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The Bratva's Elite #3
Defensive Rook
When a princess plays, a rook protects.
Serafina Mancini is a mafia princess without the crown. Raised outside of the mob, she’s always constructed her own game with her own rules, and the mandated live-in bodyguard was never supposed to be a player. Especially not one who treats her like a queen and makes her want to break the unwritten rules.
Lev Petrov prefers being alone, but finds himself agreeing to protect Serafina from a rival mob family. The woman who should be a task calms the noise in his head, tempting him to step beyond his structured rules. Until she’s forced onto another prince’s board and he realizes he’ll do anything to defend her—even keep her.
Defensive Rook is the third book in The Bratva's Elite, a series of interconnected standalones that are best read in order. A slow burning forced proximity bodyguard romance between a neurodivergent MMC and an anxious FMC with an emotional happily-ever-after. This book involves content some readers may find triggering.
Serafina Mancini is a mafia princess without the crown. Raised outside of the mob, she’s always constructed her own game with her own rules, and the mandated live-in bodyguard was never supposed to be a player. Especially not one who treats her like a queen and makes her want to break the unwritten rules.
Lev Petrov prefers being alone, but finds himself agreeing to protect Serafina from a rival mob family. The woman who should be a task calms the noise in his head, tempting him to step beyond his structured rules. Until she’s forced onto another prince’s board and he realizes he’ll do anything to defend her—even keep her.
Defensive Rook is the third book in The Bratva's Elite, a series of interconnected standalones that are best read in order. A slow burning forced proximity bodyguard romance between a neurodivergent MMC and an anxious FMC with an emotional happily-ever-after. This book involves content some readers may find triggering.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
M.L. Philpitt
39 books412 followersUSA Today Bestselling author M.L. Philpitt writes both dark romance and paranormal romance. When she’s not writing made-up realities, she’s reading them. She lives in Canada with her four pets and survives life with coffee and an obsession with fictional characters, especially the morally grey kind. By day, she masks as a therapist, and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter so she can be sorted into her Ravenclaw house.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 28, 2026
“i love you with everything i am and everything i still don’t know how to be, but with you, i’ll learn.”
what do a girl who feels like a burden and has had every choice been made for her, and a boy who is defined by duty and has been used and abused for his skills have in common? being each other’s soft place to land. these two were able to be themselves and find their worth simply by existing in one another’s presence; everything they had been conditioned to believe the other proved wrong. it was such a tender love story at its core, their mundane moments really resonated due to the domesticity of it all. and i really like the twins’ dynamic, can’t wait for the last book.
*i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review
what do a girl who feels like a burden and has had every choice been made for her, and a boy who is defined by duty and has been used and abused for his skills have in common? being each other’s soft place to land. these two were able to be themselves and find their worth simply by existing in one another’s presence; everything they had been conditioned to believe the other proved wrong. it was such a tender love story at its core, their mundane moments really resonated due to the domesticity of it all. and i really like the twins’ dynamic, can’t wait for the last book.
*i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Her, a burden. Me, a resource. Like we’re two sides of the same fucking coin, waiting for someone to come by and flip us, deciding themselves which one of us to use and how.
Lev Petrov is the man behind the computer, hunting you down with a mere click of his fingers and if you're not careful, he will be the one to end you personally. Make no mistake, his kill rating is just as high as his games.
Growing up in the ruthless Bratva, his father never accepted anything less from his children and when Lev didn’t fall into step…he soon learnt from his punishments in the family-run prison.
The new ruling of the Bratva family exposed secrets that all of the Elite members are now dealing with. Lev saved Serafina from the deadly shoot-out and for the first time ever…her touch didn’t make him flinch…it drew him closer.
Serafina Mancini shouldn’t be the one to hush the constance ringing in his head and nor should he be feeling like this…whatever this is?
Serafina is in danger though and of all the people she wants, it’s the man who already risked his life to save her. Lev is the only one she can stand to be her shadow in university.
Only being this close to each is a test to both of them. Growing close until all hell breaks loose and forces them even closer while their family surrounds them. Lev knows he’s crossing boundaries and Serafina can only hold her feelings for so long…
The kind of kiss that tears souls apart. I hand mine to him for safekeeping, for him to own and destroy as he sees fit.
However, family ties, unions and deals must be upheld…What’s a mafia tale without a little bloody marriage?
“Stop me.”
“No.”
“Please, Serafina.”
I was not expecting this…but what a surprise these two ended up being!
I loved Lev's character, certain elements about him really did click into place about him and you really wouldn’t want to turn your back on him. Falling into his mind and how he felt about Serafina was very emotional.
Serafina was the surprise character, I knew she was going to be a lively character from what you found out in book1 and now she was brought to life even more in her own story. She wasn’t all that she seemed and Lev was able to look past her mask in his own way.
A slow burn, but given the storyline it made sense and brought the story together even more. But…those ionic two words that make your toes curl and make you read into the late hours…yeah? The tension is high and the stakes…to say that Lev will burn the world for Serafina is an understatement.
A perfect addition to this series and just wait till the last move is played…one more Pawn is left standing after all…
Lev Petrov is the man behind the computer, hunting you down with a mere click of his fingers and if you're not careful, he will be the one to end you personally. Make no mistake, his kill rating is just as high as his games.
Growing up in the ruthless Bratva, his father never accepted anything less from his children and when Lev didn’t fall into step…he soon learnt from his punishments in the family-run prison.
The new ruling of the Bratva family exposed secrets that all of the Elite members are now dealing with. Lev saved Serafina from the deadly shoot-out and for the first time ever…her touch didn’t make him flinch…it drew him closer.
Serafina Mancini shouldn’t be the one to hush the constance ringing in his head and nor should he be feeling like this…whatever this is?
Serafina is in danger though and of all the people she wants, it’s the man who already risked his life to save her. Lev is the only one she can stand to be her shadow in university.
Only being this close to each is a test to both of them. Growing close until all hell breaks loose and forces them even closer while their family surrounds them. Lev knows he’s crossing boundaries and Serafina can only hold her feelings for so long…
The kind of kiss that tears souls apart. I hand mine to him for safekeeping, for him to own and destroy as he sees fit.
However, family ties, unions and deals must be upheld…What’s a mafia tale without a little bloody marriage?
“Stop me.”
“No.”
“Please, Serafina.”
I was not expecting this…but what a surprise these two ended up being!
I loved Lev's character, certain elements about him really did click into place about him and you really wouldn’t want to turn your back on him. Falling into his mind and how he felt about Serafina was very emotional.
Serafina was the surprise character, I knew she was going to be a lively character from what you found out in book1 and now she was brought to life even more in her own story. She wasn’t all that she seemed and Lev was able to look past her mask in his own way.
A slow burn, but given the storyline it made sense and brought the story together even more. But…those ionic two words that make your toes curl and make you read into the late hours…yeah? The tension is high and the stakes…to say that Lev will burn the world for Serafina is an understatement.
A perfect addition to this series and just wait till the last move is played…one more Pawn is left standing after all…
April 17, 2026
𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
This is such a great series and I really hope more people find it!! This book was so good!!! This book picks up where the others leave off… Sera is being rescued after her abduction, during her rescue, the man that is tasked with getting her out and keeping her safe takes a bullet for her. When he wakes up, he finds that she has stayed by his side. From the start, there is something simmering between them!! When she is getting ready to go off to university, her brother insists she needs protection from an unknown threat, and the only person she is willing to allow to be that for her is none other than the man that’s already saved her life once, Lev, a member of the Bratva!!
Lev, is a Bratva elite, essentially a second to the Pahkan of the Russian mafia. He has been trained to be a resource for them, has vowed his life and loyalties to them, but when it comes to Sera, he finds that she makes him question it all. She’s able to calm the noise in his head, she can soothe him and he is willing to do anything to keep her close and act as a balm for his issues. He’s always been different, he can’t stand touch and noise, people and crowds grate on him, but she’s different and he has to find out why!! I loved everything about his character and how relatable his personality was. He’s always was tender and softer with her, sweet and endearing in his own way. He’s a badass who can do damage but gentle for her!! I loved it!!
This is definitely a great read, but even though it can be a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books before it since it’s got a ton of overlap!!! I can’t wait for the next book, I really am looking forward to Anastasia’s story!!! I’d like to say thank you for letting me ARC read this book, it was so good!!!
Includes:
♟️ Violence
👑 Depiction of a toxic relationship (not with MMC)
♟️ Gaslighting (not from main character)
👑 Emotional abuse from a partner (not with MMC)
♟️ Attempted sexual assault (not by MMC)
👑 Attempted rape (not by MMC)
♟️ Drugging/roofies
👑 Depictions of trauma
♟️ 10 Yr Age Gap
👑 Murder
♟️ Coercion
👑 Trauma flashbacks
♟️ Mention of parental deaths
👑 Explicit sexual content
♟️ Forced Marriage
This is such a great series and I really hope more people find it!! This book was so good!!! This book picks up where the others leave off… Sera is being rescued after her abduction, during her rescue, the man that is tasked with getting her out and keeping her safe takes a bullet for her. When he wakes up, he finds that she has stayed by his side. From the start, there is something simmering between them!! When she is getting ready to go off to university, her brother insists she needs protection from an unknown threat, and the only person she is willing to allow to be that for her is none other than the man that’s already saved her life once, Lev, a member of the Bratva!!
Lev, is a Bratva elite, essentially a second to the Pahkan of the Russian mafia. He has been trained to be a resource for them, has vowed his life and loyalties to them, but when it comes to Sera, he finds that she makes him question it all. She’s able to calm the noise in his head, she can soothe him and he is willing to do anything to keep her close and act as a balm for his issues. He’s always been different, he can’t stand touch and noise, people and crowds grate on him, but she’s different and he has to find out why!! I loved everything about his character and how relatable his personality was. He’s always was tender and softer with her, sweet and endearing in his own way. He’s a badass who can do damage but gentle for her!! I loved it!!
This is definitely a great read, but even though it can be a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books before it since it’s got a ton of overlap!!! I can’t wait for the next book, I really am looking forward to Anastasia’s story!!! I’d like to say thank you for letting me ARC read this book, it was so good!!!
Includes:
♟️ Violence
👑 Depiction of a toxic relationship (not with MMC)
♟️ Gaslighting (not from main character)
👑 Emotional abuse from a partner (not with MMC)
♟️ Attempted sexual assault (not by MMC)
👑 Attempted rape (not by MMC)
♟️ Drugging/roofies
👑 Depictions of trauma
♟️ 10 Yr Age Gap
👑 Murder
♟️ Coercion
👑 Trauma flashbacks
♟️ Mention of parental deaths
👑 Explicit sexual content
♟️ Forced Marriage
Review of advance copy
This series needs a lot more appreciation!!
I just love the writing, the setting, the plots and characters. It’s so nuanced and interesting. Not one character is flat and everything feels real.
I did go in regarding Serafina as bratty because that’s how she originally acted in previous books…but we get to see the real her. She’s 18 so I gave her some grace, and she surprised me. She was centered and trying her best. She wanted a future but felt like a burden to those around her. Trying to use her “freedom” the way she thought they expected. I loved how she found her peace and safe space with Lev and the elites. Their connection felt raw and genuine, from getting to know each other to loving each other.
And my man Lev…I truly wish he was my man. He was such an amazing character. He had quirks and little coping mechanisms that to him were weird but he was perfect. I hate that he’d been made to think otherwise but I truly loved how at ease he felt with Serafina. He did put himself out of his comfort zone time and time again for her, even before he had feelings, just because he cared.
I need more of these characters, seeing Anastasia and Nero are next gave me butterflies.
I’m beyond grateful I get to read this early!!
Quotes:
Serafina Mancini owns me. What she chooses to do with me after this is up to her.
She can have it. She's stolen the rest of me—heart included—so why not my tapping pattern?
I just love the writing, the setting, the plots and characters. It’s so nuanced and interesting. Not one character is flat and everything feels real.
I did go in regarding Serafina as bratty because that’s how she originally acted in previous books…but we get to see the real her. She’s 18 so I gave her some grace, and she surprised me. She was centered and trying her best. She wanted a future but felt like a burden to those around her. Trying to use her “freedom” the way she thought they expected. I loved how she found her peace and safe space with Lev and the elites. Their connection felt raw and genuine, from getting to know each other to loving each other.
And my man Lev…I truly wish he was my man. He was such an amazing character. He had quirks and little coping mechanisms that to him were weird but he was perfect. I hate that he’d been made to think otherwise but I truly loved how at ease he felt with Serafina. He did put himself out of his comfort zone time and time again for her, even before he had feelings, just because he cared.
I need more of these characters, seeing Anastasia and Nero are next gave me butterflies.
I’m beyond grateful I get to read this early!!
Quotes:
Serafina Mancini owns me. What she chooses to do with me after this is up to her.
She can have it. She's stolen the rest of me—heart included—so why not my tapping pattern?
April 29, 2026
This book was chock full of characters I just can't get enough of!
I was equally split between wanted to never put it down and read slower to savour it slowly as it so well deserved!
This is Lev and Serafina's story and getting to know them both was a joy. Serafina is so much more than the bratty teen she is first sen as in Merciless Queen and unraveling her layers was so revealing.
Then there is Lev. And oh, I fell in love with him more and more with each chapter.
Both bring their life experiences to the book, and they make so much sense as a couple. Both smoothing out each other’s edges to make a wonderful shape.
At the start of the book Lev is recovering from the bullet he took when he saved Serafina. But as the book opens, she has a boyfriend, Alessio. It soon becomes clear though, that he is not quite the simple student he seems and when things turn dark and dangerous Lev is there to help her.
But Serafina is far from the protected and helpless mafia princess you might assume. And as danger surrounds her, I love the way she took control of her life and made her own choices.
The drama was exciting, the characters full and diverse and I loved the way Lev was portrayed. He was clearly somehwat neurodiverse and this was written in such a complex manner that had me in his corner form the start.
A fantastic book!
I was equally split between wanted to never put it down and read slower to savour it slowly as it so well deserved!
This is Lev and Serafina's story and getting to know them both was a joy. Serafina is so much more than the bratty teen she is first sen as in Merciless Queen and unraveling her layers was so revealing.
Then there is Lev. And oh, I fell in love with him more and more with each chapter.
Both bring their life experiences to the book, and they make so much sense as a couple. Both smoothing out each other’s edges to make a wonderful shape.
At the start of the book Lev is recovering from the bullet he took when he saved Serafina. But as the book opens, she has a boyfriend, Alessio. It soon becomes clear though, that he is not quite the simple student he seems and when things turn dark and dangerous Lev is there to help her.
But Serafina is far from the protected and helpless mafia princess you might assume. And as danger surrounds her, I love the way she took control of her life and made her own choices.
The drama was exciting, the characters full and diverse and I loved the way Lev was portrayed. He was clearly somehwat neurodiverse and this was written in such a complex manner that had me in his corner form the start.
A fantastic book!
May 12, 2026
🍑 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
For several reasons, I struggled to get into the story:
* She is 18, and the setting is at university 😒 so expect scenes of her watching TV shows 🙄 texting, partying, playing video games, and dealing with teenage hormones…
* She has a boyfriend she really likes (so expect scenes with OM) until she realizes the guy is a douche (about 25% into the book).
* Honestly, the beginning of the book felt like teenagers discovering their hormones, and there was nothing cute about it.
* Lev’s obsession with peach & vanilla was weird. The author really said: “Give this man supernatural peach radar!!” Every chapter, we are reminded of this scent!!
✅ age gap (9 years)
✅ student/bodyguard
✅ Bratva vs. Cosa Nostra
✅ MMC is neurodivergent
✅ MMC doesn’t like being touched
✅ drugged and SA on page
✅ slow burn
🌶️
✅ virgin h, but obviously the H is not a virgin because, you know, when you don’t like being touched but you’re a man, you apparently can’t be a virgin 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ Dual V would have been great here!!
Nothing much happened. I just kept reading because I love this author, but here’s a short summary: In Rome, Serafina goes to school, Lev follows… rinse and repeat in Moscow.
I skipped a lot of useless events.
Also, I need to ask: why are all the women in this series being assaulted?!
April 12, 2026
Phenomenal Series.
I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while reading this book. It was full of danger and suspense. And it was just as addictive as the previous books.
Serafina is Zeno’s sister, but has been kept away from the Cosa Nostra. She’s a Mafia Princess but has lived a normal life. Only now she finds herself smack bang in the middle of things.
Levi is used to being on his own. He’s anything but a people person. So he can’t understand being drawn to Serafina. He knows he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means breaking all the rules.
I can’t get enough of these characters and will definitely be doing a re-read of all three books. They’re that good! I can’t wait for Anastasia’s story.
I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough while reading this book. It was full of danger and suspense. And it was just as addictive as the previous books.
Serafina is Zeno’s sister, but has been kept away from the Cosa Nostra. She’s a Mafia Princess but has lived a normal life. Only now she finds herself smack bang in the middle of things.
Levi is used to being on his own. He’s anything but a people person. So he can’t understand being drawn to Serafina. He knows he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means breaking all the rules.
I can’t get enough of these characters and will definitely be doing a re-read of all three books. They’re that good! I can’t wait for Anastasia’s story.
May 4, 2026
When I started reading this book I was completely and utterly hooked but I had no idea how much I would love this story and all the characters. Serafina and Lev are from two very different worlds but they come together in the most dramatic of ways. They are not meant to be especially as Serafina is promised to another but Lev will do anything to prevent that from happening including claiming Fina as his woman. The writing was amazing and the story was out of this world but I was hooked and that hook did not let me off for a single second. This is a fabulous series that I honestly cannot get enough of and I am looking forward to reading so much more.
May 5, 2026
Loved this book so much, I couldn't put it down once starting.
This couple, especially the male main character, had me in a chokehold from cover to cover. I found myself madly turning pages to see what on earth could get in their way next (when they weren't being the obstacles themselves).
They bring out the best in each other and I adore them.
The whole book was very cleverly done and I love how the author throws real life things into her fiction, it made me connect to the story and characters more.
It was a no brainer top read and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, especially after that ending.
This couple, especially the male main character, had me in a chokehold from cover to cover. I found myself madly turning pages to see what on earth could get in their way next (when they weren't being the obstacles themselves).
They bring out the best in each other and I adore them.
The whole book was very cleverly done and I love how the author throws real life things into her fiction, it made me connect to the story and characters more.
It was a no brainer top read and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, especially after that ending.
April 30, 2026
This is the third book in the Bratva's Elite series. It’s an amazing sister’s best friend, age gap romance. I was drawn into Lev and Serafina's story right from the beginning. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!! A must read. This is a thrilling series. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy
4.5⭐️
June 26, 2026
Only took me 3 weeks to read bc of Shane & Ilya. Not my favorite in the series but I still enjoyed it. I loved the MMC, neurodivergent, and the mafia cross!! Always a favorite. Bravta /Cosa Nostra
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews