Torn Souls

Bratva Souls Duet #1

by Ember Davis

Weakness is survival…for now.

When you're born and bred to play a role, those molding you believe that is all you are. They forget you can be so much more. They believe their own lies about you, even as you dream of escaping.

I wasn't sure I would find a way out, until I met them. Krill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck. Four men who changed the flow of power in Seattle. Four men my father tries to barter with, using me as the pawn for his own gains.

Instead of running away from them, I use them as my shield. Their power can be my weapon, if they allow me to wield it. Their love can be my absolution, if they allow me to dance in the light.

I have played in the shadows for too long, honing my mind, body, and strength. My men see the fire in me, the steel forged in blood and misplaced hope. They do not see my tattered soul.

Oaklynn Chambers is no more. I’m a Volkov now. Weakness was only a smokescreen and when the smoke clears, I have faith that we will be the ones left standing.

But at what cost? And what other battles will be left to fight?

18+. This story has dark themes and morally gray mafia heroes, yes multiple. You’ll still find an insta-love story that is spicy and isn’t necessarily simple, but with darker themes, situations, spicy times and depictions of violence (not between the MMC and MFC). No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. Kirill Volkov and his men – Maxim, Baker, and Hutch – have been mentioned in the Seattle books. This is the first book in the Bratva Souls Duet.

Genres: Why Choose

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2025

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was just awesome. Kirill & Maxim Volkov have taken over Seattle. Forcing out the Morozov Bratva. Huck & Baker Dalton round out the main team of men that are the leaders. We get to see a few of the Devil’s Saints MC that we know and love. One of the things that I love about the Volkov’s and company is that like the DS MC, they believe that women and children are sacred. We also get to see Baker’s older brother and his crew as well- Wolfe, Hendrix & Dominic who are hunting Michael Morozov, the heir of the evil guy they took down. He trafficked in many things, especially women. I loved how the guys took care of things in this book. They were mayhem incarnate and it was hot as heck how they did it. The book is suspenseful, crazy, romantic, steamy, funny, sweet, HOT. lol. We meet Oaklynn who is the daughter of the previous regime’s money guy. I disliked her father from the get go, let alone what he does in the book. At 25 at 5’4, she is put up in front of Kirill as a broodmare. I love how Kirill, Maxim, Huck & Baker fall in lust and then love with her. I pretty much spent about half the book with my eyes the size of saucers and giggling at myself. To me Oaklynn and what she does in the book makes her an inspiration as well as a hero in her own right. The fights and how the guys treat her = mindblown. I love how each of the guys has their own pet name for her. I can’t wait to read more in the future.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Souls is Book 1 of the Bratva Souls Duet. It's a steamy, reverse harem, dark romance. Oaklynn has been controlled by her evil father her entire life, seen only as a possession. He wants to marry her off-sell her off to a Bratva boss. Enter 4 hunky crime lords,Kirill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck. They initially agree to protect her but they all find so much more, falling in love. This was definitely darker than Ember's other books but it was so good. I can't wait to see how it all ends for them in the next book. Also loved seeing the DSMC connections.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weakness is survival…for now.

When you're born and bred to fplay a role, those molding you believe that is all you are. They forget you can be so much more. They believe their own lies about you, even as you dream of escaping.

I wasn't sure I would find a way out, until I met them. Krill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck. Four men who changed the flow of power in Seattle. Four men my father tries to barter with, using me as the pawn for his own gains.

Instead of running away from them, I use them as my shield. Their power can be my weapon, if they allow me to wield it. Their love can be my absolution, if they allow me to dance in the light.

I have played in the shadows for too long, honing my mind, body, and strength. My men see the fire in me, the steel forged in blood and misplaced hope. They do not see my tattered soul.

Oaklynn Chambers is no more. I’m a Volkov now. Weakness was only a smokescreen and when the smoke clears, I have faith that we will be the ones left standing.

But at what cost? And what other battles will be left to fight?

This contemporary Bratva why choose reverse harem insta love dark-ish romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are alpha, morally grey mafia heroes, exuding power, dangerous, ruthless, an underestimated female, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with torn souls, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, hurt/comfort, drama, dark themes, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, deception, guaranteed HEA, Kirill Volkov, and his men- Maxim, Baker, and Hutch, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with torn souls and an explicit dark Bratva why choose romance duet that is sure to transport readers into a world where danger and lust collide, suspenseful and unforgettable.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed by blood. Bound by fire.

Oaklynn has spent her life behind glass, owned by a man who saw her as nothing more than leverage. When her father offers her hand in marriage to Seattle’s most dangerous Bratva boss, she’s thrown into the world of four men who rule the city with ruthless precision. Kirill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck are brothers in all but blood, bonded by scars and unshakable loyalty. What starts as a deal quickly becomes something none of them expected.

They see past Oaklynn’s silence. Beneath the bruises is a survivor. From the moment she enters their world, they make a choice—she’s not a pawn, she’s theirs. But claiming her means war. Her father isn’t just corrupt, he’s a trafficker tied to the enemies these men have spent years hunting. Now he’s trying to sell his own daughter.

The brothers move fast, shifting Oaklynn from protected to partner. She doesn’t just endure, she fights back. In them, she finds safety, purpose, and fire. Together, they dismantle everything built to hurt her and rebuild from the wreckage. By the time the last shot is fired, Oaklynn isn’t the girl who needed saving. She’s the soul they never knew they were missing.

Each of them evolves. Oaklynn rises from controlled survivor to fierce, open woman. Kirill reveals the heart behind the steel. Maxim softens, steadies, and protects. Baker learns tenderness without losing edge. Huck trades distance for connection. ‍

What began with guarded protection becomes something unshakable. Love grows from shared trauma and burns with intensity. This is a bond forged in darkness, sealed by trust, and held together by fire.

Ultra-hot and steamy, dark RH bratva romance, exploring trauma, healing, control, loyalty, resilience, justice, and found family. It's about surviving the worst and choosing love that doesn’t break you, it builds you.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why choose one when you can have all four

Torn Souls is the first book in the Bratva Souls Duet. This story is darker and have more depth than what the author usually writes...so be prepared as she took a turn into a long tunnel with this story. But what happens is trans-formative for the MFC, Oaklynn Chambers. She was born into a Mafia family, her father was with the Morozov Bratva, and was raised and expected to become a bargaining chip by being arranged by her father. But she has spirit and determination, along with some brains to strategize. She also has a hatred for her father and what he intends. Kirill and Maxim Volkov have taken over Seattle as their territory. They also have Baker and Huck Dalton with them to run things. These four men may be ruthless and feared but they also have a code which says women and children are off-limits and are meant to be protected. So when they see Oaklynn for the first time they all fall hard, feeling things they have never felt for any other woman before. Her father has offered her to Kirill but that will be his last mistake, especially once the guys discover just what her father has put Oaklynn through during her life. She is about to become their Queen in and out of the bedrooms. Be prepared as this story does continue in the next book, Tangled Souls, and I can't wait to get my hands on it and see what happens with the guys and Oaklynn next.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love why choose romance, and this book was a breathe of fresh air for me! There was no miscommunication, no feeling out each other and then the inevitable guilt of liking more than one person, or jumping right in to an intimate relationship with all at the same time. There was insta love from the moment they met her and they all instinctively knew that. She immediately communicates with them what her father wants to do, and in turn they tell her what they want from a relationship. They’re open and honest at all times and they form one on one relationships first. I really loved how this book was specifically about them building those separate intimate relationships before overwhelming her with all 4. We don’t get to see them all together in this one, but I’m hopeful for it in the second book. There are some trigger warnings and violence against the FMC on page briefly (never by the MMC’s though), but I did really enjoy the plot line and story it’s building up. This is a duet, so the storyline will continue in the next book and I’m hoping we get some answers and tie up loose ends…like Betty! No cheating or OM/OW drama, reverse harem/why choose with 4 men and 1 woman, OTT alpha possessive MMC’s, POV’s from all 5 MC’s and the perfect epilogue for right now. I cannot wait to see how their story continues in the second book. I love them all together and separately already!

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Souls by Ember Davis

Dark, dangerous, and utterly addictive—Torn Souls is the kind of why-choose romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

Oaklynn is a fierce, complex heroine—sharp as a blade and beautifully broken in all the right ways. Watching her transformation from pawn to power player is nothing short of mesmerizing. You feel every ounce of her pain, resilience, and ambition. She’s not a damsel in distress—she’s the storm coming to claim what’s hers.

Then there are the men—Krill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck—each distinct, intense, and absolutely magnetic. Ember Davis doesn’t just give us brooding Bratva alphas; she gives us depth. These men see Oaklynn. They don’t just want to possess her—they respect her strength and stand beside her as equals, protectors, and eventually… as something far more.

The tension? Electric. The romance? Scorching. The emotional stakes? Through the roof. This isn’t just about seduction—it’s about survival, identity, and power. The pacing is tight, the world-building darkly lush, and the moral lines deliciously blurred.

If you love mafia romance with grit, passion, a fierce heroine who claims her place, and four protective anti-heroes who would burn the world down for her, Torn Souls is a must-read.!.

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

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn Souls is Part #1 of a steamy Reverse Harem/Why Choose Story by Ember Davis. We meet Oaklynn, a young woman fiercely controlled by her evil father. He is now brokering her marriage to the new head of the Bratva to ensure an alliance between them. However, Oaklynn is unaware that her marriage will not only include the boss but also his three closest advisors—four men who rule the city and are seeking a queen to share and rule alongside them. Oaklynn is more than just a pawn in this game; she is attracted to all these men and is determined to find a way to gain her freedom and discover her true purpose.

Oaklynn, a strong heroine, is determined to shape her future by forging her own path. Torn Souls skillfully weaves a captivating blend of dark mafia intrigue and sensuality. Don’t let the instalove premise fool you, this story delves into intense themes that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next and how each relationship evolves. Torn Souls is a entertaining “why choose” story with four brooding mafia leaders, each willing to sacrifice everything for their queen.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, dangerous and steamy

We have met Kirill, Maxim, Huck and Baker previously but here we get to know them better, their dark and dangerous side, the morally grey shadows they live in, their hopes and their dreams of the perfect woman who will complete their family and it is easy to lose your heart to them when they show their complete devotion to Oaklynn without hesitation.
Whilst they don't hesitate to kill to protect, or when crossed they have very clear boundaries....women and children are to be protected at all costs no matter who they are....but Oaklynn is theirs which multiplies every protective instinct ten fold. Those who have harmed, think about harming or ever harm Oaklynn in the future will be exterminated....slowly and painfully.
This is a fantastic first book in the series and I look forward to the next.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Oaklynn a lot. She was hurt, but she bounced back with a vengeance and became comfortable enough with her men to be herself.
Her father was absolutely despicable. He did her a solid in giving her to Kirill, but that’s about the only positive thing he ever did.
As far as Oaklynn’s men go… the more men there are in a RH, the more difficult it is to make them each both distinctive and real, without them being notable stereotypes rather than fully fleshed-out characters. A little of that happened here with Maxim, Huck, and Baker as they had a tendency to be cardboard cutouts occasionally. Not always, but occasionally. Kirill was absolutely himself and very much his own character.
I enjoyed this book. Ember Davis is always a pleasure to read.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been a fan of Ember Davis then you have been dying for this story!! We were introduced to these four men with the DSMC Seattle Chapter series and Kirill, Maxim, Baker and Huck were amazing characters just waiting to explode off the pages. Oaklynn is the perfect match to them. She’s been through hell and takes back her future and power with their help. Yes this is a duet BUT the cliffhanger is not the HEA!! I cannot wait to find out who the enemy is amongst them and what happens next. Truly we get more of Bakers brother Wolfe and his mercenary besties too. There is seriously so much I love about this book that I want to say but don’t want to be that person who spoils things for others. Seriously read it and you will love it!!

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

[Shay Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book one of the Bratva Souls duet. I'll start with what I enjoyed. I mostly liked the FMC Oaklynn. She was born into a mafia family but has endured a lot while being raised by her father. However, Oaklynn does not this stop her from concocting a plan to get out of her father's house. Oaklynn takes charge of her life and revealed to more than the meek wallflower she appeared to be. Her men-Krill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck are obsessed with her. They fall for her HARD. I will pick up the next book in the duet.

However, I feel like I don't really know much about the male characters and it makes it feel like something is missing. I will also say that there are some phrases I find overly repeated throughout the story that I found distracting. Overall though, this book was an enjoyable read.

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

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Torn Souls’ sets a great foundation for the relationship between Oaklyn, Kirill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck. Whispering promises that ‘Torn Souls’ (Book 2) is going to be just as captivating as Book 1. Non-stop action, yummy spice, and four big, tough men who love their Queen. Good stuff.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
* Kirill
* Maxim
* Baker
* Huck
FMC:
* Oaklynn
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA, To be continued
Series:
* Book 1 of Bratva Souls Duet
Epilogue:
* Yes
Tropes:
* Bratva Romance
* Morally Gray MMCs
* Reverse Harem
* InstaLove
* Hurt/Comfort
* Strong Heroine
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Death
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Kirill, Maxim, Baker and Huck are brothers in everything but blood. They have been searching for the one to make their queen knowing she will have to be strong to take on four men. Oaklyn is the daughter of Richard Chambers, an enemy to Kirill and his brothers. But it seems Richard wants to bargain his daughter to Kirill. When they meet Oaklyn all brothers know she is the one for them. Can they protect her from everyone including themselves. Fast steamy read, loved these morally gray hero's. There's intrigue and action and players we've met from other books by this author. It's a great story and I can't wait for more from this series. Loved it.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill Volkov and his ream took out the Morozov Bratva and took over Seattle. He Maxim, Huck and Baker know they would one day find the one they would share. They worked with the Devil's Saints MC to take down human trafficking ring. One of Morozov's men has been calling for meeting, Kirill finally decides to take a meeting.

The man wants a deal, his daughter for an alliance, the men take one look at his daughter, Oaklynn and know they have their woman. But Kirill plays it cool and says he will think about it. He does not realize the danger she is in with her father.

This is a steamy story with the female character with multiple men. Cannot wait for the second half of the story.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Bratva Souls Duet and focuses on Krill, Maxim, Baker, Huck, and Oaklynn. Oaklynn has spent her life being mistreated and being looked at as something to use. When her father tries to sell her off for his own gain, she isn’t expecting Krill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck. The four men meet her and immediately know that she is theirs to love and protect. Oaklynn is no wilting wallflower though, she is determined to fight back against the evil she grew up with while her men backed her every step of the way. This was a great story and I can’t wait to see how the story continues to play out in book two.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember has grabbed my attention with this dark, instalove, spicy Bratva Romance and I can't wait to see where it leads.

What to expect
🩶 Bratva Romance
🩶 Reverse Harem / Why Choose
🩶 Character POV Writing
🩶 Instalove
🩶 Spice
🩶 Morally Grey MMCs
🩶 Headstrong FMC
🩶 No Cheating
🩶 Duet Read
🩶 HEA

5 stars, Oaklynn is a bad ass with her self defence knowledge and desire to see her Father suffer.
Kirill, Maxim, Baker and Huck are dark, dangerous and totally head over heels for Oaklynn. I love a story where the MMC is soft for his girl, and only his girl.
Can't wait for the next installment!

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmygawd Ohmygawd Ohmygawd!!!!!!!!!

This was sooooooooo good!!!!!!!!

I have read and enjoyed many of Ember Davis’s books, most recently the Gilded Key Society…but this one?????? Takes.The.Cake!!!

So much passion! So much suspense!so much action!!! And the steam??? It’s like 0%visibility in here with this steam 🤭🔥🔥🔥😍

I absolutely LOVED Oaklynn’s inner strength and fire, despite her neglectful and cruel upbringing. And the absolute devotion and love that hrt for men have for her is breathtaking🥰

It is part 1 of a duet…although it does end in a HFN…..i can’t wait for the second half!!!.

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

[C Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was HOT. I'm not usually a fan of multi-part books (just because I have ZERO patience when they're this amazing!), but this storyline is absolutely worth waiting for the next in this duet. I love how strong, sweet-hearted, and resilient Oaklynn is in this book. And the guys.....WOW, just WOW. I can't even pick one as a favorite because they are all so delcious. I'm completely on board with the FMC not needing to choose!.

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

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting first book in the Bratva Souls duet. This is a why choose/reverse harem story about a resilient young woman finding healing love and acceptance after years of abuse by her father. Kirill, Maxim, Baker and Huck are dark, dangerous and have been looking for a woman to complete their family. I loved how her men were protective and head over heels for Oaklynn. Wonderfully dark, intense, and spicy HFN romance. Cannot wait for the next part!

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

[amanda smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Kirill, Maxim, Huck and Baker see Oaklynn they know she will be theirs. Oaklynn feeling the same thing and desperate to get away from her father seizes the opportunity and shows up at their office only to be whisked away and protected by the 4 men. As they work to resolve issues with rivals and take care of the situation with her father their relationship grows and strengthens. This is a great story! I’m ready for the second book!.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oaklynn, Kirill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck's why choose, reverse harem is a steamy start to the Bratva Souls Duet. Oaklynn grew up with a father who mistreated her, and when he decided to sell her to the guys in exchange for an alliance, it was the ultimate betrayal. The guys immediately know that Oaklynn is the one for them, and they go into protective mode. This is a steamy reverse harem romance with a great storyline, well developed characters, and a great ending. After that ending I can't wait ot read the next book to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn Souls is book 1 in the Bratva Souls duet and is Kirill, Maxim, Baker, Huck and Oaklynn's dark, steamy journey. It goes without saying that these guys are freakin fantastic and they're absolutely everything for Oaklynn. Then we have Oaklynn, she's fierce and knows just what her men need and how to take care of them. These characters are absolutely explosive together and their journey will completely consume you quickly. I can't wait for book 2!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are brothers in every way except by blood and together they are a force to be reckoned with. They are looking for the woman that will complete them and believe that Oaklyn is her. When they connect it is explosive, and she has found her way out through them. He father underestimated her but with Kirill and his brothers they began to soar. Will she get to shine the way she always wanted with her men.

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for Torn Souls by new for me author Ember Davis

This read is a page turner - it’s a dark mafia romance.

Oaklynn is trapped as her father expects her to comply with an arranged marriage. Little does she know it’s Kirill , Maxim , Huck and Baker.

A why choose at it’s best - great storyline & characters.

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

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oaklynn is so much more than a pawn for her father to use! I love her strength, confidence, and courage that she’s hidden from her father, but Kirill, Maxim, Baker, and Huck bask in her glory! It’s such a pleasure to be back in Seattle catching up with the DSMC, Baker’s brother and his team, and thwarting villains!! Ember Davis always makes me happy to read: lots of steam, great plot, and deliciously sexy men! These guys are protective, mafia, dangerous, and ruthlessly intelligent. She fits perfectly into their life and their hearts: a true Queen with grace, love, and she’s not intimidated by anyone. I’m excited that this is a duet because I want more of this family: addictive!!

[Tedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has its moments

New author for me
3 stars for writing but I did end up DNFing.

This is beyond insta love - the 4 men in the eventual harem fall for her within the first 3 minutes of meeting her & she doesn't even speak at all that night..
Next day she's meeting them to warn them about her father & they bring her home to keep & all have inner thoughts of spoiling her etc.

Too fast. Too fluffy

[Michele79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for mafia romance, reverse harem book lovers. This book was phenomenal! I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out...I need to know how it all plays out. Absolutely 5 stars for this book. I think my favorite part was the characters, I just loved all of them.

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

[Lis J · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good cant wait to more, but i felt like i miss so much of the story because they kept talking about things that happened before. she is abbused by her father and practically sell by him to the Volkov bratva , the guys kirril, maxim, baker and hunt ( i think ) are trying to stop another guy to Take the city and there is other stuff happening

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Bratva Souls Duet! It is a insta love/reverse harem romance just with a bit more spice and a little more kink! I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I am so excited to read book two!.

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