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Marinov Bratva #3
Kirill
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽, 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗱/𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Sloane Maddox is the only woman I want and the one I can’t have.
I walk into a diner with my autistic son and leave with a problem.
He becomes attached to the quiet waitress who shows him more patience than the world ever has.
He looks for her. Trusts her.
And God help me…so do I.
She’s too young. Too gentle.
Everything a man like me should stay away from.
I’m Bratva. The kind of man she should fear.
But Sloane isn’t a stranger. I’ve known her longer than she realizes.
Watching from the shadows, protecting her when she didn’t even know.
Then she appears at my club’s auction, selling herself to the highest bidder.
So I do the only thing I can.
I buy her.
She becomes my son’s nanny,
but wanting her was never part of the deal.
I wasn’t supposed to touch her.
And once I cross that line, I can’t let her go.
Until I discover why she stepped onto that stage,
and my world crashes.
Because in the Bratva, betrayal isn’t forgiven.
It’s buried.
Even if it’s her.
Sloane Maddox is the only woman I want and the one I can’t have.
I walk into a diner with my autistic son and leave with a problem.
He becomes attached to the quiet waitress who shows him more patience than the world ever has.
He looks for her. Trusts her.
And God help me…so do I.
She’s too young. Too gentle.
Everything a man like me should stay away from.
I’m Bratva. The kind of man she should fear.
But Sloane isn’t a stranger. I’ve known her longer than she realizes.
Watching from the shadows, protecting her when she didn’t even know.
Then she appears at my club’s auction, selling herself to the highest bidder.
So I do the only thing I can.
I buy her.
She becomes my son’s nanny,
but wanting her was never part of the deal.
I wasn’t supposed to touch her.
And once I cross that line, I can’t let her go.
Until I discover why she stepped onto that stage,
and my world crashes.
Because in the Bratva, betrayal isn’t forgiven.
It’s buried.
Even if it’s her.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2026
About the author
Lilian Harris
28 books2,325 followersHi! I'm only on Goodreads on occassion. You may find me on my website www.LilianHarris.com
Or, connect with me through social media.
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WEBSITE: lilianharris.com
EMAIL: LilianHarrisAuthor@gmail.com
Or, connect with me through social media.
Thanks!
MAILING LIST: https://lilianharrisauthor.myflodesk....
BOOKBUB:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lilia...
AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.com/Lilian-Harris/...
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LilianHarrisBooks/
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/lilianharrisauthor/
WEBSITE: lilianharris.com
EMAIL: LilianHarrisAuthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
May 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This book was 50%: “touch her and die"
And 50%: “did you eat breakfast, malyshka?”
Which apparently is the exact ratio needed to emotionally manipulate me.
What worked for me
(aka: the emotional support Bratva husband agenda was strong)
Kirill.
Emotionally obsessive MMCs are nothing new in romance but what made Kirill work for me was how openly affectionate he was. He wasn’t just possessive and alpha and “mine” every three seconds (though yes, there was plenty of that). He was soft. Constantly.
Hand on her knee while driving. Holding her hand at red lights. Kissing her knuckles and forehead every chance he got. Buying her clothes, food, safety, stability, a car, a HOME.
This man’s love language was: “identify problem → eliminate problem immediately.”
And honestly? Effective.
What really sold me though was that beneath all the mafia violence and unhinged obsession, Kirill was deeply emotional. The man felt EVERYTHING. He loved hard, protected hard, spiraled hard. By the end he was basically a terrifying emotionally-devoted wife guy with a gun.
Which, apparently, is my brand now.
The family arc hit hardest.
The actual emotional heart of this story wasn’t even the romance for me.
It was: Kirill + Lev. Sloane + Milo. Lev + Milo. And eventually all four of them together.
The scenes with the boys genuinely softened the entire story. Lev in particular was written with so much care and some of the quiet moments involving his routines, communication style and relationship with Kirill ended up being some of the strongest emotional scenes in the book.
And Milo and Lev bonding over Legos and puzzles??? I’m sorry, they got me.
By the time we got to the found-family/payoff scenes, the emotional investment was THERE.
The final stretch dragged me back in.
Once the secrets finally started exploding, the book genuinely became addictive.
The stalking reveal? The hidden history? The emotional confrontation? The “it was always me” reveal???
INSANE. Romantic. Terrifying. Emotionally devastating.
Exactly the kind of dramatic chaos this book needed.
I also appreciated that the story eventually let Kirill’s obsession feel unsettling and emotional at the same time instead of pretending his behavior was normal. Because sir…the hidden surveillance file behind the painting was objectively insane.
Concerning behavior. Excellent execution.
Kirill’s protectiveness actually hit emotionally.
A lot of dark romance MMCs are possessive in a way that feels performative.
Kirill’s protectiveness felt rooted in genuine care especially when it came to the kids and Sloane’s trauma.
Some of his strongest moments weren’t even the violent ones - they were the quiet emotional ones. The reassurance. The tenderness. The certainty.
This man wanted: FAMILY. Permanence. Domesticity. Matching legal documents. Emotional support hand-holding. And murder.
Range.
Where it lost me
(aka: Sloane please I am begging you)
The “just ask Kirill for help” problem.
This was my biggest issue throughout the middle portion of the book.
Because the story repeatedly established that Kirill would literally do ANYTHING for Sloane. He made that clear over and over and over again.
Meanwhile, Sloane kept hiding things, refusing help, planning betrayal, sleeping in parking lots and spiraling alone…and after awhile it started feeling less emotionally tragic and more: “girl PLEASE use the resources standing directly in front of you".
I understood why she struggled to trust people emotionally, especially with her trauma and Milo hanging over everything but the conflict loop dragged slightly too long for me.
The emotional imbalance between their POVs.
Kirill felt emotionally all-in WAY earlier than Sloane did.
His POV was consistently: “I would destroy the world for this woman".
Meanwhile hers stayed trapped in survival mode and guilt for a huge portion of the book.
Which makes sense narratively but it did create moments where their emotional progression felt uneven - especially during some of the more intense romantic developments.
Some reveals resolved a little too quickly.
The confrontation/reveal chapters were genuinely strong…but some of the aftermath moved VERY fast.
There were moments where I wanted slightly more fallout, more emotional processing, more consequences and a little more tension before the immediate forgiveness kicked in - especially considering the level of betrayal and secrecy involved.
I bought that Kirill would forgive her. That absolutely tracked for his character.
I just think the emotional recovery could’ve breathed a little more before the story sprinted toward marriage/family resolution mode.
Camille.
That’s the section.
Her temporary personality shift before the full reveal gave me WHIPLASH. Once everything came out, her behavior made much more sense retroactively but during that middle stretch I was side-eyeing her HARD.
And honestly? Correct instinct.
Final Thoughts
This book was emotionally messy, dramatic, occasionally ridiculous and weirdly heartfelt all at once.
The romance itself wasn’t always perfectly balanced for me and parts of the middle definitely dragged under the weight of repeated secrecy and avoidable conflict…
BUT.
Kirill absolutely carried. The family dynamics carried. The emotional devotion carried. And those final found-family scenes genuinely got me.
Also Anton silently staring at Thora Whitlock across the wedding like an emotionally unavailable brooding menace???
Yeah okay. I’ll be back for Book 4.
Final Verdict
3.5 ⭐️ - Messy but addictive. Emotionally manipulative but weirdly sincere. A feral little mafia romance powered almost entirely by: obsession, hand-holding, family feelings and psychological damage.
I was entertained.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Mafia romance (Russian Bratva)
• Obsessed MMC / “you are mine” energy
• Emotional support mafia husband
• Found family / Single parents
• Protective father MMC
• Neurodivergent child rep
• Stalking but make it yearning
• Touch-her-and-die
• Hidden surveillance files
• Hand-holding as foreplay
• Adoption/family payoff
• “I would kill for you” but also “eat breakfast please”
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
We finally get Kirill x Sloane and this blurb already screams: “touch her and die” with bonus emotional damage 🤞🏻
This book was 50%: “touch her and die"
And 50%: “did you eat breakfast, malyshka?”
Which apparently is the exact ratio needed to emotionally manipulate me.
What worked for me
(aka: the emotional support Bratva husband agenda was strong)
Kirill.
Emotionally obsessive MMCs are nothing new in romance but what made Kirill work for me was how openly affectionate he was. He wasn’t just possessive and alpha and “mine” every three seconds (though yes, there was plenty of that). He was soft. Constantly.
Hand on her knee while driving. Holding her hand at red lights. Kissing her knuckles and forehead every chance he got. Buying her clothes, food, safety, stability, a car, a HOME.
This man’s love language was: “identify problem → eliminate problem immediately.”
And honestly? Effective.
What really sold me though was that beneath all the mafia violence and unhinged obsession, Kirill was deeply emotional. The man felt EVERYTHING. He loved hard, protected hard, spiraled hard. By the end he was basically a terrifying emotionally-devoted wife guy with a gun.
Which, apparently, is my brand now.
The family arc hit hardest.
The actual emotional heart of this story wasn’t even the romance for me.
It was: Kirill + Lev. Sloane + Milo. Lev + Milo. And eventually all four of them together.
The scenes with the boys genuinely softened the entire story. Lev in particular was written with so much care and some of the quiet moments involving his routines, communication style and relationship with Kirill ended up being some of the strongest emotional scenes in the book.
And Milo and Lev bonding over Legos and puzzles??? I’m sorry, they got me.
By the time we got to the found-family/payoff scenes, the emotional investment was THERE.
The final stretch dragged me back in.
Once the secrets finally started exploding, the book genuinely became addictive.
The stalking reveal? The hidden history? The emotional confrontation? The “it was always me” reveal???
INSANE. Romantic. Terrifying. Emotionally devastating.
Exactly the kind of dramatic chaos this book needed.
I also appreciated that the story eventually let Kirill’s obsession feel unsettling and emotional at the same time instead of pretending his behavior was normal. Because sir…the hidden surveillance file behind the painting was objectively insane.
Concerning behavior. Excellent execution.
Kirill’s protectiveness actually hit emotionally.
A lot of dark romance MMCs are possessive in a way that feels performative.
Kirill’s protectiveness felt rooted in genuine care especially when it came to the kids and Sloane’s trauma.
Some of his strongest moments weren’t even the violent ones - they were the quiet emotional ones. The reassurance. The tenderness. The certainty.
This man wanted: FAMILY. Permanence. Domesticity. Matching legal documents. Emotional support hand-holding. And murder.
Range.
Where it lost me
(aka: Sloane please I am begging you)
The “just ask Kirill for help” problem.
This was my biggest issue throughout the middle portion of the book.
Because the story repeatedly established that Kirill would literally do ANYTHING for Sloane. He made that clear over and over and over again.
Meanwhile, Sloane kept hiding things, refusing help, planning betrayal, sleeping in parking lots and spiraling alone…and after awhile it started feeling less emotionally tragic and more: “girl PLEASE use the resources standing directly in front of you".
I understood why she struggled to trust people emotionally, especially with her trauma and Milo hanging over everything but the conflict loop dragged slightly too long for me.
The emotional imbalance between their POVs.
Kirill felt emotionally all-in WAY earlier than Sloane did.
His POV was consistently: “I would destroy the world for this woman".
Meanwhile hers stayed trapped in survival mode and guilt for a huge portion of the book.
Which makes sense narratively but it did create moments where their emotional progression felt uneven - especially during some of the more intense romantic developments.
Some reveals resolved a little too quickly.
The confrontation/reveal chapters were genuinely strong…but some of the aftermath moved VERY fast.
There were moments where I wanted slightly more fallout, more emotional processing, more consequences and a little more tension before the immediate forgiveness kicked in - especially considering the level of betrayal and secrecy involved.
I bought that Kirill would forgive her. That absolutely tracked for his character.
I just think the emotional recovery could’ve breathed a little more before the story sprinted toward marriage/family resolution mode.
Camille.
That’s the section.
Her temporary personality shift before the full reveal gave me WHIPLASH. Once everything came out, her behavior made much more sense retroactively but during that middle stretch I was side-eyeing her HARD.
And honestly? Correct instinct.
Final Thoughts
This book was emotionally messy, dramatic, occasionally ridiculous and weirdly heartfelt all at once.
The romance itself wasn’t always perfectly balanced for me and parts of the middle definitely dragged under the weight of repeated secrecy and avoidable conflict…
BUT.
Kirill absolutely carried. The family dynamics carried. The emotional devotion carried. And those final found-family scenes genuinely got me.
Also Anton silently staring at Thora Whitlock across the wedding like an emotionally unavailable brooding menace???
Yeah okay. I’ll be back for Book 4.
Final Verdict
3.5 ⭐️ - Messy but addictive. Emotionally manipulative but weirdly sincere. A feral little mafia romance powered almost entirely by: obsession, hand-holding, family feelings and psychological damage.
I was entertained.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Mafia romance (Russian Bratva)
• Obsessed MMC / “you are mine” energy
• Emotional support mafia husband
• Found family / Single parents
• Protective father MMC
• Neurodivergent child rep
• Stalking but make it yearning
• Touch-her-and-die
• Hidden surveillance files
• Hand-holding as foreplay
• Adoption/family payoff
• “I would kill for you” but also “eat breakfast please”
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
We finally get Kirill x Sloane and this blurb already screams: “touch her and die” with bonus emotional damage 🤞🏻
March 6, 2026
Kirill is coming May 8! Pre-order for him and Anton are up on Amazon.
If you want sneaks, join my reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lilia...
In this book, you will also find out who the next series will be based on. They're a new family in my world. 😈. If you're a influencer and want to join my team, please follow this link: https://www.lilianharris.com/influenc...
If you want sneaks, join my reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lilia...
In this book, you will also find out who the next series will be based on. They're a new family in my world. 😈. If you're a influencer and want to join my team, please follow this link: https://www.lilianharris.com/influenc...
June 7, 2026
3,8 ᯓ☆ || No hay nada que ame más que leer a un protagonista "duro" ser suave solo con ella. Mi puta debilidad 😩
Dios, el conflicto casi me mata de la angustia. No porque sea muy grave en cuanto a consecuencias, sino porque la autora es buenísima construyendo la tensión. Haya sido de la buena o de la mala, no importaba, me tenía con el corazón desbocado.
Estoy acostumbrada a los libros de mafia de MH o Sonja Grey que, a comparación de este, son mucho más ligeros. Hace tiempo no leía uno donde pasaran tantas cosas jsjs
Aunque para ser la primera vez que leo a Lilian Harris, me dejó con muy buen sabor de boca. GENIA.
Eso sí, voy a ser honesta: soy una persona muy sensible, así que quizá sea por eso que me afectó como lo hizo ese último 30% del libro. Osea, después del 75% yo ya estaba llorando 😔🤚 jskajsk
AMÉ por completo a la protagonista, Sloane, todo lo que le tocó sufrir y aún así seguía de pie. Incluso cuando se tuvo que enterar de la verdad casi al final. ¿Me vi venir el plot twist? En parte, sí. Pero no dejo de ser menos horrible. Lo bueno que esa persona obtiene su merecido 🤌
Ahora sobre el protagonista, Kirill, QUE HOMBRE 🛐. Es increíble como mientras más avanzaba la trama, más podía ver lo loquito que estaba por Sloane. Al principio parece como que simplemente la desea, pero poco a poco vas viendo que es mucho más que eso. Ya he leído a hombres obsesionados, sin embargo me tomo totalmente desprevenida como tomaría Kirill las acciones de Sloane (no lo digo para evitar spoiler). Subestime por completo su obsesión. ES QUE NO ENTIENDEN AAAHJSHAKSJKA Jamás había leído esa ansia, ese hambre de NECESITARLA sin importar qué. He leído que lo digan, más nunca que lo demostraran de la forma en que Kirill lo demostró. Sobre todo, hablo de la escena que viene después de que la "atrape". No diré más.
No obstante, tengo que admitir que todo el asunto del stalkeo me perturbo un poco mucho. Osea, es un MONTÓN JSKAJSKJA.
ESA ESCENA EXTRA (que tomaré como epílogo), FAN. ES TODO LO PIDO AL TERMINAR UNA HISTORIA. GRACIAS 🙏
Otros puntos positivos:
▫️ Lev y Milo. Muy tiernos. En especial Lev. Se nota que la autora tiene un hijo como él. El cariño y cuidado con el que lo escribió se siente muchísimo. Al igual que el miedo de Kirill por verlo crecer en mundo que no sabe como va a recibirlo siendo quien es, un claro reflejo de lo que siente la autora con su propio hijo ❤️🩹.
▫️ La mejor amiga de la protagonista, Mandy.
▫️ LAS ESCENAS SPICY. Son solo como 4,pero madre mía QUE HOT 🔥🔥🔥 me mataba cada vez que él la agarraba del cabello para enredarselo en la mano y jalar su cabeza hacia atrás
▫️ RUE. Esa niña va a conquistar el mundo jskajks me encanta la relación que formó con Lev, ojalá sea algo que perdure. Incluso ya me hice mi película donde la autora escribe su libro.
▫️ Los Whitlock. Yo sé que no se llevan bien con los Marinov (familia del prota), pero la neta esa familia me cayó re bien.
▫️ LA VENGANZA 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Ya por último solo digo que el libro de Konstantin me llama la atención solo porque aquí me agrado su personalidad. Veré si lo leo luego. Y Anton, es claro que su libro tendra bastante carga emocional. Siento que será de esos personajes que solo fueron criados como maquinas de matar, pero que en el proceso algo (o alguien jsjs) los hace encontrarse de nuevo con sus emociones, con eso que los vuelve humanos. No sé, siento que tiene mucho potencial.
Dios, el conflicto casi me mata de la angustia. No porque sea muy grave en cuanto a consecuencias, sino porque la autora es buenísima construyendo la tensión. Haya sido de la buena o de la mala, no importaba, me tenía con el corazón desbocado.
Estoy acostumbrada a los libros de mafia de MH o Sonja Grey que, a comparación de este, son mucho más ligeros. Hace tiempo no leía uno donde pasaran tantas cosas jsjs
Aunque para ser la primera vez que leo a Lilian Harris, me dejó con muy buen sabor de boca. GENIA.
Eso sí, voy a ser honesta: soy una persona muy sensible, así que quizá sea por eso que me afectó como lo hizo ese último 30% del libro. Osea, después del 75% yo ya estaba llorando 😔🤚 jskajsk
AMÉ por completo a la protagonista, Sloane, todo lo que le tocó sufrir y aún así seguía de pie. Incluso cuando se tuvo que enterar de la verdad casi al final. ¿Me vi venir el plot twist? En parte, sí. Pero no dejo de ser menos horrible. Lo bueno que esa persona obtiene su merecido 🤌
Ahora sobre el protagonista, Kirill, QUE HOMBRE 🛐. Es increíble como mientras más avanzaba la trama, más podía ver lo loquito que estaba por Sloane. Al principio parece como que simplemente la desea, pero poco a poco vas viendo que es mucho más que eso. Ya he leído a hombres obsesionados, sin embargo me tomo totalmente desprevenida como tomaría Kirill las acciones de Sloane (no lo digo para evitar spoiler). Subestime por completo su obsesión. ES QUE NO ENTIENDEN AAAHJSHAKSJKA Jamás había leído esa ansia, ese hambre de NECESITARLA sin importar qué. He leído que lo digan, más nunca que lo demostraran de la forma en que Kirill lo demostró. Sobre todo, hablo de la escena que viene después de que la "atrape". No diré más.
No obstante, tengo que admitir que todo el asunto del stalkeo me perturbo un poco mucho. Osea, es un MONTÓN JSKAJSKJA.
ESA ESCENA EXTRA (que tomaré como epílogo), FAN. ES TODO LO PIDO AL TERMINAR UNA HISTORIA. GRACIAS 🙏
Otros puntos positivos:
▫️ Lev y Milo. Muy tiernos. En especial Lev. Se nota que la autora tiene un hijo como él. El cariño y cuidado con el que lo escribió se siente muchísimo. Al igual que el miedo de Kirill por verlo crecer en mundo que no sabe como va a recibirlo siendo quien es, un claro reflejo de lo que siente la autora con su propio hijo ❤️🩹.
▫️ La mejor amiga de la protagonista, Mandy.
▫️ LAS ESCENAS SPICY. Son solo como 4,pero madre mía QUE HOT 🔥🔥🔥 me mataba cada vez que él la agarraba del cabello para enredarselo en la mano y jalar su cabeza hacia atrás
▫️ RUE. Esa niña va a conquistar el mundo jskajks me encanta la relación que formó con Lev, ojalá sea algo que perdure. Incluso ya me hice mi película donde la autora escribe su libro.
▫️ Los Whitlock. Yo sé que no se llevan bien con los Marinov (familia del prota), pero la neta esa familia me cayó re bien.
▫️ LA VENGANZA 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Ya por último solo digo que el libro de Konstantin me llama la atención solo porque aquí me agrado su personalidad. Veré si lo leo luego. Y Anton, es claro que su libro tendra bastante carga emocional. Siento que será de esos personajes que solo fueron criados como maquinas de matar, pero que en el proceso algo (o alguien jsjs) los hace encontrarse de nuevo con sus emociones, con eso que los vuelve humanos. No sé, siento que tiene mucho potencial.
May 21, 2026
I’d been looking forward to this book and it didn’t let me down. We’ve got an age gap, a possessive mafia boss, a female lead who’s hiding far more secrets than we ever imagined, and a little boy who’s an absolute delight. Lev deserves a star all on his own – the author has poured so much love into that character; it’s admirable.
I would have liked to read more from Kirill’s point of view; this book has been more of Sloane’s story, and that left me feeling like something was missing. I also missed a bit more mafia action, but I know what’s left hanging will be covered in Anton’s book, which I can’t wait to read.
But overall I liked it; I love your books, Lilian!!
I would have liked to read more from Kirill’s point of view; this book has been more of Sloane’s story, and that left me feeling like something was missing. I also missed a bit more mafia action, but I know what’s left hanging will be covered in Anton’s book, which I can’t wait to read.
But overall I liked it; I love your books, Lilian!!
Read
May 12, 2026Ehhh, everything is instant. Insta-lust/love, instant family, and instant bonding between their kids. The resolution of the problem was quick, as was finding out what really happened to her mom. It's kind of hard to get invested in the story when everything falls into place so easily without much buildup. Add in the fact that the book is 460+ pages with some scenes that feel a bit like more of a filter. Idk, it just didn't work for me.
May 9, 2026
3,75/5 ⭐️
---- Can't wait for this release (and i pray that he isn't a manwh*re) ----
---- Can't wait for this release (and i pray that he isn't a manwh*re) ----
May 9, 2026
All of these 5 star reviewers have me baffled. We def did not read the same thing. I’ll give it a 2.5. Maybe 3. Bc it had some tropes and I couldn’t stop reading it. But execution and the actual writing and details were bad.
This is my first book by this author - I did try to read book 1 of this series while waiting for this one to come out but I couldn’t get behind the premise. I do not like stories that focus on sex, lust as the drivers for the romance. That books premise is that FMC applies to work at the MMCs sex club and one of the first scenes is him “auditioning” her. Hard. Pass. I made it to 10%. Then he makes her masturbate with his gun. 🙄 I know some people love this stuff. Go for it. But for me it was cheesy and just done to add more smut.
So this book - I was really intrigued by this book bc MMCs son is autistic and FMC js a struggling single mom and so I liked the premise! And the author herself has an autistic child so I had high hopes on the representation - tbf the book does do a pretty good job imo but it is overshadowed by all the crap of the actual book that it feels like an afterthought. Lev, the son, feels like an afterthought and just a piece to drive the plot and source of conflict. It’s a shame. It’s a bit better by the end of it but in general it all just felt too convenient in how FMC and his kid bond (we actually never see it in this book. Maybe it happens in past books? But we’re just told about it and they’re already bonded and she already loves him while she is their waitress every Monday pretty early on)
This is really poorly written. It’s mediocre wattpad at best. This author does a whole lot of telling, definitely not showing. And repetitively!!! I specifically went on TikTok to see if the author and book are mentioned a lot - they are! I’ve almost never liked any rec from booktok. This book (like so many on booktok) tend to be superficial, more focus on the spice and physical attraction, with the rest being filler.
In this book - it seems like almost every other chapter has the MCs thinking how attractive the other is, fantasising about the other, how hard his cock is, how wet she is, blah blah. It goes on and on and on. It’s SO excessive and exhausting bc it’s constant.
The conflict feels stupid and just goes on for far too long. It’s miscommunication and extended secret withholding for fucking ever. The angst and conflict is annoying. This book with all the major premise could’ve been done but just better without falling into the usual romance book tropes. Yo it’s 2026 and this is like your 20th + book so come on. It’s lazy to do the stereotypical sources of conflict. It’s exhausting waiting until 85% for the shoe to drop - and it being this whole betrayal that is forgiven very quickly a quick intense bang. I could not for the life me understand why she did not just ask for help at some point - any point. There’s being strong. Then there’s being reckless and TSTL.
There were also soooo many plot holes and just pieces that didn’t really make sense. I’d be spoiled even more if I shared details and I’m tired of writing this review.
Also when the two kids meet it’s just so easy and already done. Again these kids weren’t genuine characters but just little auxiliary details for the not so exciting or deep romance. It’s a shame bc I would’ve imagined that the author would’ve been a bit more intentional in the autistic child being a fuller character. For example cate c wells in hitting a wall has an autistic child where MMC meets her when she’s already 4-5 or so and that was done really well. She wasnt just a show piece but there was a process in learning to be in her life and wasn’t just so “natural” and “easy” - even without the autistic child - the MMC meets fmcs child and it’s like already a done deal for both of them. It’s a 400 page + book. No excuse for there not to be.
This is my first book by this author - I did try to read book 1 of this series while waiting for this one to come out but I couldn’t get behind the premise. I do not like stories that focus on sex, lust as the drivers for the romance. That books premise is that FMC applies to work at the MMCs sex club and one of the first scenes is him “auditioning” her. Hard. Pass. I made it to 10%. Then he makes her masturbate with his gun. 🙄 I know some people love this stuff. Go for it. But for me it was cheesy and just done to add more smut.
So this book - I was really intrigued by this book bc MMCs son is autistic and FMC js a struggling single mom and so I liked the premise! And the author herself has an autistic child so I had high hopes on the representation - tbf the book does do a pretty good job imo but it is overshadowed by all the crap of the actual book that it feels like an afterthought. Lev, the son, feels like an afterthought and just a piece to drive the plot and source of conflict. It’s a shame. It’s a bit better by the end of it but in general it all just felt too convenient in how FMC and his kid bond (we actually never see it in this book. Maybe it happens in past books? But we’re just told about it and they’re already bonded and she already loves him while she is their waitress every Monday pretty early on)
This is really poorly written. It’s mediocre wattpad at best. This author does a whole lot of telling, definitely not showing. And repetitively!!! I specifically went on TikTok to see if the author and book are mentioned a lot - they are! I’ve almost never liked any rec from booktok. This book (like so many on booktok) tend to be superficial, more focus on the spice and physical attraction, with the rest being filler.
In this book - it seems like almost every other chapter has the MCs thinking how attractive the other is, fantasising about the other, how hard his cock is, how wet she is, blah blah. It goes on and on and on. It’s SO excessive and exhausting bc it’s constant.
The conflict feels stupid and just goes on for far too long. It’s miscommunication and extended secret withholding for fucking ever. The angst and conflict is annoying. This book with all the major premise could’ve been done but just better without falling into the usual romance book tropes. Yo it’s 2026 and this is like your 20th + book so come on. It’s lazy to do the stereotypical sources of conflict. It’s exhausting waiting until 85% for the shoe to drop - and it being this whole betrayal that is forgiven very quickly a quick intense bang. I could not for the life me understand why she did not just ask for help at some point - any point. There’s being strong. Then there’s being reckless and TSTL.
There were also soooo many plot holes and just pieces that didn’t really make sense. I’d be spoiled even more if I shared details and I’m tired of writing this review.
Also when the two kids meet it’s just so easy and already done. Again these kids weren’t genuine characters but just little auxiliary details for the not so exciting or deep romance. It’s a shame bc I would’ve imagined that the author would’ve been a bit more intentional in the autistic child being a fuller character. For example cate c wells in hitting a wall has an autistic child where MMC meets her when she’s already 4-5 or so and that was done really well. She wasnt just a show piece but there was a process in learning to be in her life and wasn’t just so “natural” and “easy” - even without the autistic child - the MMC meets fmcs child and it’s like already a done deal for both of them. It’s a 400 page + book. No excuse for there not to be.
May 9, 2026
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I think I got myself too hyped for this one and it didn't meet my expectations. I've enjoyed this series so far, and I did enjoy this one as well, but it lacked compared to the previous books. There was a lot going on between these two characters that didn't feel like it really came together in a great way. I saw another reviewer that said there was a lot of telling and not showing, and I heavily agree with that. The whole situation with Sloane's past deserved more page time in my opinion and it made it hard to truly connect with her since we never got that.
Overall, I liked the characters together and I did see a connection between them that was fun to read.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I think I got myself too hyped for this one and it didn't meet my expectations. I've enjoyed this series so far, and I did enjoy this one as well, but it lacked compared to the previous books. There was a lot going on between these two characters that didn't feel like it really came together in a great way. I saw another reviewer that said there was a lot of telling and not showing, and I heavily agree with that. The whole situation with Sloane's past deserved more page time in my opinion and it made it hard to truly connect with her since we never got that.
Overall, I liked the characters together and I did see a connection between them that was fun to read.
May 29, 2026
Instagram ad got me with this one! I haven’t been super interested in mafia romance in the past—but I do dabble. For a quick, junk food for the brain type of read, this one really delivered.
Semi slow burn, mafia daddy, spicy spice. Ticked off all the boxes ✔️
My main gripe was with Sloane. She felt like an under developed character in terms of her addiction trauma. It defined so much of who she was but we never really got into the meat of that story. I felt what was left was kind of a cliche, damsel-in-distress FMC. Which is totally fine for this genre—just would’ve been nice to have a bit more there.
3.85/5 ⭐️ ; 3/5 🌶️
Semi slow burn, mafia daddy, spicy spice. Ticked off all the boxes ✔️
My main gripe was with Sloane. She felt like an under developed character in terms of her addiction trauma. It defined so much of who she was but we never really got into the meat of that story. I felt what was left was kind of a cliche, damsel-in-distress FMC. Which is totally fine for this genre—just would’ve been nice to have a bit more there.
3.85/5 ⭐️ ; 3/5 🌶️
May 11, 2026
Enjoyable, but 200 pages could have been cut from this book if Sloane had just talked to Kirill.
May 16, 2026
If you are looking for a mafia romance that leans heavier on the romance and a bit lighter on the "dark," this book definitely delivers. While I am giving it a solid three stars overall, there were some incredibly sweet character dynamics that made it a genuinely enjoyable read.
What Worked Well:
A "Green Flag" Mafia Man: Kirill completely steals the show. In a genre filled with fiercely morally gray men, it was so refreshing to read an MMC who is an absolute green flag. He is completely, unapologetically head over heels for Sloane, and his devotion is top-tier.
Electric Chemistry: The romantic connection between Kirill and Sloane was fantastic. They bounced off each other beautifully, and their chemistry carried the story effortlessly.
Heartwarming Found Family: The absolute best part of this book was the way Kirill stepped up for Sloane’s baby. He didn't just accept Lev; he embraced him. The bond that formed between Kirill and little Lev was so precious and gave the story a lot of heart.
Why 3 Stars?
While the romance and the single-mom representation were fantastic, it sits comfortably at three stars because it plays it a bit safe. As a "light dark" mafia story, the actual mafia plotline and high-stakes tension felt secondary to the romance, keeping it from crossing into 4- or 5-star territory for me.
Final Verdict:
A great, fast-paced palate cleanser if you want a swoony, obsessed mafia man without the heavy angst and trigger warnings. Come for the mafia vibes, stay for Kirill being the ultimate family man!
What Worked Well:
A "Green Flag" Mafia Man: Kirill completely steals the show. In a genre filled with fiercely morally gray men, it was so refreshing to read an MMC who is an absolute green flag. He is completely, unapologetically head over heels for Sloane, and his devotion is top-tier.
Electric Chemistry: The romantic connection between Kirill and Sloane was fantastic. They bounced off each other beautifully, and their chemistry carried the story effortlessly.
Heartwarming Found Family: The absolute best part of this book was the way Kirill stepped up for Sloane’s baby. He didn't just accept Lev; he embraced him. The bond that formed between Kirill and little Lev was so precious and gave the story a lot of heart.
Why 3 Stars?
While the romance and the single-mom representation were fantastic, it sits comfortably at three stars because it plays it a bit safe. As a "light dark" mafia story, the actual mafia plotline and high-stakes tension felt secondary to the romance, keeping it from crossing into 4- or 5-star territory for me.
Final Verdict:
A great, fast-paced palate cleanser if you want a swoony, obsessed mafia man without the heavy angst and trigger warnings. Come for the mafia vibes, stay for Kirill being the ultimate family man!
June 21, 2026
Kirill is a messy story with a lot of moving parts behind the scenes. Sloane is a poor waitress living in her car while giving all her money to her sister to keep a roof over her son’s head. Kirill is a Russian mobster who is also a single father to an autistic son. He is obsessed with Sloane and has been basically stalking her for years, manipulating things to make her life a little bit easier for her. He’s 20 years older than her which I’m not a huge age gap fan, but it’s not mentioned too much and I just make them closer to age in my head 😂 Needing a nanny, he hires Sloane because his little boy is also obsessed with her and she handles him so well! But she is being blackmailed by people in her past to steal from Kirill, leaving her feeling extremely guilty betraying the only person who’s ever been good to her. But she’ll do anything to protect her son.
Kirill was such a good dad and I absolutely loved that he didn’t think of his child as a problem because he’s autistic. The way he talks about it is that his boy just learns differently than others and he is such a proud father! Lev is a sweet boy who doesn’t warm up to others often, but something about Sloane makes him want to be with her all the time. I guess like father like son, they’re both obsessed with her 😂 The way they all interacted with each other was really cute and they made a sweet little family, especially when Sloane gets her son back ❤️
The biggest problem I had with this story was Sloane. I admire people trying to take care of their own problems, but at some point you have to take help where you can get it. Kirill told her time and time again that he would burn the world down for her if she just asks, and she still wouldn’t let him help her! He was part of a very powerful family that could easily take down the people that were blackmailing her and threatening her sons life, but she just wouldn’t tell him what was going on and felt she just had to betray him. It drove me crazy and I wanted to yell at her to just tell him the truth already! That’s why I gave this book 3 stars 😂
The audiobook was duet narrated by Will Watt and Kai Kennicott featuring John Heartly. Will Watt’s Russian accent is so good that you’d think he is Russian, though I felt his voice was a little deep for the character. That’s just my opinion, but he did do a phenomenal job! I’ve listened to several books by this author now and have enjoyed all of them. I definitely recommend their books for people who like mafia romances with totally obsessed MMC’s ❤️
Kirill was such a good dad and I absolutely loved that he didn’t think of his child as a problem because he’s autistic. The way he talks about it is that his boy just learns differently than others and he is such a proud father! Lev is a sweet boy who doesn’t warm up to others often, but something about Sloane makes him want to be with her all the time. I guess like father like son, they’re both obsessed with her 😂 The way they all interacted with each other was really cute and they made a sweet little family, especially when Sloane gets her son back ❤️
The biggest problem I had with this story was Sloane. I admire people trying to take care of their own problems, but at some point you have to take help where you can get it. Kirill told her time and time again that he would burn the world down for her if she just asks, and she still wouldn’t let him help her! He was part of a very powerful family that could easily take down the people that were blackmailing her and threatening her sons life, but she just wouldn’t tell him what was going on and felt she just had to betray him. It drove me crazy and I wanted to yell at her to just tell him the truth already! That’s why I gave this book 3 stars 😂
The audiobook was duet narrated by Will Watt and Kai Kennicott featuring John Heartly. Will Watt’s Russian accent is so good that you’d think he is Russian, though I felt his voice was a little deep for the character. That’s just my opinion, but he did do a phenomenal job! I’ve listened to several books by this author now and have enjoyed all of them. I definitely recommend their books for people who like mafia romances with totally obsessed MMC’s ❤️
May 20, 2026
En realidad es un 3.5. Hace mucho no leí un libro de romance con mafia porque esa temática y los clubs de motos son mis menos fav, pero lo arranqué sin ganas y me terminó gustando un montón. Lev es todo lo que está bien!
May 15, 2026
Now let me start off by saying this:
I’ve read ELEVEN Lilian Harris books.
ELEVEN.
At this point I basically have a doctorate in Lilian Harris studies.
And after all that research I’ve come to a few conclusions:
1. The books are usually longer than they need to be
2. Characters from old series WILL show up
3. Every series has that one standout book
For the Marinov Bratva series?
That book is still **Aleksei’s book**.
I said what I said.
Now welcome to Book 3 in the Marinov Bratva series where we begin with a drowning nightmare.
Warm up the Chevy Martha.
We’re going for a ride.
---
📚 **The Situation**
We’re back with:
**Kirill Marinov**
– 41 years old
– single dad
– Bratva member
– emotionally damaged but trying
– owner of the diner Sloane works at
And:
**Sloane** (formerly Eden)
– 23 years old
– former thief known as *Ghosthands*
– homeless
– single mom
– running from gang problems and family trauma
What we already knew from Aleksei’s book:
Every Monday Kirill and his son Lev go to the diner where Sloane works.
And immediately?
You can tell something is there.
Not romance exactly.
More like:
aggressive longing.
These people have been mentally climbing each other for a while.
---
💀 **Character Energy**
**Sloane (FMC)**
Now this woman has SUFFERED.
We’ve got:
– abusive mother
– hateful sister
– alcoholic father
– gang problems
– homelessness
– assault trauma
– motherhood
This girl has enough trauma to qualify for a rewards program.
And despite all of that?
She’s still trying.
Still protecting people.
Still pushing forward.
---
**Kirill (MMC)**
Now let me tell you something:
THIS MAN.
Because Kirill isn’t the story.
LEV is.
Kirill’s love for his son absolutely carried this book for me.
Lev is autistic and the way Kirill loves him?
My God.
When Lev gets overwhelmed:
Kirill sits with him.
Plays piano for him.
Gives him space.
Meets him exactly where he is.
And because we know what Sergey Marinov did to his sons throughout this entire universe...
Watching Kirill refuse to become his father hit HARD.
Yes he's a murderous Bratva man.
Yes he shoots people.
But this man loves his son with every molecule in his body.
That was the story.
That was the heart.
---
👑 **Villain Roll Call**
🏆 **Camille: Worst Sister in New Jersey**
Camille hated Sloane like Sloane personally ruined her life.
Girl seek help.
---
🏆 **Sergey Marinov**
Dead.
Still terrorizing everybody from the grave.
Hater behavior.
---
🏆 **Eli and Barrett**
Generic criminal nonsense but still annoying.
---
😒 **What Didn’t Work**
Now Lilian...
Girl.
LAND THE PLANE.
I’m on page 165 and we're still circling the airport.
I’m on page 250 and we're still:
> “Kirill and I can't happen.”
Again.
Again.
AGAIN.
This relationship spent more time going back and forth than Wimbledon.
We KNOW they're getting together.
We are not surprised.
Proceed.
---
Also...
Mandy.
Girl mind your business.
She spent half this book trying to push Sloane toward Kirill like she was getting commission.
I was ready to file a workplace complaint.
Now I WILL say...
Redemption happened later.
I see you Mandy 👀
---
📉 **Chaos Corner**
Now let's discuss the amount of storylines happening.
We have:
– Sloane's past
– Milo
– Eli
– Barrett
– Lev
– Whitlock setup
– Anton setup
– Jace setup
– Savannah setup
There are more lines here than a mirror at Studio 54.
And somehow we kept adding MORE.
---
💀 **BUT THEN...**
Sloane gets auctioned at the Marinov club.
Kirill completely loses his mind.
Some guy bids against him.
Instead of increasing the bid?
KIRILL SHOOTS HIM.
SIR.
NOW WE'RE MOVING.
---
😏 **What Worked**
Once this book FINALLY commits?
It gets GOOD.
The longing made sense.
Kirill's restraint made sense.
The betrayal hit.
The protection hit.
And then this line:
> “I would've ripped out my own goddamn heart if you asked me to.”
SIR 😭
There it is.
THAT'S the mafia romance I signed up for.
---
🔥 **Spice Rating (13Pages Scale)**
🌶️🌶️ — slow burn, late arrival
Optional tag: *emotionally supported spice*
---
📊 **Book Rating (13Pages Scale)**
⭐⭐⭐✨ = Too long but worth the ride
---
🧨 **Final Verdict**
This book absolutely could've been 100 pages shorter.
BUT—
Kirill and Lev carried it.
Their relationship was beautiful.
Watching Kirill become everything his father never was?
That hit harder than the romance.
And while Aleksei is still the champion of this series...
Kirill quietly snuck into second place.
---
💬 **Signature Outro**
Kirill Marinov: murderous Bratva man, piano-playing father, emotionally damaged softie.
Sergey Marinov is somewhere in hell punching air.
I’ve read ELEVEN Lilian Harris books.
ELEVEN.
At this point I basically have a doctorate in Lilian Harris studies.
And after all that research I’ve come to a few conclusions:
1. The books are usually longer than they need to be
2. Characters from old series WILL show up
3. Every series has that one standout book
For the Marinov Bratva series?
That book is still **Aleksei’s book**.
I said what I said.
Now welcome to Book 3 in the Marinov Bratva series where we begin with a drowning nightmare.
Warm up the Chevy Martha.
We’re going for a ride.
---
📚 **The Situation**
We’re back with:
**Kirill Marinov**
– 41 years old
– single dad
– Bratva member
– emotionally damaged but trying
– owner of the diner Sloane works at
And:
**Sloane** (formerly Eden)
– 23 years old
– former thief known as *Ghosthands*
– homeless
– single mom
– running from gang problems and family trauma
What we already knew from Aleksei’s book:
Every Monday Kirill and his son Lev go to the diner where Sloane works.
And immediately?
You can tell something is there.
Not romance exactly.
More like:
aggressive longing.
These people have been mentally climbing each other for a while.
---
💀 **Character Energy**
**Sloane (FMC)**
Now this woman has SUFFERED.
We’ve got:
– abusive mother
– hateful sister
– alcoholic father
– gang problems
– homelessness
– assault trauma
– motherhood
This girl has enough trauma to qualify for a rewards program.
And despite all of that?
She’s still trying.
Still protecting people.
Still pushing forward.
---
**Kirill (MMC)**
Now let me tell you something:
THIS MAN.
Because Kirill isn’t the story.
LEV is.
Kirill’s love for his son absolutely carried this book for me.
Lev is autistic and the way Kirill loves him?
My God.
When Lev gets overwhelmed:
Kirill sits with him.
Plays piano for him.
Gives him space.
Meets him exactly where he is.
And because we know what Sergey Marinov did to his sons throughout this entire universe...
Watching Kirill refuse to become his father hit HARD.
Yes he's a murderous Bratva man.
Yes he shoots people.
But this man loves his son with every molecule in his body.
That was the story.
That was the heart.
---
👑 **Villain Roll Call**
🏆 **Camille: Worst Sister in New Jersey**
Camille hated Sloane like Sloane personally ruined her life.
Girl seek help.
---
🏆 **Sergey Marinov**
Dead.
Still terrorizing everybody from the grave.
Hater behavior.
---
🏆 **Eli and Barrett**
Generic criminal nonsense but still annoying.
---
😒 **What Didn’t Work**
Now Lilian...
Girl.
LAND THE PLANE.
I’m on page 165 and we're still circling the airport.
I’m on page 250 and we're still:
> “Kirill and I can't happen.”
Again.
Again.
AGAIN.
This relationship spent more time going back and forth than Wimbledon.
We KNOW they're getting together.
We are not surprised.
Proceed.
---
Also...
Mandy.
Girl mind your business.
She spent half this book trying to push Sloane toward Kirill like she was getting commission.
I was ready to file a workplace complaint.
Now I WILL say...
Redemption happened later.
I see you Mandy 👀
---
📉 **Chaos Corner**
Now let's discuss the amount of storylines happening.
We have:
– Sloane's past
– Milo
– Eli
– Barrett
– Lev
– Whitlock setup
– Anton setup
– Jace setup
– Savannah setup
There are more lines here than a mirror at Studio 54.
And somehow we kept adding MORE.
---
💀 **BUT THEN...**
Sloane gets auctioned at the Marinov club.
Kirill completely loses his mind.
Some guy bids against him.
Instead of increasing the bid?
KIRILL SHOOTS HIM.
SIR.
NOW WE'RE MOVING.
---
😏 **What Worked**
Once this book FINALLY commits?
It gets GOOD.
The longing made sense.
Kirill's restraint made sense.
The betrayal hit.
The protection hit.
And then this line:
> “I would've ripped out my own goddamn heart if you asked me to.”
SIR 😭
There it is.
THAT'S the mafia romance I signed up for.
---
🔥 **Spice Rating (13Pages Scale)**
🌶️🌶️ — slow burn, late arrival
Optional tag: *emotionally supported spice*
---
📊 **Book Rating (13Pages Scale)**
⭐⭐⭐✨ = Too long but worth the ride
---
🧨 **Final Verdict**
This book absolutely could've been 100 pages shorter.
BUT—
Kirill and Lev carried it.
Their relationship was beautiful.
Watching Kirill become everything his father never was?
That hit harder than the romance.
And while Aleksei is still the champion of this series...
Kirill quietly snuck into second place.
---
💬 **Signature Outro**
Kirill Marinov: murderous Bratva man, piano-playing father, emotionally damaged softie.
Sergey Marinov is somewhere in hell punching air.
May 16, 2026
I feel like I could low-key lead the Russian Mafia better than Kirill
June 8, 2026
I ended up speed reading this one because for most of the book I genuinely thought I'd read it before. The plot felt familiar in places, but there were enough twists and drama to keep me invested and finish it in one sitting.
What worked for me was the overall story and the family dynamic. Kirill was easily my favorite character. Even though he's a Russian mafia boss, he wasn't nearly as cold or cruel as I expected, especially compared to the legacy of his father. His relationship with Lev was sweet, and the bond that developed between Sloane and Lev was honestly the highlight of the book for me. Those scenes felt the most genuine and emotional.
The book also has a significant age gap. Kirill is 41 and Sloane is 23, making it an 18 year difference. On top of that, Kirill reveals that he's been keeping tabs on and protecting Sloane since she was 14 years old. The story presents it as protective and romantic, but it definitely gave me mixed feelings. At times it felt less like protection and more like obsession. Finding out he had been watching her for nine years and secretly influencing parts of her life added a stalker/creepy layer to his character and raised some questions for me.
Spoilers below:
The biggest strength of this book is probably the amount of drama packed into it. Sloane spends years believing she killed her mother while drunk, only to discover she was manipulated and framed. We learn that Milo is actually her son, not her nephew, and that her sister Camille has been lying to her for years.
The darkest reveal was Eli. Not only is he blackmailing Sloane throughout the story, but he eventually admits that he assaulted her when she was sixteen, making him Milo's biological father (gross and violating) We also learn that Eli and Camille were involved in covering up the truth about Sloane's mother, and Camille played a much larger role in Sloane's suffering than I expected.
I appreciated that when Kirill catches Sloane trying to break into his safe, the misunderstanding doesn't drag on forever. Once she tells him the truth about Milo, Barrett, and Eli's threats, he believes her and immediately shifts into protection mode. In a lot of mafia romances this would have turned into a long betrayal storyline, so I was glad that wasn't the case here.
The final act is packed with action. Kirill and Sloane marry almost immediately for protection, they rescue Milo, Eli kidnaps both boys for ransom, and Kirill's team ultimately rescues them. During Eli's interrogation, all the major secrets finally come out. Sloane then confronts Camille and kills her, which felt like the final step in reclaiming her life after years of manipulation.
My biggest issue was still Sloane herself. I understood why she was traumatized and fearful, but I struggled to connect with her character development. Some of her decisions frustrated me, and I never felt like her growth matched everything she had been through. Because of that, I never became fully invested in the romance despite liking Kirill.
Overall, this was an entertaining mafia romance with a protective hero, an autistic child who was one of the best parts of the book, lots of family focused moments, and enough twists to keep the pages turning. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
What worked for me was the overall story and the family dynamic. Kirill was easily my favorite character. Even though he's a Russian mafia boss, he wasn't nearly as cold or cruel as I expected, especially compared to the legacy of his father. His relationship with Lev was sweet, and the bond that developed between Sloane and Lev was honestly the highlight of the book for me. Those scenes felt the most genuine and emotional.
The book also has a significant age gap. Kirill is 41 and Sloane is 23, making it an 18 year difference. On top of that, Kirill reveals that he's been keeping tabs on and protecting Sloane since she was 14 years old. The story presents it as protective and romantic, but it definitely gave me mixed feelings. At times it felt less like protection and more like obsession. Finding out he had been watching her for nine years and secretly influencing parts of her life added a stalker/creepy layer to his character and raised some questions for me.
Spoilers below:
The biggest strength of this book is probably the amount of drama packed into it. Sloane spends years believing she killed her mother while drunk, only to discover she was manipulated and framed. We learn that Milo is actually her son, not her nephew, and that her sister Camille has been lying to her for years.
The darkest reveal was Eli. Not only is he blackmailing Sloane throughout the story, but he eventually admits that he assaulted her when she was sixteen, making him Milo's biological father (gross and violating) We also learn that Eli and Camille were involved in covering up the truth about Sloane's mother, and Camille played a much larger role in Sloane's suffering than I expected.
I appreciated that when Kirill catches Sloane trying to break into his safe, the misunderstanding doesn't drag on forever. Once she tells him the truth about Milo, Barrett, and Eli's threats, he believes her and immediately shifts into protection mode. In a lot of mafia romances this would have turned into a long betrayal storyline, so I was glad that wasn't the case here.
The final act is packed with action. Kirill and Sloane marry almost immediately for protection, they rescue Milo, Eli kidnaps both boys for ransom, and Kirill's team ultimately rescues them. During Eli's interrogation, all the major secrets finally come out. Sloane then confronts Camille and kills her, which felt like the final step in reclaiming her life after years of manipulation.
My biggest issue was still Sloane herself. I understood why she was traumatized and fearful, but I struggled to connect with her character development. Some of her decisions frustrated me, and I never felt like her growth matched everything she had been through. Because of that, I never became fully invested in the romance despite liking Kirill.
Overall, this was an entertaining mafia romance with a protective hero, an autistic child who was one of the best parts of the book, lots of family focused moments, and enough twists to keep the pages turning. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
I would be such a good mafia wife. 🤣♥️ That’s the review.
Single dad and single mom in a dark mafia world? Yes please and thank you! 😍 This was such a fun thrilling ride with unique twists and turns starring an unhinged Russian single daddy mafia man who is obsessed. 🤩
This is my brand of crazy. It’s stalking and violence with a clever smirk making it so much fun to read. Never ever cringe. 🙌
Kirill was beyond passionate. I loved how he was only soft her and his beautiful autistic son, Lev, but hard as nails to everyone else. Literally perfect “touch her or die” and “she’s mine” vibes to a tee which are my favorite micro tropes. 😍 He gave her everything and more which was simply so wonderful to read and had me kicking my feet. 💕
Sloane had a rough start in life but she starts living the dream. I was so happy (and relieved) for her. This girl’s situation was stressing me out and reminded me why I chase happily ever afters. ♥️
We get introduce to a new cowboy mafia family and I CANNOT WAIT. 🤠Anton is our quiet, dark, broody Russian brother and let’s just say, I do no think he is not ready for this cowgirl. 🤩 I always love how you try something different each time, Lilian. 💕 Also, I need a story for Mandy (loved her sidekick energy!) and a Lev and Rue mafia cowboy childhood friends to lovers story ASAP. No pressure. 🤣♥️
Single dad and single mom in a dark mafia world? Yes please and thank you! 😍 This was such a fun thrilling ride with unique twists and turns starring an unhinged Russian single daddy mafia man who is obsessed. 🤩
This is my brand of crazy. It’s stalking and violence with a clever smirk making it so much fun to read. Never ever cringe. 🙌
Kirill was beyond passionate. I loved how he was only soft her and his beautiful autistic son, Lev, but hard as nails to everyone else. Literally perfect “touch her or die” and “she’s mine” vibes to a tee which are my favorite micro tropes. 😍 He gave her everything and more which was simply so wonderful to read and had me kicking my feet. 💕
Sloane had a rough start in life but she starts living the dream. I was so happy (and relieved) for her. This girl’s situation was stressing me out and reminded me why I chase happily ever afters. ♥️
We get introduce to a new cowboy mafia family and I CANNOT WAIT. 🤠Anton is our quiet, dark, broody Russian brother and let’s just say, I do no think he is not ready for this cowgirl. 🤩 I always love how you try something different each time, Lilian. 💕 Also, I need a story for Mandy (loved her sidekick energy!) and a Lev and Rue mafia cowboy childhood friends to lovers story ASAP. No pressure. 🤣♥️
May 12, 2026
He had been watching her since she was fourteen, ever since she stole from his store.
What began as curiosity slowly turned into something far more dangerous. Without Sloane ever knowing, Kirill became her silent guardian angel.
Her life was nothing but a chain of disasters, one tragedy after another, until fate placed her directly in his path again—this time as a waitress in his restaurant.
She should have been forbidden to him. Untouchable.
But her relationship with Lev only made Kirill more possessive, more protective, and dangerously reckless enough to start dreaming about a future he had no right to want.
When Sloane’s past finally catches up with her, she’s forced to betray the only man who has ever made her feel safe.
But Kirill is always one step ahead.
And when he derails her plans, the truth comes crashing into the light… exposing secrets powerful enough to destroy them both.
4⭐for the story and one big⭐for Lev and Milo
What began as curiosity slowly turned into something far more dangerous. Without Sloane ever knowing, Kirill became her silent guardian angel.
Her life was nothing but a chain of disasters, one tragedy after another, until fate placed her directly in his path again—this time as a waitress in his restaurant.
She should have been forbidden to him. Untouchable.
But her relationship with Lev only made Kirill more possessive, more protective, and dangerously reckless enough to start dreaming about a future he had no right to want.
When Sloane’s past finally catches up with her, she’s forced to betray the only man who has ever made her feel safe.
But Kirill is always one step ahead.
And when he derails her plans, the truth comes crashing into the light… exposing secrets powerful enough to destroy them both.
4⭐for the story and one big⭐for Lev and Milo
July 12, 2026
4.5⭐️
Omg I need a daddy like him
The pacing was sm better than the last book the tension snd chemistry was so good.
Like I just wish the fmc wasn't so dumb at times but like I dont care.
Tropes:
- Both Single Parents
- Autistic son
- mmc Mafia
- Nanny
- Touch her and die
- Auction and jealous scenes
Omg I need a daddy like him
The pacing was sm better than the last book the tension snd chemistry was so good.
Like I just wish the fmc wasn't so dumb at times but like I dont care.
Tropes:
- Both Single Parents
- Autistic son
- mmc Mafia
- Nanny
- Touch her and die
- Auction and jealous scenes
June 8, 2026
3.5 stars - lev and milo were really cute but this whole eli ordeal was just annoying me … why couldn‘t she just talk to kirill ??
June 23, 2026
4.75⭐️
July 3, 2026
51% and still she didn’t tell the RUSSIAN MAFIA hottie, who wanted to help her and said so MANY times, that someone else was threatening her son? THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS AND CLEAR OPTION GIRL AND YOU WERE STILL THINKING ABOUT HOW HOT HE WAS INSTEAD THINKING HOW HE COULD HELP YOU GET YOUR KID BACK!!! I’m sooo damn disappointed, the book was looking so good and then bang!
I’m tired of the damsel in distress.
I’m tired of the damsel in distress.
May 14, 2026
Loved it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: poor, homeless heroine
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Overall, this was a sweet-ish romance with a couple of really dark elements. It paced well and fans of the genre will find it wholly entertaining. I can't wait to read the next story in the series!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: poor, homeless heroine
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Overall, this was a sweet-ish romance with a couple of really dark elements. It paced well and fans of the genre will find it wholly entertaining. I can't wait to read the next story in the series!
Read
June 29, 2026**Review of *Kirill* by Lillian Harris**
Lillian Harris has done it again! I absolutely love her Marinov Bratva series, and honestly, I wish there were ten brothers because I'm not ready for this series to end. Thankfully, we still have Anton's story to look forward to!
We've seen Kirill throughout the previous books—especially *Aleksei*—making his weekly Monday visits to the diner with his autistic son, Lev. It's obvious he's captivated by the waitress his son has formed such a special bond with. At first, all we know is that she's homeless and living out of her car, but there is so much more to Sloane's story than meets the eye.
Sloane has lived through more heartbreak than anyone should. You can't help but root for her. She grew up with terrible parents and a manipulative, jealous sister who not only took advantage of her but convinced her she had committed murder. This was probably the only part of the story that felt a little confusing to me. I wasn't entirely sure how her sister managed to keep her separated from her son after they were both given new identities and forced into hiding because of Sloane's past involvement with a gang.
One of my favorite reveals is learning that Kirill has actually been watching over Sloane for years—ever since she was a teenager who stole from one of his legitimate businesses. Talk about a protective hero!
I always get nervous when a betrayal trope is involved (I almost had a heart attack during *Konstantin*), so I spent a good portion of this book wanting to shake Sloane and beg her to tell Kirill the truth. Once everything finally comes to light, her life changes dramatically for the better. And fair warning...the safe scene is incredibly intense. I was on the edge of my seat.
Some readers may judge Sloane's decisions, but I completely understood where she was coming from. She's endured years of trauma and has learned, often painfully, that trusting people can be dangerous. She believes she's broken, and every decision she makes is to protect her son, Milo. What I loved most is that Kirill eventually understands that too. He never stops fighting for her.
We also get introduced to several intriguing new characters. Lillian...are you setting up a cowboy series? Because if you are, I am 100% here for it!
And finally, as much as I adored Kirill and Sloane, it was the kids who completely stole my heart. Milo, Rue, and Lev were the true stars of this book.
One thing I especially appreciated was Harris's portrayal of Lev. His autism wasn't treated as something that needed to be "fixed" or used as a plot device—it was simply part of who he is. Watching Kirill meet him exactly where he was, and seeing Sloane patiently earn his trust, made their journey toward becoming a family feel authentic and incredibly heartwarming. As someone who has read a lot of romance, I thought this representation was handled with care and added so much emotional depth to the story.
**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Tropes**
* 🖤 Bratva Romance
* 🩶 Morally Gray Hero
* 👨👦 Single Dad
* 👩👦 Single Mom
* 🧩 Neurodivergent Child Representation
* 💕 Found Family
* 👀 Secret Protector
* ❤️ Hidden Identity
* 🛡️ Protective/Possessive Hero
* 🏡 Hurt/Comfort
* 🌶️ Open Door Romance
* 🎭 Betrayal/Miscommunication
* 💥 Touch Her and Die
**Trigger Warnings**
* Child abuse and neglect
* Emotional abuse
* Family betrayal
* Gang and organized crime violence
* Murder and attempted murder
* Kidnapping
* Trauma and PTSD
* Homelessness
* Child endangerment
* Firearms and violence
Lillian Harris has done it again! I absolutely love her Marinov Bratva series, and honestly, I wish there were ten brothers because I'm not ready for this series to end. Thankfully, we still have Anton's story to look forward to!
We've seen Kirill throughout the previous books—especially *Aleksei*—making his weekly Monday visits to the diner with his autistic son, Lev. It's obvious he's captivated by the waitress his son has formed such a special bond with. At first, all we know is that she's homeless and living out of her car, but there is so much more to Sloane's story than meets the eye.
Sloane has lived through more heartbreak than anyone should. You can't help but root for her. She grew up with terrible parents and a manipulative, jealous sister who not only took advantage of her but convinced her she had committed murder. This was probably the only part of the story that felt a little confusing to me. I wasn't entirely sure how her sister managed to keep her separated from her son after they were both given new identities and forced into hiding because of Sloane's past involvement with a gang.
One of my favorite reveals is learning that Kirill has actually been watching over Sloane for years—ever since she was a teenager who stole from one of his legitimate businesses. Talk about a protective hero!
I always get nervous when a betrayal trope is involved (I almost had a heart attack during *Konstantin*), so I spent a good portion of this book wanting to shake Sloane and beg her to tell Kirill the truth. Once everything finally comes to light, her life changes dramatically for the better. And fair warning...the safe scene is incredibly intense. I was on the edge of my seat.
Some readers may judge Sloane's decisions, but I completely understood where she was coming from. She's endured years of trauma and has learned, often painfully, that trusting people can be dangerous. She believes she's broken, and every decision she makes is to protect her son, Milo. What I loved most is that Kirill eventually understands that too. He never stops fighting for her.
We also get introduced to several intriguing new characters. Lillian...are you setting up a cowboy series? Because if you are, I am 100% here for it!
And finally, as much as I adored Kirill and Sloane, it was the kids who completely stole my heart. Milo, Rue, and Lev were the true stars of this book.
One thing I especially appreciated was Harris's portrayal of Lev. His autism wasn't treated as something that needed to be "fixed" or used as a plot device—it was simply part of who he is. Watching Kirill meet him exactly where he was, and seeing Sloane patiently earn his trust, made their journey toward becoming a family feel authentic and incredibly heartwarming. As someone who has read a lot of romance, I thought this representation was handled with care and added so much emotional depth to the story.
**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Tropes**
* 🖤 Bratva Romance
* 🩶 Morally Gray Hero
* 👨👦 Single Dad
* 👩👦 Single Mom
* 🧩 Neurodivergent Child Representation
* 💕 Found Family
* 👀 Secret Protector
* ❤️ Hidden Identity
* 🛡️ Protective/Possessive Hero
* 🏡 Hurt/Comfort
* 🌶️ Open Door Romance
* 🎭 Betrayal/Miscommunication
* 💥 Touch Her and Die
**Trigger Warnings**
* Child abuse and neglect
* Emotional abuse
* Family betrayal
* Gang and organized crime violence
* Murder and attempted murder
* Kidnapping
* Trauma and PTSD
* Homelessness
* Child endangerment
* Firearms and violence
June 19, 2026
3.25⭐️
Sloane is this innocent, naive girl that has been abused her whole entire life. She is basically homeless, her sister is keeping her son captive for some reason, and she is working at a diner literally every single day to be able to pay her bitch of a sister.. but jeez this poor girl really just needs to grow a backbone and stand up for herself.
Here comes Kirill, rich obsessive Bratva single daddy who already has a thing for Sloane, and his autistic son also adores her too, so of course this is a no brainer. But add in some blackmail and suspense.. it is trying, but literally Sloane is the worst FMC I think I’ve ever read. It was seriously painful. I almost DNF’ed but I was already like 70% in so had to keep going… the ending felt rushed through, and it didn’t vibe with the rest of the book. Literally hated it. Sorry Lillian, I loved your previous books but this series is just not working for me at all 😭
And honestly - the thing with her kid - really pissed me off. The more I think about it the more mad I get. You just left your child with your abusive sister? Why? Because she tells you that you’re too irresponsible to have him? Umm no. THIS Mama bear would NOT accept that. And any sane person would go to the protective guy for help over the blackmailing asshole?? And then Kirill just magically forgives you? Also… he should have just hacked into her phone to read her text messages like any normal dark romance MMC 😂 Sorry 🙈 end rant ❤️
MMC: Kirill
FMC: Sloane
❤️Tropes: Bratva, single daddy, single mom, OTT obsessive possessive MMC, slow burn
📍Setting: New Jersey?
💁POV: dual first person
🖤Darkness level: 2.5/5
🔥Spice starts at 64%
🌶️Spice: 2.5/5
📚Plot: 3/5
🌎World building: 4/5
⚠️Triggers: child abuse, abandonment, verbal abuse, gaslighting, violence, SA, blackmail, kidnapping, car accident, mention of drowning, murder
Sloane is this innocent, naive girl that has been abused her whole entire life. She is basically homeless, her sister is keeping her son captive for some reason, and she is working at a diner literally every single day to be able to pay her bitch of a sister.. but jeez this poor girl really just needs to grow a backbone and stand up for herself.
Here comes Kirill, rich obsessive Bratva single daddy who already has a thing for Sloane, and his autistic son also adores her too, so of course this is a no brainer. But add in some blackmail and suspense.. it is trying, but literally Sloane is the worst FMC I think I’ve ever read. It was seriously painful. I almost DNF’ed but I was already like 70% in so had to keep going… the ending felt rushed through, and it didn’t vibe with the rest of the book. Literally hated it. Sorry Lillian, I loved your previous books but this series is just not working for me at all 😭
And honestly - the thing with her kid - really pissed me off. The more I think about it the more mad I get. You just left your child with your abusive sister? Why? Because she tells you that you’re too irresponsible to have him? Umm no. THIS Mama bear would NOT accept that. And any sane person would go to the protective guy for help over the blackmailing asshole?? And then Kirill just magically forgives you? Also… he should have just hacked into her phone to read her text messages like any normal dark romance MMC 😂 Sorry 🙈 end rant ❤️
MMC: Kirill
FMC: Sloane
❤️Tropes: Bratva, single daddy, single mom, OTT obsessive possessive MMC, slow burn
📍Setting: New Jersey?
💁POV: dual first person
🖤Darkness level: 2.5/5
🔥Spice starts at 64%
🌶️Spice: 2.5/5
📚Plot: 3/5
🌎World building: 4/5
⚠️Triggers: child abuse, abandonment, verbal abuse, gaslighting, violence, SA, blackmail, kidnapping, car accident, mention of drowning, murder
May 8, 2026
Do you love…
❥Mafia romance
❥Slow burn
❥Single dad
❥She’s his nanny
❥Single mom
❥Secret identity
❥Age gap
❥Auction
❥Sta!king
⭑Blurb⭑
Sloane Maddox is the only woman I want and the one I can’t have.
I walk into a diner with my autistic son and leave with a problem.
He becomes attached to the quiet waitress who shows him more patience than the world ever has.
He looks for her. Trusts her.
And God help me…so do I.
She’s too young. Too gentle.
Everything a man like me should stay away from.
I’m Bratva. The kind of man she should fear.
But Sloane isn’t a stranger. I’ve known her longer than she realizes.
Watching from the shadows, protecting her when she didn’t even know.
Then she appears at my club’s auction, selling herself to the highest bidder.
So I do the only thing I can.
I buy her.
She becomes my son’s nanny,
but wanting her was never part of the deal.
I wasn’t supposed to touch her.
And once I cross that line, I can’t let her go.
Until I discover why she stepped onto that stage,
and my world crashes.
Because in the Bratva, betrayal isn’t forgiven.
It’s buried.
Even if it’s her.
❥Mafia romance
❥Slow burn
❥Single dad
❥She’s his nanny
❥Single mom
❥Secret identity
❥Age gap
❥Auction
❥Sta!king
⭑Blurb⭑
Sloane Maddox is the only woman I want and the one I can’t have.
I walk into a diner with my autistic son and leave with a problem.
He becomes attached to the quiet waitress who shows him more patience than the world ever has.
He looks for her. Trusts her.
And God help me…so do I.
She’s too young. Too gentle.
Everything a man like me should stay away from.
I’m Bratva. The kind of man she should fear.
But Sloane isn’t a stranger. I’ve known her longer than she realizes.
Watching from the shadows, protecting her when she didn’t even know.
Then she appears at my club’s auction, selling herself to the highest bidder.
So I do the only thing I can.
I buy her.
She becomes my son’s nanny,
but wanting her was never part of the deal.
I wasn’t supposed to touch her.
And once I cross that line, I can’t let her go.
Until I discover why she stepped onto that stage,
and my world crashes.
Because in the Bratva, betrayal isn’t forgiven.
It’s buried.
Even if it’s her.
June 30, 2026
Wow! 🥹 Kirill’s story was the one I had been looking forward to the most, and I have to say I absolutely loved it! Lev is just the sweetest boy. 🥺💕 And seeing Kirill as a dad completely melted my heart. He is such an amazing father, and those moments with Lev were easily some of my favorites.
I also really liked Sloan. She is a great character and, in my opinion, the perfect match for Kirill. They complemented each other well, and I genuinely loved watching their relationship develop.
So far, this has been my favorite book in the series, and now I am even more excited to read Anton’s story!
I also really liked Sloan. She is a great character and, in my opinion, the perfect match for Kirill. They complemented each other well, and I genuinely loved watching their relationship develop.
So far, this has been my favorite book in the series, and now I am even more excited to read Anton’s story!
June 27, 2026
DNF @ 40%
I really tried, but this book was too long and way too repetitive to get through. I got sucked into reading it from TikTok promos and the premise just sounded so cute. Unfortunately the book dragged and I can just tell the miscommunication is on its way. I really don’t understand why she doesn’t have custody of her own child, but I don’t care enough to find out. I’m really surprised how many five star reviews this book has, considering I’ve read far better romance and mafia books
I really tried, but this book was too long and way too repetitive to get through. I got sucked into reading it from TikTok promos and the premise just sounded so cute. Unfortunately the book dragged and I can just tell the miscommunication is on its way. I really don’t understand why she doesn’t have custody of her own child, but I don’t care enough to find out. I’m really surprised how many five star reviews this book has, considering I’ve read far better romance and mafia books
May 14, 2026
Loved Kirill
This one wasn’t as harsh as the other characters in controlling the FMC. He was the hero from the beginning and I’m so glad they both found their HEA. I absolutely loved Kirill and how he was with Eden aka Sloane. This was a great book not as much action as must mafia books but still a great read.
This one wasn’t as harsh as the other characters in controlling the FMC. He was the hero from the beginning and I’m so glad they both found their HEA. I absolutely loved Kirill and how he was with Eden aka Sloane. This was a great book not as much action as must mafia books but still a great read.
June 7, 2026
Kirill was enjoyable to read. It's a typical mafia love story, but the autistic son and fathers relationship was a fresh addition.
I also appreciate the author giving us immediate translations when the Russian language is used.
I also appreciate the author giving us immediate translations when the Russian language is used.
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