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Sacred Bond
Alexei
For years, I’ve fought to build a life I love, and I’m not going to let anyone destroy it. Even if I have to step into a role I never pictured for myself and take over this brotherhood before someone else can destroy it, my life will still be mine.
I don’t have time to get caught up in Emiliya’s sharp tongue or distracting wit. Too bad she’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m not sure I ever stood a chance.
Emiliya
All I want is to get out from under my father’s thumb. I don’t want to be another one of his pawns. I don’t want to slip into Alexei’s life, crawl under his skin, or fall for him. He’ll never do what my father wants, no matter what I do, or how many tricks I have up my sleeve.
Too bad Alexei isn’t the type of man to bend the knee for anyone. He’s the kind of man that’ll make me fall to mine.
For years, I’ve fought to build a life I love, and I’m not going to let anyone destroy it. Even if I have to step into a role I never pictured for myself and take over this brotherhood before someone else can destroy it, my life will still be mine.
I don’t have time to get caught up in Emiliya’s sharp tongue or distracting wit. Too bad she’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m not sure I ever stood a chance.
Emiliya
All I want is to get out from under my father’s thumb. I don’t want to be another one of his pawns. I don’t want to slip into Alexei’s life, crawl under his skin, or fall for him. He’ll never do what my father wants, no matter what I do, or how many tricks I have up my sleeve.
Too bad Alexei isn’t the type of man to bend the knee for anyone. He’s the kind of man that’ll make me fall to mine.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 20, 2025
This was a great dark romance mafia book. And my first time reading this author. The characters were amazing. The story itself was very well done. It was intense and chaotic. The twists and turns, really Keri you gripping that book wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I really loved reading this one and I will definitely being going back to read the first one as well as any future books from this author.
December 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What To Expect:
💙 Bratva Romance
🖤 Enemies with Benefits
💙 Forced Proximity
🖤 Enemy’s Daughter
💙 Who Hurt You?
🖤 Touch Her & Die
💙 Arguing as Foreplay
POSSIBLE SPOILER IN MY REVIEW
I love a good mafia romance that makes you wish you could crawl in the book and live out your mafia fantasies! The relationship between Emiliya and Alexei is what I live for, the flirty arguing that is their foreplay. It’s also the “who did this to you?” For me. Emiliya is such a strong person for what she has gone through and continued to go through, she kept going no matter what life threw at her or rather her father…. But I think if she didn’t have her relationship with her mom she would have given up a long time ago and wouldn’t have had all the qualities or past experiences that made her so strong. Her mom is definitely her anchor which I love cause my mom is mine 🩷 Alexei has that protective relationship with his sister that is sweet cause you know that he has a soft spot for her. He does what he can to protect her. When they start to get closer you can tell that his heart is in it more than hers but I think it’s because of all the hurt and deception she has gone through. I would have loved for a more dramatic ending BUT I feel like the ending that was given was also really cute in the way that makes you want to kick your feet! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What To Expect:
💙 Bratva Romance
🖤 Enemies with Benefits
💙 Forced Proximity
🖤 Enemy’s Daughter
💙 Who Hurt You?
🖤 Touch Her & Die
💙 Arguing as Foreplay
POSSIBLE SPOILER IN MY REVIEW
I love a good mafia romance that makes you wish you could crawl in the book and live out your mafia fantasies! The relationship between Emiliya and Alexei is what I live for, the flirty arguing that is their foreplay. It’s also the “who did this to you?” For me. Emiliya is such a strong person for what she has gone through and continued to go through, she kept going no matter what life threw at her or rather her father…. But I think if she didn’t have her relationship with her mom she would have given up a long time ago and wouldn’t have had all the qualities or past experiences that made her so strong. Her mom is definitely her anchor which I love cause my mom is mine 🩷 Alexei has that protective relationship with his sister that is sweet cause you know that he has a soft spot for her. He does what he can to protect her. When they start to get closer you can tell that his heart is in it more than hers but I think it’s because of all the hurt and deception she has gone through. I would have loved for a more dramatic ending BUT I feel like the ending that was given was also really cute in the way that makes you want to kick your feet! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
December 25, 2025
Romeo and Juliet vibes ✓
Who did this to you ✓
Mafia ✓
ALL the smut ✓
Enemies with Benefits ✓
Emiliya is a tough woman with a big heart who would do ANYTHING for her mother. Alexei is a broody man (also with a big heart) and is such a good brother, it melted me. Emiliya is dedicated to getting her mother and her out of an abusive home with her father, who has a heavy hand in the mafia. She is willing to put herself in any situation to get this done, including putting herself in the enemy's path: Alexei. She quickly realizes that it may be more difficult than she expected as her feelings start confusing her goal. Alexei is willing to protect his sister at any costs, but the enemy's daughter (Emiliya) has something about her that continues to suck him in. All he wants to do is protect both Emiliya and his sister, no matter the risk.
Without spoiling anything for you incredible readers, this steamy book had me absolutely in love with the characters. I read this book in A DAY because I just wanted to read more. I was in a book slump before I read this, and now I am back! I read this one before the first in the series. You can read it as a standalone, but reading the first may give more context. P.S. I KNOW a third is about to come out and I cannot wait to read it! I am heading back to read the first as I type this. This mafia romance got me back in the game and I am so thankful to the author for sending me this book. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!
Who did this to you ✓
Mafia ✓
ALL the smut ✓
Enemies with Benefits ✓
Emiliya is a tough woman with a big heart who would do ANYTHING for her mother. Alexei is a broody man (also with a big heart) and is such a good brother, it melted me. Emiliya is dedicated to getting her mother and her out of an abusive home with her father, who has a heavy hand in the mafia. She is willing to put herself in any situation to get this done, including putting herself in the enemy's path: Alexei. She quickly realizes that it may be more difficult than she expected as her feelings start confusing her goal. Alexei is willing to protect his sister at any costs, but the enemy's daughter (Emiliya) has something about her that continues to suck him in. All he wants to do is protect both Emiliya and his sister, no matter the risk.
Without spoiling anything for you incredible readers, this steamy book had me absolutely in love with the characters. I read this book in A DAY because I just wanted to read more. I was in a book slump before I read this, and now I am back! I read this one before the first in the series. You can read it as a standalone, but reading the first may give more context. P.S. I KNOW a third is about to come out and I cannot wait to read it! I am heading back to read the first as I type this. This mafia romance got me back in the game and I am so thankful to the author for sending me this book. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!
March 30, 2026
I was a little jaded going into this book. I mean….this is Emiliya. The same Emiliya who was the mistress to Daniil in book 1. The one who helped to break Blair’s heart. She couldn’t be redeemed, right?
And then there was Alexei. He was such a hard read as well. Is he a good guy? What’s his angle? We had only seen the grumpy part of him thus far.
But once I finally got in and gave them a chance; we see more of them and their stories. We see how Emiliya’s father is trying to be the new pakhan. He’s abusive to her physically and wants her to play a role. And Alexei will do anything to protect his sister. Even if it means taking down Emiliya’s dad.
I did feel that there was a lot of miscommunication in this story; mostly because no one knows who to trust or who will believe them. It did make it a little frustrating to read - especially when yelling out, “JUST TELL HIM THE TRUTH”! And while I know she needed to do it for survival, I also felt that Emiliya used sex as a weapon and I never love that.
But all the love for the FMC being the knight in shining armor. **chefs kiss**
This book sets up nicely what to expect for the next book in the series and I can’t wait to see how that all plays out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
And then there was Alexei. He was such a hard read as well. Is he a good guy? What’s his angle? We had only seen the grumpy part of him thus far.
But once I finally got in and gave them a chance; we see more of them and their stories. We see how Emiliya’s father is trying to be the new pakhan. He’s abusive to her physically and wants her to play a role. And Alexei will do anything to protect his sister. Even if it means taking down Emiliya’s dad.
I did feel that there was a lot of miscommunication in this story; mostly because no one knows who to trust or who will believe them. It did make it a little frustrating to read - especially when yelling out, “JUST TELL HIM THE TRUTH”! And while I know she needed to do it for survival, I also felt that Emiliya used sex as a weapon and I never love that.
But all the love for the FMC being the knight in shining armor. **chefs kiss**
This book sets up nicely what to expect for the next book in the series and I can’t wait to see how that all plays out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
December 9, 2025
ARC reader here! Let me start by saying that while Sacred Bond can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book one beforehand. I read this book as a standalone and I think it was great! The world was complex and I think that going in with more knowledge of that world would be beneficial. The complexity of the world gave the story so much more depth and expanded the characters in a way that left me wanting more! I hadn’t read a Bratva romance before, but if they’re anything like this one, I will absolutely be picking up more! The tension not only between Alexei and Emiliya is amazing in an on edge of your seat and constantly rooting for them! The good kind of tension, clearly! Tensions are high in the rest of the story, but very much for other reasons, still edge of your seat but in a different way! There are plenty of characters to love and hate, and sometimes a bit of both. I WILL be diving back into the world. I hope to see more of Alexei and Emiliya. Book one is now on my TBR, and when the next book is released that one will be too! One other character I hope you see more of? Nadya, Alexei’s sister! I hope we get to see her story at some point!
December 31, 2025
I went into this book without clear expectations, and it pleasantly surprised me. One of the strongest elements was the overlap of characters between Book 1 and Book 2. That continuity helped set the scene and added depth, offering meaningful background that made the story feel more connected and immersive.
I genuinely enjoyed both Alexei and Emiliya as characters. Without giving anything away, Emiliya’s journey and the relationship she finds felt especially impactful. It was clear how deeply she needed it, and that emotional layer added a lot of heart to the story.
Another standout for me was the bond between Alexei and his sister. Nadya’s loyalty was already evident in the first book, but it becomes even more pronounced in the second. Her unwavering support of Alexei adds an extra layer of strength to the narrative and highlights the importance of family amid everything else unfolding.
Overall, this installment builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book, deepening character relationships and emotional stakes in a way that feels both intentional and rewarding.
I genuinely enjoyed both Alexei and Emiliya as characters. Without giving anything away, Emiliya’s journey and the relationship she finds felt especially impactful. It was clear how deeply she needed it, and that emotional layer added a lot of heart to the story.
Another standout for me was the bond between Alexei and his sister. Nadya’s loyalty was already evident in the first book, but it becomes even more pronounced in the second. Her unwavering support of Alexei adds an extra layer of strength to the narrative and highlights the importance of family amid everything else unfolding.
Overall, this installment builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book, deepening character relationships and emotional stakes in a way that feels both intentional and rewarding.
December 11, 2025
10/10 would recommend
While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I read as a standalone and plan to read the first book to see how they are connected. I received this as an ARC copy.
The world building in this was great and I already miss reading it. Emiliya and Alexei's story has sparks and spice. The way they fall for one another even while denying their feelings kept me going. There are definitely some additional characters that I loved and would love to see a book on and some that I felt got exactly what they deserved.
If you love Bratva mafias, touch her and die, spice, enemies to lovers, among other things, you should definitely add this to your TBR!
While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I read as a standalone and plan to read the first book to see how they are connected. I received this as an ARC copy.
The world building in this was great and I already miss reading it. Emiliya and Alexei's story has sparks and spice. The way they fall for one another even while denying their feelings kept me going. There are definitely some additional characters that I loved and would love to see a book on and some that I felt got exactly what they deserved.
If you love Bratva mafias, touch her and die, spice, enemies to lovers, among other things, you should definitely add this to your TBR!
December 11, 2025
This is Book 2 of the Splintered Empire series. The nade man and the Enemy's Daughter he wants.
The characters were well written and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were well written and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2025
ARC review: Can 100% be read as a stand alone but to better understand the world I recommend reading book one first.
I really enjoyed reading about Alexei and Emiliya. From book one I was excited to learn more about Alexei and nervous to learn about Emiliya, since she isn’t well liked. This book showed her true colors and I am really enjoying this world. I hope book three is about Nadya!
I really enjoyed reading about Alexei and Emiliya. From book one I was excited to learn more about Alexei and nervous to learn about Emiliya, since she isn’t well liked. This book showed her true colors and I am really enjoying this world. I hope book three is about Nadya!
December 6, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I am so glad I did. I love a good mafia romance where the MMC falls hard and fast for the FMC. Emiliya has been through so much and the love Alexei has for her helps to heal the broken pieces. Alexei needs Emiliya just as much to give him the strength and confidence to claim his place in the Bratva.
December 12, 2025
Explicit. Fun and very typical of the genre, but the characters didn't feel like they had a lot of depth. I loved some of the side characters, and it was steamy in a fun way. I felt like the book rushed by, which is a great thing and I finished it in less than 24 hours. If you like mafia romance, you know what you're gonna get.
December 2, 2025
yippee i got another arc!!!!! so i don’t typically find myself picking up mafia romances, but after the book got going, i did really start to enjoy this!! definitely took time to build up and understand the world, but after that, i liked it!
December 3, 2025
I am so thankful I was able to be an ARC reader for this book. This is my first time reading on of Erin’s books and boy did it fill my dark romance heart with joy! I loved this book and can’t wait to read more of her books!
December 5, 2025
I was completely gripped by this book from start to finish. I especially loved the universe and the characters that I quickly grew fond of. It is, without a doubt, a masterpiece and I highly recommend it.
I'm already incredibly excited to dive into more from this author ❤️
I'm already incredibly excited to dive into more from this author ❤️
December 12, 2025
This is book two of the Splintered Empire series. Alexei and Emiliya are awesome characters and I enjoyed their love story. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, Bratva romance filled with drama, suspense, spice and more. It can be read as a standalone.
December 16, 2025
Ooof from chapter 1 the spice was hot!! Alexei and Emiliya can't stand eachother they also can't trust eachother. But find their way love and trust. The plot was really amazing! I feel like it was more than your typical mafia romance
December 20, 2025
Loved this read. It gripped me from the start and kept me engaged all the way through. The character and plot development we written brilliantly.
Highly recommend if you love mafia dark romance
Highly recommend if you love mafia dark romance
December 10, 2025
The sparks between Alexei and Emiliya were obvious from the very first chapter. I understood why they both tried to ignore them, but watching that tension finally unravel? It was everything. Even when Alexei pretends he doesn’t care, his protector vibes give him away every single time; the man is incapable of being indifferent where she’s concerned.
Emiliya’s whole world revolves around her mom, and she would walk through fire for her. The things her father did to her were genuinely unbelievable, and my heart broke for her more than once. On the other side, seeing Alexei with his sister was one of my favorite parts. She knows exactly how to push his buttons, but he’s still her fiercest protector. Those scenes softened him in the best way.
The events toward the end had my pulse racing, and that twist? I did not see it coming. At all. It completely changed the dynamic and made me even more invested. And Konstantin… I really liked him, and I seriously hope we get more of him soon. I received this book as an ARC, and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
Few things have ever felt as right as her arm in mine.
Emiliya’s whole world revolves around her mom, and she would walk through fire for her. The things her father did to her were genuinely unbelievable, and my heart broke for her more than once. On the other side, seeing Alexei with his sister was one of my favorite parts. She knows exactly how to push his buttons, but he’s still her fiercest protector. Those scenes softened him in the best way.
The events toward the end had my pulse racing, and that twist? I did not see it coming. At all. It completely changed the dynamic and made me even more invested. And Konstantin… I really liked him, and I seriously hope we get more of him soon. I received this book as an ARC, and all thoughts are my honest opinion.
Few things have ever felt as right as her arm in mine.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews