The Devil's Thorn

by Kyrina K

The devil craved control, but she became the one thing he couldn't tame.

I didn't mean to fall for him. Rafael Romanov was supposed to be a name on a list, a stepping stone to the answers buried in my past. The truth behind my family's death. Instead he became my darkest temptation. A devil cloaked in shadows and sins, pulling me into a world I'd swore I'd destroy. But Rafael isn't just a man, he's a monster with secrets that could shatter me. A predator who's been watching. Waiting...
And now, I don't know if I'm his obsession or his prey. One thing is certain, the closer I get to the truth, the more dangerous he becomes.

And when this game ends, only one of us will walk away.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

Reviews

[Loredana Mariana Bublitchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, I’ve just read the best mafia romance I’ve come across over the years. This book… my God, I don’t even know how to describe it. I just finished it and I can’t find the words. It was a wild ride that carried me through a whirlwind of emotions. The feelings it awakened in me, the characters I got to know, the dangerous world of the mafia I witnessed, everything was overwhelming. Betrayals, lies, manipulation. An insane story. So intense that I think it’ll haunt me for a long time. My thoughts are still trapped in its universe.

I underlined and annotated every sentence that touched me. I lived every page. What’s going on in my heart and mind right now… is hard to put into words.

Let me give you a bit of context so you know what it’s about. Isabella wants to avenge her parents, and all clues lead her to Rafael, a dangerous man involved in the Russian mafia. To get close to him, she infiltrates in his casino. But the game she sets in motion turns against her, and she ends up being the one played. How the tables have turned. She’s no longer in control, Rafael is. That’s all I can say without spoiling anything. But trust me, this story needs to be experienced.

Isabella is that type of female character who seems to always know what she wants— or at least thinks she does. She’s calculated, observant, never impulsive, always with a purpose. She doesn’t take orders. She’s used to calling the shots in her own life. With sharp comebacks and a strong presence, she stands her ground through words alone. She’s a force. Not easily swayed.

On the other side, Rafael is the embodiment of a cold, calculated Russian mafia boss. He notices every gesture, every word. He never acts rashly, except when it comes to Isabella. Around her, everything spirals. Together, they are explosive. The tension between them is constant. Their chemistry, magnetic. Their dynamic, absolutely fascinating 🔥.

Having the story told from dual perspectives was a delight. I felt everything alongside them: fear, rage, longing, desperation. Every line of dialogue carried weight. Every gesture had meaning. Nothing was random. The chemistry, the conflict, the passion, the power play… it was all masterfully done. Real. Intense. Addictive.

I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I lived this story with bated breath and a level of intensity that even surprised me. Isabella and Rafael quickly became one of my favorite fictional couples. They completely won me over, and I know I won’t forget them anytime soon. They’ve left a deep mark on my heart 💔.

And if the main characters were unforgettable, the secondary ones were just as amazing. They completed the story perfectly, adding humor, loyalty, and warmth. Kellan and Ash, Isabella’s “bodyguards”, won me over with their fierce loyalty and the way they weren’t afraid to call her out when needed. On the other side, Rafael’s partners, Nicolai and Yuri, were a breath of fresh air. Nicolai, a mountain of a man with a heart of gold and a killer sense of humor. And Yuri, a sweet soul who hides behind sarcasm and wit but has surprising depth. They made me crave more of their stories too.

I truly hope the author gives each of them their own book. It would be a shame not to explore them further, they’re too well-written to be left behind. This book came into my life exactly when I needed it. It was balm for the soul in a rough patch. It made me feel, dream, get lost, and find myself again within its pages.

The plot gripped me from the first chapter and never let go. Twists and turns constantly took me by surprise. I had theories along the way, but nope, none of them turned out to be right. It was a psychological chess match, masterfully crafted, with just the right dose of unpredictability.

And the slow burn… oh my God! SLOW. BURN! But when it finally hit? 🔥 Lord have mercy! I literally screamed with joy. I felt it in my bones. It was so intense, so satisfying. I lost my mind in the best possible way!

And that ending… the biggest cliffhanger ever. And the twist? Mind-blowing. I suspected something, had a hunch… but nope. Not even close. It completely floored me!

In short: an intense, captivating story, with complex characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and a world you don’t want to leave. This isn’t just a book I recommend—it’s one I carry in my heart. ❤️📖

[Black Widow · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DEVIL'S THORN(Book #1)

Isabella was not an ordinary woman, she was a woman with a mission and it was to finish off the people who destroyed her family and her dreams. Isa was a sweet girl who was raised happily by her parents. One fine day it was all destroyed and on the same day Isa lost everything and everyone. The only close person whom she had was Anna, who was more like a mother to her.
Finally after years of planning and training Isabella has found the person responsible for her parent's death, Rafael Romanov, Pakhan of the Bratva, epitome of power, danger and elegance. Isabella plans to finish him off but doubt crowds her mind and she decides to watch him closely to find answers and she decides to go into the lion's den. Will Isabella survive the dangerous mission? Did Rafael actually kill her parents? Was she making the right choice?
Read 'The Devil's Thorn' to find the answers!

My Note: When Kyrina approached me with this book, I was happy because stories involving Russian mafia is my jam🫣, so without hesitation I jumped into reading this Arc! I have read a lot of books about the Russian and Italian mafia and the only two authors I personally felt who can write beautiful mafia stories were Rina Kent and RuNyx and now I have added Kyrina to that list. I mean, I jumped into this without expecting anything and what I got in return is an amazing story with amazing characters. Rafael Romanov 🤌 the man you are. You are definitely one of my favourite MMCs and Yuri, I fell in love with him. Also I always love a strong FMC with backbone rather than a damsel in distress and Isabella is exactly that. The characters are beautifully written and the backstory was just AMAZING. And the plot WAS TOO GOOD! This is THE BEST ARC I have read and I request all of you to grab a copy of this, because it's AMAZING. I had an amazing time reading it and I hope you guys would love it too💋

[Carissa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil’s Thorn ARC Review ✨

-She’s danger wrapped in silk

-Isabella has been seeking answers & prepared for revenge for 15 years. She had him in her scope & decided not to pull the trigger. Instead, she went undercover into his word to find what she’s been looking for. But when her cover is blown, he makes a deal for her to work for him.

-Rafael. Bratva empire ruler & controller. She’s unpredictable & a puzzle he can’t seem to solve.

-Every conversation & scene is written with tension, suspense, and control that keeps you gripping the pages & paying extra attention so you don’t miss a beat.

-a verrry slow burn that continues to build with high intensity

This was my first mafia dark romance read and I was hooked on the first few pages! There’s so much mystery to each character & scene that makes you need more & keeps you on the edge the entire time. The side characters were also great! Yuri brought humor and sass like a chef’s kiss. Ash & Kellan’s dedication & loyalty to Isabella was admirable. The fierceness & calm to Isabella’s every word, every move always made you look forward to what she will do next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-Thank you for my first ARC & I cannot wait for the second book! 🖤🖤

[Elvina Elshad · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review 🌹🖤


I just finished reading and… I’m wrecked in the best possible way.
This isn’t just a dark mafia romance—it’s a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers firestorm that builds tension like a lit fuse and then explodes.

Let’s talk about that Cathedral scene…
I’m still fanning myself. When the burn hits, it burns.🔥

Isabella, our FMC, completely stole the show for me. She’s not your typical damsel—she’s sharp, strategic, and unapologetically fierce. No “pick-me” vibes here. She owns every room she walks into and knows exactly what she wants. I adored her.

And Rafael Romanov?
That man is sin in a suit. Ruthless. Commanding. Obsessive.
He is the devil, and I would gladly fall into hell for him.

The plot twist at the end had me holding my breath—literally. I didn’t even realize I’d stopped breathing until I turned the last page.

If you’re obsessed with:
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤 Dark mafia world
🖤A dangerously hot Russian Pakhan
🖤Jaw-dropping plot twists
🖤Ruthless antihero × deadly heroine
🖤 Touch her and die energy
🖤 Hidden identity
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Revenge or ruin

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW “THE DEVIL’S THORN” 🖤💣

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Let me tell you that I found the perfect dark mafia romance book! I read a lot of mafia romance books but this one is my favorite clearly. The characters, the action, the tension between characters, the storyline perfect written, the plot twists, everything.

Isabella Morelli through her life watched from afar her prey until she found the perfect moment to kill him. But she couldn’t do it, of course she couldn’t since she listened to her instincts. But Rafael Romanov wasn’t just a prey, he was the Bratva pakhan and the most dangerous man. They played a vicious game, but he didn’t give up to her and she became his shadow, the person who he loved the most.

Their story broke me, their journey to Columbia, where we met Yuri, an important character for this story, their trip to Italy, they went through a lot just to find answers, but they ended up in the wrong place. Their relationship was full with tension, but of course everything had a meaning.

I really recommend this book to all of the people who love dark romance, especially mafia romance. I am sure you will fall in love with their story as well. I am sure of myself that I will reread this book clearly. The storyline is so good even the pages seems threatening at first but I didn’t feel how fast it went. I need more of them, the story ends up kinda in a cliffhanger but thankfully I already started the 2nd book I was given by my beloved author. ✨❤️

[Kellysbookishbliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, I was in it, with her on my belly. I was immediately drawn into the story, and the movie started playing in my head.

Isabella, a dangerous/badass woman on a mission, a mission to find out who killed her parents, with here two "bodyguards" Ash and Kellan. She is infiltrated into Rafael's world and hopes to find out the truth, but she gets more instead!

Rafael, bratva boss, were most people would run away from! He is controlled, calculated, handsome. But then he met Isabella, and she got under his skin and cracked his amor! It's better to keep your enemies close, and that's what's he intends to do.

And then there is Yuri, someone Rafael trusts, and that says a lot. He is very dangerous, but that's hidden under a layer of humor. I loved the conversations between Isabella and him. Yeah, I definitely want more of Yuri!

Omg I loved this story, the tension between the two, the banter they have together but in a twisted way. The amount of details that have put in the story are making this book so good. It's so much fun to read, and you get totally drawn into it! There are not many spice scenes, but that didn’t bother because all the tension, twists, makes this book complete for me. But the spicey scenes that were there were hot because all the tension that had been built up to those moments were everything, a break of control and just giving in to the pressure of feelings.

But that twist and that cliffhanger in the end, I'm not ok..

Thank you, Kyrina, for this ARC opportunity, and I hope for more books in the future because I love your writing.

[S P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book devoured me and I didn’t want to be saved. The worst part about this book was finishing it. It’s unforgettable and i loved every second while reading it. The characters? Unholy. Raw. Magnetic. The devil himself-Rafael is everything a dark romance girl wants. And the heroine? Isabella is everything i love and even more in a woman. She’s fierce, brave, and the perfect storm to match his chaos. Their chemistry is insane and the slow burn is perfect. I loved loved loved every moment, every word, every look. AND THE ENDING? TRULY UNFORGETTABLE!
If you’re into morally gray lovers, mafia dark romance, and the kind of passion that could ruin you and your heart please read this book and thank me later.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Would sell my soul to read it again) Keep going bestie i’ll always be by your side❤️

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS**
WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN. The moment I started reading this I was in a CHOKEHOLD. My heart was racing, POUNDING throughout the entire 500+ pages. I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I CONSUMED it. I read this in one day and I have ZERO regrets about it. This story was fucking phenomenal. Every bit of this story will live rent free in my head until the end of days. Isabella is a strong, intelligent, talented, DANGEROUS woman. She gives off major Black Widow vibes and I am here for it. I loved her character immediately. Ash and Kellan are the two type of people you always want by your side. They’re not her body guards—but they will do anything for her. And who can’t love two men like that. Yuri was witty but sassy, but he could also take your life in an instant. Nikolai-Dark. Broody. A weapon. Only loyal to his boss—but you grow to like him because of that loyalty. And then there’s Rafael. Calm. Calculated. Dangerous. A character I was unsure of. One I questioned more often than not. He was originally supposed to be a mission. One to get answers—but that mission took a whole different direction. Isabella now working beside the man she originally planned to kill and everything else just unraveled. When I tell you the slow burn in this book was SLOW BURN, I mean it. My chest burned from holding my breath. The plot twist at the end that turned into a cliffhanger was not something I had anticipated. And my jaw DROPPED. I wanted to SCREAM. I had so many emotions throughout the last couple of chapters. I need to know what happens, like now. I loved this so much that I immediately have to go back and reread it. I can’t recommend this book enough. Go now. Buy it. Read it. Display it on your bookshelf like the masterpiece it is.

[Mia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
OMG BESTIE YOU DID YOUR BIG ONE WITH YOUR BOOK IM SO PROUD OF YOU.
Firstly let talk about Isabella she is a girlboss like she was planning to end the Mmc badly like after what happen years ago she getting her revenge like I was smiling so hard with this character I felt so close connected to the fmc like I need the character badly her character development was perfectly chefs kiss and a masterpiece I did have moments that I did cry for her she deserve the world.
Secondly let’s talk about my husband Rafael Romanov. The mouth that he has the way he takes touch her and die literally like he don’t play about her the slow burn I was eating it up even when he was talking Russian I literally simp scream even with the Isabella the fmc had me over her doing flips over here had a whole dance when I tell you I wanted to hit some of the side characters since I had a lot of theories and they was right the ending had me like jaw drops on the floor I need this book physically in my hands asaps.
Lastly thank you bestie for hitting me up to read your books I can’t wait to help with the next ones and read more.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahhhhhhhhhh!!

The touch her and die but also a touch him and die. She thinks he’s the reason for her parents death. So she gets close. But a little too close. The tension of waiting 300 something pages for them to fully give into each other then everything changes. Lies, secrets and things you weren’t expecting. Her biological father? Alive but she doesn’t even know it. And Anna? Before Isa goes to Italy Anna got weird but that cliffhanger of an end we found out why. And that cold detachment from her. Yeah wasn’t expecting that. I have questions and I need answers because Rafael is my newest book husband and I will not be accepting that ending for him.

[Tasmia Tanha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book I've read this yr so far....highly recommend if anyone's interested in mafia love (obsession) type of stuff coz I promise you this won't disappoint

[Seirachii_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC-REVIEW

That ending had my heart break in million pieces and the big reveal we got omg!

Karina really did an amazing job with this debut book! after reading the first few immediately got some questions about the characters that were introduced. that day I messaged her with my questions and most of the things were answered with just keep on reading.

I love characters their names. it gave me a sense of inclusion. maybe its only me, but I had the feeling the characters had different ethnicities by just their names and 1 name. I wasn't really sure how to pronounce it, so gotta google that later.

Rafael and Isabella, their interactions were great. it really gave me an enemy-to-lovers vibe. The way they observed each other, and how they are always watching and noticing the smallest details about eachother.

all other characters were written in a great way, and I really got sucked into the story and this world.

great first book and would 100% recommend it.
Be warned tho if you read this one then the ending makes you want to read tge 2nd book ASAP!

Thank you Kyrina for giving me the opportunity of being an ARC reader! I loved it and I am looking forward to book 2!

[Kimberley_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first ARC Review and I am so, so happy I got to read this.
This story is a slow burn full of revenge, obsession and vengeance.
Our FMC, Isabella, is a strong, fearless badass! I love her so much!
Our MMC, Rafael, is a brooding, unreadable powerhouse with secrets and whispers of promises. The sexual tension in this book had my little feet kicking all over the place, the 🌶️ scenes were spicing!
I cannot recommend this book enough, the story telling is beautiful. The whole book is exciting and thrilling from the first page to the last and I am beyond excited to read anything and everything this incredible author brings out!

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was intriguing and I liked the premise of this story how the fmc is trying to find answers about the murder of her family and ends up falling for the head of the bravta who she thinks is the one behind it, but the writing felt overly descriptive and somewhat juvenile, relying more on telling than showing. Which kept taking me out of the story, and it tended to be quite repetitive within the back and forth dynamic with the fmc and mmc, like we get it, she is never afraid and baddass and he's strong, scary and calculated etc. It did pick up toward the end however, and the cliffhanger at the end was interesting. I'm just not sure if the writing style is for me.

[Clara Delage · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5
This was a great read! I loved the storyline and the characters. Both are well-thought and written.

Isabella is a strong FMC, funny and beautifully broken.
Rafael is interesting. Very complex and mysterious.
You can only love them!

A lot of twists that had me jaw-dropped and on my toes all along.

And the ending? Kyrina, I'm going to need another book, please and thank you! 😍

Loved this book and I am dying to know if we'll get another book!

*I was gifted an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this book up. I couldn’t put it down from chapter 1.

The characters? EVERYTHING!
The plot?!
This book had everything I’ve been missing.

[Romantasy Bookmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mafia dark romance. The FMC is fierce, strong and not afraid of the mafia world and what it entails, she wants in!

She can hold her own with a weapon and can spot details and subtilties most miss. Reading a room with barely a glace is her super stregth.
Getting close to a ruthless mob moss may give her answers about her parents deaths which has become her only focus for 15 years.
While she may be underestimated by most of the powerful players in that world, she has her work cut out for her to break the Russian mob boss Rafael.

Its a who's playing who, a game with lives on the line and testing loyalty, betrayals and uncovering secrets.

It was so easy to be hooked from the start, and I love the plot twists. Its an enemies to lovers, touch her (and him) and die, and a slow burn of the delicious kind.

4 stars! Can't wait for book 2 as it ends on a cliffhanger!

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book seems written with AI, it's so poorly written ori maybe not 😂😂. It sounds like this: the whole book "Whispers are only dangerous when no one is listening. And I always listen."I thought it was strange, what kind of person talks like that? Or for example when someone says something they always have to continue "It wasn't just words. It was an oath. What???? Maybe it's written, maybe not, but the lines don't seem natural, which is important in a way that the lines are natural and somehow copy reality.