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Marchiano & Petrov Mafia
Mafia & Scars
A romance in the Marchiano & Petrov Mafia world.
Full blurb and title reveal to follow.
Standalone.
Release date will be brought forward and will be confirmed shortly.
Full blurb and title reveal to follow.
Standalone.
Release date will be brought forward and will be confirmed shortly.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
3815 people are currently reading
1616 people want to read
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December 29, 2025I will never understand how someone (the H) who is written as being unable to accept touch -- so much so that he struggles to even touch a cat -- can manage to have sex. Even if he does, and it's stated he does, restrain the women so they can't touch him...YOU ARE STILL TOUCHING THEM AND THEM YOU! This makes no sense to me. He can't stand for me who are like brothers to him, that he's known since childhood, nor his own grandmother to make contact, but he can bang a woman (women) because they can't touch him all because he has needs. *rolls eyes* Seriously, I almost DNF on the spot because I didn't want to touch that. *see what I did there*
December 21, 2025
DNF at 35%.
I couldn’t connect with the female main character. As a mother, I found it hard to accept her decisions — especially staying overnight in a house full of unknown mafia members with two small children.
In the following days, she even left her children in the care of these men while she rested, which felt unrealistic and irresponsible to me. Because of this, I struggled to see her as a convincing or caring mother, and it completely broke my immersion in the story.
Unfortunately, the book just wasn’t for me.
I couldn’t connect with the female main character. As a mother, I found it hard to accept her decisions — especially staying overnight in a house full of unknown mafia members with two small children.
In the following days, she even left her children in the care of these men while she rested, which felt unrealistic and irresponsible to me. Because of this, I struggled to see her as a convincing or caring mother, and it completely broke my immersion in the story.
Unfortunately, the book just wasn’t for me.
December 9, 2025
Had to DNF this book. Writing was terrible and I cringed the whole time
January 5, 2026
Loved it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: neurodivergent MMC
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
My 1st book by Isa Oliver, but it won't be my last! It was definitely different from any other Mafia book I've ever read, LOL. I loved the MMC and if you're a fan of neurodivergent MMCs, you're going to love him too ❤. I loved his relationship with the heroine's daughter. It was so cute. Overall, it was a sweet and emotional read.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: neurodivergent MMC
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
My 1st book by Isa Oliver, but it won't be my last! It was definitely different from any other Mafia book I've ever read, LOL. I loved the MMC and if you're a fan of neurodivergent MMCs, you're going to love him too ❤. I loved his relationship with the heroine's daughter. It was so cute. Overall, it was a sweet and emotional read.
December 31, 2025
The portrayal of autism in this book is really done with care and a main theme in the book as well as two of the characters. It was unique having this in a mafia style book. It’s a much lighter style mafia than I’m used to reading but it worked nonetheless.
January 6, 2026
This started out with so much potential. I was excited to finally read something that represented autism. But the inconsistencies throughout the book was super hard to get through. The storyline just was dragged out, and every chapter that was in Viktor’s pov, it felt repetitive. Which I know better than anyone how repetitive anxiety thoughts can run. But it reached a point where every pov felt the exact same.
SPOILERS..
Starting off with Avelina.. She left her 9month old with her bay daddy while her and the six year old went to Russia for a two week long job opportunity. Not too bad, weird but alright. Secondly, after said trip, she finds out her baby daddy is more of a dumbass than she already knew. He left the baby with a life long friend that is in the Bravta, and in a house full of random men he didn’t really know. Avelina, goes along with it and ends up staying with this group of men, who she doesn’t know all because of child services. Weird. Next, she leaves her children alone with these men a couple of times, because one of the mens grandmother lives there and offered to take care of the children while she goes out to ice skate, not even for a job, but for fun.. All of that just sounds risky in so many ways. As time goes on, yes, we find out that all these scary mafia men are big teddy bears deep down but still..
Now, Viktor had some promise. He found out he was autistic on his own, when he was a kid. He is an orphan that banded together with his 3 friends, who have become his brothers. They all know he is different and has his quirks but Viktor is so ashamed of himself and his autism that they don’t speak about it. Viktor becomes obsessed with Avelina and her children, as if it’s a hyper fixation. He repulses touch in any shape of form, but can still have sex with random women?? by tying them up so they cant touch him??? makes no sense. He doesn’t even like his brothers or grandmother touching him, but you are trying to tell me that he is okay with touching another human just to get his fix?? Nope. Doesn’t make sense. He sits 3 feet away from everyone else so they don’t touch him and he DOESN’T touch them. But you’re telling me the moment Avelina touches his arm because she trips and uses his arm to balance, all that goes out the window?? It just doesn’t make sense. Ive been around my fair share of autistic persons of all ages and this just doesn’t happen. Sure, they have people that they prefer to help them, or allow to touch but because they build a trust and respect between them. But the moment, Avelina touches him, he can all of a sudden handle peoples touch, I mean, he didn’t even want to touch the cat! FFS!!!
SPOILERS..
Starting off with Avelina.. She left her 9month old with her bay daddy while her and the six year old went to Russia for a two week long job opportunity. Not too bad, weird but alright. Secondly, after said trip, she finds out her baby daddy is more of a dumbass than she already knew. He left the baby with a life long friend that is in the Bravta, and in a house full of random men he didn’t really know. Avelina, goes along with it and ends up staying with this group of men, who she doesn’t know all because of child services. Weird. Next, she leaves her children alone with these men a couple of times, because one of the mens grandmother lives there and offered to take care of the children while she goes out to ice skate, not even for a job, but for fun.. All of that just sounds risky in so many ways. As time goes on, yes, we find out that all these scary mafia men are big teddy bears deep down but still..
Now, Viktor had some promise. He found out he was autistic on his own, when he was a kid. He is an orphan that banded together with his 3 friends, who have become his brothers. They all know he is different and has his quirks but Viktor is so ashamed of himself and his autism that they don’t speak about it. Viktor becomes obsessed with Avelina and her children, as if it’s a hyper fixation. He repulses touch in any shape of form, but can still have sex with random women?? by tying them up so they cant touch him??? makes no sense. He doesn’t even like his brothers or grandmother touching him, but you are trying to tell me that he is okay with touching another human just to get his fix?? Nope. Doesn’t make sense. He sits 3 feet away from everyone else so they don’t touch him and he DOESN’T touch them. But you’re telling me the moment Avelina touches his arm because she trips and uses his arm to balance, all that goes out the window?? It just doesn’t make sense. Ive been around my fair share of autistic persons of all ages and this just doesn’t happen. Sure, they have people that they prefer to help them, or allow to touch but because they build a trust and respect between them. But the moment, Avelina touches him, he can all of a sudden handle peoples touch, I mean, he didn’t even want to touch the cat! FFS!!!
January 14, 2026
While the characters were sweet and the author's attention to a neurodivergent character was beautiful, I could never get into the book fully. There is no real plot to speak of. The characters have interesting backgrounds but everything is always solved without any real change. The pace is very, very, very slow. It could almost be called cozy, despite being a Mafia romance, if it weren't for a handful of violent scenes.
The spice is good and expected in this type of book. But some of it felt forced. I know it is a mark of the genre to have dominant males who say "good girl" and such, but it didn't feel right for this MMC. I would not imagine the autistic man to spout the same things. It felt incredibly out of character. It felt more like it was catering to the trope than writing something true to character.
And lastly, I got the sinking feeling that AI might have been used to assist writing here. It's only my speculation but it tipped off patterns I have begun to recognize from AI. The same phrases repeated with slightly different words, the formulaic ending to the chapters, the repeated scenes that were already resolved previously... it just reeks of patterns I have seen AI use.
The spice is good and expected in this type of book. But some of it felt forced. I know it is a mark of the genre to have dominant males who say "good girl" and such, but it didn't feel right for this MMC. I would not imagine the autistic man to spout the same things. It felt incredibly out of character. It felt more like it was catering to the trope than writing something true to character.
And lastly, I got the sinking feeling that AI might have been used to assist writing here. It's only my speculation but it tipped off patterns I have begun to recognize from AI. The same phrases repeated with slightly different words, the formulaic ending to the chapters, the repeated scenes that were already resolved previously... it just reeks of patterns I have seen AI use.
January 10, 2026
3.5/5 Stars
let me start off by saying that I have a real soft spot for neurodivergent representation in romance. having said that, I think Mafia & Scars missed the mark for me. While I appreciate the author’s intent to bring visibility to the spectrum, it felt a bit too "in your face."
The "autism factor" was brought up so frequently that it started to feel like a clinical checklist rather than a natural part of the character's personality. When every action or thought is explicitly tied back to a diagnosis, it creates a distance that makes it hard to truly connect with the lead as a person.
I kept comparing this to Lev by Belle Aurora. In that book, Lev is 100% on the spectrum, but it’s just one layer of his soul—it doesn't define his entire existence. He feels like a man who happens to be neurodivergent, whereas this felt like a character built entirely around a label.
I love seeing disability representation in the Mafia subgenre, but I prefer it when the character is allowed to just be, without the prose constantly "explaining" them to the reader.
let me start off by saying that I have a real soft spot for neurodivergent representation in romance. having said that, I think Mafia & Scars missed the mark for me. While I appreciate the author’s intent to bring visibility to the spectrum, it felt a bit too "in your face."
The "autism factor" was brought up so frequently that it started to feel like a clinical checklist rather than a natural part of the character's personality. When every action or thought is explicitly tied back to a diagnosis, it creates a distance that makes it hard to truly connect with the lead as a person.
I kept comparing this to Lev by Belle Aurora. In that book, Lev is 100% on the spectrum, but it’s just one layer of his soul—it doesn't define his entire existence. He feels like a man who happens to be neurodivergent, whereas this felt like a character built entirely around a label.
I love seeing disability representation in the Mafia subgenre, but I prefer it when the character is allowed to just be, without the prose constantly "explaining" them to the reader.
December 12, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. From start to finish it left me warm, fuzzy, and completely invested. A fantastic read.
Avelina and Viktor stole my heart. Both come from traumatic childhoods in Russia, and Isa Oliver does an incredible job weaving their pasts into who they are now. Avelina especially broke me—her vulnerability is so raw, but at the same time she’s a survivor through and through. A fierce mama bear who would burn the world down for her kids. (And her ex-husband? A complete waste of space.)
And Viktor… Viktor! Viktor! Viktor! I adored this man. He’s written with so much depth, love, and compassion. As an autistic character, the way he connects with his family and supports the people he loves is beautiful. His understanding of Sofia’s sensory overload and the safe, gentle bond that forms between them was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I loved how Avelina and Viktor’s relationship developed—it felt so natural, real, and beautifully paced. Their chemistry was absolutely tangible, the kind that leaps off the page and wraps around you.
Isa Oliver portrayed Autism with nuance, respect, and care—showing that it’s a spectrum, and that people experience and navigate it in many different ways. It felt authentic and meaningful rather than stereotyped, and I appreciated that so much.
The family dynamics were chef’s kiss. Viktor’s relationship with his brothers had me laughing out loud more than once, and their banter added so much heart to the story.
This book is definitely in my top 10 reads of the year. A feel-good, emotional, beautifully written romance that wrapped me up from the first page and didn’t let go. I was absolutely here for it.
Huge thank-you to the author for the ARC—such a superb read. ❤️📚
Avelina and Viktor stole my heart. Both come from traumatic childhoods in Russia, and Isa Oliver does an incredible job weaving their pasts into who they are now. Avelina especially broke me—her vulnerability is so raw, but at the same time she’s a survivor through and through. A fierce mama bear who would burn the world down for her kids. (And her ex-husband? A complete waste of space.)
And Viktor… Viktor! Viktor! Viktor! I adored this man. He’s written with so much depth, love, and compassion. As an autistic character, the way he connects with his family and supports the people he loves is beautiful. His understanding of Sofia’s sensory overload and the safe, gentle bond that forms between them was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I loved how Avelina and Viktor’s relationship developed—it felt so natural, real, and beautifully paced. Their chemistry was absolutely tangible, the kind that leaps off the page and wraps around you.
Isa Oliver portrayed Autism with nuance, respect, and care—showing that it’s a spectrum, and that people experience and navigate it in many different ways. It felt authentic and meaningful rather than stereotyped, and I appreciated that so much.
The family dynamics were chef’s kiss. Viktor’s relationship with his brothers had me laughing out loud more than once, and their banter added so much heart to the story.
This book is definitely in my top 10 reads of the year. A feel-good, emotional, beautifully written romance that wrapped me up from the first page and didn’t let go. I was absolutely here for it.
Huge thank-you to the author for the ARC—such a superb read. ❤️📚
January 3, 2026
First read of 2026 with 5 🌟!! I enjoyed this immensely and definitely appreciated the neurodivergent representation. Avelina and Viktor are so sweet together. He really means “touch her and you die.”
January 24, 2026
I really wanted to love this book. It was so unrealistic to me. I think this had a lot of potential but definitely failed to hit the mark. I did love the love story but it was drawn out way too long. Lots of unnecessary content. A chapter just for queenie? Really??
January 5, 2026
Well done!
First time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Autism was described so realistically and accurately. I teared up a few times. Great book!
First time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Autism was described so realistically and accurately. I teared up a few times. Great book!
January 6, 2026
So good
This book had me in my feels! I absolutely loved this book!!! Viktor and Avelina were so cute!!! I love the way the nuerodivergence is portrayed it was a perfect read!
This book had me in my feels! I absolutely loved this book!!! Viktor and Avelina were so cute!!! I love the way the nuerodivergence is portrayed it was a perfect read!
January 10, 2026
honest review…Spoilers
Pros - I love books that touch on disabilities or just things that make people different. I also like that it touched on FMC’s abuse as a child. The characters were nice enough.
Cons - The book could have been at least 20% shorter, easily, without losing anything necessary for good writing. The author beat the reader over the head with the fact that the MMC wasn’t sure about if he could be a good partner due to his autism. I mean an obscene number of times. I’m aware they’re trying to prove a point with struggles of autism, but after the tenth time, it’s like, we get it already, he can have progress and move past it now. Also, same goes for the number of times the MMC buys specials gifts (or huge gifts) or says special things to the little girl and the FMC stands there watching with a sweet smile on her face (or from FMC’s perspective, she gets all the feels for him). A perfectly appropriate response but still, can we think of some other ways to learn and grow? The chapter from the cat’s perspective - Am I reading a child’s book?
Also, Grifey - are we supposed to just accept that he’s somehow refeeemdd himself from his intimidating and almost abusive behavior toward FMC in the beginning few interactions? Hope a book wasn’t written about him.
Overall, it was an Okay book. It had huge redeeming factors due to touching on an important and oft ignored subject, but it could use a rewrite to take out extraneous details and repeat performances. 3.5 stars.
Pros - I love books that touch on disabilities or just things that make people different. I also like that it touched on FMC’s abuse as a child. The characters were nice enough.
Cons - The book could have been at least 20% shorter, easily, without losing anything necessary for good writing. The author beat the reader over the head with the fact that the MMC wasn’t sure about if he could be a good partner due to his autism. I mean an obscene number of times. I’m aware they’re trying to prove a point with struggles of autism, but after the tenth time, it’s like, we get it already, he can have progress and move past it now. Also, same goes for the number of times the MMC buys specials gifts (or huge gifts) or says special things to the little girl and the FMC stands there watching with a sweet smile on her face (or from FMC’s perspective, she gets all the feels for him). A perfectly appropriate response but still, can we think of some other ways to learn and grow? The chapter from the cat’s perspective - Am I reading a child’s book?
Also, Grifey - are we supposed to just accept that he’s somehow refeeemdd himself from his intimidating and almost abusive behavior toward FMC in the beginning few interactions? Hope a book wasn’t written about him.
Overall, it was an Okay book. It had huge redeeming factors due to touching on an important and oft ignored subject, but it could use a rewrite to take out extraneous details and repeat performances. 3.5 stars.
December 1, 2025
Avelina is just trying to keep her life together while raising two children and dealing with a husband who has given up on being a partner. So when Viktor enters her world, everything shifts. He is a man with a hard exterior and a complicated world but beneath the cold exterior lies a man capable of fierce loyalty and unexpected tenderness. What starts off as protection slowly transforms into something deeper as Viktor steps in to be there for Avelina and her family, becoming the steady force Avelina never had.
Y’all, this book was so heartwarming and feel good that I kept smiling like an idiot through entire chapters. It had that perfect mafia lite vibe where the danger exists yes but the real story lives in the softness and the chaos that comes with building a family out of broken pieces. The characters were such a goofy bunch and the warmth between them made everything feel alive. I loved how naturally they all became a family, almost without realizing it, and that really made my heart squeeze.
“Viktor is my sunshine after a storm.”
Viktor was such an unexpectedly beautiful character. Watching him learn how to be a man for his new family felt SO endearing! He is written with so much care, especially in how his autism and behavioural traits are portrayed. It never felt like a gimmick or disrespectful, Isa did such an amazing job at writing Viktor in such an honest and deeply respectful way. Despite struggling with emotional connection, he still loved fiercely in his own way and stepped up for Avelina and her children with every part of himself. His growth felt so real and sincere. The man had a true heart of gold and I would say that he truly was the soul of this story.
And Avelina was such a sweetheart, the kindest of FMCs and she deserved a lifetime of happiness. Every decision she made came from love, even when she had nothing left to give. Watching her finally receive the love and safety she had been denied for so long, ugh it made me so emotional. She was strong, gentle, patient, and so easy to root for.
Honestly, Isa Oliver’s writing shines here. She is so dynamic with every release, always bringing something fresh while staying true to the emotional core of her stories. She can make you laugh one second, melt the next, and then hit you with a scene so sweet you’re going “awww”. Every book of hers feels a little different in the best way and this one really showed off how talented she is at blending humor and heart.
“You’re great just as you are.”
The side characters added so much charm y’all, I can’t help but give them a shoutout. Grigory’s entire arc made me want to scream in the best way. He learned to be kinder and moments like him bringing Queenie’s toys or the sensitivity training scenes had me gagging because it was happening in the Bratva of all places. The Queenie POV chapter was incredibly endearing and made me so happy and Albert’s moment in the epilogue was just as sweet. All the shenanigans, all the chaos, all the unexpected tenderness reminded me that this book is about broken souls learning how to be a family. It was tender, funny, and full of comfort, which made this such a memorable read. Let’s not forget NOSE BOOPS, ENOUGH SAID! I really had a blast with this book, kudos for Isa bringing her A game as she always does.
Y’all, this book was so heartwarming and feel good that I kept smiling like an idiot through entire chapters. It had that perfect mafia lite vibe where the danger exists yes but the real story lives in the softness and the chaos that comes with building a family out of broken pieces. The characters were such a goofy bunch and the warmth between them made everything feel alive. I loved how naturally they all became a family, almost without realizing it, and that really made my heart squeeze.
“Viktor is my sunshine after a storm.”
Viktor was such an unexpectedly beautiful character. Watching him learn how to be a man for his new family felt SO endearing! He is written with so much care, especially in how his autism and behavioural traits are portrayed. It never felt like a gimmick or disrespectful, Isa did such an amazing job at writing Viktor in such an honest and deeply respectful way. Despite struggling with emotional connection, he still loved fiercely in his own way and stepped up for Avelina and her children with every part of himself. His growth felt so real and sincere. The man had a true heart of gold and I would say that he truly was the soul of this story.
And Avelina was such a sweetheart, the kindest of FMCs and she deserved a lifetime of happiness. Every decision she made came from love, even when she had nothing left to give. Watching her finally receive the love and safety she had been denied for so long, ugh it made me so emotional. She was strong, gentle, patient, and so easy to root for.
Honestly, Isa Oliver’s writing shines here. She is so dynamic with every release, always bringing something fresh while staying true to the emotional core of her stories. She can make you laugh one second, melt the next, and then hit you with a scene so sweet you’re going “awww”. Every book of hers feels a little different in the best way and this one really showed off how talented she is at blending humor and heart.
“You’re great just as you are.”
The side characters added so much charm y’all, I can’t help but give them a shoutout. Grigory’s entire arc made me want to scream in the best way. He learned to be kinder and moments like him bringing Queenie’s toys or the sensitivity training scenes had me gagging because it was happening in the Bratva of all places. The Queenie POV chapter was incredibly endearing and made me so happy and Albert’s moment in the epilogue was just as sweet. All the shenanigans, all the chaos, all the unexpected tenderness reminded me that this book is about broken souls learning how to be a family. It was tender, funny, and full of comfort, which made this such a memorable read. Let’s not forget NOSE BOOPS, ENOUGH SAID! I really had a blast with this book, kudos for Isa bringing her A game as she always does.
December 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Child Abuse
🚩Mental Health
🚩Mention of Past Sexual Assault
🚩Homelessness
Tropes:
💕Neurodivergent/Autistic Main Character
💕MF Romance
💕Forced Proximity
💕Mafia Romance
💕Single Parent
💕Multiple Points of View (including pets)
💕He Falls First
💕Slow Burn
💕Romantic Comedy
💕Touch Her and Die
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
"When we were younger," I say slowly, "did you know that I wasn't like you? You know, because of the way I needed things to be a certain way."
Summary:
FMC and MMC meet when her ex-husband leaves their baby with the MMC. An incident happens and the MMC states that the FMC and her children need to stay with him. During this time, he finds that she understands him in ways most people don't. She calms him in ways he cannot understand.
For most of his life he has been hiding his autism from his chosen family. With the FMC he begins to lean into who he really is. FMC was an orphan who was given away. She was taken to be trained as a figure skater for Russia. She endured much abuse from that but also from her ex-husband.
This relationship evolves slowly and naturally. FMC and MMC are healed in the process by this love--by each other.
Review:
I have read a few books by this author. This is by far the best. It is at it best a romantic comedy on paper. Yes, you have the mafia aspect. You see both the FMC and MMC dealing with past pain and hurts. But then out of nowhere you find yourself chuckling. Whether it is something the daughter says, or a reaction from one of his chosen brothers, maybe something the pets state---you will laugh.
I also loved how autism was given real life in the book. It wasn't just stated that the MMC and her daughter where autistic, but it shows their inner pains and struggles. It was done in a way that helps you relate to them.
The story and the way it is written keeps you engaged. Kudos to the author.
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK📢 https://open.substack.com/pub/mterron...
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https://www.tiktok.com/@bibliodarling...
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Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Child Abuse
🚩Mental Health
🚩Mention of Past Sexual Assault
🚩Homelessness
Tropes:
💕Neurodivergent/Autistic Main Character
💕MF Romance
💕Forced Proximity
💕Mafia Romance
💕Single Parent
💕Multiple Points of View (including pets)
💕He Falls First
💕Slow Burn
💕Romantic Comedy
💕Touch Her and Die
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
"When we were younger," I say slowly, "did you know that I wasn't like you? You know, because of the way I needed things to be a certain way."
Summary:
FMC and MMC meet when her ex-husband leaves their baby with the MMC. An incident happens and the MMC states that the FMC and her children need to stay with him. During this time, he finds that she understands him in ways most people don't. She calms him in ways he cannot understand.
For most of his life he has been hiding his autism from his chosen family. With the FMC he begins to lean into who he really is. FMC was an orphan who was given away. She was taken to be trained as a figure skater for Russia. She endured much abuse from that but also from her ex-husband.
This relationship evolves slowly and naturally. FMC and MMC are healed in the process by this love--by each other.
Review:
I have read a few books by this author. This is by far the best. It is at it best a romantic comedy on paper. Yes, you have the mafia aspect. You see both the FMC and MMC dealing with past pain and hurts. But then out of nowhere you find yourself chuckling. Whether it is something the daughter says, or a reaction from one of his chosen brothers, maybe something the pets state---you will laugh.
I also loved how autism was given real life in the book. It wasn't just stated that the MMC and her daughter where autistic, but it shows their inner pains and struggles. It was done in a way that helps you relate to them.
The story and the way it is written keeps you engaged. Kudos to the author.
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK📢 https://open.substack.com/pub/mterron...
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November 18, 2025
Mafia And Scars by Isa Oliver is book 7 in the Marchiano & Petrov Mafia Romance Series and I can’t express just how good this book was! This is the perfect Mafia Bratva book with so much heart, laughter, emotion, tears and spicy spice! Isa outdid herself writing a beautiful story from the perspective of Viktor, the MMC, is neurodivergent (ASD), and the daughter of Avelina is also. And she did it so thoughtfully and respectively.
Viktor and Avelina come from tragic pasts and are brought together due to her horrible ex-husband leaving her son at Viktor’s home. Their chemistry comes so easily. She has been through a horrible past and has never truly been loved or taken care of. He has always censored himself to hide his autism for fear of people thinking he’s weird. The man that has never been able to take being touched, kissed wants nothing more than to lose himself in her. These two find such peace and acceptance in each other, it's purely raw and beautiful. And the connection when they come together is so beyond hot and spicy, it burns.
“Listen to me,” I say, voice low as I cup her face, thumb brushing her jaw. “I don’t care what anyone else has ever said to you. Because I think you’re stunning and perfection. Every part of you is beautiful. Every curve. Every laughter line. Every mark from childbirth. And even the scars on your shoulder—they don’t make you broken. They make you whole. They’re proof you survived. I want all of you—the quiet, the mess, and the parts you hide. You’re not less because of whatever happened to you. You’re more. I’ll keep you safe, and I’ll stand between you and anyone who tries to harm you ever again.”
“You think those things make you too much? They’re the things I crave. The things that ruin me. You’re not too much—you’re everything. And I want all of you if you’ll let me have it.”
Add in so many amazing side characters, a true found family. Avelina’s children are precious! Sofie finds her home in this beautifully broken man who is like her and to watch him fall to his knees for this little girl will melt you! His Bratva brothers, omg the humor and support they add to this story and the kitten Queenie and dog Albert, they make this the perfect story!
Autism is a HUGE part of this book and it touched me so much how well Isa communicated this and helped me understand even more what it is like in a daily life. This book was so raw, honest, every emotion, I cried multiple times because it just hits your heart deeply! This is my definite favorite of the series now! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Mafia Romance
❤️ Neurodivergent MMC
🖤 Tragic Pasts
❤️ Touch Her and ☠️
🖤 Found Family
Viktor and Avelina come from tragic pasts and are brought together due to her horrible ex-husband leaving her son at Viktor’s home. Their chemistry comes so easily. She has been through a horrible past and has never truly been loved or taken care of. He has always censored himself to hide his autism for fear of people thinking he’s weird. The man that has never been able to take being touched, kissed wants nothing more than to lose himself in her. These two find such peace and acceptance in each other, it's purely raw and beautiful. And the connection when they come together is so beyond hot and spicy, it burns.
“Listen to me,” I say, voice low as I cup her face, thumb brushing her jaw. “I don’t care what anyone else has ever said to you. Because I think you’re stunning and perfection. Every part of you is beautiful. Every curve. Every laughter line. Every mark from childbirth. And even the scars on your shoulder—they don’t make you broken. They make you whole. They’re proof you survived. I want all of you—the quiet, the mess, and the parts you hide. You’re not less because of whatever happened to you. You’re more. I’ll keep you safe, and I’ll stand between you and anyone who tries to harm you ever again.”
“You think those things make you too much? They’re the things I crave. The things that ruin me. You’re not too much—you’re everything. And I want all of you if you’ll let me have it.”
Add in so many amazing side characters, a true found family. Avelina’s children are precious! Sofie finds her home in this beautifully broken man who is like her and to watch him fall to his knees for this little girl will melt you! His Bratva brothers, omg the humor and support they add to this story and the kitten Queenie and dog Albert, they make this the perfect story!
Autism is a HUGE part of this book and it touched me so much how well Isa communicated this and helped me understand even more what it is like in a daily life. This book was so raw, honest, every emotion, I cried multiple times because it just hits your heart deeply! This is my definite favorite of the series now! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Mafia Romance
❤️ Neurodivergent MMC
🖤 Tragic Pasts
❤️ Touch Her and ☠️
🖤 Found Family
December 1, 2025
This book has a little bit of everything that you may be looking for in a mafia romance. There is action, drama, spice, and the typical shenanigans of being part of the Bratva lifestyle. It is book 7 in the Marciano and Petrov Mafia series focusing on Viktor and Avelina, yet it can be read on its own. While not as dark as some mafia romances when pertaining to the Bratva´s actions, there are some dark and troubling experiences for both main characters so beware.
So I’ll be honest. This is not by any means your typical mafia romance, as the MMC is neurodivergent, however the author does a beautiful job of dealing with the reality of someone living with these characteristics. The beginning, especially is amazing as a young Viktor realizes, on his own, that he is ¨different¨from his found family yet able to overcome the obstacles that those differences made while keeping up with his other ¨brothers¨ when they were creating their crew. Victor’s one saving grace that brings him peace is an old video that he constantly rewatches of a figure skater performing. Avelina´s childhood in some ways, was even rougher than Victor’s. Not only does she have to deal with the struggles of being a child athlete but the body image trauma is heart breaking.
Through a twist of fate, these two meet up, not realizing at first what the other will soon mean to them, but their chemistry is very dynamic right from the start. Both are accepting of the other, which is amazing in and of itself, but the way they complement each other is amazing. For Avelina, Viktor is ¨just Viktor¨ and she understands that ¨being different doesn´t mean you’re broken¨ and for Viktor, ¨every part of (Avelina) is beautiful¨ and these are not emotions that you typically see with this genre of romance. Yes, Viktor is a gruff, alpha male that is always in charge, but he is gentle enough to deal with Avelina´s kids, especially young Sofie who also is on the spectrum. And I love how Avelina and her kids are able to bring just the perfect amount of chaos into his neat and orderly life. She is able to emit a sunshine nature (even when it’s not easy to do) to combat Viktor´s grumpy nature.
Now, don’t be afraid. It’s not all strong emotions and tears in this book and the chemistry between the leads is not just companionship. There is definitely heat between Viktor and Avelina. The spice between them is definitely a 4/5 in intensity. There is also a great group of supporting characters in this book and it’s a toss up for me between Victor’s brothers and his grandma on who’s my most favorite (although the cat is also an interesting character too). I received an arc copy of this book from BookSirens for my honest review. All thoughts are my own. 4 stars
So I’ll be honest. This is not by any means your typical mafia romance, as the MMC is neurodivergent, however the author does a beautiful job of dealing with the reality of someone living with these characteristics. The beginning, especially is amazing as a young Viktor realizes, on his own, that he is ¨different¨from his found family yet able to overcome the obstacles that those differences made while keeping up with his other ¨brothers¨ when they were creating their crew. Victor’s one saving grace that brings him peace is an old video that he constantly rewatches of a figure skater performing. Avelina´s childhood in some ways, was even rougher than Victor’s. Not only does she have to deal with the struggles of being a child athlete but the body image trauma is heart breaking.
Through a twist of fate, these two meet up, not realizing at first what the other will soon mean to them, but their chemistry is very dynamic right from the start. Both are accepting of the other, which is amazing in and of itself, but the way they complement each other is amazing. For Avelina, Viktor is ¨just Viktor¨ and she understands that ¨being different doesn´t mean you’re broken¨ and for Viktor, ¨every part of (Avelina) is beautiful¨ and these are not emotions that you typically see with this genre of romance. Yes, Viktor is a gruff, alpha male that is always in charge, but he is gentle enough to deal with Avelina´s kids, especially young Sofie who also is on the spectrum. And I love how Avelina and her kids are able to bring just the perfect amount of chaos into his neat and orderly life. She is able to emit a sunshine nature (even when it’s not easy to do) to combat Viktor´s grumpy nature.
Now, don’t be afraid. It’s not all strong emotions and tears in this book and the chemistry between the leads is not just companionship. There is definitely heat between Viktor and Avelina. The spice between them is definitely a 4/5 in intensity. There is also a great group of supporting characters in this book and it’s a toss up for me between Victor’s brothers and his grandma on who’s my most favorite (although the cat is also an interesting character too). I received an arc copy of this book from BookSirens for my honest review. All thoughts are my own. 4 stars
January 7, 2026
I’m not sure what to say about this book. I didn’t love it. But I also didn’t not like it either. There were parts I found myself bored with and had a hard time staying interested and the more the book went on Avelina really started getting more and more annoying. Her ex husband had me wanting to scratch his eyes out and beat the crap out of him. The way he was with not only Avelina, but also baby Leon was disgusting. And his mother made me even more mad. That woman was vile and I really wish at some point by the end of the book it showed Avelina laying into her and standing up for herself. She was getting on my nerves too with her reaction to seeing how irritated all the guys were with her and her kids being there and having to change their routine for her. If it was me I’d take the hint that I should take my kids and leave. Grigory made it very obvious that he wanted her gone, she heard the other men complaining about her being there. And for her to change Viktor’s spreadsheet system and then think it was cute, right after getting reamed out by Grigory for the kids toys being everywhere had me rolling my damn eyes out of how dense she was.
Now Viktor, I absolutely loved and adored from start to finish. And the bond that formed between him Sofia was beautiful and exactly what each of them needed.
This book did have some very funny and hilarious moments. I had to laugh at the beginning when the guys were debating who was going to change Leon’s diaper. And watching Viktor call the “agency” looking for a nanny and ended up calling a different kind of service agency was downright hilarious. That had me laughing out loud. Then when he finally got the right agency and they asked him what kind of nanny he was looking for and his reply was…
“A woman. Just for today and some of tomorrow. She should, er, have a hat. And an umbrella thing…” “A hat and an umbrella, sir?” Her voice hitches with confusion. I sigh in exasperation. “Yes, an umbrella so that she can fly.”
And watching him interview the prospects was even better. Especially when he told the one she dressed like Winnie the Pooh.
Grigory really surprised me with how quickly he changed his tune with how he felt about the pets Viktor rescued and how he went from livid to completely accepting that the office was turned into a play area for the pets- complete with the correct lighting for ambience. And how he started being more supportive of Viktor and helping him with dating by doing a mock date with Nikolai being Avelina.
All in all this wasn’t bad. Viktor is what it so much enjoyable for me and I loved how his guys supported him with everything and were right there willing to help.
Now Viktor, I absolutely loved and adored from start to finish. And the bond that formed between him Sofia was beautiful and exactly what each of them needed.
This book did have some very funny and hilarious moments. I had to laugh at the beginning when the guys were debating who was going to change Leon’s diaper. And watching Viktor call the “agency” looking for a nanny and ended up calling a different kind of service agency was downright hilarious. That had me laughing out loud. Then when he finally got the right agency and they asked him what kind of nanny he was looking for and his reply was…
“A woman. Just for today and some of tomorrow. She should, er, have a hat. And an umbrella thing…” “A hat and an umbrella, sir?” Her voice hitches with confusion. I sigh in exasperation. “Yes, an umbrella so that she can fly.”
And watching him interview the prospects was even better. Especially when he told the one she dressed like Winnie the Pooh.
Grigory really surprised me with how quickly he changed his tune with how he felt about the pets Viktor rescued and how he went from livid to completely accepting that the office was turned into a play area for the pets- complete with the correct lighting for ambience. And how he started being more supportive of Viktor and helping him with dating by doing a mock date with Nikolai being Avelina.
All in all this wasn’t bad. Viktor is what it so much enjoyable for me and I loved how his guys supported him with everything and were right there willing to help.
January 24, 2026
🖤 “You’re family now, Avelina. And I protect what’s mine.”
~~~
Avelina is incredible! She’s so brave and resilient. And despite all the horrible things she’s been through, she still remains so kind, caring and compassionate. Even more, she’s such an incredible mother to two absolutely wonderful children. Avelina is an amazing woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Viktor! As part of the Bratva, Viktor is one lethal, dangerous and powerful man. He gets things done, keeps everything in order and has very strict routines and systems. But there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his permanently scowly facade is a man with a huge heart. Viktor might think that his autism is something that makes him broken and strange, but it’s one of the reasons he’s absolutely lovable. Even more, he’s caring, considerate and fiercely protects what’s his. Viktor is one incredible man and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Avelina and Viktor! Their worlds collide when Avelina’s ex-husband leaves their little baby boy in the care of the Bratva and the moment Viktor meets the sunshiny woman, his organized, black and white world turns upside down. I adored those two together! Their chemistry was incredible and I loved every moment they spent together! Even more, I loved how understanding, caring and supportive they were of one another and accepted each other exactly as they were. Avelina and Viktor were scarred inside and out, but their jagged pieces fit perfectly together. And when they gave into the undeniable attraction, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I couldn’t get enough! Victor and Avelina were absolutely perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, I loved so many other things about this story! The bond between Viktor and Sofia (Avelina’s daughter) was so precious. I also really liked Matvey, Nikolai and even Grigory. And I adored Babulya - that woman is a loving menace with a wooden spoon! Even more, having the chance to read a chapter from Queenie’s (the cat) point of view melted my heart.
Overall, Mafia and Scars is a spectacular addition to the series filled with danger, action, suspense, twists, humor, colors, glitter, chaos, passion and amazing characters.
I loved it!
~~~
Avelina is incredible! She’s so brave and resilient. And despite all the horrible things she’s been through, she still remains so kind, caring and compassionate. Even more, she’s such an incredible mother to two absolutely wonderful children. Avelina is an amazing woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Viktor! As part of the Bratva, Viktor is one lethal, dangerous and powerful man. He gets things done, keeps everything in order and has very strict routines and systems. But there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his permanently scowly facade is a man with a huge heart. Viktor might think that his autism is something that makes him broken and strange, but it’s one of the reasons he’s absolutely lovable. Even more, he’s caring, considerate and fiercely protects what’s his. Viktor is one incredible man and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Avelina and Viktor! Their worlds collide when Avelina’s ex-husband leaves their little baby boy in the care of the Bratva and the moment Viktor meets the sunshiny woman, his organized, black and white world turns upside down. I adored those two together! Their chemistry was incredible and I loved every moment they spent together! Even more, I loved how understanding, caring and supportive they were of one another and accepted each other exactly as they were. Avelina and Viktor were scarred inside and out, but their jagged pieces fit perfectly together. And when they gave into the undeniable attraction, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I couldn’t get enough! Victor and Avelina were absolutely perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, I loved so many other things about this story! The bond between Viktor and Sofia (Avelina’s daughter) was so precious. I also really liked Matvey, Nikolai and even Grigory. And I adored Babulya - that woman is a loving menace with a wooden spoon! Even more, having the chance to read a chapter from Queenie’s (the cat) point of view melted my heart.
Overall, Mafia and Scars is a spectacular addition to the series filled with danger, action, suspense, twists, humor, colors, glitter, chaos, passion and amazing characters.
I loved it!
December 1, 2025
Although this is book seven in this brilliant mafia series, it shies away a little from the brutal mafia side to a more heart warming, heart wrenching, emotional side, Isa Oliver has written a book that digs deep into your soul.
Avelina Nosova had been a Russian child athlete, brutally abused both physically and mentally to succeed ,leaving her broken, with acute body image issues. Her life didn't get any better when she grew up, married and divorced her ex military husband leaving her with two young children to raise on her own.
Viktor Kozlov's childhood in Russia had been bleak, but along with his childhood friends, Grigory, Matvey and Nikolai, he was now part of the Russian Petrov bratva in Las Vegas.
From a young age, Viktor knew that he was different from his "brothers", he didn't like being touched, he couldn't keep eye contact, he was obsessed with order but he had to keep this from his brothers, they couldn't know.........or could they? When Victor became stressed he found his peaceful place by watching an old video of a beautiful ice skater as she glided gracefully across the ice, he could loose himself in the music and her movements.
When, under awkward circumstances, Avelina met Viktor, there was an attraction which Viktor fought against, Avelina deserved someone who could love her, he couldn't even touch her.
What I like about this story........everything,
I love that Avelina's six year old daughter, Sofia, also autistic, and Viktor, recognised that they were both "different" and how the ruthless bratva man bent over backwards to help Sofia understand and come to terms with it, at the same time, helping himself.
How the brothers eventually came to accept the noise, the disruption, the toys and the glitter that accompanied two young children, not forgetting the pampered pets, Queenie the kitten and Albert the dog.
How Viktor found ways, within the scope of his spectrum, to show Avelina love, to make her feel special.
How the author has addressed the autism spectrum with knowledge and sensitivity, this book will have you laughing it will have you crying but mostly, it will leave you with an understanding of autism that you probably didn't have.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Avelina Nosova had been a Russian child athlete, brutally abused both physically and mentally to succeed ,leaving her broken, with acute body image issues. Her life didn't get any better when she grew up, married and divorced her ex military husband leaving her with two young children to raise on her own.
Viktor Kozlov's childhood in Russia had been bleak, but along with his childhood friends, Grigory, Matvey and Nikolai, he was now part of the Russian Petrov bratva in Las Vegas.
From a young age, Viktor knew that he was different from his "brothers", he didn't like being touched, he couldn't keep eye contact, he was obsessed with order but he had to keep this from his brothers, they couldn't know.........or could they? When Victor became stressed he found his peaceful place by watching an old video of a beautiful ice skater as she glided gracefully across the ice, he could loose himself in the music and her movements.
When, under awkward circumstances, Avelina met Viktor, there was an attraction which Viktor fought against, Avelina deserved someone who could love her, he couldn't even touch her.
What I like about this story........everything,
I love that Avelina's six year old daughter, Sofia, also autistic, and Viktor, recognised that they were both "different" and how the ruthless bratva man bent over backwards to help Sofia understand and come to terms with it, at the same time, helping himself.
How the brothers eventually came to accept the noise, the disruption, the toys and the glitter that accompanied two young children, not forgetting the pampered pets, Queenie the kitten and Albert the dog.
How Viktor found ways, within the scope of his spectrum, to show Avelina love, to make her feel special.
How the author has addressed the autism spectrum with knowledge and sensitivity, this book will have you laughing it will have you crying but mostly, it will leave you with an understanding of autism that you probably didn't have.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
January 7, 2026
ARC Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mafia and Scars is an emotionally driven Bratva romance that balances darkness with tenderness, focusing on healing, connection, and the quiet ways people learn they are worthy of love.
At the center of the story is Viktor, a neurodivergent hero whose experiences are portrayed with care, nuance, and respect. Isa Oliver does an excellent job showing autism as a spectrum, avoiding stereotypes and instead highlighting how it shapes the way Viktor navigates relationships, communication, and trust. The representation felt authentic and meaningful, adding real depth to his character rather than being treated as a defining label.
Avelina is equally compelling—a heroine trying to move forward from a traumatic past while keeping her emotional walls firmly in place. When Viktor and Avelina are brought together through forced proximity and the unexpected responsibility of caring for an abandoned baby, their connection develops slowly and naturally. This isn’t an instant-love story; it’s one built on shared vulnerability, quiet moments, and learning how to rely on someone else.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic works especially well here, grounded in understanding rather than contrast for contrast’s sake. Both Viktor and Avelina carry deep emotional wounds and struggle with feelings of unworthiness, which makes their journey toward trust and love feel earned and emotionally satisfying.
One of the standout elements of the book is the found family dynamic, particularly Viktor’s relationship with his brothers. Their banter brings humor and warmth to the story, balancing the heavier themes and adding genuine heart.
Mafia and Scars is ultimately a story about healing, patience, and learning that scars—both visible and invisible—don’t disqualify someone from love or happiness. With a solid HEA, no cheating, and thoughtful emotional development, this standalone is a strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romances with depth beneath the grit.
Tropes & Themes:
Bratva romance • Neurodivergent hero • Disability representation • Found family • Grumpy/sunshine • Forced proximity
Mafia and Scars is an emotionally driven Bratva romance that balances darkness with tenderness, focusing on healing, connection, and the quiet ways people learn they are worthy of love.
At the center of the story is Viktor, a neurodivergent hero whose experiences are portrayed with care, nuance, and respect. Isa Oliver does an excellent job showing autism as a spectrum, avoiding stereotypes and instead highlighting how it shapes the way Viktor navigates relationships, communication, and trust. The representation felt authentic and meaningful, adding real depth to his character rather than being treated as a defining label.
Avelina is equally compelling—a heroine trying to move forward from a traumatic past while keeping her emotional walls firmly in place. When Viktor and Avelina are brought together through forced proximity and the unexpected responsibility of caring for an abandoned baby, their connection develops slowly and naturally. This isn’t an instant-love story; it’s one built on shared vulnerability, quiet moments, and learning how to rely on someone else.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic works especially well here, grounded in understanding rather than contrast for contrast’s sake. Both Viktor and Avelina carry deep emotional wounds and struggle with feelings of unworthiness, which makes their journey toward trust and love feel earned and emotionally satisfying.
One of the standout elements of the book is the found family dynamic, particularly Viktor’s relationship with his brothers. Their banter brings humor and warmth to the story, balancing the heavier themes and adding genuine heart.
Mafia and Scars is ultimately a story about healing, patience, and learning that scars—both visible and invisible—don’t disqualify someone from love or happiness. With a solid HEA, no cheating, and thoughtful emotional development, this standalone is a strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romances with depth beneath the grit.
Tropes & Themes:
Bratva romance • Neurodivergent hero • Disability representation • Found family • Grumpy/sunshine • Forced proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
I've read all of Isa's books and have loved each and every one of them but this book tops them all. Having a daughter and son-in-law both on the autism spectrum made this book special for me. What warms me the most is the care and research Isa has done on this subject and it shows in how she portrays both the Viktor and Avelina's little girl Sophia.
Viktor and Avelina have had hard lives so far, Viktor having lived on the streets since being a young boy who luckily found a band of 'brothers' but from whom he nonetheless hides being neurodivergent and autistic. Avelina has had a brutal upbringing, starting out at the orphanage and then handed over to cruel people to endure a hard training as an ice skater. And while she suffered so much under all the terror of the training, ice skating is the one thing where she feels free. She's never been loved or taken care of and is determined to give both her children the love they deserve.
Both get thrown together when Avelina's ex-husband dumps her baby-son Leon at Viktor's compound and leaves him behind while she's in Russia with her daughter Sophia for a short job. Their first meet isn't going well even though both feel drawn to the other. When Viktor finds out how hard Avelina is struggling he offers her a place to stay at their home and bit by bit they open up to each other.
While this is essentially a mafia story, it's emphasis lies on the romance part and the growing feeling between the MC's. I loved seeing Viktor go from someone who hates to be touched to carefully snuggling up with Avelina. The bond between Viktor and Sophia was so sweet, each showing how they cared through nose boops. And while the book was on the serious side, Isa also gave us some hilarious moments. Just thinking about the guys playing the dating game still has me giggling out loud.
All in all this was another great story in a series I love to bits and I can't wait for who's gonna be next to have his happy ending.
**ARC kindly received from the author. I'm leaving a voluntary review.**
Viktor and Avelina have had hard lives so far, Viktor having lived on the streets since being a young boy who luckily found a band of 'brothers' but from whom he nonetheless hides being neurodivergent and autistic. Avelina has had a brutal upbringing, starting out at the orphanage and then handed over to cruel people to endure a hard training as an ice skater. And while she suffered so much under all the terror of the training, ice skating is the one thing where she feels free. She's never been loved or taken care of and is determined to give both her children the love they deserve.
Both get thrown together when Avelina's ex-husband dumps her baby-son Leon at Viktor's compound and leaves him behind while she's in Russia with her daughter Sophia for a short job. Their first meet isn't going well even though both feel drawn to the other. When Viktor finds out how hard Avelina is struggling he offers her a place to stay at their home and bit by bit they open up to each other.
While this is essentially a mafia story, it's emphasis lies on the romance part and the growing feeling between the MC's. I loved seeing Viktor go from someone who hates to be touched to carefully snuggling up with Avelina. The bond between Viktor and Sophia was so sweet, each showing how they cared through nose boops. And while the book was on the serious side, Isa also gave us some hilarious moments. Just thinking about the guys playing the dating game still has me giggling out loud.
All in all this was another great story in a series I love to bits and I can't wait for who's gonna be next to have his happy ending.
**ARC kindly received from the author. I'm leaving a voluntary review.**
January 20, 2026
Full disclaimer that this is not a mafia book. I love mafia and read more than the average person of it. This definitely found family and grumpy/sunshine but has zero mafia stuff going on. Sure they men are russian and they call their house the "kremlin" and have guns and gaurds, but there is nothing else mafia about it.
But it was a good story. I'm a sucker for a good relationship story where there is also bonding with the kids of a single mom so I was sold. Plus toss in some cute pets and we are good.
I had two issues with the book.
1. The MMC (Viktor) was honestly great and I had no issues with him. But him having autism was his number 1 personality trait. Absolutely nothing about his likes/dislikes or feelings were talked about without bringing it back to his autism. Ever action he did was about his autism. And I love a good neurodivergent MMC but this was his only personality trait talked about in the book.
2. There was a scene were the "pakhan" (used loosely because again - not mafia) was yelling at the FMC because she had brought kids toys into the office. It was about 3 pages of him berrating her and it felt like every child reference possible was used.
Examples:
"Bringing in your little crayons and baby crap and turning this place into a f** kindergarten"
"You thought you'd bring fairy princess energy in here?"
"Planning storytime next?"
"Naps and sticky snack times between missions?"
"Looks like a kindergartener threw up a *** glitter nightmare."
"We are moving high value equipment, not legos"
"taking naps on paw patrol mats"
But overall the story was actually pretty good. A little sappy at times, especially being labeled anything mafia related. But Viktor was perfect so 4 stars.
But it was a good story. I'm a sucker for a good relationship story where there is also bonding with the kids of a single mom so I was sold. Plus toss in some cute pets and we are good.
I had two issues with the book.
1. The MMC (Viktor) was honestly great and I had no issues with him. But him having autism was his number 1 personality trait. Absolutely nothing about his likes/dislikes or feelings were talked about without bringing it back to his autism. Ever action he did was about his autism. And I love a good neurodivergent MMC but this was his only personality trait talked about in the book.
2. There was a scene were the "pakhan" (used loosely because again - not mafia) was yelling at the FMC because she had brought kids toys into the office. It was about 3 pages of him berrating her and it felt like every child reference possible was used.
Examples:
"Bringing in your little crayons and baby crap and turning this place into a f** kindergarten"
"You thought you'd bring fairy princess energy in here?"
"Planning storytime next?"
"Naps and sticky snack times between missions?"
"Looks like a kindergartener threw up a *** glitter nightmare."
"We are moving high value equipment, not legos"
"taking naps on paw patrol mats"
But overall the story was actually pretty good. A little sappy at times, especially being labeled anything mafia related. But Viktor was perfect so 4 stars.
November 9, 2025
Viktor has a rough go of it as a child. Him and several friends struggle daily. These kids go through hades in their fight to survive and Viktor being "different" makes his struggle more intense for fear of being found out.
"Before I met you, I didn’t think or dream in color. But now, colors show up in my mind without warning.”
Avelina has her own struggles and difficulties as a child and growing up some of those struggles only magnified.
"Being small and broken only invites more pain. It’s better to be bright enough to blind those around me."
Together these two fill holes within each other's lives and make each other complete in ways only they could do.
"Maybe color is just…your mind and subconscious catching up to your heart.”
This story is very intense, very emotional, raw and dramatic. These characters are all broken in some way due to life circumstances and then add in other things make for rather complicated lives for them. But, they work together beautifully. They help heal each and create a found family that they all desperately need. This story is absolutely fantastic. It does have elements that may be sensitive to some readers so make sure you check trigger warnings before you start reading. That aside, I 100% recommend Mafia And Scars.
"No one feels love at full force every second. It’s not about keeping it at a ten out of ten. It’s about having a thread that runs through everything, even when it’s quiet.”
"Before I met you, I didn’t think or dream in color. But now, colors show up in my mind without warning.”
Avelina has her own struggles and difficulties as a child and growing up some of those struggles only magnified.
"Being small and broken only invites more pain. It’s better to be bright enough to blind those around me."
Together these two fill holes within each other's lives and make each other complete in ways only they could do.
"Maybe color is just…your mind and subconscious catching up to your heart.”
This story is very intense, very emotional, raw and dramatic. These characters are all broken in some way due to life circumstances and then add in other things make for rather complicated lives for them. But, they work together beautifully. They help heal each and create a found family that they all desperately need. This story is absolutely fantastic. It does have elements that may be sensitive to some readers so make sure you check trigger warnings before you start reading. That aside, I 100% recommend Mafia And Scars.
"No one feels love at full force every second. It’s not about keeping it at a ten out of ten. It’s about having a thread that runs through everything, even when it’s quiet.”
December 1, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! From beginning to end, I loved the connection between Viktor and Avelina. Avelina’s past albeit gut wrenching and brutal was wrote in a beautiful and sensitive manner. The mention of autism was touched on in a remarkable way as well. The plotline and emotion poured into this book was at an all time high.
Viktor’s story was so emotional and heartbreaking. His battle with autism was tender, vulnerable, and beautiful. The color spectrum at the end of the book was my absolute favorite. His battle with falling in love with Avelina was beautifully wrote and packed full of emotions. Viktor was so down bad for Avelina and her children that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him and their story. He went to the ends of the world to ensure that Avelina and her children were safe even if it meant from him. The strength and love in their relationship perserved no matter what.
Avelina is a force to be reckoned with. Coming from a harsh background, she’s strong, unafraid, and willing to do anything to protect her children. The instant connection between her and Viktor could be felt through the page. I adored their relationship as there was never a time in which she doubted their love. Avelina loved with the same intensity and fierceness as Viktor. Her caring and tender personality created a home and a safe space for Viktor. The ending was my favorite as they found a life with each other full of love and promise
Viktor’s story was so emotional and heartbreaking. His battle with autism was tender, vulnerable, and beautiful. The color spectrum at the end of the book was my absolute favorite. His battle with falling in love with Avelina was beautifully wrote and packed full of emotions. Viktor was so down bad for Avelina and her children that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him and their story. He went to the ends of the world to ensure that Avelina and her children were safe even if it meant from him. The strength and love in their relationship perserved no matter what.
Avelina is a force to be reckoned with. Coming from a harsh background, she’s strong, unafraid, and willing to do anything to protect her children. The instant connection between her and Viktor could be felt through the page. I adored their relationship as there was never a time in which she doubted their love. Avelina loved with the same intensity and fierceness as Viktor. Her caring and tender personality created a home and a safe space for Viktor. The ending was my favorite as they found a life with each other full of love and promise
January 21, 2026
I loved it, 100%. I rarely see people write characters with Autism so it was refreshing to be able to connect with Viktor on a new level. It made me feel seen. There are a lot of things I do that help me keep sane that people look at me weird for so it was nice to have some reassurance that not everyone thinks the same!
I adore the relationship that builds between Viktor and Avelina. Two ‘broken’ people coming together and finding peace in each other is my JAM. I also love a good mafia story. I personally like a bit more gore and violence in my mafia books (not towards the love interest, towards horrible people that deserve it (: ) but this still worked for me. Sofia and Leon are fucking adorable and I love that Viktor found ways to connect with them instead of ignoring them like their sperm donor did.
The change that Viktor feels around Avelina felt a bit unrealistic which irritated me a bit. That type of trust and comfortability (coming from personal experience) tends to take longer to grow than it did here. I can understand that this IS fiction and we don’t have all the time in the world to slowly show that trust building so it being rushed doesn’t annoy me to the point the book is unreadable. There were a lot of time jumps too which can make the book feel rushed in some areas so look out for that.
Overall, I enjoyed myself very much reading this and look forward to reading more from Isa Oliver!
I adore the relationship that builds between Viktor and Avelina. Two ‘broken’ people coming together and finding peace in each other is my JAM. I also love a good mafia story. I personally like a bit more gore and violence in my mafia books (not towards the love interest, towards horrible people that deserve it (: ) but this still worked for me. Sofia and Leon are fucking adorable and I love that Viktor found ways to connect with them instead of ignoring them like their sperm donor did.
The change that Viktor feels around Avelina felt a bit unrealistic which irritated me a bit. That type of trust and comfortability (coming from personal experience) tends to take longer to grow than it did here. I can understand that this IS fiction and we don’t have all the time in the world to slowly show that trust building so it being rushed doesn’t annoy me to the point the book is unreadable. There were a lot of time jumps too which can make the book feel rushed in some areas so look out for that.
Overall, I enjoyed myself very much reading this and look forward to reading more from Isa Oliver!
February 5, 2026
Bratva boss & Single Mom
Viktor and Avelina each survived brutal childhoods in Russia - Viktor on the streets of Moscow and Avelina in an abusive government training camp for skaters. Both have landed in Las Vegas as adults. He's an underboss in the Bratva and she's a single mom trying to support her two young children as an ice skating coach. They meet when her ex abandons her baby son with Viktor.
This book is differentiated from other Mafia romances by its characters. Viktor is autistic; he's hypersensitive to sounds, avoids physical touch and struggles with emotion. He's grumpy and reacts with anger to people who are too loud or violate his boundaries. After being starved, disparaged and beaten in the Russian facility, Avelina has actively chosen joy to rebel against the darkness. She's fiercely protective of her son and daughter and determined that they will have a safe and happy life. While this pair is as different as can be, they complement each other. He makes her feel seen and safe and she listens to him, accepts him as he is and gives him hope. There's a lot of attraction.
There's suspense with threats from the past resurfacing and rivals trying to poach the Bratva's business.
There are sweet moments as Viktor bonds with Avelina's daughter who is also neuro divergent and adopts a stray cat and dog.
At almost 500 pages, the book was a little too long and the last 20% dragged at times. That's why it's 4 versus 5 stars.
Viktor and Avelina each survived brutal childhoods in Russia - Viktor on the streets of Moscow and Avelina in an abusive government training camp for skaters. Both have landed in Las Vegas as adults. He's an underboss in the Bratva and she's a single mom trying to support her two young children as an ice skating coach. They meet when her ex abandons her baby son with Viktor.
This book is differentiated from other Mafia romances by its characters. Viktor is autistic; he's hypersensitive to sounds, avoids physical touch and struggles with emotion. He's grumpy and reacts with anger to people who are too loud or violate his boundaries. After being starved, disparaged and beaten in the Russian facility, Avelina has actively chosen joy to rebel against the darkness. She's fiercely protective of her son and daughter and determined that they will have a safe and happy life. While this pair is as different as can be, they complement each other. He makes her feel seen and safe and she listens to him, accepts him as he is and gives him hope. There's a lot of attraction.
There's suspense with threats from the past resurfacing and rivals trying to poach the Bratva's business.
There are sweet moments as Viktor bonds with Avelina's daughter who is also neuro divergent and adopts a stray cat and dog.
At almost 500 pages, the book was a little too long and the last 20% dragged at times. That's why it's 4 versus 5 stars.
January 17, 2026
I’ll be honest, I wrestled with how to rate this book. I’m giving it 4 stars because ultimately the story itself, and what it represented for me personally, was beautiful. But with that said, there are a bunch of small issues in this that an editor should have caught (I’m not sure if this had an editor).
There are multiple instances where something is said or done and then chapters later it is said/done again and noted to be the first time ever (example without plot spoiler: in one scene MMC walks in cradling a cat in his hand, and then later picks up the cat and it’s noted he’s never managed to pick the cat up before).
Regardless of some of the flaws with the execution of the writing itself, I 100% love the fact that there are 2 autistic characters - the adult MMC and a young female child. The autistic rep in this book was done very well, even if some of the scenes I was thinking ‘yeah there’s no way that would happen like that with how this character’s autism has been shown up to now’.
As an autistic adult myself, I am all too familiar with the constant wondering of whether I’m “enough” in my relationship and the worry that I won’t be able to measure up to expectations because of how my brain is wired. Also, the descriptions of sensory processing disorder and how loud sounds, colors etc can be so overwhelmingly…yeah I felt that in my soul.
There are multiple instances where something is said or done and then chapters later it is said/done again and noted to be the first time ever (example without plot spoiler: in one scene MMC walks in cradling a cat in his hand, and then later picks up the cat and it’s noted he’s never managed to pick the cat up before).
Regardless of some of the flaws with the execution of the writing itself, I 100% love the fact that there are 2 autistic characters - the adult MMC and a young female child. The autistic rep in this book was done very well, even if some of the scenes I was thinking ‘yeah there’s no way that would happen like that with how this character’s autism has been shown up to now’.
As an autistic adult myself, I am all too familiar with the constant wondering of whether I’m “enough” in my relationship and the worry that I won’t be able to measure up to expectations because of how my brain is wired. Also, the descriptions of sensory processing disorder and how loud sounds, colors etc can be so overwhelmingly…yeah I felt that in my soul.
February 1, 2026
Sometimes a little slow, but wonderful and excellent.
Multiple first person pov, mostly Vegas, US, but some LA, US, and Moscow, Russia. HEA, and 1-2 peppers spice, no real kink, but plenty of triggers, please check the list if needed. A broken Russian figure skater quits at 18 and moves to the US to make a new life, only to end up with a ab*sive husband who leaves her after they have 2 kids. While she is on a work trip with her 5 year old daughter, her ex dumps the 9 month old baby with a guy who once saved his life. This guy, Viktor turns out to be Bratva, and Avelina falls for him, only to start to think that he might cause the same danger to her and the kids as her ex, who was a mafia mercenary, effectively. Viktor and the 5 year old daughter both have autism, which is a big part of the story, and Viktor thought he had hidden it from his friends/brothers his whole life. Together they discover that the world is not as they thought it would be, and that being yourself is and should be sufficient for anybody. There were definitely some slow parts of the story, though that did totally fit with the storyline. The way autism was not treated as being broken, just different was very cool to see in a book, and while not a quick read, I would totally suggest it to anyone who might be looking for a better than plain and simple romance story.
Multiple first person pov, mostly Vegas, US, but some LA, US, and Moscow, Russia. HEA, and 1-2 peppers spice, no real kink, but plenty of triggers, please check the list if needed. A broken Russian figure skater quits at 18 and moves to the US to make a new life, only to end up with a ab*sive husband who leaves her after they have 2 kids. While she is on a work trip with her 5 year old daughter, her ex dumps the 9 month old baby with a guy who once saved his life. This guy, Viktor turns out to be Bratva, and Avelina falls for him, only to start to think that he might cause the same danger to her and the kids as her ex, who was a mafia mercenary, effectively. Viktor and the 5 year old daughter both have autism, which is a big part of the story, and Viktor thought he had hidden it from his friends/brothers his whole life. Together they discover that the world is not as they thought it would be, and that being yourself is and should be sufficient for anybody. There were definitely some slow parts of the story, though that did totally fit with the storyline. The way autism was not treated as being broken, just different was very cool to see in a book, and while not a quick read, I would totally suggest it to anyone who might be looking for a better than plain and simple romance story.
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