Bratva Silk & Scars

by Dahlia Velez

He can’t resist her. She hates to crave him. Bound by danger, tangled in a heat that could start a war.


Maks
She’d rather go to war with me than let me save her.
Sage Quinn lashes out the second I get close, calls me a controlling man in a designer suit.
Her hatred burns as hot as her passion, and both are driving me insane.

Sage
I escaped one cage only to find myself locked in another.
After my brother sold me like cattle to secure a business deal,
I swore no man would ever control my choices again.
Especially not a cold-blooded Russian who thinks protection means possession.
And I hate that I crave the way he touches me more than I want to run.

Maks
Every Irish tradition screams that she's forbidden.
But when she trembles beneath me, when she moans my name,
tradition can burn.
She thinks her hatred can stop this.
She’s about to learn what happens when a Bratva enforcer decides she’s his.
Because once I touch her…
She doesn’t run.
She falls.

Bratva Silk & Scars is a standalone dark mafia romance in the Basov Bratva interconnected series. Expect forbidden love, morally gray characters, graphic violence, explicit content, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Suspense, Forced Proximity

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2025

Reviews

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maks & Sage. An Irish mafia princess and a Russian “operations specialist” 🤪

Just like the previous books of the series, this too is a rather fast paced mafia romance with some action elements. It is well-written, suspenseful and has a couple of twists.

This is an instalove story. Way, way too insta for my taste.
Sage, is brave but stubborn and impulsive. I couldn’t really connect with her, I found her actions illogical. One day she hates him and the next she flirts like there’s no tomorrow.
Maks is a rather decent MC, I liked him. Very protective, smart, loyal.

-Multiple 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Overall: 3.5/5 ⭐️ for me.

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

[Patricia Monica Provost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maksim and Sage 🥰

Maksim Sokolov is the second in command for Kazimir Kaz Yegorov, former underground fighter and ballroom dancer?? He is the perfect package 🫠 Margaret Quinn, known by everyone as Sage, is the daughter of Sean Quinn and sister to Patrick, now new head of the Quinn family. She was formerly engaged to Liam Donahue but that was before all the drama. Sage wants freedom, she’s a mafia princess and seek more interesting adventures than being treated like a price to be sold for her family to the highest bidder, for business…
One night , she snoops away and went to a bar. Finally she can be herself and just have fun. That’s when she met Maks… and it’s explosive!!! This big handsome man is an eye candy!!! He knows who she really is and told her to go back home, it’s not safe for her to be in the open without any bodyguards. And he was right!!! She got kidnapped, half tattooed half carved by her kidnappers. Maks found her but who wanted to mark her as his? Someone from her past? Or just someone who wants to skip all the rules and take her for his own selfish benefit?

This is the fourth book in the Basov Series. And I can tell you I was so eager to read Maksim story. Sorry but i feel in love with him in Kazimir’s book. And it was so worth it!!!! If you have just one book to read in 2025 so far, this is it!!!! I why? Maksim Sokolov is the ultimate Bratva man! Strong, fierce, takes no prisoners, will fight to death for his woman, will burn the whole world for her safety, treats her like a partner not like a thing to show off, and mostly the most beautiful, handsome, sexy as Hell man you will ever meet. He is now my top book boyfriend in any books I read . And trust me, I have read about 1000 books in the last two years!!!!
Enough about Maksim! Sage is the kind of female character that should be written about. She’s the ultimate female heroine. She’s independent but not over the top, she’s confident, smarter than most of the men in her entourage, trustworthy, and she knows what she wants and it’s Maksim. Being born in the mafia life, she knows she’s just a pawn in a game of politics and power, but she won’t let anyone tell her otherwise. She’s a force to reckon with and to bad if she’s stepping on men to do it!!! The storyline is so well written, so well executed, so well conceived, I’m just a standby fan, amazed by how well it plays!!

This book is a masterpiece! A master class to show everyone how a Dark Mafia Romance should be written!!! I’m still in shock and awestruck!!!! What more can I say that Daliah Velez needs to be recognized as one, if not, the best writer in the Bratva universe.

So what’s next? Every time she releases a new book, I told myself that can’t be better but it’s every single time!!! Saying i highly recommend this book is ironically irrelevant because it is the best book in 2025 so far!!!
Congrats Dahlia!!! Thank you for sharing your work with us and be sure you have a fan, a friend and a reader forever!!!! As long as you keep writing these wonderful stories about thoughtful man and their extraordinary woman !!! A million ⭐️

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

"Bratva Silk & Scars"
(Basov Bratva)

By Dahlia Velez


This is the second book I read in this Dahlia's Russian Mafia series.
When I wrote Bratva King's Ruthless Vow review, I finished my review saying "I would love to read a book about Maks. ".
Dahlia very kindly replied to me stating that Maks would "be" in the next book. And I waited to see what role Dahlia was going to give Maks.

I still remember the day Dahlia announced this third book: the MMC was going to be... Maks! I was so beyond happy that I sent Dahlia an email absolutely overwhelmed with the news.

I knew Maks was going to be THE best MMC.
He is ruthless but caring, a killer and a lover, a cold and calculated mobster but a man looking for the love of his life. And you know what? He finds it. The Love. And he deserves it so much I was nearly hoping that Maks was a real person. I was happy for him.

This series of books is so good, I hope it reaches the world.

Oh and I want to thank you again for the NYC "views". You have my heart.

Thank you for "my" ARC book. Never a review was more expected and desired.

--

Some of my favorite quotes:

"And here you are, a Russian guardian angel with a gun instead of a flaming sword."

Here I am, falling apart and being rebuilt by the very hands I should fear most, but I don't. 

This isn’t just desire anymore. This is something far more dangerous. 

Like the darkness in me might contain light worth finding. 

I was assigned to protect her, not crave her like oxygen.

I realize there's one scenario I never prepared for - caring this much about someone else's survival more than my own. 

"When the right woman comes along, everything changes."

" if you’re willing to burn bridges for this woman,  make sure she’s worth the fire."

"I want all your moments."

"That your home is with me now."

"You're mine now. Completely, utterly mine."

[Anna Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say- wow. Bratva Silk & Scars: An Enemies to Lovers Dark Mafia Romance blew my mind. I'm weak for good grammar and writing. Also for strong characters that understand what respect and love means. And for good spice, which recently, I've only found- in the best case unoriginal and and worse case just tacky, elsewhere. And when the book has plot, genuine suspense, action, toe-curling spice, emotion that rivals the best movies, and soul-satisfying vengeance? Pure undiluted joy.

And so believe me when I say, this book delivered every, single, thing - in all the best ways. I could literally actually cry after reading it. Honestly, one of the few exhilarating Mafia romances out there.

It was thrilling from the start, and has had my adrenaline up since the past three hours. (Did I devour it in one sitting? Yes, yes I did.) If you love Rina Kent, L J Shen, and Danielle Lori, what are you doing contemplating still? GO, girl. I need to read the other books ASAP, but Dahlia Velez? I'm in love. Maks and Sage have my whole heart.

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooked me from page one. Sage is the only sister of Patrick Quinn, she has been caged all her life with expectations of an arranged marriage in the name of alliances. She sneaks out of the house to join her cousin Fiona at a club for dancing. She is approached by a Russian associate in an alliance with her family who asks her where her security detail is. She tells him off in no uncertain terms and starts dancing again. Little does she know that her partners are there to kidnap her and her cousin in a plot to bring the Quinn family to ruin.
Maks becomes suspicious when he realizes neither woman are on the dance floor and suspects a kidnapping.
He is able to catch up to the kidnapper's vehicle and coordinates a rescue.
Sage is brutally branded by the kidnappers, but she refuses to give into the pain.
Maks rescues the two women, and transports Fiona to her father's safe house, but Fiona's uncle refuses to have her stay at the safe house. Maks takes her to his apartment and arranges for medical care.
Maks and Sage start to form an uneasy relationship which develops over several days.
Behind the scenes there are several plots to destroy the Quinn family.
This was a great story with a wonderful plot, strong female characters and deadly Russians who will do anything for their partners.
There is a HEA ending, as well as a brutal ending for the perpetrator of Sage's torture.
Very well done.

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

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Maks and Sage's story. First the insta love - it's not. It's insta lust that builds quickly. The men in the bratva are overprotective of women but don't treat them as ornaments. Maks treated Sage with respect and intelligence while being protective. Yes, that part did move quickly but it was more an arranged relationship not love that was based on respect and feelings that did develop quickly but it went with the story pace. Now on to the actual story. Here's where it lost points for me. The Bratva is darker and stronger. The Quinn's were wimps (exclude the women) even the Italians would have had them for a snack and there was really no need for an alliance that was present. The differences in the groups and the fact that the writer didn't flesh out the Bratva because of the Quinns hurt the book. Make the Quins stronger and go all in on the business side. Especially with how diabolical the other Irish clan was. That said, as far as the business side - ignore the Quinns and it will be good. Had the Quinns been stronger it would have added strength to Sage and Fee as well and made for a better all-around book. That said, I'm willing to read another story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage is an Irish Mafia Princess. Maks is an Russian enforcer. When he's forced to honor the alliance between the Irish and Russians Sage and Maks find themselves forced together. What starts as a protective detail turns into a story of love and strength through one another and a healing of wounds through shared backgrounds.
I am obsessed with Sage and how much she wields her own power. She refuses to be a pawn in anyone's game and Maks supports that, even when it may cost him Sage. He reveres her as a strong queen (and she IS) and she learns that sometimes being strong means letting someone care for you. I love how fiercly Maks protects Sage and how he is willing to go against his family to make Sage his.
The family and outside characters make the plot in this book really move and I love the face that this story was well tied to family and wasn't an insta-love, they had to work for it.
Sage is probably one of my favorite FMC in a mafia story because she doesn't let the family she is born into dictate who she is or who she will be come. Her strength is admirable and I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see her make some cameos.

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

[Cassi B · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've been looking for you my whole life," Maks continues, his voice rough with emotion. "My soul recognized yours the moment I saw you dancing at that club. Like we've done this before, in another life."

☘️🖤☘️🖤☘️🖤

🖤Irish Mafia
🖤Bratva
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Touch Her and D!e
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Forbidden
🖤Who did this to you?

☘️🖤☘️🖤☘️🖤

Maks is the ultimate Bratva "operations specialist" bad boy mixed with cinnamon roll for Sage. While they had previously orbited around each other, mainly at her father's funeral, they never officially met until one fateful night at a club.  She immediately told him to fu*k off without knowing who he truly was, yet he continued to watch and ultimately rescued her after she & her cousin were k!dnapped from said club.  Sage has to remain under the Basov protection, even after certain perpetrators were caught, as things were definitely not on the up & up with the Irish and loyalties were tested.  

I enjoyed Maks protectiveness & loyalty.  Sage was a bit of a spoiled princess to me. I understood it to a point, but she gave me whiplash with her mood swings between hate & anything else.  I'd like to think her brother caused a lot of this from trying to run her life in the months leading up to this.

Thank you for this ARC, Dahlia!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sneak peak turned into a solid reading session, or actually devouring it. Silk & Scars ticked my boxes, the brutal mafia world, enemies to lovers, blazing passion, a few known characters and a HEA. Sneaking out to go clubbing mafia princesses Sage (Margaret Quinn) and her cousin Fee get kidnapped, Sage brutally marked like she's cattle before their saving angel, Maks Sokolov, a Bratva enforcer comes to the rescue. Her fun evening turned into a nightmare. The novel embodies the deadly power plays, arranged marriages where the females are mere chess pieces of the mafia families, but also family loyalty. The pulsating attraction turns from flirty bantering to smouldering heat and Sage soon realised that the Basov family treat their woman differently, they'll kill to protect what's their own. The torture scenes are quite vividly described, but a fairytale ending rounds of the book. Previous books in the series were great, but I enjoyed this one too the T.
I received an advanced review copy through Booksprout and I leave this review voluntary Thank you

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel delivers a gritty mafia romance with sharp characters and high stakes.

The story follows Sage Quinn, a fierce mob heiress, as she eludes her family’s control only to be abducted and branded.

Her unlikely rescue by cold, calculating Bratva enforcer Maksim Sokolov sets the stage for a tense, slow-burn alliance that turns into something more.

The plot is fascinating and well-structured, with action, betrayal, and psychological depth.

Sage stands out as a strong protagonist, flawed but resilient. Maks is a classic brooding protector with a believable internal arc.

The writing is clean and intense, especially in action scenes and dialogue.

Some slower sections overuse internal monologue, and a few plotlines remain unresolved by the end, suggesting a planned sequel.

Contains sexual content and bad language.

Fans of dark mafia romance who enjoy flawed heroines, protective antiheroes, and a balance of danger and vulnerability.

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘/𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜 ↴
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: Basov Bratva #3
𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 𝖙𝖞𝖕𝖊: interconnected
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: hea ღ
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark mafia romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: multiple

𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Sage Quinn & Maksim Sokolov
𝖕𝖊𝖙 𝖓𝖆𝖒𝖊: “Lisichka” (russian)

📕 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 → ‘Bratva Frost & Fire’ is in this universe; set prior to this one, each book is set chronologically, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - enemies to lovers, who hurt you, forced proximity, russian enforcer x irish princess, soft for her, fmc bites back, age gap (21/29), protective

🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - size difference, TLC, kneels for her

🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - touch her & ⚰️, possessive, protective house arrest, burn the world

⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - forced branding & dru/gging (on-page) + themes, triggers and content in line with dark mafia romance genre.

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.

[Jaedin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨ We got a glimpse of Maks (29) in Bratva King Ruthless Vows, and I was excited to hear the rest of his story. Their story started off a bit insta lust, but beneath that you see Maks respect for Sage (20) in her regard of being tired of feel like a pawn. I honestly enjoyed her bluntness and fire, but also her vulnerability. Maks was honestly so interesting to me and I loved his protectiveness over her only after knowing her for 24 hours. Dahlia Velez knows how to keep you on your toes when it comes to the suspense aspect, the romance and suspense always feels balanced and I love that. She has surely become a comfort author for me. Also, I’m really hoping that Fiona and Anton will be the next couple in her book!!!

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


#1 Bratva King’s Secret Baby
#2 Bratva King’s Ruthless Vow

[Neena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Maks and Sage's story. I haven’t read the other books but am intrigued to start! I loved seeing the couple cameos and glad their stories are already out.

Maks Sokolov (age 29) is second-in-command to Kaz. He is a former street fighter and Kaz's most trusted lieutenant.
Sage Quinn (age 20) just wants to live a normal life.
A night of fun with her cousin Fee starts a spiral of danger as Maks happens to be there.

There is love, suspense, melt your heart moments, and some violence.

It's got🖤:
⭐ Enemies to Lovers
An Irish Princess who refuses to be saved and a Russian Enforcer
⭐ Forced Proximity
⭐ Soft Just For Her

"I want you to make me crave you even more than I already do."

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I really enjoyed this book! Dahlia Velez’s writing style is so smooth and engaging—I flew through the pages and was hooked the entire time.

The main characters, Sage and Maks, had amazing chemistry. What I loved most was the mutual respect between them. Sage is sassy, feisty, and fiercely independent—she’s not the type to let anyone tell her what to do. Maks? Total dream. He’s thoughtful, protective, and refreshingly aware that Sage is her own person. Their connection felt natural, genuine, and emotionally satisfying.

The supporting cast added a lot to the story too. Sage’s cousin Fee brought fun and warmth, and the connection she has to Maks’s “brother in arms” Anton.

A great balance of romance, sass, and heart. I’ll definitely be reading more from Dahlia Velez!

This was an ARC provided by Booksprout for my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another banger by Dahlia Velez! This story had me on edge. I am a sucker for the Bratva men and have a love for the fierce FMC’s that Dahlia writes. This story follows Sage through a traumatic experience while Maks is assigned to be her protector aka guardian angel. Maks was so protective and understanding while Sage coped with what had happened to her. I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop and when it did..SHOCK! This story is full of betrayal, scheming, love, great spice and loyalty.

“Saying I love you to you feels like the most natural thing I’ve ever done. Like my soul has been saying it to yours across lifetimes”

Thanks for this amazing ARC, Dahlia! I can’t wait for your next story!.

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

[Vania - My Little Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maks and Sage have undeniable chemistry, and it’s done really well throughout the book. The dynamic between them works. Maks intense, overprotective, and completely obsessed, while she’s fiery, blunt, and refuses to back down. There’s drama, a touch of violence, and a storyline that kept me hooked. I do wish there was a stronger mafia/bratva presence, especially with Maks' background, but it was still an engaging read.

The writing is solid, and while the beginning felt a bit slow, it definitely picked up and had me invested by the end. I’m looking forward to diving into another book!

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

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dahlia has given another well written story about Maks, a Russian Bratva enforcer and Sage, an Irish Mafia princess. Sage is tired of being a pawn and impetuously goes clubbing with her cousin only to be kidnapped. Maks saves her and their love journey begins. Loved Maks and his protectiveness but also respect for Sage. Their banter and smolder between them soon combusts. Amidst this there is plenty of danger and action to keep the pages turning. Looking forward to more in this series and by this author.

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

[Samantha Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Dahlia Velez! I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed how intricate the twists and the road to the end was. It kept me on my toes! Sage's strength and intelligence was so great to see and read! And Maks the scary enforcer is the absolute sweetest with how he protects and looks after her both physically and mentally. I love their growth as a couple! again I loved it another Dahlia Velez book I couldn't put down

[Marie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author & I was surprised at how good it was. This story it's really well written, and it's kept my interest throughout the whole book from the beginning to the end.

The action starts from the very first page, and the chemistry between Sage and Maks was great. This story has great world building and is full of action. The story kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to see what else this author writes.

[Chris06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one to my favorite series …

With each one you get ..,

An FMC that is strong and willing to battle for her own choices and happiness

An MC that is scary on the outside but so much more in the inside

Touch her and 💀

Men willing to raise them up and not just control

Women who stand together

Families .. found .. and more

Another one that I was sad to see the ending.

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

[Erika Komáromi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Basov Bratva series. It can also be read as a standalone. The book follows the story of Maks and Sage. Sage saves the girl after she is kidnapped and becomes her protector. They immediately become attracted to each other. It is a well-written story as Sage overcomes past trauma and opens up to Maks. It was exciting, full of unexpected situations.

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

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how these characters were written. Both main characters were so relatable. The fmc was so strong willed and found her perfect match. The Mmc had the perfect balance of sweet and protectiveness. The book gives complete closure and doesn't leave you wondering what will happen in there future. Totally recommend!.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage and Maks kept me glued to the pages. She is livid when her brother brokers her freedom for a business deal. It is a no holds barred right from the start. She fights everything Maks tries to do but at the same time her heart begins to surrender to her Russian. Will their path lead them to happiness.

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

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the start and kept me turning the pages until the end. It tells Maks, a member of the Russian mob and Sage, an Irish princess, after she was kidnapped. When he discovers that they branded her, Maks's protective and possessive side comes to the fore, and he vows to do anything to keep her with him always.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are going to want to read this remarkable hard to stop reading book right here by Dahlia. OMG I was instantly hooked when I saw the cover and once, I started reading the story itself I was a goner. Makes and Sage really are wonderful characters that you fall in love with and keep reading to see how everything ends for them.

[Christina Morantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gawd! (yes, in the Janice voice). What a phenomenal read. It had heat, suspense, twists, turns, whew! I literally spent 8 hours reading this book because I couldn't put it down!.

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

[Denise Drennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Bratva Silk & Scars by Dahlia Velez is the third book in the Basov Bratva series. I loved this book. There is drama that grabs you early on and keeps you turning the pages.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a great read couldn't put it down. I think Dahlia Velez did a great job writing this book. I can't wait to read more.

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

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

She and her cousin are set up at a club to be kidnapped. He prevents it from happening and determines she is now his. She doesn’t want to be owned but can’t resist him.

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

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratva hardened soul softens.

Mafia vs Bratva, but can love take all? She how this goes, through kidnapping, bloody attacks and more. Where women are at times, pawns brokered into alliances without their consent.