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New York Bratva
Mafia King's Broken Vow
Would you fall for a man the Bratva says is beyond saving?
Even if he’s your patient?
Even if he might be a monster?
The syndicate assigned me to rehabilitate him.
A fallen Bratva soldier.
A man so dangerous, they locked him in a luxury cage—
and handed me the key.
Ice-blue eyes. A voice like smoke.
A body stitched together from scars and fury.
He stalks the therapy room, hunting...
Me.
I’m supposed to be the one in control.
But every session pulls me closer to the edge,
and he just watches me fall.
They think Yakov Gagarin is beyond saving.
But he was just waiting for someone willing to touch his darkness.
And when a monster learns to need you…
He never lets you go.
Even if he’s your patient?
Even if he might be a monster?
The syndicate assigned me to rehabilitate him.
A fallen Bratva soldier.
A man so dangerous, they locked him in a luxury cage—
and handed me the key.
Ice-blue eyes. A voice like smoke.
A body stitched together from scars and fury.
He stalks the therapy room, hunting...
Me.
I’m supposed to be the one in control.
But every session pulls me closer to the edge,
and he just watches me fall.
They think Yakov Gagarin is beyond saving.
But he was just waiting for someone willing to touch his darkness.
And when a monster learns to need you…
He never lets you go.
- GenresAudiobookDark Romance
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
225 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Summers
31 books161 followersA J Summers is a bestselling Amazon author. She writes steamy contemporary romance filled with skyscrapers and billionaires. Her stories are about grumpilicious silver foxes, enemies turned lovers, and happily ever afters.
A J Summers lives in New York City. When she’s not working, she enjoys roaming the city in search of the next love story.
Follow A J on Goodreads (click that “Follow Author” button!) and get her free novella when you join her steamy newsletter: https://bit.ly/42OZBV4
Follow A J on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pzKT5R
A J Summers lives in New York City. When she’s not working, she enjoys roaming the city in search of the next love story.
Follow A J on Goodreads (click that “Follow Author” button!) and get her free novella when you join her steamy newsletter: https://bit.ly/42OZBV4
Follow A J on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pzKT5R
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 18, 2025
Mafia King's Broken Vow had an interesting setup that pulled me in right away. The dynamic between Yakov, the dangerous, caged Bratva prisoner, and Mila, the forensic psychiatrist assigned to rehabilitate him, gave strong Joker/Harley vibes. That tension and psychological edge were compelling. I liked the overall idea of their relationship and how it evolved, and the themes of trust, redemption, and restraint. However, I went into this as a standalone without having read the previous books in the series, and it felt like I was missing context. Several characters popped up that seemed like returning figures, and there were moments where I felt out of the loop, which took away from the emotional impact.
As for the narration, I thought Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams gave a solid performance in terms of clarity and emotion. But personally, I didn’t love either narrator so it made it harder for me to fully connect with the characters.
Overall, this book had some strong ideas, but it didn’t completely work for me, especially as a standalone audiobook. Still, fans of dark Bratva romance or those familiar with the series will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As for the narration, I thought Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams gave a solid performance in terms of clarity and emotion. But personally, I didn’t love either narrator so it made it harder for me to fully connect with the characters.
Overall, this book had some strong ideas, but it didn’t completely work for me, especially as a standalone audiobook. Still, fans of dark Bratva romance or those familiar with the series will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2025
Yakov absolutely shattered my heart!! And I loved how Mila was able to stitch his heart back together. His story and what happened with his sister is emotional. The grief of a brother definitely let the world burn and feel his pain. Glad he was able to fix the hurt and have the bond with his nephew to keep his bond. I haven't read the previous books, but they are going on my TBRA list for sure. And can't wait for the next book. Ms Summers is a amazing author and I'll read anything she puts out there.
Two spicy peppers 🌶️🌶️
Two spicy peppers 🌶️🌶️
August 14, 2025
If I’ve to read about how her pupils dilate again, I’ll probably rate this even lower. There’s definitely more than one way to describe her emotional state instead of repeating the same thing over and over again.
Yakov Gagarin? He truly embodied the meaning of touch her and 💀 trope and I’m not complaining.
3.75 I choose you ⭐
“I’ve never deserved you. Never will. But I swear on everything I am, I will spend every day trying to be worthy of what you see in me.”
Yakov Gagarin? He truly embodied the meaning of touch her and 💀 trope and I’m not complaining.
3.75 I choose you ⭐
“I’ve never deserved you. Never will. But I swear on everything I am, I will spend every day trying to be worthy of what you see in me.”
September 29, 2025
Bratva Prisoner
Yakov has been imprisoned by the Bratva with an understanding that there is no hope for him. Despite having healed from physical injuries, his mental well-being was in need of assessment when Mila is asked to come assist. This intensely emotional journey was enthralling as well as heartbreaking. It was a fantastic story with suspense, drama, and steam. I could not get enough of this read.
Audiobook Review:
Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams do an excellent job narrating this story. The characters Mila and Yakov endure so much on their intense and emotional journey. The narration gave me goosebumps bumps as evry detailed moment was felt through the audio. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yakov has been imprisoned by the Bratva with an understanding that there is no hope for him. Despite having healed from physical injuries, his mental well-being was in need of assessment when Mila is asked to come assist. This intensely emotional journey was enthralling as well as heartbreaking. It was a fantastic story with suspense, drama, and steam. I could not get enough of this read.
Audiobook Review:
Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams do an excellent job narrating this story. The characters Mila and Yakov endure so much on their intense and emotional journey. The narration gave me goosebumps bumps as evry detailed moment was felt through the audio. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
Yakov and Mila's Story
This is the fifth book in the New York Bratva series. The series focuses on the interactions between the Volkov, Solokov, and Gagarin families.
Yakov Gagarin has been the evil monster in the prior books. He blames Igor Solokov for the death of his younger sister, Anastasyia, and Nikolai Volkov for crippling him in a shoot-out. He is an incredible strategist and fiercely accomplished fighter and assassin.
Yakov successfully healed his serious spinal cord injury, regaining full use of his mobility when doctors told him that he would not walk well again.
At the end of the last book, Yakov was captured and seriously injured by the Bratva families because he had kidnapped 3 wives. This book finds him recovering in a private prison mansion.
Dr. Mila Agapova has been best friends with Katarina Solokov Volkov since childhood. She has been Bratva adjacent and now works as a psycho therapist for Bratva patients. Yakov is her latest patient.
Their interactions are fascinating. She sees the man within the monster. He sees the broken woman behind her walls.
This is an interesting character study of both main characters. Mila breaks all patient/doctor rules. Yakov allows himself to care again.
Igor Solokov is a hypocritical character in this book. He refuses to acknowledge Yakov's growth or accept why Yakov blames him for his sister's death. She was an innocent 20 year old girl when Igor had a fling with her, impregnating her. She died while delivering her son, Damian, with Yakov trying unsuccessfully to deliver the baby. At the time, Igor was a manwhore, and cared nothing for Anastasyia. His self-righteous attitude is very annoying.
This is probably the best book of the series. Perhaps there will be a new book with Alesander Solokov, as the epilogue sets it up.
I recommend this book.
This is the fifth book in the New York Bratva series. The series focuses on the interactions between the Volkov, Solokov, and Gagarin families.
Yakov Gagarin has been the evil monster in the prior books. He blames Igor Solokov for the death of his younger sister, Anastasyia, and Nikolai Volkov for crippling him in a shoot-out. He is an incredible strategist and fiercely accomplished fighter and assassin.
Yakov successfully healed his serious spinal cord injury, regaining full use of his mobility when doctors told him that he would not walk well again.
At the end of the last book, Yakov was captured and seriously injured by the Bratva families because he had kidnapped 3 wives. This book finds him recovering in a private prison mansion.
Dr. Mila Agapova has been best friends with Katarina Solokov Volkov since childhood. She has been Bratva adjacent and now works as a psycho therapist for Bratva patients. Yakov is her latest patient.
Their interactions are fascinating. She sees the man within the monster. He sees the broken woman behind her walls.
This is an interesting character study of both main characters. Mila breaks all patient/doctor rules. Yakov allows himself to care again.
Igor Solokov is a hypocritical character in this book. He refuses to acknowledge Yakov's growth or accept why Yakov blames him for his sister's death. She was an innocent 20 year old girl when Igor had a fling with her, impregnating her. She died while delivering her son, Damian, with Yakov trying unsuccessfully to deliver the baby. At the time, Igor was a manwhore, and cared nothing for Anastasyia. His self-righteous attitude is very annoying.
This is probably the best book of the series. Perhaps there will be a new book with Alesander Solokov, as the epilogue sets it up.
I recommend this book.
September 20, 2025
Mafia King’s Broken Vow is dynamite! Filled with intensity, passion, craving, brilliant intrigue, and complex characters, I loved every moment of this powerful love story. Yakov is intense, broody, and deceptively passionate beneath his cold and calculating exterior. Recovering from terrible trauma, he has defied all odds and is considered a medical miracle. Mila is brilliant in her own right—broken by past trauma, driven to help those who truly need it, and determined to carry on her mother’s legacy. The moment she enters Yakov’s orbit, the chemistry explodes between them. Watching Mila and Yakov dance around each other as they navigate the perils of their situation, coming to truly see each other and meet each other where they are at, is so much fun. They burn brighter with every moment, their sexual tension off the charts and growing hotter as their emotional connection deepens. The evil surrounding them is par for the course of their dark and deadly world, and the author brings the series story line to the next level with this one! Yakov’s relentless drive to protect Mila at all costs as the danger closes in is outstanding in its ruthlessness and beautiful in a deeply profound way. The transformation we see in this story is dynamic and amazing.
The narrators performances were on point! They brought Yakov, Mila, and the rest of the characters to life with a stellar range of voices, inflection, and enthusiasm. The dual narration is awesome; they sucked me right into this dark drama and kept me riveted until the last moment. Though this is the 5th book in the series (and Yakov’s history is woven throughout all of the previous books), this story can be enjoyed as a standalone. It is quite special in that we get to see the other side of Yakov—the side buried deep, that he only allows Mila to see. I loved Yakov and Mila’s story and highly recommend you dive right in.
The narrators performances were on point! They brought Yakov, Mila, and the rest of the characters to life with a stellar range of voices, inflection, and enthusiasm. The dual narration is awesome; they sucked me right into this dark drama and kept me riveted until the last moment. Though this is the 5th book in the series (and Yakov’s history is woven throughout all of the previous books), this story can be enjoyed as a standalone. It is quite special in that we get to see the other side of Yakov—the side buried deep, that he only allows Mila to see. I loved Yakov and Mila’s story and highly recommend you dive right in.
September 22, 2025
Some vows are made in blood. Others are remade in love.
Yakov is the Bratva’s most ruthless mind, feared for his strategies and fury. Betrayal leaves him caged by his own family, locked in a prison of walls and memory. Then Mila walks into his life as his psychiatrist, determined to reach the man everyone else has given up on. What starts as duty soon becomes a dangerous pull neither can resist.
Their bond is tested under fire. Secrets surface, enemies close in, and every choice carries a price. Where vengeance once drives him, now it is Mila. To protect her, he unleashes the part of himself the Bratva tries to cage and proves his love not through destruction but through restraint.
Together they face storms of violence and family politics. She gives up her career to choose him. He gives up revenge to choose her. What begins as forbidden becomes redemptive, transforming weakness into strength and cages into freedom.
Yakov evolves from a man consumed by vengeance into someone who learns restraint and hope. Mila grows from a professional bound by duty into a woman who embraces choice and clarity. Their relationship shifts from tension into trust and passion, becoming the anchor that reshapes them both.
A dark, steamy Bratva romance, exploring betrayal, captivity, and the pull between a scarred man and the woman who refuses to give up on him. It’s about love and connection, vows remade, cages turned into freedom, family as wound and salvation, mercy beside violence, redemption chosen again and again, and broken people remade by love and a vow that endures when everything else is tested.
Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams bring the story to life through duet narration. Shane gives Mila warmth and determination, capturing her compassion and passion. Clinton delivers Yakov with intensity, though his voice sounds younger than I imagined for Yakov, a ruthless Bratva figure. The audio is immersive, clear, and carries the weight of their journey.
Yakov is the Bratva’s most ruthless mind, feared for his strategies and fury. Betrayal leaves him caged by his own family, locked in a prison of walls and memory. Then Mila walks into his life as his psychiatrist, determined to reach the man everyone else has given up on. What starts as duty soon becomes a dangerous pull neither can resist.
Their bond is tested under fire. Secrets surface, enemies close in, and every choice carries a price. Where vengeance once drives him, now it is Mila. To protect her, he unleashes the part of himself the Bratva tries to cage and proves his love not through destruction but through restraint.
Together they face storms of violence and family politics. She gives up her career to choose him. He gives up revenge to choose her. What begins as forbidden becomes redemptive, transforming weakness into strength and cages into freedom.
Yakov evolves from a man consumed by vengeance into someone who learns restraint and hope. Mila grows from a professional bound by duty into a woman who embraces choice and clarity. Their relationship shifts from tension into trust and passion, becoming the anchor that reshapes them both.
A dark, steamy Bratva romance, exploring betrayal, captivity, and the pull between a scarred man and the woman who refuses to give up on him. It’s about love and connection, vows remade, cages turned into freedom, family as wound and salvation, mercy beside violence, redemption chosen again and again, and broken people remade by love and a vow that endures when everything else is tested.
Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams bring the story to life through duet narration. Shane gives Mila warmth and determination, capturing her compassion and passion. Clinton delivers Yakov with intensity, though his voice sounds younger than I imagined for Yakov, a ruthless Bratva figure. The audio is immersive, clear, and carries the weight of their journey.
August 7, 2025
** 5 stars **
Mafia King's Broken Vow was so amazingly well-written. It had me hooked from page one. The characters were so enjoyable. Their story took me on an emotional journey.
Yakov has been placed in a facility and there he is visited by Mila, who is his new therapist. She is trying to help him figure out whey he has committed the crimes he has done. As they begin to get to know each other Mila surprises Yakov and uncovers a part of him he didn't know existed. She sees beyond the bad man that he is and sees him as a person. He never tries to hurt her so she comes to trust him.
I loved how Mila treated Yakov, not as a patient but as a person. She was so strong and smart. The chemistry between Mila and Yakov was amazingly good. I loved how they came together to understand each other.
I look forward to more from this very talented author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mafia King's Broken Vow was so amazingly well-written. It had me hooked from page one. The characters were so enjoyable. Their story took me on an emotional journey.
Yakov has been placed in a facility and there he is visited by Mila, who is his new therapist. She is trying to help him figure out whey he has committed the crimes he has done. As they begin to get to know each other Mila surprises Yakov and uncovers a part of him he didn't know existed. She sees beyond the bad man that he is and sees him as a person. He never tries to hurt her so she comes to trust him.
I loved how Mila treated Yakov, not as a patient but as a person. She was so strong and smart. The chemistry between Mila and Yakov was amazingly good. I loved how they came together to understand each other.
I look forward to more from this very talented author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2025
Holy Moly!
This book got me good, I was on a break from mafia books, but this drew me in and hooked me.
Yakov… calculated, always 3 steps ahead, the bad boy you can’t help but fall in love with.
I loved that Mila was so strong, she knew what she was doing, understood him and the way his life has shaped him, but believed in him and the process.
This book couldn’t have been written better, watching Yakov face his feelings and discover this new side of himself, whilst having Mila’s support. For not letting Mila be a doormat, she held herself up and let him discover who he wants to be for her.
Love love loved it!
This book got me good, I was on a break from mafia books, but this drew me in and hooked me.
Yakov… calculated, always 3 steps ahead, the bad boy you can’t help but fall in love with.
I loved that Mila was so strong, she knew what she was doing, understood him and the way his life has shaped him, but believed in him and the process.
This book couldn’t have been written better, watching Yakov face his feelings and discover this new side of himself, whilst having Mila’s support. For not letting Mila be a doormat, she held herself up and let him discover who he wants to be for her.
Love love loved it!
August 9, 2025
Beauty and the Beast. A dual POV tale with an interesting cast. A therapist who has known of and about and been around the Bratva her entire life. A Bratva son who has been imprisoned and under 24 hour guard. She’s there to provide therapy, to study and perhaps help heal a broken man. The broken man has come back from injuries that should have crippled him and is alive only because it was determined he wasn’t worth killing. As the story unwinds the threats change. As therapy continues a different man emerges and a therapist is straddling a precipice. In a house where all is watched, can anyone be truly safe? What happens when alliances shift? Who is safe then?
August 9, 2025
A wonderful story, we are drawn into the lives of Mila and Yakov. He is a tormented soul with a painful and emotional past that has caused him to build high walls. She can't leave him alone or ignore him and knows she can help him, but it won't be easy. But she is strong and doesn't give up. Can she help him heal, and can they have a future together? A delightful story with steam, action, danger, tension, and tranquility.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2025
Great read
When I first started this book I was not sure about it in the slightest as it was all about counselling & I was certain it would be boring. I am glad to say that I stuck with it, despite wanting to skip a bit & it turned out to be a really good read. I loved the two main characters & at times I really felt for them. It had everything I like in a Mafia book & as it turned out, the counselling that I thought would bore me actually helped in understanding them. I am so glad my initial reaction was wrong. A very good story indeed.
When I first started this book I was not sure about it in the slightest as it was all about counselling & I was certain it would be boring. I am glad to say that I stuck with it, despite wanting to skip a bit & it turned out to be a really good read. I loved the two main characters & at times I really felt for them. It had everything I like in a Mafia book & as it turned out, the counselling that I thought would bore me actually helped in understanding them. I am so glad my initial reaction was wrong. A very good story indeed.
September 20, 2025
I enjoyed this story. The story line was unique and different from any bratva story that I have read. A broken man is imprisoned in a mafia prison and a lady therapist is assigned to study him.
From the beginning, the passionate tension is there. They are attracted to each other easily. The romantic times when they happen are well written. Enough detail on both sides without being too wordy.
The voice actors do a very good job. Their voices are clear and warm. They really made the characters come alive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the beginning, the passionate tension is there. They are attracted to each other easily. The romantic times when they happen are well written. Enough detail on both sides without being too wordy.
The voice actors do a very good job. Their voices are clear and warm. They really made the characters come alive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
“Mafia King’s Broken Vow” by A.J. Summers
-A powerful, angsty mafia romance with heart, danger, and redemption.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Yakov is a dangerous, grief-hardened man with nothing left to lose—until Mila walks in. Their forbidden romance crackles with tension, pain, and undeniable longing.
Dark secrets, family tragedy, and emotional healing drive this gripping love story. It all comes down to choices in the end.
-A powerful, angsty mafia romance with heart, danger, and redemption.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Yakov is a dangerous, grief-hardened man with nothing left to lose—until Mila walks in. Their forbidden romance crackles with tension, pain, and undeniable longing.
Dark secrets, family tragedy, and emotional healing drive this gripping love story. It all comes down to choices in the end.
July 29, 2025
I loved the idea behind this book, the perfect game of cat and mouse. A forbidden romance that frays with each interaction. Mila and Yakov are both calculated and longing for the same thing. The suspense, mystery, and sneaking draws you in. A great dark romance that blurs the lines between right and wrong.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2025
Yakov has an emotional past and Mila seems the only one that seems to reach him. His walls are high and his pain is great. You know it wont take long to fall in love with him.
Mila is strong, knowing that his life has shaped him and truly knows how help him heal.
Angst, danger, redemption and pure spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mila is strong, knowing that his life has shaped him and truly knows how help him heal.
Angst, danger, redemption and pure spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
This is the fifth book in Summers' the New York Bratva series. A dark, captivating and well written mafia romance read. This is Yakov and Mila's story and an emotional one at that. Summers delivers all the best as usual in this steamy romance with action, danger, and so much more!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2025
Yakov's past is so emotional and painful it absolutely gutted me. It was beautiful to see him heal and let Mila in. I loved Mila. She was so strong and treated Yakov as a person not just a patient. Their chemistry was amazing. I really enjoyed their connection. This is one of my favorite books in this series!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
The story revolved around Yakov And Mila When I started to read the book I wanted to hate Yakov. He grew on me throughout the book and by the end I had changed my opinion of him. This is a can’t miss book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
This is an entertaining and engaging Mafia Romance with defined MCs, past issues, and mending broken hearts. I liked this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
This is the kind of dark, dangerous romance that thrives on tension, betrayal, and passion and the audiobook brought all of that
The characters felt raw and real, with flaws that made them messy but magnetic. I loved how the romance unfolded in the middle of so much chaos it gave the softer, emotional moments an even greater impact.
The narrators captured both the grit of the mafia backdrop and the vulnerability beneath the bravado, which gave the book an addictive edge.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters felt raw and real, with flaws that made them messy but magnetic. I loved how the romance unfolded in the middle of so much chaos it gave the softer, emotional moments an even greater impact.
The narrators captured both the grit of the mafia backdrop and the vulnerability beneath the bravado, which gave the book an addictive edge.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2025
Great read, interesting characters with depth. Both have baggage, he’s dangerous and broken, she’s rigid torn. Well written, danger, lies, treachery, and love. A must read.
August 29, 2025
I enjoyed mafia king’s broken vow which was Yakov and Mila's story. I found it to be an intriguing read. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
November 18, 2025
awesome
This book was awesome. The characters or reline the plot kept me on my toes and kept me in suspense. It was hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book.
This book was awesome. The characters or reline the plot kept me on my toes and kept me in suspense. It was hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews