Lord Of Vengeance: a dark mafia enemies to lovers romance

by Lia Kardin

They call him the devil in Prada, chaos in tailored skin. A ghost prowling the streets of California with vengeance and mayhem in his veins. Rodion doesn’t make mistakes, and when he hunts, he doesn’t miss. When his trail leads to Alessia Romero, he doesn’t hesitate to strike.

Alessia knows how to charm with a smile and the perfect cup of coffee. She upgrades her boyfriends like seasonal wardrobes and believes she’s finally got her life figured out.

Her latest boyfriend comes with a deadly price. One moment, she is living her ordinary life; the next, she is kidnapped and dragged into Rodion’s world. A place where silence is punished and loyalty is tested in blood.

Rodion wants answers she doesn’t have, and mercy isn’t in his vocabulary. But in the depths of this violent new world, Alessia uncovers something no one was meant to a secret that could bring Rodion to his knees. And it might be her only way out of this hell.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

I'm a passionate writer of dark, emotional romance stories. I love creating stories filled with danger and desires. When I'm not lost admiring my characters, I'm plotting my next heart-racing twist or writing a heroine who dares to challenge a ruthless man.

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
This story is a dark, enemies to lovers, with action and lots of suspence that doesn't leave you on hold for long as there are a lot of things going on. I'm not usually into that much of action into a book and it felt a little overwhelming in the beginning as well as later in the as it progressed because there was too much going on. Also I'm not really sure how to explain but it felt like fast paced and slow burn at the same time. Does it make sense? No it doesn't and I can't justify it.
Though I'm not really triggerd by many things be sure to check your trigger warnings first hand before you dive in as there a lot in there.
Also I'm not really bothered to commit with long books this one was captivating and hold my interest till the end.
I liked their connection but I would like a little bit character built before getting entangled. I laughed at their initial meeting and though I disliked Rodion after that, I became a fan of his later on.
The side characters had their piece too. I really really would love to read Matvet and Carino's story next in line.

[anna rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful to be an ARC reader for this story! The characters are incredibly compelling, and the tension kept me hooked from start to finish. I especially loved the depth of the FMC—her growth and resilience really stood out. The pacing was perfect, and the emotional stakes hit hard. I can’t wait for everyone else to experience this—it’s going to be such a memorable read!


Rodion (MMC )Honestly, I just want to hug him through the pages—intense, complicated, and i just love him .
Alessia (FMC ) Magnetic and daring, i was cheering her on all the way .

i adore them both their past and present wasn’t easy but they face it together ❤️‍🩹

tropes 🔥🔥🔥🔥
dark romance/ revenge
enemies to lovers 🖤
dark past
Intense Chemistry🥵
redemption/ healing
V heroine

[Sanix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read. Alessia’s and Rodion's vibe is just something else. The story how they go from hating each other to loving? Chef's kiss. Even I went from hating Rodion to loving him. What can I say, he just so charming in his own way and I'm just a girl. 😩❤️‍🔥
Alessia’s pain and desire for happines, and Rodion's desperation and the desire for revange feels like your own. You can feel the way they change each other slowly, how they desire each other and how they can't live without the other at the end. It's like they are each others oxygen.
Lia you have done a great job and I can't and never will stop saying this. You are amazing! I will never forget the first ever time I got to read their story and every time I read it again it feels like I'm reading it for the first time again despite that I've read it a hundred times already. I don’t have the words to describe this book, it's just perfect and a lot more. The dedication literally describes the book, its so fitting, I love it.🤌😩❤️
I love that this book is different from other Mafia books. This one stands out, it's not almost the same story as others have, which makes me love it even more. And all the emotions in the book, I can't, it's perfect.
This books has made me angry, happy, excited, worried, actually practically all the emotions there is this book has made me feel. I've wanted to throw my phone and kill some characters myself while reading and at the next time I'm giggling and kicking my feet in the air and then I cried because it ended.
Their story is and forever will be special to me because this book has brought me to meet (digitaly but still but I hope to meet her one day in real life) this amazing author, that I want to say has become my friend, and every time we message I'm fangirling so hard because what do you mean I'm talking with the woman who has amazing work and a way with words. I still can't belive it and I want an autograph🙈🤭
Lia, never give up, don't listen to haters and don't take in mind the negative comments if you ever get some. They would be fake anyway🤷🏻‍♀️ You put so much time and effort in every book you write that only a few people know, it wasn't an easy journey but you made it and I'm so proud of you. I will always be your #1 fan and dare others tell me otherwise. I already can't wait to see what you have in mind (which I love by the way) next and what you will give us.❤️

And remeber that at least flower emojis are nonsense🤭 (IYKYK but read the book and you'll understand)

What are you doing reading this review? Better go and read this amazing book before dropping 5 stars and a good review yourself, you won't regret it😍

[Jeralyz Claudio De Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could scream because this book had me spiraling in the BEST way possible. Lia Kardin really said, “let me snatch your breath, your sanity, and your expectations,” and she DID. This story had me overthinking, gasping, and clutching the pages because I did not see half of these twists coming.

And Rodion?
RODION.
Listen… I fell HARD. He walks around like this cold, untouchable force of nature but inside he is soft, loyal, and the sweetest kind of dangerous. That man is a whole experience — and Alessia felt it too. Honestly? I would’ve made the same choices she did for the man I love… especially if that man was Rodion.

The tension? Immaculate.
The plot twist? I was not prepared.
The emotions? Had me pacing like it was my business.

If you want a book that keeps you guessing, keeps you breathing heavy, and keeps you falling in love with a man who shouldn’t be soft but absolutely is — this one is IT.

[Alkida Byberi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered this gem on Wattpad, and from the very first chapter, I knew it was something special. The story pulled me in with its vivid characters and emotional depth. Every chapter left me wanting more. Now, seeing this story make the leap from Wattpad to official publication feels like witnessing a dream come true for the author and us readers who followed the journey from the start. This book deserves every bit of recognition it’s getting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new reader, prepare to laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

[Janvi Kumari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read a few chapters and i already read it twice its so good and worth your time , I highly recommend it . The relation between Rodion and Alessia is so tense ,that i want to read it for the third time .I appreciate the hardwork of the author and i truly loved it!💕💕

[KEEKZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ I don’t want you in my life, you are my life”

Let me tell you, I’m not gonna lie I really thought it will be like every other book I’ve read but I was wrong. This book went above and beyond my expectations.

Everything about this was so good and well written. We have enemies to lovers, dark mafia romance, forced proximity, slow burn, morally gray, Some spicy spice🥵 and many more.

Anywayyy I loved the story, the action, the little twists that I was not expecting and the dynamic between Rodion and Alessia. Watching them go from literally enemies to lovers, you really get to see them grow into themselves but also together (if that makes sense🤔). You can see the way they slowly start to change each other and the intense connection between them. I would love to read more of them and more of Matvet and Carina. My favourite is definitely Artur 🥰 (when Alessia thought Rodion’s name was Artur🤭 love it) But I 100% recommend this book, I loved it soooo much. It is definitely one of my favourites now, thank you for writing an amazing and wonderful book.

[🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Bratva Lords series: Rodion and Alessia. This is a captor x captive, innocent FMC, morally grey MMC, age gap, kidnapping, forced proximity,
enemies to lovers, slow burn, secrets and betrayals, dark mafia romance.
This book had all my favorite tropes and sucked me in from the beginning.
Rodion is one of the coldest MMC’s I’ve ever read and yet you still feel pulled to try and understand him. He started off hating Alessia but he soon felt the draw to her. The “push/pull” attitude towards her gave Alessia whiplash but she started to develop feelings back. This book gave me beauty and the beast vibes. A lot of tension and the slow burn and how distant Rodion was but always had his eye on Alessia, even when she didn’t notice.
It was a really interesting read with an intricate plot and character dynamics. Alessia could be a little too naive but I still liked her character and could really see how Rodion and her fit together so well.
I definitely recommend this book.

[Redcurlsangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review, thx Lia Kardin

Lia Kardin is a new to me author, and she took me on an action-packed emotional rollercoaster.
Lord of Vengeance is the first book in the "Bratva Lords" series.
The main characters are Alessia and Rodion. Although I was initially skeptical and it took me a few chapters to get into the story, this is now one of my favorite books. A little gem, just like Alessia's nickname.
The storyline beautifully portrays the developing romance between Alessia and Rodion.
I've rarely read such a transformation from enemies to lovers. Unique and surprising. Surprising because the plot twists are so gripping and lead to a kind of whiplash 🤪
And the storyline also includes a dog, Artur, and I don't think I'm giving too much away if I say that Artur survives.
Many side characters are lovingly portrayed and leave you hoping to learn more about them in future books.
I will definitely reread this book and highly recommend it.
I really would love to read Matvet and Carina's story.
There is one criticism, though: the text messages shown are far too small! There are definitely other ways to do this.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3/5

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 little gem stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 slow-burn 🌶

Rollercoaster de emoții, secrete, minciuni, trădări si multe,multe faze in care l-as fi plesnit pe Rodion.
Happy-end garantat!🦋

[Namami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found @liakardin on Wattpad several months ago where I first read her book called midnight mafiaso on Wattpad. And the moment I started reading her books i fell in love with her writings. The poetic description of situations that I read in her books were it for me. To expect such writing on Wattpad is it self a gem without it getting reported. After reading about dimitri i wanted to know about rodion and since she was soon going to publish this book kept only a few chapters.

This might be a spoiler, but as the books started and I read about every hell of a treatment that Alessia recieved had me in tears (this was on Wattpad). After reading it there my curiosity was just at a peak everytime with me abruptly at any point of day thinking about what happens to Rodion and alessia going further.

I recieved this book in arc and that was one of the happiest moments of my life. After reading this book I would rate it a honest 4.75 ratings. While reading this books I had many moments of
Why the hell are they behaving with her like that, she doesn't deserve this 😭😭.
Rodions comebacks and unpredictable answers were best.
Whenever there was a plot twist I had to keep my phone down and stare at the wall and be like wtf i did not see that coming.
But going on I feel is that while reading lord of vengeance and the mafia and his golden girls months back has me thinking that the changes that the author made in this book are good I agree that, but its toned down the emotions a bit. And that is where its lacking.
But at the end of it all I would just say....,"ohh to have a man like lia kardin's male leads"....🤌🤌💅💅😭😭🤗🤗🤗

[Maramartha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers? Check.
Forced proximity? Check.
Slow burn? Check.
Morally grey? Oh boy, check! check! check!

Favourite quotes…

🧎(When he surrenders: "She wasn't supposed to mean anything, Still, I held myself back and gave her the power”)

♥️(His way of confessing: "I don't want you in my life. You are my life.”)

🙂‍↕️(When he vows: "I will keep you.” That wasn't a threat or a deal, it was a vow.)


If you want a book that doesn't sugarcoat anything, Lord Of Vengeance is exactly that. Rodion proves it from the start. He does not bother to act charming or soften who he is, and I genuinely disliked him for it at first. But beneath all that hardness, there is a softer side he never hides as well as he thinks.

I love a story with real plot strength. The twists here caught me off guard every time. At one point I found myself trusting no one except Rodion and Alessia.

Speaking of Alessia, sweetheart, she goes through everything and still stands strong. She might come across as naive and innocent, but she is strong and it shows in every chapter.

The leads work together so well. I still do not know how I ended up loving Rodion and rooting for him. A broken mafia boss is always a bonus. I wanted to hate him, then suddenly I felt bad for him, which made the story even better.

I would recommend this book. Just be ready for the triggers. They are not thrown in for decoration, and you should go in prepared.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

​🖤 All-Consuming Perfection: A Dark Mafia Romance Review 🖤
​This book is a phenomenal dark mafia, enemies-to-lovers romance that completely exceeded my expectations. Featuring forced proximity and a wonderfully morally gray hero, it’s a story that stands out from the crowd.
​The dynamic between Alessia and Rodion is the highlight. You truly feel their deep emotional journey—their pain, their desire, and their ultimate transformation. Their connection is palpable, going from bitter hatred to an intense love where they become each other's "oxygen." I personally went from initially disliking Rodion to absolutely loving his charm!
​The story is a gripping, unique blend: it's both fast-paced with high action and a deeply rewarding slow burn. While the sheer volume of events can feel overwhelming at times, the payoff is worth it. Prepare for an intense emotional ride that will hit all your feelings—I was angry, gushing, and actually cried when it ended!
​This book is perfect, but please be sure to check your trigger warnings first due to the dark content. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[Migla M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to arc read this book, I'm very grateful and happy for that!:)

I loved this dark mafia book, where mmc truly is a morally gray, grumpy and silent, soft only for her type of man. I loved every moments, when all he could think about was her, where she was the only think that could calm him down, settle his mind and soul. And when he called her his home!!!! I melted.

I also liked how even after being thrust into this dark, dangerous and unforgiving world, fmc didn't give up. Yes, she wasn't a trained assassin or physically strong, "know how to use every weapon" type girl, she had her weak moments for sure, but I think that's what made this more realistic. She wasn't ready, but took everything that life threw at her, tried to navigate this new life as good as she could.

Overall, I liked this book. It was a while since I read a mafia book, so I truly enjoyed it and quickly read it. If you want enemies to lovers, dark mafia romance, where he's grumpy and cold and unforgiving, but for her he'll burn the world down, and where she's scared of him, but starts seeing the goo in him, and is ready to put her life on the line if it means his protection.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review-Author
Star Rating: 4.5⭐️
Pub Date: Nov 5th, 2025
Genre: Dark/Mafia Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format. Digital

I really loved this! At first I got confused cause I forgot one of the tropes was also secret identity lol. Alessia has been through such a rollercoaster of emotions and she has such resilience as Rodion really put her through the wringer and even just the situations she was in was crazy but she got through it. The only thing I didn’t like was how long it was, it could have been a bit shorter but it didn’t bother me too much because from the beginning to end it was action and all kinds of stuff going on plot wise. I liked the storyline and how deep we get to know Rodion and Alessia. This was one of the best enemies to lovers I’ve read, it also felt like a slow burn and action packed. They just really went through an emotional journey with each other and faced flaws between each other. I did feel so bad for what Rodion went through with his medical condition… their love just grew on me after a while. Overall great mafia read!

[Kari Tatom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance is not a genre that I typically would read. However, I will say that I truly enjoyed this book. Lia Kardin is a great writer and the story kept me engaged. This book is considered a dark romance more for the subject matter and violence than the spice. There is a lot of vengeance, death and a medium burn romance.

Rodion is a the Russian Mafia Boss, who has a secret and is fighting to maintain control. During the search to find who killed his mother and sister, he is seeking information and revenge. Alessia is a clueless innocent virgin, who find herself thrown into a deadly world of violence, vengeance and chaos. I have to say Rodion grew on me and I ended up really liking him in the end.

Lia Kardin also did a fantastic job with character development, because I really want to find out what happens with Carina and Matvet. I would give this book 4/4.5 stars

[Ginderella Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I messaged the author when I finished reading this work and said “well that book was rather ducking epic wasn’t it” and I think that sums it up quite nicely! This is a fantastic slow burn, enemies to lovers mafia romance that will start with you wanting to throat punch the MMC, Rodion, and end with you wanting to worship at his feet. I adore books that have strong character development and this is certainly one of those reads. Our poor FMC, Alessia, goes from one nightmare to another (mostly on the orders of the MMC - I know, DRAMAAAA) but she survives, perseveres, and her drunken moments throughout the book had me laughing out loud . This book was bloody brilliant and the quote of “I don’t want you in my life … You are my life” had me literally ducking swooning! I’m really looking forward to reading the future works in this series - fab read! 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Eniola Praise Oladejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

They call him the devil in Prada chaos wrapped in tailored skin. Rodion isn’t just a name, he’s a warning. Cold, ruthless, and dangerously devoted, he’s the kind of man you shouldn’t fall for… but Alessia did, and now I did too.

Lord of Vengeance is everything a dark mafia romance should be intense, slow-burn, and heartbreakingly addictive. Every page drips with tension, betrayal, and passion that feels too real. Rodion and Alessia’s chemistry? Explosive. Their story? Beautifully destructive.

Lia Kardi wrote this with so much emotion that I couldn’t stop turning pages. I smiled, I gasped, and I even paused just to breathe. If you love morally grey men, strong heroines, and stories that make your heart ache in the best way this one’s for you.

[seashellloves · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been so long since I read an amazing dark romance book.

Rodion and Alessia’s story is everything I love about dark mafia romance — intense chemistry, emotional depth, and that addictive enemies-to-lovers tension that keeps you reading “just one more chapter” until 2 a.m. The connection between them is explosive, but what I love most is how their relationship grows beyond hate and control into something deeply emotional and unexpected.

The twists in the book are something to talk about like I didn't even expect the main twist.

TBH , I didn't even have the time to think about the possibilities of someone being someone. I just went on reading chapter after chapter until I got to a twist where I was like "Oh, I never saw that coming".

Eagerly waiting for the next book.

[Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read a book twice, but Lord of Vengeance absolutely deserves it. The seconde read made me appreciate just how layered this dark, emotional story really is. The chemistry between the characters is explosive, and the tension never lets up — it’s enemies to lovers done perfectly. It balances danger, passion, and vulnerability in a way that feels raw and real. The mafia world feels gritty and intense, yet the romance pulls you in deeper every chapter. It’s the kind of book that stays in your head long after you finish it, which is I’m already excited to buy the book and read it one more time.

[Annissa Ferranti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tbh I just read this cuz I was bored and couldn’t open the physical book I was reading. Am I happy with it… eh. I guess it did the job but was kinda boring and long. The romance was just not good. Rodion kinda sucks and wasn’t an attentive person and treated Alessia like crap. Passing her around like a bargaining chip was kinda crazy. Her working as his maid made me uncomfy like this poor girl has nothing to do with their world but yet is getting punished for it. The only good surprise was Dimitri turning out to be Luigi but lowkey was he really the bad guy he helped Alessia when she needed it and he didn’t kill Rodion. But overall ya it just wasn’t that good.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read! I think I’d be hard pushed to remember another main character that appears to be so cold, unemotional and ruthless as Rodion. I honestly thought he had no redeeming features at all. He is all hard edges with very little to like. But….how the tables turned! Instead of hating him, I ended up loving him and willing him to succeed.
Alessia comes across as naive and innocent which, in a way, turns into one of her strengths. She is a fighter and just won’t give up, despite finding herself in a dark and dangerous world. She is one of the few who sees Rodion’s weaker and softer side and he is powerless to do anything about it. I loved seeing drunk Alessia too!
The story has a well thought out and strong plot with twists and elements of doubt seamlessly woven in. Just when I thought I could relax a bit and “take a breather” something else is thrown into the mix. I ended up not knowing who to trust or believe.
“Lord of Vengeance” has everything I like in a dark Mafia romance and I’m so glad I found it.

Thank you for the early copy.

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord of Vengence is a book that could have easily been 2 times as long or separated into more than one book. There was so much action packed into 475. At times it was hard to follow what was happening.

It was a slow burn at first and then things took off like a rocket. Rodion was an interesting character. I really hated him at first but I grew to love him and his unusual love for Alessia.

You got little hints of Carino, Alessio's best friend, and Matvet, Rodion's right hand man and the relationship they have going on. I would love to see a book that follows their love story.

[Alisa Begoyants · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered a new promising author for dark mafia romance. I liked the plot; it was interesting and very tense from the beginning of the book. I like the author's writing style as well, with many unexpected twists, and how she presented Rodion as dangerous, reckless, and at the same time, vulnerable as a normal person. For me, the beginning was going at a slow pace, but the book became in life from the middle towards the end. I really hope the second book will be more exciting. I really recommend this book, it's worth your experience.
I received the ARC copy.

[rakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had originally read this as a Wattpad book called "Mafia and the Golden girl" and it was a really long time ago (probably 2 year). I just opened Wattpad to read some old books in my library to help me get out of my reading slump and this is what I find out. I am really glad this book turned out to be an actual published book. I don't know if the story it the plot has changed or anything but I am definitely gonna reread this because it's one of the best Mafia book/series I could have ever read!!!

[Book_it_to_me_baby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the plot of this book and reading the growth of the characters throughout. Rodion and Alessia are definitely enemies to lovers and this is definitely a Dark Mafia romance. The health condition was an interesting twist and brought another dimension to the story.

It is a medium paced, slow burn, with a lot of tension. The ending did leave me interested in the other characters as well.

[mamaqueleeromance (Sofia Gajewski) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lord of Vengeance” is a dark mafia romance packed with action and tension.
The story moves at a fast pace, making it nearly impossible to stop reading—there’s always something happening.
While the dual POV adds depth, I felt the characters could have been developed a bit more. Still, the love story is gripping and intense—she is light, and he is darkness.
His obsession with her drives the plot in a haunting, captivating way.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reader here.. thankful for the opportunity. This was an amazing book. It kept me hooked and demanded my attention. If you love enemies to lovers and mafia romance this is really for you. This is the first “enemies to lovers” trope book I read that really had me also going from an enemy to lover of the MMC 😅. He made me so angry and by the end I was head over heels. Highly recommended read! Definitely a book I could re read over again!

[Stacy Gogolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twist and turns left me wanting more. Receiving this book to give you my honest opinion is what drew me to the book. The story and characters kept me reading. I can't wait to get to know other characters better along the way. I did get a tad frustrated with some of the character flaws, but that just means the writing was well done.

This will be one of the few I actually go and buy a copy for my bookshelf.

[Monica R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.

I loved this book, it has an amazing sorry line and so much action. It really grabs your attention in the begging and it doesn’t let up. The bond that is build between the two main characters is so great, I just love the banter and hold they seem to have on each other.

There were a few times I was expecting the story to go one way then the plot twisted! I really enjoyed every page!

I am looking forward to more books in this series.