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The Brutal Arrangement
One deadly mistake. One forbidden night.
And now… I’m carrying the heir to the Bratva.
I was just the maid.
Invisible. Obedient. Desperate to disappear.
Then Katerina Kozlov offered me a devil’s
Wear her wedding dress. Say her vows.
Take her place for one night… and vanish.
But when I walked down that aisle,
I met a man who doesn't believe in temporary.
Damon Ivanov.
Bratva royalty. Cold-blooded killer.
They call him Demon—and he earned it in blood.
He’s older.
Harder.
Wiser in all the worst ways.
I was just a trembling girl in stolen silk.
He was the man who would ruin me.
Now I’m his wife in the eyes of the syndicate—
A pawn chained to a ruthless god.
He touches me like I’m already his.
He kisses me like he owns my soul.
And somewhere in the shadows…
I think I started to believe it.
I was supposed to run.
Instead, I fell for the monster.
Now I carry a secret that could shatter his
His child.
His heir.
And the truth about his twin brother’s death.
If I speak it aloud, I’ll destroy him.
If I stay silent, I’ll destroy myself.
Either way... someone’s going to bleed.
I was never meant to be his.
But Damon Ivanov won’t let me go.
Not now. Not ever.
Author’s
This is a dark, emotionally charged arranged marriage romance
A ruthless Bratva don
A substitute bride
A dangerous age gap
Forced proximity
Betrayal
And, a secret that ends in blood!
And now… I’m carrying the heir to the Bratva.
I was just the maid.
Invisible. Obedient. Desperate to disappear.
Then Katerina Kozlov offered me a devil’s
Wear her wedding dress. Say her vows.
Take her place for one night… and vanish.
But when I walked down that aisle,
I met a man who doesn't believe in temporary.
Damon Ivanov.
Bratva royalty. Cold-blooded killer.
They call him Demon—and he earned it in blood.
He’s older.
Harder.
Wiser in all the worst ways.
I was just a trembling girl in stolen silk.
He was the man who would ruin me.
Now I’m his wife in the eyes of the syndicate—
A pawn chained to a ruthless god.
He touches me like I’m already his.
He kisses me like he owns my soul.
And somewhere in the shadows…
I think I started to believe it.
I was supposed to run.
Instead, I fell for the monster.
Now I carry a secret that could shatter his
His child.
His heir.
And the truth about his twin brother’s death.
If I speak it aloud, I’ll destroy him.
If I stay silent, I’ll destroy myself.
Either way... someone’s going to bleed.
I was never meant to be his.
But Damon Ivanov won’t let me go.
Not now. Not ever.
Author’s
This is a dark, emotionally charged arranged marriage romance
A ruthless Bratva don
A substitute bride
A dangerous age gap
Forced proximity
Betrayal
And, a secret that ends in blood!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
617 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 12, 2025
They don’t even meet until 29% of the book, and mere pages later, he’s r*ping her (she’s a v*rgin) to consummate the marriage. I love a brutal guy who doesn’t take no for an answer, but only when it’s because of him being overcome with love for her and having an utter obsession with making her feel good even if she protests.
This was flat-out r*pe and not enjoyable at all. He didn’t have any care for her feelings (bc he’s a sadist who loooooooves being feared 🙄). He didn’t even have any remorse with how roughly he took her v*rginity when he discovered the blood on him in the shower.
Good on you, pal. Beyond your stellar personality, you tied, gagged, and r*ped a virgin. 🖕🏼 Big strong man you are. Left her in bed to go shower and then tossed a towel at her sleeping form for her to clean herself up after you oh-so-kindly untied her from “starting the process of showing her who the boss is around here.”
F*ck you, my guy. F*ck you. 🖕🏼😑🖕🏼
Where’s the f*cking romance nowadays? Even their next encounter at 51% is basically r*pe. This far in, any redemption arc for him would not be believable enough for me. Especially after cringing at his internal thoughts that reflect his true personality. This is not a desirable man at all.
This was flat-out r*pe and not enjoyable at all. He didn’t have any care for her feelings (bc he’s a sadist who loooooooves being feared 🙄). He didn’t even have any remorse with how roughly he took her v*rginity when he discovered the blood on him in the shower.
Good on you, pal. Beyond your stellar personality, you tied, gagged, and r*ped a virgin. 🖕🏼 Big strong man you are. Left her in bed to go shower and then tossed a towel at her sleeping form for her to clean herself up after you oh-so-kindly untied her from “starting the process of showing her who the boss is around here.”
F*ck you, my guy. F*ck you. 🖕🏼😑🖕🏼
Where’s the f*cking romance nowadays? Even their next encounter at 51% is basically r*pe. This far in, any redemption arc for him would not be believable enough for me. Especially after cringing at his internal thoughts that reflect his true personality. This is not a desirable man at all.
September 9, 2025
A big NOPE. Damon is truly just a brutal, emotionless jerk. He r*ped his bride on their wedding night. Damon tied, gagged and r*ped his virgin bride and ist proud of himself because he could show her who's boss.
To top off the incomprehensible behavior, the r*ped virgin FMC is said to have had an org*sm.🤷♀️ smh
Almost all following encounters are also r*pe. None of the charm from the first book remains. Plus, the grandmother is annoying with her constant demands for heirs. Unfortunately, none of my expectations were met.
Wow. I'm truly at a loss for words. I posted this exact review on Amazon. Then I was told it was against the rules. I tried to rephrase it a bit, but instead I was banned from recommending this book.
To top off the incomprehensible behavior, the r*ped virgin FMC is said to have had an org*sm.🤷♀️ smh
Almost all following encounters are also r*pe. None of the charm from the first book remains. Plus, the grandmother is annoying with her constant demands for heirs. Unfortunately, none of my expectations were met.
Wow. I'm truly at a loss for words. I posted this exact review on Amazon. Then I was told it was against the rules. I tried to rephrase it a bit, but instead I was banned from recommending this book.
August 12, 2025
Do not read this book
!!RAPE WARNING!!
Guys do not read this book, there is no grey area about it (referring to another review) their first time together is pure rape. She is gagged and bound to the point where he cannot even identify that she is the wrong woman. And there is no "my body betrayed me" or "she let me in" about it. Pure rape.
I only read this to find out who the mole was from book 1 which also was extremely dodgy but I think I'll stop here.
Heed my warning
!!RAPE WARNING!!
Guys do not read this book, there is no grey area about it (referring to another review) their first time together is pure rape. She is gagged and bound to the point where he cannot even identify that she is the wrong woman. And there is no "my body betrayed me" or "she let me in" about it. Pure rape.
I only read this to find out who the mole was from book 1 which also was extremely dodgy but I think I'll stop here.
Heed my warning
July 25, 2025
Could not finish
I was excited about reading this book, it sounded different. But the premise was so ridiculous that the author had a hard time stringing it together where it made sense. The FM seemed very stupid to allow woman she just met to talk her into marrying a brutal Mafia man for a few thousand dollars. It would have made more sense if she had forced her and blackmail her into this situation. The MC was too sadistic on their wedding night he tied her up gagged her and raped her with no remorse even when he realized she was a virgin. What really disgusted me is the author chose to make it seem like she enjoyed being raped. Rough sex is one thing but for a woman to glorify rape is portraying the myth that women want to be raped. I know this is a fantasy Romance but some lines should not be crossed. For that reason I would not recommend this book
I was excited about reading this book, it sounded different. But the premise was so ridiculous that the author had a hard time stringing it together where it made sense. The FM seemed very stupid to allow woman she just met to talk her into marrying a brutal Mafia man for a few thousand dollars. It would have made more sense if she had forced her and blackmail her into this situation. The MC was too sadistic on their wedding night he tied her up gagged her and raped her with no remorse even when he realized she was a virgin. What really disgusted me is the author chose to make it seem like she enjoyed being raped. Rough sex is one thing but for a woman to glorify rape is portraying the myth that women want to be raped. I know this is a fantasy Romance but some lines should not be crossed. For that reason I would not recommend this book
August 7, 2025
I struuuuugggled through this one .
2.5⭐️ rounded up to 3⭐️
The writing…the fact it took forever for the characters to interact….and then the rape scene…not CNC but flat out rape by the MMC and he was NOT remorseful and was like ,”oh my dick is so good she will love me”. And then the sip of FMC fell “in love” because she was dickmatized 🙄. Ain’t no D worth all that!!!
Can you tell I absolutely HATED this one?!
You know the more I write this review the lower I’m rating this one. 2⭐️ that’s my final rating.
2.5⭐️ rounded up to 3⭐️
The writing…the fact it took forever for the characters to interact….and then the rape scene…not CNC but flat out rape by the MMC and he was NOT remorseful and was like ,”oh my dick is so good she will love me”. And then the sip of FMC fell “in love” because she was dickmatized 🙄. Ain’t no D worth all that!!!
Can you tell I absolutely HATED this one?!
You know the more I write this review the lower I’m rating this one. 2⭐️ that’s my final rating.
July 26, 2025
oof. the writing.
July 13, 2025
Damon and his family are reeling from his twin Nik being taken, and no leads to follow, when an old marriage contract shows up between his family and a rival that may know something about Nik, he has to step up and claim the bride. Katerina won't marry Damon her heart already belongs to another but she finds a replacement in Lucy the new maid who has a striking resemblance to her and who needs help with her mothers care. Lucy dedicated her all to helping care for her mother and even though she wanted to refuse Katerinas offer she knew deep down she couldn't. But she couldnt have known she was being given to the enforcer and scarred Demon of the family one desperate for his twin and answers to why his brides a maid. Damon never thought to take a wife, let alone what woman would want him, but now with Lucy he can't let her go, he feels drawn to her, but can she fall for a man like him? Could he ever trust in a woman after his mother's betrayal? Well written engaging story and well developed characters draw you in, with steamy, dark themes dub-con, high emotions, obsession and more! A great addition to the series.
July 23, 2025
Great second installment about another brother from the Ivanov family. Loved the storyline and the plot was good with the realistic feel of the Demon trying to get over his feelings but still protect his family. Lucy is a great daughter doing the best she can and I love that she was basically what Damon needed and he her. Their dynamic had me rooting from them from that first moment of open clarity on their wedding night. Yes, contains some darker aspects but it’s the Mafia baby! So check your trigger warnings if you need to but be prepared to fall for another alpha possessive love struck (eventually) Bratva man! Great how we still git to be apart of the characters lives from the first and that they bonded as well. But what I didn’t like was the cliffhanger. Yes, I get it, cliffhangers are a necessary evil but this one I was NOT expecting and it had me a bit peeved but I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment to find out what’s next? Join me!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2025
DNF 1.5 for cover and trying to resurrect a story that had stepped over the invisible line of no return. I tried a new author but had to return the book.
I am a long time reader of this genre and expect some ability of the author to adequately describe the characters, establish a plot and provide a story that is captivating, and believable.
The whole "just play me for one day" and marry my arranged husband" while being a maid in my uncle's household was a ridiculous plot. I know it was suppose to be dramatic, but the fact that she pulled off marrying someone that had known the real bride for years, just wasn't the least bit believable. Then....drum roll Damen's RAPE her on their wedding night. That did it for me. Any MMC who needs to rape a woman under any circumstances can never recover from that. OMG, then she gets pregnant. This wasn't a love story, this was a very poorly written horror story.
I am a long time reader of this genre and expect some ability of the author to adequately describe the characters, establish a plot and provide a story that is captivating, and believable.
The whole "just play me for one day" and marry my arranged husband" while being a maid in my uncle's household was a ridiculous plot. I know it was suppose to be dramatic, but the fact that she pulled off marrying someone that had known the real bride for years, just wasn't the least bit believable. Then....drum roll Damen's RAPE her on their wedding night. That did it for me. Any MMC who needs to rape a woman under any circumstances can never recover from that. OMG, then she gets pregnant. This wasn't a love story, this was a very poorly written horror story.
September 22, 2025
I for one love a good sassy strong heroine and my heart broke for her in this book when she felt she had to submit to survive but found strength in the freedom is gave her to take things off her shoulders while simultaneoulsy allowing her to discover who she is and find her voice. Her strength was never more prominent than the altercation with Grigory (but I won't give the spoilers becasue I want you to read how great this book is). Our male lead finds himself on the end of having to learn to build trust, knowing exactly how much it can cost him, but staying rooted and not letting it waver when the going got tough. I loved reading about thier internal struggles to want to close thier hearts but letting that sliver of hope and love blossom into something beautiful.
And honorable mention to Sloane for telling off Ana toward the end. Much needed!!
And honorable mention to Sloane for telling off Ana toward the end. Much needed!!
November 4, 2025
Lucy is a maid working for a temp agency, scraping together every dollar she can to cover her mother’s nursing home bills. When she takes on a cleaning job for a powerful crime family, her life changes in a heartbeat — she’s forced to swap places with their daughter for an arranged marriage.
Only, she has no idea who she’s walking into a marriage with. Damon — known to many as the Demon — is ruthless, powerful, and not someone you want to cross. When he discovers that the woman in his bed isn’t who she’s supposed to be, he’s furious… but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her. Damon decides Lucy is his now, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her — even if it means starting a war for her.
Only, she has no idea who she’s walking into a marriage with. Damon — known to many as the Demon — is ruthless, powerful, and not someone you want to cross. When he discovers that the woman in his bed isn’t who she’s supposed to be, he’s furious… but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her. Damon decides Lucy is his now, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her — even if it means starting a war for her.
Read
December 6, 2025Me niego a dar si quiera una sola estrella.
piensas que va a ser mejor que el primero, pero no este te dice quítate que si puede ser peor.
Tenias todo para que fuera un libro aunque sea entretenido pero no vienes y metes Dub-con en la trama, que ni siquiera debería llamarlo dudoso, realmente no hubo consentimiento.
Ya iba avanzada con el libro y dije pues lo termino pero es IMPOSIBLE, es alarmante el manejo narrativo que se le da a esto, el tipo abusa de ella y me pones el punto de vista de ella donde se minimiza el acto solo porque tuvo una reacción biologica??????
Que irresponsabilidad e indiferencia hacia víctimas que han vivido algo asi, y es peor porque no hay un Trigger warning al inicio que advierta sobre este tema.
piensas que va a ser mejor que el primero, pero no este te dice quítate que si puede ser peor.
Tenias todo para que fuera un libro aunque sea entretenido pero no vienes y metes Dub-con en la trama, que ni siquiera debería llamarlo dudoso, realmente no hubo consentimiento.
Ya iba avanzada con el libro y dije pues lo termino pero es IMPOSIBLE, es alarmante el manejo narrativo que se le da a esto, el tipo abusa de ella y me pones el punto de vista de ella donde se minimiza el acto solo porque tuvo una reacción biologica??????
Que irresponsabilidad e indiferencia hacia víctimas que han vivido algo asi, y es peor porque no hay un Trigger warning al inicio que advierta sobre este tema.
July 16, 2025
𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘/𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜 ↴
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: The Ivanov Syndicate #2
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: hea/hfn
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark mafia romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: dual
𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Lucy & Damon
♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - age gap, bratva x maid, substitute bride, betrayal/secret, enemies to lovers, pregnancy, alphahole, forced proximity
🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - bondage, choking, gagged, fear kink, virgin fmc, body betrayal, dominant/commands,
tie play, submissive/obdient, breeding
🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - cold blooded unaliver, rough dub con (rough treatment)
⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - themes, triggers and content in line with dark mafia romance genre.
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: The Ivanov Syndicate #2
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: hea/hfn
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark mafia romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: dual
𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Lucy & Damon
♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - age gap, bratva x maid, substitute bride, betrayal/secret, enemies to lovers, pregnancy, alphahole, forced proximity
🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - bondage, choking, gagged, fear kink, virgin fmc, body betrayal, dominant/commands,
tie play, submissive/obdient, breeding
🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - cold blooded unaliver, rough dub con (rough treatment)
⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - themes, triggers and content in line with dark mafia romance genre.
⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢ ⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.
August 13, 2025
Wow!! What a great story! MMC, Damon, wow, he really knows how to handle the ladies. NOT! He's extremely bossy, dominant and doesn't want his bed partner to speak. At all.
FMC couldn't believe she married MMC. He barely spoke to her, dragging her behind him and threw her on his bed. Told her "Don't speak" several times. She was gagged and tied up while he did what he wanted to her.
Their lives together were physical only. That was the only time she saw him. He didn't trust her. He had trust issues.
They slowly get close to one another. And decide to stay married.
Lots of drama, action, sex and love.
FMC couldn't believe she married MMC. He barely spoke to her, dragging her behind him and threw her on his bed. Told her "Don't speak" several times. She was gagged and tied up while he did what he wanted to her.
Their lives together were physical only. That was the only time she saw him. He didn't trust her. He had trust issues.
They slowly get close to one another. And decide to stay married.
Lots of drama, action, sex and love.
August 17, 2025
The Ivanov Family is back and better than ever! As the search for Damon’s twin brother, Nik, continues, an unexpected proposition is brought to light. Ready to do what he must for his family, Damon agrees to the arranged union with Katerina Kozlov. But when Lucy shows up in Katerina’s stead, all bets are off the table. They both must try to find a way to make this arrangement work for their own needs. But as they learn to trust each other, tension, danger and lies threaten to tear apart their already fragile bonds. Lucy and Damon’s story was fantastic! Never a dull moment and with a healthy mix of plot and spice to keep you wanting to know what happens next!
October 1, 2025
I finished this book, but could barely tolerate the plot. The first 25% or so was interesting but what happened on their wedding night was straight up r**e and I just couldn't stomach it. The "romance" was non existent and I did not care about any of the characters. The way, the H talked about women, before falling for the h was disgusting and I hoped for some character development but it wasn't satisfactory. His family members were also very hyper and weird. The h only sat there and accepted what was happening to her. She had no backbone, and only snapped at the H a few times. The blurb made the book sound so good, but the way things between them happened, was just not right.
October 25, 2025
Meh.
BDSM sex book - that's basically all this is. It's barely mafia.
50 Shades Wannabe - It's like a 50 shades rip off with the boring sex scenes of tying her up and only doing it doggy style
NO ROMANCE - he never talks to her. He either gags her or tells her to shut up. So not sure how the love chemistry was supposed to factor into this
MEET CUTE The 2 of them don't even meet each other until like 50% of the way into the book
I totally thought the missing brother Nik was secretly with Katerina and that's where she was off to late at night
Overall - huge disappointment in terms of a mafia romance. It's more just a BDSM with zero chemistry
BDSM sex book - that's basically all this is. It's barely mafia.
50 Shades Wannabe - It's like a 50 shades rip off with the boring sex scenes of tying her up and only doing it doggy style
NO ROMANCE - he never talks to her. He either gags her or tells her to shut up. So not sure how the love chemistry was supposed to factor into this
MEET CUTE The 2 of them don't even meet each other until like 50% of the way into the book
I totally thought the missing brother Nik was secretly with Katerina and that's where she was off to late at night
Overall - huge disappointment in terms of a mafia romance. It's more just a BDSM with zero chemistry
July 14, 2025
Damon was expecting Katerina to be his bride but he got Lucy pending to be her instead.
He expected Katerina to be a spy for her uncle and treated her as such on the wedding night, brutally.
What a great start to this story and it will not get any better for a long time with nobody to help and help and trapped with a mister, her husband.
Finding out and believing her when the truth comes out can change things or make it worse.
Its a really compelling story that left me in tears at how she is treated but it is needed.
He expected Katerina to be a spy for her uncle and treated her as such on the wedding night, brutally.
What a great start to this story and it will not get any better for a long time with nobody to help and help and trapped with a mister, her husband.
Finding out and believing her when the truth comes out can change things or make it worse.
Its a really compelling story that left me in tears at how she is treated but it is needed.
August 4, 2025
I think the name of this book says a lot about the story. Damon has an arrangement to take a bride from a rival family, but is sent Lucy instead in a swap. The way he treats her could be seen as brutal, as he is an enforcer in the family mafia and loves hard too. I loved seeing the changes in both during the book, with plenty of appearances and page time from other family members. A spicy read. Can't wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2025
Damon & Lucy
The story fell short of its potential, despite the aptly chosen title "BRUTAL." The narrative suffered from a critical weakness in character development, rendering the protagonists neither engaging nor sympathetic. With more nuanced and thoughtful characterization, the story could have transformed into a compelling and relatable narrative that resonated with readers. The lack of depth and authenticity in the characters prevented the story from reaching its full emotional and narrative impact.
The story fell short of its potential, despite the aptly chosen title "BRUTAL." The narrative suffered from a critical weakness in character development, rendering the protagonists neither engaging nor sympathetic. With more nuanced and thoughtful characterization, the story could have transformed into a compelling and relatable narrative that resonated with readers. The lack of depth and authenticity in the characters prevented the story from reaching its full emotional and narrative impact.
November 17, 2025
The book’s description promises more than it delivers. Yes, the idea of stepping in as a double is interesting. But everything else? He r*pes her, and the way it’s written is disturbing. Sure, he’s never had a deeper relationship with a woman before, but… what? First he says he’s not interested, that he feels bad about his brother, and then this? The next morning, instead of actually talking things through, they’re married, but nothing really happens beyond s*x. Somehow, the story lacks a clear thread. Everything here just leaves me with big question mark.
August 12, 2025
Brutal ending left me hanging
Damon does not trust easily after finding out he married the wrong bride, he slowly opens up to Lucy . Lucy the maid for Damon’s enemies was bribed to marry Damon not knowing who he was in exchange for Katerina the enemies niece paying Lucy moms nursing home bills. Book was good except ending was left hanging compared to rest of book like the author gave up very disappointing
Damon does not trust easily after finding out he married the wrong bride, he slowly opens up to Lucy . Lucy the maid for Damon’s enemies was bribed to marry Damon not knowing who he was in exchange for Katerina the enemies niece paying Lucy moms nursing home bills. Book was good except ending was left hanging compared to rest of book like the author gave up very disappointing
August 13, 2025
Lucy is a maid and is asked by Katerina Kozlov to take her place and marry Damon, then disappear. Demon never intended to take a wife but with Lucy he feels he cannot let her go. Is he able to trust a woman after the betrayal of the one woman he thought he could trust, his mother.
This is a mafia story and may be triggering for some due to the subject matter and events in the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a mafia story and may be triggering for some due to the subject matter and events in the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
18
horrific book. H rapes h on their wedding night, not even noticing she is the wrong bride. their next encounter is rape again. just because he gave her an organism does not change the fact that she did not consent. at no point did H show remorse. there is no build up of connection or attraction. h in my opinion is a doormat who just decides this is love and I care for my rapist. and am so happy to be a brood mare. terrible book
horrific book. H rapes h on their wedding night, not even noticing she is the wrong bride. their next encounter is rape again. just because he gave her an organism does not change the fact that she did not consent. at no point did H show remorse. there is no build up of connection or attraction. h in my opinion is a doormat who just decides this is love and I care for my rapist. and am so happy to be a brood mare. terrible book
November 27, 2025
Good Story
This was a good story. My only drawback was that the story summary doesn't match the plot of the book. It says "secret of his brother's murder," but no murder was confirmed. It is misleading. Then it speaks about her "being pregnant" like it is a big part of the plot, but you are like 75% into the book before it is even an issue. Other than the write-up, good story.
This was a good story. My only drawback was that the story summary doesn't match the plot of the book. It says "secret of his brother's murder," but no murder was confirmed. It is misleading. Then it speaks about her "being pregnant" like it is a big part of the plot, but you are like 75% into the book before it is even an issue. Other than the write-up, good story.
December 29, 2025
The second book had a similar feel to the first but was slightly better overall. The thrill was more pronounced and engaging, making it enjoyable to read until the end.
Although some elements, particularly the mafia aspects, still felt questionable, the story flowed better than in the first book. While it wasn’t outstanding, it was enjoyable enough to keep me interested in continuing the series.
Although some elements, particularly the mafia aspects, still felt questionable, the story flowed better than in the first book. While it wasn’t outstanding, it was enjoyable enough to keep me interested in continuing the series.
July 23, 2025
This is book 2 of Ivanov Syndicate. It is a fast-paced mafia romance with characters that will draw you in. Lucy is a maid who agrees to take the place of another woman in an arranged marriage. The wedding goes off without a hitch and the rest of the story is worth reading. Happy endings included.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
Well paced, well written, well edited
I had not read the first book on the trilogy , but that didn't matter. The character development and plot integrated easily. The action kept my interest throughout the storyline. The subplots were interesting and added depth to the overall plot.
I had not read the first book on the trilogy , but that didn't matter. The character development and plot integrated easily. The action kept my interest throughout the storyline. The subplots were interesting and added depth to the overall plot.
November 18, 2025
better!!
This one was better then the 1st book. The story was interesting. And wasn’t as boring as the first. I didn’t agree with Damon especially in the beginning. And Lucy. Oh she was definitely a better FMC. But sure if I want to read the best book. Not really feeling the FMC in that one
This one was better then the 1st book. The story was interesting. And wasn’t as boring as the first. I didn’t agree with Damon especially in the beginning. And Lucy. Oh she was definitely a better FMC. But sure if I want to read the best book. Not really feeling the FMC in that one
December 5, 2025
Great book next one Please...
Now I'm going to start on book 3, to find out if they get closer to finding. Nik and how things work out. If you haven't read three books by Scarlett Shelton start today, I want to see what happens next.. And will be searching for more of this author 's books.
Take a look for yourself.
Now I'm going to start on book 3, to find out if they get closer to finding. Nik and how things work out. If you haven't read three books by Scarlett Shelton start today, I want to see what happens next.. And will be searching for more of this author 's books.
Take a look for yourself.
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