns upside down when Pavel, a ruthless Bratva enforcer, is sent to eliminate her. But instead of killing her, he marries her on her wedding day, and their lives spiral into a thrilling mix of danger, passion, and unexpected emotions. Secrets, mafia power struggles, and hidden desires make every chapter intense and heart-racing.
rutal Reign literally left me shook and swooning the whole time. Pavel is that dark, dangerous, possessive hero who makes your heart skip a beat every single page. And Hope, she is strong, smart, and totally adorable while still holding her ground. The way their chemistry builds is slow, intense, and sooo addictive.
The story is full of drama, twists, and steamy moments that literally kept me reading all night. I loved how the forced marriage trope turned into something heartfelt and emotional. The mafia vibes, danger, and obsession mix perfectly to make a thrilling, romantic rollercoaster. Every chapter gave me all the feels—heart racing, swooning, and smiling like crazy.
Monica Kayne really knows how to make a story dark, steamy, and emotional all at once. I can’t stop thinking about Pavel and Hope. Seriously, if you love mafia romance with strong heroes and sassy heroines, this book is an absolute must!
Thank you so much author, for the free ARC! 💖
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 12, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
• forced marriage
• mafia romance
• age gap
• forbidden love
• accidental pregnancy
• secret child
• stalking
• kidnapping
• bratva x triad
• possessive hero
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Brutal Reign follows Hope King, the strong and determined daughter of a powerful enemy, whose life turns upside down when Pavel, a ruthless Bratva enforcer, is sent to eliminate her. But instead of killing her, he marries her on her wedding day, and their lives spiral into a thrilling mix of danger, passion, and unexpected emotions. Secrets, mafia power struggles, and hidden desires make every chapter intense and heart-racing.
rutal Reign literally left me shook and swooning the whole time. Pavel is that dark, dangerous, possessive hero who makes your heart skip a beat every single page. And Hope, she is strong, smart, and totally adorable while still holding her ground. The way their chemistry builds is slow, intense, and sooo addictive.
The story is full of drama, twists, and steamy moments that literally kept me reading all night. I loved how the forced marriage trope turned into something heartfelt and emotional. The mafia vibes, danger, and obsession mix perfectly to make a thrilling, romantic rollercoaster. Every chapter gave me all the feels—heart racing, swooning, and smiling like crazy.
Monica Kayne really knows how to make a story dark, steamy, and emotional all at once. I can’t stop thinking about Pavel and Hope. Seriously, if you love mafia romance with strong heroes and sassy heroines, this book is an absolute must!
Thank you so much author, for the free ARC! 💖
December 9, 2025
Okuma isteğim sekteye uğrayınca koşacağım bir yazar daha buldum. Umarım çabuk tüketmem. Tam benim tarzım karakterler yazıyor çok mutluyum jdjjd Pavel'in üyesi olduğu sendika denen çete bizim kızın babasının çetesini yok ediyor. Ama o çatışma gecesi Pavel, Hope onu bıçaklamasına rağmen gitmesine izin veriyor. Sonra birkaç yıl sonra yok ettikleri çetenin tekrar toparlandığı duyumunu alıyorlar ve tabiki o aileden kalan tek üye olan Hope hedefe giriyor. Pavel'in kılık değiştirerek kadını bulması ve onu ortadan kaldırması gerek... Öldürmeye gittiği kadını hem öldürmeyip hem takip cihazı takmayıp kendi örgütünün emrinden çıkması yetmiyormuş gibi bir de bebek yapıyorlar.👀 Birlikte oldukları günden sonra yolları ayrılıyor. Bir sonraki karşılaşmalarında kadın evlenmek üzereyken ve kendi çocuğu 4 yaşındayken kadınla kendisini evleniyor. Olaylar başlıyor sonra. Hope çok saol ben hiç söylemiceksin sandım bi an çocuğun adamdan olduğunu jfjjd Hiç söyleyesi yoktu. Ama adam için de fark etmezdi çünkü çocuğu öyle güzel sahipleniyor ki onunla saklambaç oynayıp ona krep (!) bile yapıyor. 🥺 İkiliyi okumak çok keyifliydi. Sonlara doğru baya aksiyon oldu oralar da çok iyiydi. Pavel'in takıntısını aşkını çok sevdim. Kim ne derse desin Hope'un hain olmayacağına güvenmesi ve herkesi karşısına alması... Ben bu serideki adamlara bayılıyorum. Pavel'in çetesinin başındaki adamın da kitabı var ama bu seriye bağlı değil başka seride geçiyor. Neden öyle bilmiyorum. O seriye de başlayacağım.
4/5⭐
4/5⭐
September 21, 2025
This book was intense from start to finish. Hope, heir to a Chinese organised crime family, loses everything the night her father is killed. Alone and on the run, she builds a quiet, hidden life… until she crosses paths with Pavel, a ruthless Bratva leader built like a Viking. Their connection is instant, undeniable and dangerous.
What starts as a lethal reunion turns into one unforgettable night together. Five years later, Hope is being forced into marriage, raising a son and is still haunted by the man who once consumed her. When Pavel crashes her wedding, all secrets explode and he’s determined to claim her and protect their child, no matter what wars he has to fight.
I loved how this story blended grit, danger and heart. I’m not normally a fan of secret baby, but here it felt believable and added so much tension. Pavel, the big scary Bratva boss, turned into absolute putty for Hope and her son and that kind of alpha-turned-soft dynamic is everything I want in a romance. The spice was ravenous, the found family element warmed my heart, and the plot twists kept me hooked.
Tropes:
🖤 Bratva x Triad
🖤 Secret baby
🖤 Captor/captive
🖤 Hidden identity
🖤 Stalking
🖤 Size difference
🖤 Forced marriage
🖤 Age gap
🖤 One night stand
🖤 He uses his 🔫 in her 🐈
What starts as a lethal reunion turns into one unforgettable night together. Five years later, Hope is being forced into marriage, raising a son and is still haunted by the man who once consumed her. When Pavel crashes her wedding, all secrets explode and he’s determined to claim her and protect their child, no matter what wars he has to fight.
I loved how this story blended grit, danger and heart. I’m not normally a fan of secret baby, but here it felt believable and added so much tension. Pavel, the big scary Bratva boss, turned into absolute putty for Hope and her son and that kind of alpha-turned-soft dynamic is everything I want in a romance. The spice was ravenous, the found family element warmed my heart, and the plot twists kept me hooked.
Tropes:
🖤 Bratva x Triad
🖤 Secret baby
🖤 Captor/captive
🖤 Hidden identity
🖤 Stalking
🖤 Size difference
🖤 Forced marriage
🖤 Age gap
🖤 One night stand
🖤 He uses his 🔫 in her 🐈
September 29, 2025
I’m such a sucker for the “surprise husband” trope, or more like the “I killed your fiancée because I want to take his place” trope. I love it so much, butterflies are always erupting in my stomach during those scenes. This one was TOP TIER, especially because of the tension leading up to it! A one night stand that should have been more but couldn’t be… two people who have been yearning for 5 years… and a girl blackmailed into marrying someone she hates when she’s still dreaming about the man from 5 years ago . The tension is so thick you would have to cut it with a steak knife. There were some pretty great plot twists, I honestly wouldn’t have expected some of them, but they make sense. I love the captive x captor plot with all my heart, it’s forced proximity at its finest and honestly she’s a saint for being able to resist him as long as she did. Both characters were amazing! I loved how Pavel had more of a personality than being a possessive, cold hearted morally grey mafia man with a tragic backstory. I mean yes he’s all of those but even more. The way he was with his kid just warmed my heart. Hope was such a sweet genuine fmc, and I loved how she seemed real, like not super strong, fierce or really innocent but somewhere in between. I loved this and give it a 4/5
September 11, 2025
First of all thank you to Monica and the Smuthood for the ARC copy 👏🏼
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️ .5
Main tropes :
-Russian Mafia MMC
-Chinese/English MMC
-accidental pregnancy/secret child
Micro trope :
-Pew pew in 🍑play
Kin was the MVP of the story — what a sweet boy! 💕
If you’re into these tropes, this was a cute and enjoyable read. Technically, I’d rate it 3.5 stars, but I rounded up to 4 because any book that skips the tired third-act breakup drama gets bonus points from me. It had a bit of a slow start, but the last 20% really pulled it together.
Spoilers ******
My main issues were:
• I wasn’t a fan of the timeline structure in the prologue. The story begins five years before the main plot, but there are also flashbacks from even further back, which made it feel confusing ? It might have worked better if the prologue had stuck to the earliest events, then would have been a Part One that covered the “five years prior” period, and than Part Two picked up in the present day.
• Hope is supposed to be the daughter of a powerful Hong Kong gang boss, yet she leaves penniless with a trust fund that makes no sense. Why would her father set aside money for her only to leave her struggling when things fell apart? Her arc — moving to New Zealand to become an author — was so not it.
• The medical appointment scene was just absurd. I get that Pavel is supposed to be this intimidating, powerful man, but making his doctor miss his daughter’s graduation for a thyroid issue that could have easily been handled the next day was over the top. Then, asking to conduct the exam blindfolded and without touching Hope ? Completely ridiculous.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️ .5
Main tropes :
-Russian Mafia MMC
-Chinese/English MMC
-accidental pregnancy/secret child
Micro trope :
-Pew pew in 🍑play
Kin was the MVP of the story — what a sweet boy! 💕
If you’re into these tropes, this was a cute and enjoyable read. Technically, I’d rate it 3.5 stars, but I rounded up to 4 because any book that skips the tired third-act breakup drama gets bonus points from me. It had a bit of a slow start, but the last 20% really pulled it together.
Spoilers ******
My main issues were:
• I wasn’t a fan of the timeline structure in the prologue. The story begins five years before the main plot, but there are also flashbacks from even further back, which made it feel confusing ? It might have worked better if the prologue had stuck to the earliest events, then would have been a Part One that covered the “five years prior” period, and than Part Two picked up in the present day.
• Hope is supposed to be the daughter of a powerful Hong Kong gang boss, yet she leaves penniless with a trust fund that makes no sense. Why would her father set aside money for her only to leave her struggling when things fell apart? Her arc — moving to New Zealand to become an author — was so not it.
• The medical appointment scene was just absurd. I get that Pavel is supposed to be this intimidating, powerful man, but making his doctor miss his daughter’s graduation for a thyroid issue that could have easily been handled the next day was over the top. Then, asking to conduct the exam blindfolded and without touching Hope ? Completely ridiculous.
September 10, 2025
Wow - I don’t have enough words to express how amazing this book was! The suspense, the drama, the intensity, the fire between the two main characters — chefs kiss!
I fell in love so hard for Pavel. He’s so protective of those he cares about and fights to the end without question. His love for Hope had no bounds and he treated her like the world. His caring and tender personality for only Hope was emotional and intimate. Their connection together was passionate and spicy. It was a match made in heaven as they both helped each other heal.
Hope was an independent and brave female character who refused to give into the life that she was dealt with. Her past traumas were beautifully wrote and highlighted why she struggled to love Pavel. Watching her put all her trust into him was my favorite part as she came to realize that he loved her endlessly.
I fell in love so hard for Pavel. He’s so protective of those he cares about and fights to the end without question. His love for Hope had no bounds and he treated her like the world. His caring and tender personality for only Hope was emotional and intimate. Their connection together was passionate and spicy. It was a match made in heaven as they both helped each other heal.
Hope was an independent and brave female character who refused to give into the life that she was dealt with. Her past traumas were beautifully wrote and highlighted why she struggled to love Pavel. Watching her put all her trust into him was my favorite part as she came to realize that he loved her endlessly.
September 12, 2025
This was my first book by Monica and it did not disappoint! I absolutely loved every second of this!
I was hooked on this book as soon as I started it. Pavel is your perfect over-protective, morally grey book boy. His feelings towards Hope were everything. From the night he spared her life, and then deciding to spare her again when he’s sent to finish the job😫 he does everything in his power to ensure her safety.
I love Hope, she is definitely high up on the list of my favourite FMCs. I love how she thinks through things and keeps level headed. Like, excuse me, but she managed to keep herself completely OFF GRID for YEARS. She is incredibly smart and also has her heart on her sleeve. After everything she has been through, she remained strong and kept going.
I absolutely cannot wait to read the other books in this series.
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Age Gap
- Accidental pregnancy
- Rivals
- Found Family
Thank you Monica for the ARC! 🫶🏼
I was hooked on this book as soon as I started it. Pavel is your perfect over-protective, morally grey book boy. His feelings towards Hope were everything. From the night he spared her life, and then deciding to spare her again when he’s sent to finish the job😫 he does everything in his power to ensure her safety.
I love Hope, she is definitely high up on the list of my favourite FMCs. I love how she thinks through things and keeps level headed. Like, excuse me, but she managed to keep herself completely OFF GRID for YEARS. She is incredibly smart and also has her heart on her sleeve. After everything she has been through, she remained strong and kept going.
I absolutely cannot wait to read the other books in this series.
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Age Gap
- Accidental pregnancy
- Rivals
- Found Family
Thank you Monica for the ARC! 🫶🏼
September 11, 2025
Pavel and Hope’s story was beautiful and sweet as well as brutal and filled with treachery and deceit.
This couple on one of the worse nights of Hope’s life. What should have been her death became the beginning of a life she never wanted. When this couple meet again Pavel is gauging her, trying to figure out if she is resurrecting her father’s legacy.
Brutal Reign was filled with love to the highest level as well as lies and hidden truths. It combines the daughter of a triad leader and a Bratva leader and the combination is explosive.
Monica Kayne’s stories always have these strong female characters and the men who love and protect them who draw the reader into their story from the very first page. ❤️
This couple on one of the worse nights of Hope’s life. What should have been her death became the beginning of a life she never wanted. When this couple meet again Pavel is gauging her, trying to figure out if she is resurrecting her father’s legacy.
Brutal Reign was filled with love to the highest level as well as lies and hidden truths. It combines the daughter of a triad leader and a Bratva leader and the combination is explosive.
Monica Kayne’s stories always have these strong female characters and the men who love and protect them who draw the reader into their story from the very first page. ❤️
September 13, 2025
Oooohhh this book I could NOT put it down I’m sooo obsessed with Pavel and his sexy Viking vibe 😏😍🥵
Hope has had a hard rough life being the triad princess. She’s hates that life and to keep her safe from it her father sent her away to school. Once she becomes of age she learns from her father that she has a very large inheritance but can’t access it until she’s 25. She decides to run and go live away from the Triad life. And then Pavel happens…
Pavel sent to kill the Triad princess in and out quick except he becomes obsessed with her. Falls in love with her and has 1 amazing night with her and then leaves. And the things that go down after will keep you glued to this book until the very end!!
Ohhh my goodness this book is just so freaking good! Loved it entirely!!
Hope has had a hard rough life being the triad princess. She’s hates that life and to keep her safe from it her father sent her away to school. Once she becomes of age she learns from her father that she has a very large inheritance but can’t access it until she’s 25. She decides to run and go live away from the Triad life. And then Pavel happens…
Pavel sent to kill the Triad princess in and out quick except he becomes obsessed with her. Falls in love with her and has 1 amazing night with her and then leaves. And the things that go down after will keep you glued to this book until the very end!!
Ohhh my goodness this book is just so freaking good! Loved it entirely!!
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