Scarlet Thorns

by Lisa Lovell

What happens when your masked mystery lover turns out to be a Bratva boss?
And you're carrying his baby?

It all started when I broke up with my abusive ex.
Driving around town confused and heartbroken, I stumbled upon a secret club.

Velvet curtains.
Hidden identities.
No real-life consequences outside these walls.
The perfect escape my broken heart desires.

That’s when I see him.
The moment he enters the room, my body ignites like never before.
Dark eyes behind a thick black mask survey me hungrily.
Skilled hands that know exactly how to make me shatter.

With our faces hidden, we're free.
To touch.
To taste.
To do everything we’d never do in the real world.

Until the unthinkable happens.
A test.
Two pink lines.
I'm pregnant with a baby the doctors said I could never carry.

And just when I think it couldn’t get worse, everything clicks into place.
My masked mystery lover and the most dangerous crime lord in the city?
The. Same. Man.

Osip Sidorov, the man who makes my pulse race with just a glance.
The man I can never have.

Now I'm faced with an impossible choice.
Do I reveal my identity to the father of my child and let him destroy me?
Or run for my life and keep my secrets buried forever?


Welcome to Sidorov Bratva!
Scarlet Thorns is a Russian dark mafia romance, and it is the first book in the Sidorov Bratva duo.
For the best experience, read the books in order.
Enjoy! xoxo

Genres: Mafia Romance

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Hopeless romantic.
Bestselling author (still can't get over this one).
Dark Mafia Romance enthusiast with a vivid fantasy and an urge to write and share her own stories. :-)
Sign up to her mailing list and get a free novella: https://BookHip.com/QANJJGW

Reviews

[Priya · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I loved the synopsis so i dived in. The story follows Ilona, who, after escaping an abusive relationship (which I didn't see anywhere except Ilona mentioning her bf cheating on her thats it), becomes entangled with Osip Sidorov, a powerful Bratva boss and the detail that was missed from synopsis is MARRIED. MARRIED Bratva Boss, who has sex with Ilona being married to another woman. I seriously can't accept any justification for that at all so I DNFd right over there. Plot was good and I was loving the complexities but being Married and fooling around with other is hard pass for me even though writer has done something to clear that complexities in later chapters but its still a NO from me!!!

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved the way this book was written, I have some issues that I couldn't get past. I like Illona and Osip together. They do make a great couple even though they aren't technically together throughout the book. What I dont like and couldn't seem to get past is Osip cheating on his PREGNANT WIFE with Illona at the Scarlet Fox. It bothers me to no end. And nothing can excuse it. Arranged marriage or not, Galina is his wife and pregnant with his child. If he had started a relationship with her or any woman, one night stand or whatever, after she died, even one day after, ok. But doing that, her dying, and him feeling guilty and not even trying to avenge her or his son? No. Thats a weak man and Illona deserves better. The writing is AMAZING! Illona is a beautiful character with so much strength and kindness. I know she doesn't know the truth of the masked guy being Osip and married, but shes going to be devastated. I cant read the next one because cheating is not OK. Its honestly my one line. Very rarely do the cheating storylines work. And this one wasnt done well at all. It was handled badly

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilona Katona Shiradze works for the Boston Police Department in administration. She has been having severe cramping. She knows she should go to the doctor but is scared of what they will tell her. Her boyfriend Stanley accuses her of cheating instead of believing that she is in pain. She has had enough and leaves him.

Osip Sidorov is going over the quarterly figures when Stanley Morrison bursts into his office. They have been business partners for two years. Osip has watched Stanley change from a calculating businessman to a liability. They argue about their operation and Stanley insists that Osip owes him money. Stanley suggests that Dr. Igor Shiradze is making private adoption arrangements and keeping the money for himself.

After fighting with Stanley, Ilona stops in front of a bar called The Scarlet Fox. She sits at the bar drinking whiskey and talking with Jack, the bartender. Jack tells her that every Friday, there is a special Masked Night event they have in the back. You get paired with someone for the evening. You both wear masks and can do whatever you want in the soundproof, private room. Jack thinks it is what Ilona needs to take back control of her life if only for the night. He puts her in Room 5. Just being in the beautiful mask makes Ilona feel strong and more confident again.

Osip is in an arranged marriage with Galina. She is seven months pregnant with their son. Galina knows that they are not in love. She tells Osip that she knows he has physical needs. She is okay with him pursuing those needs as long as he is discreet. Osip is restless and decides to take a cab to The Scarlet Fox. He orders vodka from Jack. They chat and Jack tells Osip about the Masked Night event. Jack gives Osip a mask and sends him to Room 5.

The connection between Ilona and Osip was incredible. But, what a tangled mess. It was definitely thrilling watching all the characters be so intertwined.

[Frani Zumwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. Ilona works for the police department. She is involved with a man named Stanley. He turns on her because she doesn’t want to have sex with him. Hasn’t for a while. She has been in pain for quite some time but he believes she is dating someone else. She walks out on him She sees a bar and decides to stop in there for a drink. The bartender tells her it’s mask night if she’s interested. She decides to take him up on it. The man who shows up is Osip. He is with the Russian bratva. She pours her heart out to him about her boyfriend and her illness.
Osip is infatuated with her and contacts the bartender tells to notify him when she comes back.
Ilona’s father is dealing with illegal selling of babies. He works with Stanley and Isop. Stanley finds out the good doctor is stealing from them. He approaches Osip about money owed to him. Osip has his brother check the figures and Stanley was correct. Stanley is demanding his payment that is due. Osip contacts the doctor for a meeting. He tells the doctor to return the money he counters the fact that Osip has killed people
They get into an argument the doctor pulls a knife. The two fight and the doctor dies
This is a must read book. The storyline was great The characters and storyline are phenomenal.
This was an ARC read

[Jayne limb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1 book in the Sidorov Bratva Duet. Ilona thinks she is happy in her relationship but her boyfriend isn't a nice person to her at all. When she is crippled in pain and she knows deep down something is wrong she tries telling her boyfriend Stanley but he thinks she is using it as an excuse to not get intimate with him so he starts accusing her of cheating on him when she isn't doing anything wrong and it was him who cheated on her. Ilona's father is a gynaecologist so she speaks to him about her pains and they find out what is causing them. After a few days Ilona is told by her mum that her father has committed suicide but she doesn't believe it. Osip is a mafia business man and discovers that someone he trusts has been stealing from him so he has to do something about it. Then he discovers that fate has other ideas for him I don't want to spoil too much of this story. I was hooked straight away and I couldn't put it down. This story is amazing, the secrets,the lies and the shocks that come to light all make this the amazing story it is. I can't wait to read book 2

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was astounded reading this book I was hooked I was sucked in from the start until the very end, the story was written well and the characters were exhilarating.
This story was about Ilona Katona Shiradze and Osip Sidorov. Osip has a business marriage of convenience with a child on the way. Osip and two other men Igor and Stanley are business partners in an illegal scheme together. Ilona, had a boyfriend they split up, he wouldn't listen to what she had to say even when she was in pain, she has endometriosis that has caused more problems than what she would have thought and then she had to deal with the death of her father. Osip went home to find someone killed his wife and unborn son. Ilona works for Osip to give him a child except she may not fall pregnant. Ilona and the three men were intertwined together, Ilona doesn't know who the person is behind the leather mask. The chemistry was deliciously hot, electric, seductive and home.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story will have you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns throughout it. We have Ilona & Osip who are both amazing characters. Ilona is really a sweet and kind woman that isn’t really treated well at times by her boyfriend. She is strong and has some issues that really cause her pain and heartache. Things happen where she meets a mysterious man that seems to see her and understands her pain. We end up having her leaving her hometown and she meets Osip. These two have crazy chemistry that is felt throughout the story. Osip is one that is so relatable to as he has endured a lot in a short time. His pain and anguish is felt greatly and it just makes you really feel for him and what he goes through. The story is extremely written and developed. The ending of this book ends in a pretty major cliffhanger that you absolutely excited to see what is going to happen next.

[Stacy Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m conflicted on this one. While I overall enjoyed this book let me tell you that the blurb of this book misdirects how you think this story unfolds and that perturbs me. First of all…she does NOT get pregnant with a mystery man’s baby and second there’s never a test that she takes that shows two pink lines. Yes she meets this mystery man on a few occasions and they hook up ONCE with protection. A YEAR LATER, unbeknownst to her she meets and starts working for the same mystery man, then signs a contract to have his baby. She finds out she’s pregnant during a doctor’s visit. Also, you would think that she would remember the tattoos that are described during their initial mystery encounters when she sees him again, even a year later. I say that because the story gives off the impression that he’s the last person she was with over the course of that year. So while some of these things irritated me, this was a decent read with a good overall story line.

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Scarlet Thorns" is an addictive blend of passion, danger, and secrets that pulls you in from the very first chapter. Lisa Lovell creates a darkly seductive world where heartbreak collides with forbidden desire, and the stakes are as high as they are intimate.

The chemistry between Ilona and Osip crackles with intensity—raw, magnetic, and impossible to resist. Lisa Lovell balances steamy romance with gritty mafia suspense, keeping the pages turning quickly.

While some moments felt a bit over the top and the pacing could have been smoother in places, the story never lost its grip on me. The blend of vulnerability, danger, and sizzling attraction makes this a standout in the mafia romance genre.

A thrilling start to the Sidorov Bratva duo—I’m definitely eager to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! There's a lot going on in this book, and it's only part one of the duet. Warning: the cliffhanger at the end had me screaming. Luckily, both books are out so you don't have to wait to read the conclusion. The story takes place over an extended time frame, with a meeting between the characters and then a second meeting after they both go through a lot of drama. The plot is fast paced and filled with excitement. The level of suspense, drama, emotional ups and downs, secrets, betrayals, lies, and spice had my emotions all over the place. It's one of those stories that you can't put down, and can't stop thinking about. Both of the characters are fantastic, and while their first meeting had me worried, the way the story unfolds put those worries to rest. I'm immediately diving into part two and I can't wait to find out how this one ends.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant start to the duet. Osip and Ilona were so good together despite the hardships query are going through.

When ilona frequents a club, she meets Mafia man Osip and they start a temporary affair.

I liked that Osip is flawed and vulnerable. With the losses that he had endured and the business he is in, he comes across as more worldly than he is.

Ilona has family support but has health issues, and finds the secrecy and the contact with Osip as strangers helps to unload her troubles. But the attraction is there.

So well done. I really enjoyed the book so much and can't wait for the second part of the duet. Beautifully written any vulnerable characters and an exciting plot. So good!

[Sarah Gladding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved this story so far. Part 1 of a duet to Osip and Ilona's story. Osip a powerful russian businessman who has partners in adopting out orphaned babies to wealthy families. Ilona is a woman struggling with health problems who has her world turned upside down. These two meet mysteriously at a secret masked club and there is instant chemistry but they never reveal their true identity. As the story unfolds so does the connection between them.


This is a story full of deception, crime, love, chemistry, heartache, trauma and much more. I loved the way the story was told and reading each chapter you delve deeper into the story and can't wait to find out what happens next. It had me hooked from start to finish. I can't wait to find out what happens between them in part 2.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a wild and complex crazy ride? Yes. Absolutely. Am I already reading the next one because I’m hooked and need to know where the characters end up? Also yes. Why just three stars? It’s probably like a 3.75 very close to 4 but I had some issues with the main character not recognizing a man. Like how could you not remember distinct tattoos and someone that had a major impact on your life? A half mask made him unrecognizable? I just can’t by that. Overall, the drama is awesome tho, so over looking a few flaws to really enjoy the major plot. The characters have very intense chemistry and a dark connection that I don’t know how you get over but it’s a book so willing to see how they “fix” it or work it out? We’ll see!!!

[Tiffany Birdwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF?? The MMC is married and his wife is pregnant! She gets murdered and he does NOTHING about it?!? What kind of Mafia universe is that?!? and she's not even our FMC! Our MMC and FMC both cheat on their partners (while our FMC is emotional checked out of their relationship for good reasons), a lot of other reviews mention just the MMC cheating nope! It's both! I cant with this book. I tried overlooking so many mistakes, of dropped/missing information but it just gets so bad. I read the blurb and it sounded good. The blurb lied and is not an honest rep of what's in the book.

[Julia Spaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell!! This book has taken me on a wild ride. I could not put it down. Ilona and Osip are going to have a lot of work ahead of them. You see betrayal, loyalty, and non stop action that has you hooked from the beginning. What starts as Ilona trying to take control of her life and she has to go through so much. Can Ilona and Osip find their way back to each other and find forgiveness? This series is a must read. Book 1 is amazing. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes me.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book has so many twists and turns, it leaves you holding your breath. Ilona and Osip go through so much, betrayal, grief, despair and destruction, it is hard to see if they will ever get over all that has happened, no matter how much you wish it. This is certainly a story that you will struggle to put down and with all the drama in Book 1, I can't wait to see what Book 2 has in store for us.

[Connie Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. When ending things with an abusive ex you end up in a club and meet a masked man. You have a great night that ends up with 2 pink lines on a test! Ilona finds out the father of her baby Osip is a crime lord. After being told by doctors that she can't carry a baby she thinks she loses his but doesn't. She runs and tries to start a new life with her little one. This story continues in the next book which brings about the HEA! Good book and I enjoyed reading it.

[Torre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what was that

So first off Links seen Plus naked. All the tattoos and she doesn't recognize him. Her father tried to stab him in the neck it was, self defense not murder. Not sure why Plus doesn't think Stanley killed his wife. I figured it was him but will have to wait for book 2. Im pretty sure this could of been condensed down to 1 book.

[Carlie Haddock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the summary and thought it sounded good. After the first couple chapters realized the MARRIED bratva dude sleeps with/is obsessed with the FMC while he has a PREGNANT wife at home. I don't like cheating so I didn't finish it from that moment. It doesn't matter if its just a marriage of convenience it's still a marriage.

[Kaytlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh…

It was okay. Like, the writing is really good - done well, but this didn’t capture my interest the way it should.

I didn’t feel a connection with either MC. However, I will say the multiple connections of everyone involved I felt was really well done.

I will read the conclusion. Hopefully it gets better.

[Cady Meseck]

dnf


The synopsis very conveniently leaves out the whole MMC being married to a woman he impregnated the entire time he carries on an affair with Ilona, the FMC. I should have read the comments first. And authors should really know by now that cheating is something you * so people know it's coming and can make an informed decision. Everything about this felt gross and slimy.

[Angela Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story but….

Ok so you’re bratva and someone murders your wife and you do nothing? Would never happen. Also how did the fmc not know it was him when all she did was admire his tattoos the first time they were together. Also implausible. If you’re going to be so detailed then you need to follow your own storyline.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I enjoyed the passion and the characters. I liked the hidden identities and the private hookup aspect of the story. It was thrilling. It made me want to keep reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this book review.

[Kasha King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to ask the author "Who hurt you?". This book has almost every trigger and pulls your heart out and stomps on it. I couldnt stop reading because I wanted to see what happened next. The next book better be unicorns and rainbows because I'm emotionally scarred.

[Fiona Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Could not read this fast enough. I really wish I hadn't read the reviews though.Its one of those books that makes you want to keep reading, and forget about eating and sleeping😍 .On to the next one Thank you Lisa Lovell 💜💐🌸🌺🌻

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed scarlet thorns. This is the first part of the Sidorov Bratva Duet. It was an entertaining, roller coaster. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Veronica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Lives and Tough Choices!

This story opens the door to unfold heartache, and unaddressed emotions. Hiding past mistakes is more than damning! Emotional rollercoaster!

[wench · Rating 3 out of 5]

batsh*t

[Mary Ellen Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scarlet Thorns

The writing is obscure. It had a lot of misprints. The story I had trouble following at times. Then it clears up in the end.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

A storyline so full of twists and turns that make your head spin. I can not wait to read the next book.