Given to the Bratva

by Sam Crescent

Anastasia is pretty sure her husband is going to kill her. She knew her father would do anything to get rid of her, even sell her to a man who would put an end to her life.

Bogdan Evanoff didn’t want to get married. He is a monster. His only job is to kill and to keep his boss, the head of the Galkin Bratva safe. He is the best at his job. No woman would want to be married to him. He was surprised when Anastasia’s father gave him permission to kill her if she wasn’t a virgin on their wedding night.

She was a virgin.

He wants to learn why her father wants her dead. And what he discovers … he knows he is going to keep her safe. His wife has inherited all of her mother’s fortune. Her father doesn’t get a penny. Bogdan knows the greed of the man knows no bounds.

Although he is quite taken by his young bride but when it comes to the end, will he keep her, or will it be too late to save her?

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[**Tessa** (semi hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 67% lost interest. So boring. Read it this week and can’t remember a damn thing about it.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced into a marriage he really didn't want Bogdan is surprsied to find he actually likes his wife. With outside forces trying to come between them Bogdan will do what is needed to keep his wife safe.

[Dee]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Bogdan sexy as all get out bratva with a reputation proceeding him isn’t a man you want on your radar, isn’t really looking for a wife but it is part of the life especially when his boss gives the orders, he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day and agreed to marry but her father gives him cause to dig into the why. Anastasia is sweet has bee taught to be strong by her mother isn’t liked by her father or siblings in fact treated more like a Cinderella on another level so when but her mother taught her well before her death, and when she learns of her impending marriage to the bratva she is sure it will be her end as her father has stressed but will he be able to control her husband, will her husband find the truth, will he protect her, will her father, her sibling get what they deserve, and will she get peace and happiness?

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her father arranged her marriage to him, a rival Russian Bratva. She lived away from her father for most of her life away from the mafia life. Now she is just being used as a pawn. She isn’t sure what to do with her new life or her new husband. He has always been dedicated to the family and so when his boss tells him he’s arranged a marriage, he agrees. He isn’t sure about her or her family, nor does he know what to do with his wife even because he finds himself increasingly attracted to her. The story and the pacing on this one felt a little odd. First off it takes place after their marriage and consummation so you missed that whole introduction to their characters and just come in sort of mid awkward relationship without any foundation. They are now just married and trying to figure things out. They have an attraction and build from there. The whole story just feels detached and you never get very in depth on the characters. They do get a happily ever after after navigating some mafia family drama. This just was not my favorite of the genre, and I felt like it left me wanting to dig deeper into their characters in their relationship, even understanding that it was a short story format.

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

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To The Bratva - By - Sam Crescent

Anastasia Evanoff previously Rinaldi finds herself married to Bogdan Evanoff, at twenty one this is not how she envisioned her life. Her father, a capo in the Italian Mafia wanting her dead to get his hands on her poor deceased mother's fortune, married to her thirty nine year old husband Bogdan, the right hand man to the head of the Galkin Bratva whom she fears may also want her dead. Things are not as she hoped her life would be yet with Bogdan she finds herself developing a connection to one of the scariest men known in their circles, he is feared yet she fines herself comfortable with him and wants to explore her new relationship without dread of death hanging over her head. These two souls not used to needing anyone else, wanting anyone else soon realise how important the other is becoming to them. It was a really good story, well written with likeable characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. I enjoyed the fact to that Anastasia could handle herself that was a refreshing change. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Mella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the romance but stayed for the plot, which had me hooked from the start! Anastasia (FMC) is a pawn to her estranged father, who not so secretly hates her. When her beloved mother dies, dear old dad marries her to a known monster, Bogdan (MMC). How do you find love with a man you believe is ready to end you? Only Sam Crescent can chart a path to a HEA from here! What I enjoyed is that Anastasia is no pushover. Her mom ensured she could fight like a MMC champ and shoot like that sharpshooter in the Olympics. But even strong folks know not to push a monster. The road to trust and ultimately love between Anastasia and Bogdan isn't an easy one, but they finally get there. We just have a pesky problem - someone still wants Anastasia gone. I was shocked by the whodunnit plot twist at the end. It broke my heart and I was glad to see vengeance served. Highly recommended read. This is one of Sam's best books yet.

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

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her father wanted her dead. That is all Anastasia knew. She was just waiting on when her new husband, Bogdan Evanoff, was going to do her in. Bogdan didn’t want to marry but when he saw Ana, there was something about her. She had strength and beauty. He wasn’t going to kill her but keep her. I love that he told her what her father’s plan was. When she learned how her mother felt about him before she died, she was surprised. But she had been put through a lot by her father and his evil children. He deserved his fate. I was shocked about a betrayal. I actually didn’t think beyond her father. I was upset at first about how Ana was treated but thank goodness, she was taught to be strong. Her mother made sure she could live on her own. Love that she could fight and handle a gun. She is more than a perfect match for Bogdan. Excellent story.

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

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I love a good mafia/bratva novel. I was excited to jump into this novel. I always love a forced marriage where the hero falls for the girl after they are forced to marry. From the first chapter this novel sucked me in and held on tight for the entire novel. My heart hurt for Anastasia. She was so sweet and treated so horribly by her family. I loved Anastasia and Bogdan together. Their chemistry was so good! This novel had me on the edge of my seat while I was reading. It kept me guessing with all the twists and turns. So so good! I loved how possessive and protective Bogdan was with Anastasia. Loved it. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting this novel down. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, this book had me hooked from the start until the very end the story was written well and the characters were amazing. This story was about Anastasia, and Bogdan Evanoff, Anastasia is from an Italian Mafia family then her father had organised a forced marriage to Bogdan, from the Bratva and that was when bad things started happening, Anastasia would call her husband "Mr Evanoff", then she found out about her own father wanted her dead and told Bogdan that she has already lost her v-card so her father has given Bogdan to kill her so now they are aware he wanted Bogdan out of the way. ThIs story leads into so much more and I didn't see coming, it was a slow burn to hot and spicy.

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

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. She was forced to marry him and believes her father wants him to kill her. The story starts after they have been married for a little bit and they are no closer to knowing each other. There are some pretty humorful parts and a little violence, but I didn't find it too much. Although there was a pretty violent scene involving cutting up an enemy. There was only one moment that had a little suspense to it and that was toward the very end after a bad guy twist. There were a few steamy parts, but not a lot. I like my mafia/bratva books to have a litle more action and suspense than this one had. You don't have to read any other books this is a stand alone you can enjoy. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anya Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

...a forced marriage

ARC Review

Given to the Bratva by Sam Crescent is a short, forced marriage, feels like an ägë-gäp (we only know Bogdan is 39 & Anastasia is young), damsel-in-distress, Mafia vs Bratva, close-proximity romance. We meet Anastasia & Bogdan after they are already married. Anastasia has no one - her mother died and her horrible father wants her dead. Bogdan is a feared Bratva killer/enforcer - who didn't want to get married (he was told to) and definitely did not know how to handle a virgin wife. 😒 Their start together is rocky. It takes some time on both their parts to learn about each other. Sam throws in some twists & turns in their story and a 10 year future epilogue.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect mafia arranged mafia book.

It’s full of danger, betrayal, drama, change, growth, darkness, violence, lies, spice and lastly love.

I love both main characters.

Bogdan is protective, dark and honest (something I really loved), there are no unnecessary secrets between them.
Ana is sweet, but strong. She was raised by an amazing mother and is the perfect half to Bogdan.
The way her character (actually both) evolves and change through the story was amazing to witness.

It was unexpected and captivating, had twists you didn’t see coming and all that and more keeps you glued to the pages.

A new favorite!.

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

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to the Bratva is a kind of dark romance but only because Bogdan is literally a killer, and his wife, Anastasia is the opposite in demeanor and character, until she's not. What Bogdan does to keep his wife safe is both romantic and a little terrifying.

The story is full of surprises and a few twists and a surprising betrayal. It has lots of drama, steamy romance, and a great happily ever after for the Bratva killer and the love of his life, which makes for quite the page-turner. I could not put the book down.

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

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia is married off to Bogdan a Bratva enforcer. Her father hopes that her new husband will kill her but he doesn’t. Bogdan is intrigued by his new wife because she is kind and loyal. He discovers her father’s motives and is determined to protect his wife at all costs. He discovers that his wife is no pushover and she has been trained to protect herself. I loved that.

This was an intriguing dark romance. Bogdan was hard core but Anastasia loved him just the way he was and he loved her just the way she needed.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia believes her husband wants her dead as that is what her father wants. Bogdan did not want to get married, his only job has been to kill but his Pakhan wanted it. He is surprised that her father wanted him to take her out. But she is his wife and as long as she is loyal he will never hurt her. Her father wants the money that was left to his wife and keeps sending people to hurt Anastasia, he will not let it happen.

As they try to find out where the next threat is coming the two get closer, could he really love his wife?.

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

[Brooke Torrey]

This book was exciting, suspenseful and spicy!!! I enjoyed the storyline the most; it was original and page-turning. This book is a dark mafia romance and touches on dark themes and topics. I thought the characters were complex and had an intense and undeniable chemistry. Sam Crescent is an amazing author I devour all her books when I get my hands on them and reread them when I’m in a mood for either an MC or mafia book. She always checks off boxes in my favorite tropes when reading MC and Mafia romances. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Sam Crescent!!!.

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

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia's Father is in the Italian Mafia and he arranges a marriage to Bogdan of the Bratva, who accepts the marriage as that is what his Boss wants. He is surprised to find he quite likes his wife. The story starts after Anastasia and Bogdan have already been married. It is a bit of a slow burn, but has a good mix of suspense, secrets and eventual steam.

I liked Bogdan's loyalty and how he developed feelings for Anastasia over time, while Anastasia was a sweet woman, but no push over, who is just trying to stay alive as well as make the best of the circumstances she finds herself in.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Greatest Love!

Bogdan married Anastasia as per his boss’s instructions but he knew something wasn’t right when her father told him he could kill her at anytime!

Anastasia knew she was on borrowed time but when suddenly she started to connect with her husband, secrets started to unfold.

Full of intrigue, danger and a mystery which will keep you guessing throughout the storyline, you won’t want to put it down.

Loved It!.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia's father, Dante, is an awful man, he wants his daughter dead. Bogdan is the man Dante chooses to give his daughter to in hopes that Bogdan will kill her for him.
This book was full of excitement with so many twists and turns. Even though there is a lot going on, the story is easy to follow. And I absolutely love the relationship that happens between Anastasia and Bogdan. A fantastic read, I could not get enough.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully dark romance about Bratva and the Mafia. Anastasia is married off to Bogdan and she doesn't know if she will survive because the question is who will kill her her husband, father. stepbrothers or others and Bogdan is not someone to mess with And when he realizes that his wife is in danger he comes out with a beast and shows what he is known for, There is action, violence, secrets, darkness, romance and so much more. I was glued to this book and can definitely recommend it. I




received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It’s well written with two main characters that I came to love, Anastasia and Bogdan. An unplanned wedding brought the two of them closer than they had ever imagined possible. The story shows that family and people you have trusted your whole life are not always what they appear to be. It’s a fast paced story and one worth reading.
I recheived a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Sam has done it. She has written another big hit. The chemistry is steamy, the action is non-stop, and the surprises keep coming. Nothing better then a big Alpha man who falls for the sweet, fiesty woman. Sam doesn't disappoint in throwing us a surprise at the end of the book but it all just adds to the whole book as a whole. I so can't wait to see what else comes our way from this author.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is one of my favorites, but the Bratva genre is a relatively new one to me. I have, until recently, usually steered clear of this, but as it was this author I decided to give it a try.
I really felt for Anastasia, as she was caught up in something that she had no idea about.
I love how Bogdan steps up when he needs to.
Very interesting story and I really enjoyed it.

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

[Maureen Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting - it was a great little read - shorter than I am used too but a great way to reset. The MMC was great, just the right amount of menacing. The FMC was badass, which was a great surprise and the spice was 😘. I would definitely read this author again. The story was original enough to keep it interesting.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bogdan isn't the type of man to cross, a k*ller for the bratva keeping his pakhan safe is top priority. But when he gets given Anastasia by her own father with permission to end her, he starts to wonder what his new father-in-law would gain from her demise. And vows to protect her at all costs. Well written engaging steamy, action, twists desires and more!.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting read that brings Bogdan and Anastasia together. He's been required to marry and she's his bride. I love how he found himself observing how unique she was...and how pleased he was with her. Anastasia never shied away from tough discussions and works to find out what she needs to do to survive in his world, especially knowing that her father wants her dead. Yikes! There is action, gore, hatred, devotion and hot romance in this page turning romance :D

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia is alone since her mother died, and her father didn't want her, so she was given in an arranged marriage to Bogdan. Her father's goal was to have her killed by any means possible. I enjoyed this book so much. It is intense and has unexpected twists. It's a fantastic plot. Best of all, Bogdan and Anastasia get their perfect happy ending. Excellent book!

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

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, more of a slow burn bratva story

Anastasia and Bogdan, an arranged marriage that was supposed to end with the bride’s death! Her father was in cahoots with another man with the aim being to inherit Anastasia’s money left to her by her mother. This is the main theme throughout the book. Meanwhile Anastasia and Bogdan become intimate and their relationship steams up big time
Of course the baddies get caught.
No cheating, loveable main characters and a HEA epilogue

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Twisted Mystery

Anastasia is in a dangerous situation. Her father is just using her for his own benefit and won’t blink an eye at sacrificing her. Thankfully her husband has better morals than her own father.

This was an interesting and twisted romance. Overall well written with a mysterious storyline.

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

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Excellent Sam Crescent Mafia book about a forced marriage, death threats for the bride and hot and steamy marriage.
Another great book! This book is about hitman Bogdan who is forced into marriage to Anastasia.
Her father an Italian Capo wants her dead.
This is a hot and steamy story about their early marriage and their trust and developing feelings for each other.
Suspenseful, romantic and interesting.
Great read highly recommend.