Rey Marcado (La Bratva Adamov nº 1)

Adamov Bratva #1

by Naomi West

Tropiezo con mis tacones al entrar en una entrevista de trabajo.
El contenido de mi bolso se derrama por todo el escritorio del jefe.
Vaya vergüenza, ¿verdad?

No tanto como que coja a mi, *ejem* “amigo vibrador morado” y me lo devuelva.
Me dice que el puesto que he solicitado no es adecuado para mí...
Pero entonces me hace una oferta que no puedo rechazar.

Ser un vientre de alquiler para él y su falsa esposa.

Necesito el dinero para cuidar a mi madre moribunda, así que acepto.
Y luego, hacemos un bebé a la antigua usanza.

Pero, cuando su falsa esposa es asesinada por sus enemigos, dice que me van a
De madre de alquiler a novia...
Me guste o no.

REY MARCADO es el Libro 1 del dúo de la Bratva Adamov. La historia de Arsen y Laila continúa en el Libro 2, REINA MARCADA.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Forced Proximity, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

Reviews

[Hope]

Dude is married, wants h as surrogate and fucks her the old fashioned way to make a baby. Oh, and he doesn't inform his supposed wife/ow until after he has fucked the heroine. And he stays with ow married for the next 8 months until she's killed.
Lovely 👍


My wife and I don’t have a traditional marriage, Laila. I wouldn’t be cheating on her.” Almost to himself, he adds, “Even if I was, she wouldn’t care.”

[Mrs Crossley · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I just finished Scarred King, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! This dark romance definitely had its moments—think fleeting passion followed by a thick cloud of danger and, of course, a lot of sexual tension.

But let’s get real for a second. The main female character really had it rough. I mean, she basically drops everything, including leaving her dying mother, all for this guy. I can’t even imagine being in her shoes; it felt so unfair and honestly a bit frustrating 💔

And then there are the intimate scenes during her pregnancy. Look, I’ve been pregnant, and at eight months, the last thing I wanted was to squeeze into skimpy dresses and heels. I found it pretty hard to believe that she was always in the mood when I was just trying to find a comfy spot on the couch. It made me uncomfortable just reading it! 🤰🏼

Overall, while there were some interesting twists, I don’t think I’ll be diving into the next book in the series. Just wasn’t my cup of tea! If you’re into dark romance with lots of tension, you might enjoy it, but personally, it missed the mark for me 👎🏻⛔🙅🏻‍♀️😒

[Mallari Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Naomi West has done it again! This story about Arsen & Laila is definitely one of my new favs! It sucks you in from the first page. The chemistry between the 2 characters is off the charts! Of course with this being a duet it did end on a cliffhanger but thank goodness for book 2! BRB while I go devour it!.

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

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[v.e.e.r.e.a.d.s · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
3.75 🌶️

I loved this duet!! And the rating would be higher if the story hadn’t been so long. However I still couldn’t get enough!

I was invested in all of the characters not just our MCs.
The book had such funny moments and the grovelling Arden does in book 2?? Oh it was delicious!!

So Laila turns up for an interview, it becomes clear she is not appropriate for…However, Arsen also has an idea.
Be my surrogate. For myself and my wife…

Don’t worry it is not a conventional marriage, and the wife is soon to be no more…which then leads to him strong arming her into a marriage between them. Aah love…am I right?! 😅

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Coming

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I was in withdrawal for a good Bratva duet, you have to believe me! I devoured this entire duet in just 2 days – it was that good!

Naomi delivered everything I love in her work and more! Arsen and Laila? Absolutely amazing. And Marie? She totally won me over. Charles though? Ugh... obviously couldn’t stand him. 😤

This book had all the feels – it was emotional, spicy, and packed with just the right amount of angst. If you’re into Bratva romances, this is definitely a must-read!.

[Mienreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naming your mmc (who is a mob boss)Arsen is a little bit on the nose. That being said, Arsen is such an arse. Every step forward with him becomes two steps backwards. He constantly pushes away our fmc, Laila. I’m so over his hot and cold games and I hope Laila is too. Laila needs to stop being such a pushover and stand up for herself in the next book. This book kind of dragged and I think it would’ve been better condensed into one book instead of making this book part of a duet.

[Anushka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I trip over my heels walking into a job interview. My purse spills all over the boss's desk. Embarrassing, right? Not as embarrassing as him picking up my, *ahem* "purple, vibrating friend" and handing it back to me.



He tells me the position I've applied for isn’t right for me … But then he makes me an offer I can’t refuse.



Be a surrogate for him and his fake wife.

I need the money to care for my dying mother, so I accept. And then we make a baby the old-fashioned way. But when his fake wife is killed by their enemies, he says

I'm getting promoted: From surrogate to bride … Whether I like it or not.

“Scarred King” is the first installment in the “Adamov Bratva Series” and I was hooked from the first chapter. Laila gets offered a job that she was not expecting, Arsen asked her to be a surrogate for him. The catch is, well one of many, this will not happen in a lab, he wants the baby to be conceived naturally! Walking out, she gives him a big “hell no!” A week later, after a lot of thinking, she accepts! After one night, Laila finds out that she is pregnant. When his wife is killed, he decides to marry Laila.

“Olive-green eyes, bright and perceptive, pass over me in a single, smooth sweep, and I’m positive he knows all of my sins. He raises a hand - a calloused hand, a huge hand—and drags it through his tousled auburn hair in what must be slow motion. When he purses his lips, I just know that somewhere out there - maybe in several somewheres - there are romance novels dedicated to mouths like his.”

Arsen has strong feelings towards Laila and is out of his depth. Due to his past, he tends to sabotage relationships and finds it very hard to let anyone in, especially his wife. He is jealous that her two main guards, who are also his closest friends, know is wife better than he does! All they say to him is talk to her and listen to her. He is afraid by loving her, it will make him weak and put her life in danger from his enemies. Will he let the walls down and let his “roza” in? Will he open his heart to her?

As per standard for Naomi’s Bratva Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent times, passion, secrets, loyalty and let’s not forget the heat 🔥🔥between Arsen and Laila. The chemistry between these two is off the page!

A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊 Just for the record, it does end on a cliffhanger!

[Mishmash · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled reading this book.
Laila is a good character, well rounded, likeable for the most part, and I can understand why she does the things she does, I understand what motivates her and who she is as a character. She's been really well explained and developed.
I cannot say the same for Arsen. In my head it just got shortened to Arse (I'm English, so ass for Americans), and I appreciated how well that lined up with his name lol. Would have preferred that not be the majority of his personality, though. What I know of Arsen does not appeal to me very much, and there is a lot I don't know about him. His character is so tightly closed it's virtually impossible to open up and explore who he is. Think of clam shell that will not open - if it doesn't want to open, it won't.
I got to 92% of the book when a book I'd been looking forward to was released. I wasn't (even at 92% of the first book of a duet! Would kinda imagine it has to end on a cliffhanger, right?) tempted to finish the last 8%, nor was I bothered when I put the book down a week ago and haven't picked it up since. Very unusual for me.
The only thoughts I've had about this book is "I truly dislike Arsen the Arse." Without a doubt one of the least favourite characters I've ever read about". Not once have I wondered what was going to happen, I didn't wonder about what the second book was going to cover, what his & Laila's & Nina's journey would be, how an old "friend", who's trustworthiness is questioned by a second character, might be involved in the plot going forwards, Laila's mum, etc. I don't have the desire to read another word because one of the main characters so completely put me off. I don't want to read another word about what hurtful thing he does next, and I don't want to be in his self involved mind for another page.
To explain part of the reason I dislike Arsen so much:
• first encounter between Arsen and Laila is at at an interview, when he suddenly offers her a surrogacy instey, mentioning she could be his wife's twin (this isn't brought up again, but I found it profoundly creepy). But don't worry about his wife, they live apart and hate one another. So much so, that when she later dies in his arms, he's thinking about the fmc, Laila, he has had no contact with for months. What a stand up guy.
• Laila initially turns Arsen's offer down, but she returns because she wants better care and treatment for her mum, who has very advanced/terminal cancer. Arsen promised that as one of the conditions of their "business arrangement". She returns, and Arsen has her do the deed right there, decides he liked it so much he takes her to his apartment, goes again, then completely ignores her the next morning and quite abruptly tells her to go, making it feel like she's overstayed her welcome.
• Arsen does not meet with her when she finds out she's pregnant. He doesn't even come to a single hospital visit, or prenatal class. But he does send his Vorr, Dominick, to watch over her. It isn't like Dominick has a pregnant wife at home...oh wait, he does.
• Dominick and Gedeon, his two most trusted Vorrs, ask Arsen constantly "what are you doing? You wanted a baby? Why have you abandoned this poor girl to do it alone? It's ok if you like her. We can tell you do." Aresen replies that "he isn't making her do it alone, he sent Dominick", but becomes enraged when Dominick knows more about Laila than he does... Then more angry when Dom only gives his updates on the pregnancy, not Laila. Dom is pretty awesome, so his response is "if you want to know more about Laila, you have to actually show up." Golden mic drop.
•Eight months into the pregnancy, Arsen's wife is gunned down in front of him, and he worries for Laila's safety. So of course he breaks into an eight month pregnant woman's home, covered in blood. Stress is fine for pregnant women, right? No biggie. He forces her to pack a bag and leave with him "because she isn't safe", and (from what I remember, if I'm wrong, I apologise) proceeds to ask no questions about the pregnancy, because Dom keeps him updated.
• Laila and her mother, now moved into Arsen's enormous mansion/compound, are just sort of left to their own devices. Dominick, Gedeon, Polina (the housekeeper who was Arsen's mother's good friend & helped raised The Arse) essentially show them around and are the ones they see on a day to day basis. Laila & Arsen's relationship at this point can be only described as hostile.
• Laila is woken in the middle of the night by Arsen, who instructs her to wear the dress hanging on the back of her door. It's gone 2am, she was asleep, and is heavily pregnant, so she understandably does not want to get dressed up. Arsen then forces Laila to marry him. His trump card? "I'll let you be a part of the baby's life."
• Now married, Arsen insists she stays in his room, which to no one's surprise, is right beside hers. (He even has a secret door that opens into her room.) She doesn't want this, insisting she would rather sleep on the small sofa in his bedroom that with him. He obliges and allows his now eight and a half month pregnant wife to sleep on a small sofa whilst starfishing on the bed solo. What a catch!
• Arsen's idea of how the next few months will go: he and Laila stay married for a time, then divorce. Laila continues to live in his mansion and help raise their daughter. If she has her daughter, she won't ever feel the need to date again, so that isn't even a concern. (I'm not being sarcastic, this is his actual, genuine, thought process.)
• Laila & Arsen decide to make a real go if it and try a relationship. It's hard because Arsen doesn't open up. They're doing alright, actually. Laila goes into labour, and Arsen panics. His baby girl born, he leaves the hospital room without a word to Laila, and abandons them for eight days! I repeat - what a catch!
Laila give Arsen space, partially because she doesn't know where he is, she's doing all the parenting things solo and is sleep deprived. When she does finally see him, she doesn't shout or yell, but she does say a number of cutting truths. Arsen then says he wants to help, and (this is in Arsen's pov) "Laila's face lights up", jumping on that, he says he can get all the night nurses and nannies she wants to help. He doesn't understand why she looks so upset and defeated. - Maybe because she just wants a partner, Arse?
•Somehow Arsen gets back into Laila's good graces & they're still together. I stopped reading about this point. It's obvious something is about to go down & Arsen is obviously going to spiral, because that's all he does, and will end up pushing Laila away again, which she likely won't forgive. I don't even need to read it to be 90% certain that's what's going to happen.
I just can't
I can't even fuel the desire to finish the last 8% of this book. Partly because "what is Arsen going to do now?" exasperation, and partly because if I roll my eyes any harder to this book, I'm a bit worried they'll pop out.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s the first part of the story of Arsen, head of the Adamov Bratva and Laila the woman who is his surrogate.

This book is similar to other Bratva books I’ve read. It follows the same formula - attracted to a woman, have sex with her and impregnate her (in this case deliberately) - marry her but have issues with getting close to his wife - then there’s a problem that splits them up.

This one is mediocre and formulaic. The story is interesting but not enthralling. The only reason I’m moving onto part 2 is because I need to find out what happens next.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hot!

This book has it all—strong emotions, steamy moments, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. The romance is intense and pulls you into a thrilling world that you won't forget. The author does a great job of telling a story that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I definitely recommend giving this book a read!

[~Jennifer~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I got tired of the back and forth, but it also had its moments that I enjoyed. I’m kinda of confused for all the five stars it got, I came close to giving it a three. I apologize for anyone who already seen my review last night, but after I woke up I realized I was being much too generous.

[Steph Almasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it’s ridiculous and unrealistic from the second page, but o don’t mind that. I still found it entertaining enough to give it 4 stars - and I’m starting book 2 immediately.

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This one started off really good but the further I got into it the more I started not to like it.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

insane

Action love and so much more! I've really enjoyed this one and it's definitely worth the read kindle unlimited at its fines

[Kimmijane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laila is a woman desperate for a job. She goes into an interview but comes out with a completely different job offer. This first book was a little different from the other Bratva Romances. If you like mafia lovin’ then you like this book.

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

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book but as a duet I feel like it should have finished with this one. The second wine just drags - the pace is completely different to this first one.

[Enfant DLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je peux pas aller à 4 sorry, je review pour les deux tomes et bah j’étais contente de Leila. J’ai aimé la dynamique du livre genre ça va pas super vite et en même temps on s’ennuie pas. Par contre les mecs j’ai l’impression que c’est toujours la même rengaine au niveau des sentiments du mec. Mais bref Arsen 🫶🏻

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarred King is book one of the Adamov Bratva duet . A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. This is Arsen and Laila’s story and the story continues and concludes ends in book two Scarred Queen. A beautifully written story with complex individuals and a fascinating and twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you hooked, invested and turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, thrilling, gripping and tantalizing read. This book demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life and gave that something extra that I was looking for. An absorbing addicting and unputdownable read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this rollercoaster ride of emotions and tension. Immerse yourself in a world of heart-stirring emotions and cravings as you follow through the darken path of these two captivating characters finding love. This is Laila and Arsen story which is told from a dual point of view.
A billionaires and millionaires romance, contemporary romance, boss-employee romance, workplace relationship, protector story, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, Bratva romance, dark mafia romance, fake wife story, fake marriage story, marriage-that-started-on-contract romance, marriage-of-convenience story, possessive OTT jealous alpha male hero story, forced proximity romance polar opposite attracts story, forced marriage story, surrogacy story, arranged marriage, lust-at-first-sight filled with lies, fear, greed, deception, deep dark hidden secrets, pain, drama, threats, hurt, attacks, twists and turns, revelations, anger, betrayal, mystery, surprises, danger, madness, tension, emotions, angst, love, enemies, rivalry, resilience, family issues, laugh-out-loud-moments, humor, witty banter, scorching hot passion, bloodshed, threats, sex and pleasure, attack, suspense, dirty talking, dominance, murder, submission, consensual intense rough sex, guilt, alliance, revelations assassination, attempted murder, heartache, friendships, loyalty, insecurities, power and control, jealousy, retaliation, chaos, action packed and steam.
Laila Barnes is a beautiful twenty-four girl from the wrong side of the track with a poor and struggling upbringing, who has had one bad thing after another happen to her with no help or hope in sight. Laila and her mother was involved a terrible car accident years ago that left them in with life long scars and pain. Her father has abandon them Laila’s and her mom was involved in a car accident leaving her mother with a slash across her face and slash across Laila’s hip all the way down to her leg. Her father couldn't deal with their hideous disfigurement so he took off. She doesn't have time for a relationship on account of her working hard to keep a roof over her and her mother's head. However she does have a vibrator name Seth. She and Seth have been happily involved for the last eighteen months. Admittedly, their relationship was more like a friends-with-benefits type of situation, until eleven months ago when her mother went to a routine health check-up and came back with a diagnosis of stage two pancreatic cancer that knocked the wind right out of both of them. And from there on Seth has became her primary source of comfort and stress relief instead of a friends-with-benefits situation.
Laila had to quit her job so that she could drive her mom to chemo which further cost a financial loss to the household. She's desperate to find a job and everywhere that she goes she keeps getting a no. Adamov Liquor was hiring and although Laila doesn't have the qualifications out of desperation she thought why not. Billionaire and powerful businessman Arsen Adamov became the CEO of Adamov Liquor a multi-billion dollar company at the age of twenty-eight and pakhan of the Adamov Bratva, the biggest cartel in the city. Arsen didn't know how Laila made it that far into his pool of potential applicants. Her resume leaves a lot to be desired and she had an outdated undergrad degree in Marketing and literally no relevant work experience. However, she had sultry eyes, legs for days and a sex toy in her bag. That earn her five minutes of his time. She's was also a doppelganger of his wife which gain her an additional five minutes. Arsen was forced into a business marriage to Natascha Kiselev and had put on the curse wedding band something that he hates. He wasn't going to give Laila the job because she wasn't qualified. But when he heard her say that she would do anything because she needed the money bad in order to take take of her mother. He sense an opportunity from all of the possibilities that had shrank and withered the day he was forced to slide on that wedding ring.
He tells her of another position available one that he believes she might be uniquely qualified for to be his surrogate. It actually paid far more better than the current position that she applied for and it includes an expense account, personal chauffeur, medical insurance for her and immediate family members. Laila was ecstatic but when he told her that she had the hips for it she recoil. He then tells her that he and his wife had been married for a little over a year and that they were unable to have children and that he wanted her to be their surrogate. She immediately thought that he was kidding and that she was being prank. Laila and her mother has been really struggling in the last year. She has pawned jewelry and sold some of her nicer clothing to a consignment shop so whatever money that he gives her if she took the position would make a world of difference. But as much as they needed money even she's not that desperate. Arsen wants this very bad and would give her anything she ask for to get his heir. He tells her that he give her a monthly salary for nine months of the pregnancy and he would also continue to give her a stipend for ten years. He would also cover her household expenses including the medical bills attached to both her and her mother and he would even recommend an excellent Oncologist. He also promised not fuck her again once becomes pregnant.
He's not listening to her and steady continued pushing his agenda. Laila gave his proposition some serious thought because of her mother. But when he tells her that they would be creating the baby the old fashion way she told him hell no and walked out of his office after she telling him off. Arsen knew that she would come back because of her desperation and need. After a week pass and watching yet again her mother throwing up her dinner she decided to consider the offer for her mom. But she do has some stipulations of her own. She wants ten thousand dollars a month to start, health insurance for her mother and herself, she needs all of her mother's medical expenses cover, and a full-time nurse. Arsen was anticipating her return and drew up the contract with her name. He was giving her more than she was asking for of twenty thousand dollars per month for the length of the pregnancy, then ten thousand monthly for ten years, a wardrobe allowance to update her closet, bodygyards for her security and personal safety. As soon as she signed the contract he tells her to get undress. After Arsen had sex with Laila for the first time in his office he took her back to his penthouse because he wasn't finish with her, something he has never done before and he started catching feelings and felt possessive of her. One time wasn't enough he needed more instead of the hasty fuck that he had planned in his office. After spending the night with Laila and having sex twice in the night he took her home the next day. But he was shocked the same way about her home like she was of his.
Arsen called his realtor Miguel to fine a three bed bedroom house for Laila because he wasn't going to let the woman that was carrying his child live in a rundown tenement house. Because of his feelings he stay away from her for two weeks. But when Laila told Arsen that she was pregnant only after two tries he was disappointed because he was attracted to her and was looking forward to fucking her more. He kept his promise and stayed away from her the entire pregnancy. Arsen stayed away from her because of his feelings and only allowed his second in command Dominik and Gedeon, they're the only two people that he trust around his family. Laila’s father has abandon her and her mother and now that he knows that she has a will. He has been calling demanding her to tell him about her will and estate. He's know that they have money because of the house that Arsen bought for Laila. He's trying to warm his way back into their lives to steal what little money that they have to their names by sending gifts plus he wants her childhood home that her mother got in the divorce. But Laila is not having none of his nonsense and throw away his gifts that he keeps leaving for her mother.
His enemies heard that he was having a heir but they didn't know Laila and in fear for her life he ordered extra security around her house. Arsen as unconventional marriage, one where he stayed on his side of the city and his wife stayed on hers and they can do whatever they want. He gives her a monthly salary, they have never slept together in the year that they have been married. Natascha is a nasty, cold-hearted bitch. He didn't want his greedy, nasty witch of a wife near his daughter after she was born so he was sending her to Paris, and as he walked her to her car gunshots rang out and she was struck in the head by a bullet. Once Natascha was assassinated Arsen knew that he had to move Laila to protect her and his heir. He then forced her to marry him as way of keeping her close to him. Arsen is coming out with a new distillery know as Pobeda that would make him even more powerful. His enemy Alessandro Calcagno ordered the hit against his wife, and her dad knew that she was in danger and didn't do anything so Arsen shoots her Rolan in the head in front of his sons. Arsen is handsome, cold, ruthless, powerful and dangerous. Laila is beautiful, sassy, defiant, challenging, bratty, and fiesty. Arsen is obsessed, jealous and possessive of his wife but he as a wall enclosed around him that he won't let anyone in, instead he keeps them at an arms length. I vow to cherish her. To ravish her. To treasure her. To give her everything she need... whether or not she knows she needs it. You're Mine.

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

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

only mediocre

[Kavya · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know, the problem isn't me picking this book, the problem is the five star ratings you see over here from people. I am so exhausted that I don't even want to waste my time writing this review more than what I have already written.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I MIGHT finish it

So I DNF'd at 36% because I HATE when the FMC gives on soooooo easily. He abandons her for 8 months, his wife dies, pretty much kidnaps her, then forces him to marry her with the promise of her able to be in the child's life. THEN he thinks he has the right to sleep with her? And she just gives in. Ugh. That's when I stopped. Also the fact that she's more like 8 and a half months pregnant and going to have smex with him? I don't know about anyone else but that is not very comfortable to do when you're that pregnant so I personally find that scene very unrealistic. I really liked the plot and the book looks promising but I'm just not in the mood to read about a doormat FMC. I'm sure I could get past it but I have so many books on my TBR list that I don't like to waste my time reading something I might not like. Otherwise it does have some good humor and Dom is a great side character. If I do finish I'll adjust my rating accordingly.

[Shelly SweetBells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was painful and more like 2-2.5 stars but I figured I made it through so it must have been entertaining enough to be 3 stars.

The dialogue is terrible. At one point Laila calls him bud while trying to be seductive. Everything she says is cringe worthy. All of her comparisons and descriptions felt like they were written by an 8th grader. It all just felt immature and juvenile.

The storyline itself seemed interesting which is what made me want to read it but what is written in the synopsis is not really what happens. She doesn’t actually work for him. She just signs a contract and fucks him and gets pregnant which was what she agreed to so it’s not reallly a job.

Some of the better points: Natascha and her dad’s deaths, Laila’s relationship with Dominik and Gedeon, introduction of side characters like Enzo and Feliks.

Well, guess I have to read the second book because even though this one was 500 pages it literally accomplishes nothing and ends on a cliffhanger (which I guess we knew was going to happen) but I thought there would have been some amount of progress.

[Savani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Naomi West’s Scarred King, the first book in the Adamov Bratva series, is a fast-moving, drama-heavy mafia romance that piles twist upon twist from its opening pages. The novel leans into the classic tropes of arranged marriages, pregnancies, dangerous alliances, and obsessive protectiveness, but its execution is uneven, creating a story that is compulsively readable yet often chaotic.

The premise begins with Laila, a young woman struggling financially while caring for her sick mother. When she arrives for a job interview, everything that can go wrong does; (from spilling her bag to having a vibrator burst out across the floor. The interview with Arsen Adamov is doomed from the start, and Laila’s first impression of him is that of an arrogant, married man who is far too comfortable commenting on her body. When Arsen abruptly proposes an entirely different position (carrying his child as part of a contractual arrangement) Laila initially thinks it’s a joke. But with her mother’s declining health and mounting bills, she eventually returns and agrees.

This setup has the potential to be tense and compelling, yet the writing often undercuts itself. One of the most noticeable issues is inconsistency. Early on, Arsen calls Laila by name, yet only minutes later Laila thinks he doesn’t know it when he refers to her as roza. The disconnect continues in Laila’s characterization: the way she is described doesn’t always align with how she speaks, behaves, or reacts, making her feel like two different characters stitched together.

Still, the plot moves quickly, and the stakes escalate. Laila becomes pregnant, Arsen’s cold and embittered wife Natascha is killed, and Laila is whisked into Arsen’s world of danger, wealth, and Bratva politics. Arsen decides that the safest place for Laila and the baby is at his side, and in a whirlwind moment, he forces a marriage on her, complete with a priest waiting downstairs. Their relationship swings wildly between desire, resentment, tenderness, and territorial jealousy. Arsen’s dominance often borders on possessive volatility, while Laila oscillates between compliance, defiance, and confusion about her place in his life.

As the story continues, alliances shift, old enemies reappear, and new threats emerge. Laila tries to navigate her changing reality; her mother’s worsening condition, her own unwanted celebrity within the criminal underworld, and her attempts to build something resembling a family with Arsen while still feeling boxed in by his world. Arsen’s world, meanwhile, is filled with betrayals, explosive confrontations, and escalating violence. His men worry about Jasper, whose presence proves to be as dangerous as they feared. When secrets about Laila’s father surface and attempts on her life multiply, the tension builds toward a dramatic final act that sends Laila and her newborn daughter Nina into hiding. The final scenes end not in resolution but in a sharp, deliberate cliffhanger.

Scarred King delivers exactly what many readers seek in a mafia romance: danger, heat, emotional extremes, and a plot that refuses to slow down. Yet its rushed pacing and inconsistent characterization weaken the emotional payoff that should accompany such high stakes. Laila is written with sympathy, but her voice shifts too often to feel grounded, and Arsen’s possessiveness sometimes overshadows the moments meant to show his growth or vulnerability. The book frequently feels like it’s sprinting, sacrificing clarity and nuance for shock value and speed.

Even so, there’s an undeniable energy to the novel. The world of the Adamov Bratva is vivid, dramatic, and filled with characters whose loyalty and rivalry create a constant sense of tension. Readers who enjoy dark romance with nonstop conflict and a domineering antihero will find plenty to hold their attention. And for those who appreciate a series that leans unapologetically into cliffhangers, Scarred King ends in a way that practically demands picking up the next installment.

If the novel had undergone more careful editing, particularly around continuity, character depth, and emotional pacing, it could have achieved far more impact. But for readers who crave high-octane mafia drama, forbidden relationships, and a relentless plot, Scarred King offers an addictive and sometimes maddening ride into Naomi West’s Bratva world.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember how I ended up reading this book in the slightest, but here we are.

This book was INFURIATING and it had so many five stars!! Surely there had to be a reason, right?! Yes, there is. But you have to read the ENTIRE duet to get there. I promise, it's worth it.

What's Inside ↴

✨ Mafia boss pushes FMC into marriage and surrogacy for his own gain
✨ Mafia boss ignores the desires of everyone around him to do what he wants
✨ Mafia boss then pushes too far and loses his wife
✨ Have to read book two (a book that is an ENTIRE NOVEL OF GROVEL) to resolve it


Usually I do a "pro/con" list for books, but I am skipping that because all of the "cons" are for a reason and most resolve in book two.

✨ TRIGGER WARNING SPOILER: There IS cheating BUT the wife gives zero fucks and there is no discussion of what Arsen does outside of his marriage outside of what we see with the FMC. I loved how this was treated. I don't care what he was doing outside of his marriage, I don't need to read about how he is cruising strip clubs or whatever. Leave the past in the past. I love just seeing his relationship with the FMC instead, without even a mention of the past. So many mafia books rub that shit in the reader's face to make the MMC seem "tough and experienced" and I love that it isn't in this duet.

✨ The FMC is a straight up doormat until book two. Like constantly being manipulated and controlled. She never pushes back in a meaningful way, she never tries to truly connect to Arsen, etc. This drove me wild until I got to Scarred Queen, hang in there.

✨ Arsen is so emotionally stunted and you do not get to know him at all in this book. It is infuriating. You get this resolved in book two.

✨ Polina is great. I could read 1000 scenes with her. Same with Marie.

✨ As someone who has been 8+ months pregnant (twice), I would not have been as nice as Laila was when Arsen demanded she go out, put make up on, even have sex!, etc. I would have straight up slapped him. He's an idiot, she is a doormat (we established this). I actually almost DNF'ed because she got pregnant immediately (without even tracking her cycles! One thing to do it when trying, another to randomly have it work out like that.) and it just felt so unrealistic. I am glad I stuck it out.... Book two made up for literally everything.




I love when books take you on a ride. This is definitely one and I devoured it.

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi West is back with yet another brilliant duet and this time, get ready for an emotionally charged bratva-lite romance that will leave you crying, swooning, and wanting to hug the Adamovs.

When Laila Barnes goes in for an interview to help her mom out with medical bills, the last thing she expects is to get an offer to be Arsen Adamov’s surrogate. Already married to both an estranged wife and his job, he doesn’t have time for anything so this proposition is the easiest way to get what he wants, no strings attached. But when the two get started, they find themselves crossing boundaries that they cannot emotionally comprehend (no cheating, I PROMISE!). They get married once Arsen’s first estranged wife dies but that doesn’t solve their problems. The attraction is there but Arsenal fights his feelings which leads to push and pull, leaving Laila in a huge emotional turmoil as both distance and Arsen’s cold attitude threatens to tear them apart.

The problem with Arsen is that he’s a really nice and sweet guy but incredibly self-sabotaging. It becomes the centre of conflict in this duet and while it can be frustrating to see himself hurt his own relationships and get in the way of his inner peace, it was also understandable why he felt and acted the way he did. His true struggle in the end was coming to terms with how he felt about Laila and allowing her to break his walls down and love her the way she deserves.

“I want to be able to love you and be loved in return. That’s all. I want everything. Nothing more, nothing less.”

I really loved Laila as the FMC because she was the pillar of strength. She went through pretty hard times and really stayed strong through so much, beyond what I thought was capable of withstanding, and did it without being whiny or dramatic. She came across as very reasonable and was relatable.

Together, they were sizzling. It was clear from the get go that the attraction was there and they were so sweet together but the entire relationship was so hot and cold it gave me whiplash (in a good way). I felt like the book was very MMC oriented, which was unique cause most of these Bratva based books usually base themselves around the FMC more. I definitely loved seeing Arsen’s character growth throughout!

I’m looking forward to continuing in Scarred Queen and seeing how they resolve their issues and come to terms with their feelings for one another.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I can explain why I like this book so much. Arsen (MMC) is literally a walking red flag who clearly isn't going to change and despite getting multiple second chances, continues to fuck up. And Laila (FMC) makes questionable as fuck decisions routinely and keeps giving Arsen all the chances in the world. Occasionally puts her foot down and will be pouty about something, but ultimately lets him back in. The two of them together make no sense, but I continued to root for them and wanted them to stick one of the many times, no matter what either of them do.
Arsen definitely isn't a typical Bratva leader, and the way the author describes the Bratva life and hierarchy doesn't follow along the lines of a lot of other mafia books that I've read, but I still liked how this one went. Gave Arsen a lot of flexibility to be there (when he fucking chose to show up that is) when a lot of other high ranking Bratva members wouldn't have been able to be present. You can see that he actually is very caring, but then he goes and does something completely the opposite of what makes sense and you want to strangle him through the fucking pages.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I hope to God the author can fix things in the next book, because good Lord, things seem pretty bleak at the end of this one. Like I said, I'm not sure why I was so drawn to this one (although, the hot as hell sex scenes that happen all the damn time don't hurt) but I really liked it and can't wait for the next one!

[Lulu · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am torn on how to review this.
I read only 2 dark mafia books prior to this and found it a new genre that i could add to other genres i like.

The story outline here is vey different to anything i've had before, falls in love with his surrogate and mother of his child.
Hes a bad man who takes no nonsense and always gets what he wants but has lots of enemies.
She is a downtrodden feisty woman who has to accept the job to care for her dying mother but finds it hard to be told what to do.

All quite entertaining and out of the box so far( Im 3/4 way through). The thing i don't like is the way its written, i think.

Every conversation has quick quips and not much else . The characters progress but they don't have any depth as its all very superficial.

That being said its fast paced and you don't get bored but i don't feel any real connection between the main C's as its so light and fun (not particularly funny).

The other thing is the parts inserted regarding vibrators spilling out in the first meeting and the MFC ordering a huge chest of dildos to embarrass the MMC was just cheap and nasty. I feel no humour from these incidents at all and feel forced in to the story for no reason at all.

So i believe the story outline is enjoyable but i am not enjoying the cheap and nasty way its written. And find it a little insulting its been offered in this way , like we couldn't cope with any depth of real feeling.....

That being said i will read on as i's like to know how it finishes. It does definitely have me torn.