Dark Desires

by K.C. Crowne

I walk into my cousin’s rehearsal dinner, ready to meet her perfect fiancé.
Then I see him, his arm locked around her waist.
The man who got me pregnant.

Alexei Plushenko.
The last face I ever thought I’d see again.

The Bratva prince. A killer crowned in blood.

He once dragged me out of the fire.
Then destroyed me with ruthless pleasure.

No last names.
No promises.
Only his touch, scorching and consuming, leaving me ruined for anyone else.

By morning, I vanished like Cinderella.
But Alexei doesn’t forgive.
Not for running.
Not for daring to forget him.

Now he’s back.
Watching.
Waiting.
Deadly as ever.

And when he discovers my secret—
that I’m carrying his child—

There will be no escape.


Readers This is full-length standalone, Russian mafia/bratva, secret baby romance in the bestselling Chicago Bratva series. K.C. Crowne is an Amazon Top 6 Bestseller and International Bestselling Author.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Drama, Contemporary, Dark Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

️‍🔥Silver Fox Daddies (complete standalones)
1. Doctor Daddy
2. Taboo Daddy
3. Daddy's Best Friend
4. Daddy's Law
5. My Ex-Boyfriend's Dad
6. Daddy's Girl
7. My Ex-Best Friend's Daughter
8. Secret Daddy
9. Christmas with Dad's Best Friend
10. Vegas Daddy
11. Daddy's Obsession
12. Royal Daddy
13. Irish King
14. My Ex's Dad
15. Daddy's Orders
16. His Demands
17. The Arrangement
18. Sold to my Ex's Dad
19. Sexting the Silver Fox
20. Nanny for the Don
21. Dark Christmas
22. Sexting the Don
23. Boss Daddy
24. Forbidden Vows
25. Sinful Union
26. His Son's Ex
27. Under His Control
28. Masked Seduction

️‍🔥Chicago Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Dark Prince
2. Dark Obsession
3. Dark Seduction

️‍🔥Antonov & Nicolaevich Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Highest bidder
2. Bratva Daddy
3. Owned by the Bratva
4. Knocked up by the Bratva
5. Ruthless Rival
6. Scarred Prince
7. The Closer
8. Brother's Best Friend
9. Devil's Nuptials

️‍🔥For Her Pleasure, Reverse Harem Books (complete standalones)
1. Four Daddies for Christmas
2. Christmas Triad
3. Her Independence Day
4. Quadruple Daddies
5. Bossed by 3 Billionaire Brothers
6. Four Stepbrothers for Christmas
7. Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists
8. Men on a Mission
9. Christmas with Four Firemen
10. Dirty Cowboys
11. Big Bad Mountain Brothers (Menage)

️‍🔥Doctors of Denver Series (shared world, small town doctors)
1. Doctor's Secret
2. Doctor's Surprise Delivery
3. Irish Doctor's Secret Babies
4. Triplets for the Millionaire
5. Doctor's Baby Plan
6. New Zealand Doctor's Baby
7. Doctor's Duties
8. Billion Dollar Mistake
9. Irish Doctor's Gift
10. Irish Doctor's Orders
11. Irish Doctor's Valentine
12. Lucky Charm
13. Secret Babies for my Best Friend's Dad
14. Secret Baby Next Door
15. Secret Babies for the Mafia Doctor
16. Secret Babies for my Dad's Best Friend
17. The Doctor Who Stole Christmas

️‍🔥Mountain Men of Liberty Series (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Baby for the Mountain Man
2. Junior for the Mountain Man
3. Knocked Up by the Mountain Man
4. Baby for Daddy's Best Friend
5. Triplets for the Mountain Man
6. Taken by the Mountain Man
7. Mountain Man's Secret Baby
8. Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise
9. Quadruplets for the Mountain Man
10. Delivering His Gifts
11. Mountain Man's Fate
12. Mountain Man's Lucky Charm
13. Mountain Man's Rival
14. Small Town Mountain Daddy
15. Mountain Man's Gift
16. Mountain Man's Christmas Surprise
17. Mountain Man's Valentine
18. Big Daddy
19. Fireworks with Three Mountain Men
20. Faking Mr. Right

️‍🔥Bearded Brothers (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Her Mountain Daddy
2. Beauty and the Beard
3. Built and Bearded
4. Bride and Beard

Connect with me anytime!
https://authorkccrowne.com/pages/contact

Reviews

[Pierrette Israel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enough Already

I keep forgetting how much I dislike books by this author. I get caught up with the cover and the synopsis. This is the same formula of a princess who is a bit vacant, damsel in distress, a bit selfish and careless. The hero is good looking, obsessed with the princess to the extent that he allows the enemy to get the better of him. They are so concerned with getting it on every chance they get, they cease to work about anything else. I couldn't wait till it was over.

[Tan Gon]

Ah just can’t with these Authors what are you all on when writing this 🗑️?. I’ve lost hope in finding a good book .. the writing is horrible the characters a joke the plot and development non existent..

[Catie Busen · Rating 1 out of 5]

synopsis is wrong

This is not what the synopsis was about. It’s like a side plot. The MMC isn’t possessive, FMC gets pregnant and the MMC kinda ignores it and still goes through the motions of getting married to her cousin.

I DNFd at 55%

[Hilda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not bad. But it’s not good. I can’t even explain why? It feels fake almost. Anyways this follows Isabella and Alexei. It’s very stereotypical and almost robotic. Honestly, it feels fake. Either way it was easy to read and I finished it.

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I struggled getting behind any of these characters, even Tue secondary ones. For someone with power in the bratva, the MMC seemed very wishy washy when it came to making a choice and moving forward. I'm unsure whether or not Ill continue with the series

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Destined Union Worth Fighting For -
Isabella’s plan was only to sneak out for a bit of fun with her friends, but she ended up in a situation that nearly killed her. Alexei was only looking to have a quiet drink, but he wasn’t going to sit back and watch a woman’s life be threatened. However, Alexei never expected that his Good Samaritan action and one night of unimaginable pleasure with Isabella would come back to haunt him, as they both discovered they were soon to become linked by his marriage to her cousin.

Whilst Alexei wasn’t really bothered about the issue, Isabella was overwhelmed when she discovered the connection, as she had just found out news that could topple the marriage agreement between the two families. Isabella and Alexei tried everything possible to stay away from each other, but the pull towards each other was too strong, especially after he found out the secret she had been keeping from him. Alexei and Isabella had to keep their relationship secret, which became a problem, as she was forced to put herself in danger every time she sneaked out to see him or attend doctor appointments.

Unfortunately, one of Alexei and Isabella’s secret rendezvous led to her being kidnapped by the cartel group that were at war with their families. Alexei took it upon himself with the help of his family and the authorities to not only rescue Isabella, but ensure the cartel group were destroyed and their leader was taken 8n to custody by the authorities, but there was an unexpected loss during the battle, that really shook all their lives. Luckily, after the dust had settled and everything was back on track, Alexei and Isabella got a chance to have the happily ever after they had been fighting for.

Wow oh Wow! The Bratva romance story took me on a thrill ride of epic proportions with plenty of twists, action and steam moments, that had me glued to the pages for an entire day. The story drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat, as my heart was beating out of sync. Just when I thought a problem had been resolved, another one pops up and had me anxiously waiting to see what was going to happen next. All I can say at this point is K.C. Crowne had definitely exceeded my expectations and left me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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

[Laura Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story very much and think it would make an excellent novel. Mafia romance is one of my top 3 fav genres. And while some folks struggle with all the aspects of mafia life KC hits all the elements.

That being said, I very much enjoy KC Crowne’s writing style and this book was good but I feel like it was missing something. It felt rushed. Like there was more going on out of view that you just couldn’t see.

This is the story of Alexei Plushenko, half blood mutt of the Russian Bratva and Isabella Mancini, stubborn, sneaky, princess to the Italian mafia.

This story started out ok. They met in an alley where she was about to be attacked by 3 goons. He saves her and takes her back to his place where she gives him her v-card and surprise, ends up preggo.

She runs home, content with hanging on to the memory of her one magical night, only to find out Alexei is now her cousins betrothed.

War breaks out and Alexei is fighting to stay in control and protect his now fiancé as well as Isa whom he is falling in love with.

Once he finds out she is pregnant he goes all touch her and die vibes which I love!

I really enjoy KC’s books but this one just didn’t hit all the buttons for me. I still suggest you read it for yourself and decide is you like it.

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

[redmamameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. AND I got bored about 70% in and just skipped to the end.

2 stars cuz ummmmm, were these people all slow minded?
#1 the very second the "one night stand" didn't IMMEDIATELY choose me & the baby over alllll else...umm BYE.
#2 I don't get why he didn't immediately go all out for her...duh. It's what he wanted to begin with but was saddled with the cousin to marry. This was a quick win-win so I don't understand why he didn't jump at the opportunity.
#3 the cousin....seeing some dude named Omar ROSE when the like family enemy was De la Rosa....come ON, the connection was so in your face-she had to be slow not to realize this. AND he was Columbian too...facepalm.
#4 the all hard FBI lady didn't quite fit in the story imo.

Pros....I'm struggling with the pros. BUT I always respect that an author even has the cojones to publish, so hats off for that achievement %100.

Spice: meh 🌶️🌶️
Overall: more mafia than romance and not even smart mafia at that.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is a virgin who decides to have a wild night out. Alexi saves her from three goons. One thing leads to another and she gives her virginity away to him.
She quietly sneaks out the next morning. But her come the twists! She finds out she's pregnant by him and that he's now betrothed to her cousin... wow!
This book was really good. Plot twists, action, OMG moments. Hot and steamy.
It was definitely worth reading.

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

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3⭐? The writing wasn't very good and I'm almost certain there's a whole page missing when she tells him about the pregnancy. It was enough to keep me engaged and ended up being a quick read.

[Bryanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marketed as secret baby trope… I wholeheartedly disagree

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man saves women from being hurt in an alley. Woman gives her hero her purity. No names, no numbers, one night together.

9 weeks later is when the story picks up from that night and Isa finds her one night baby daddy with her cousin, plus the start of a war happening at the party and Isa and Stepania are injured from the shootout... Who will Alexei protect? What happens when Isa let her secret out of the bag to Alexei? Will the war end with everyone safe or will loved ones be lost???

Isabella 'Isa' Mancini, Italian, only daughter and heir to her father's mafia empire, and her only cousin is Stephania, whom is to arranged to be married to Alexei, since Isa's father didn't want a ba$tered with his daughter. Old school traditional father.

Alexei Plushenko, Russian, half blood to the Ivanov family possibly the head of his own bratva. His step brother Luk is the head of the Ivanov empire, other brothers and sister are, Elena, Yuri & Lev.

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was all over the damn place, there was no consitency it had me go back to re-read to make sure I didn't miss anything - but no, it just left gaping holes in everything.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I wanted to read DARK DESIRES because I like the arranged marriage mafia romances with the guy having to marry a woman that is a close relative to the woman that really turned his head.

It’s overall a good story. I found the FBI connection a little weak, and it does come to a conclusion although there are some unresolved issues for secondary characters.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Desires is the third book in the Chicago Bratva Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. This is Alexei and Isabella story which is told from a dual point of view. A great addition to the series. A brilliantly written story with multi-faceted individuals and a fascinating, twisty and complex storyline that grabs the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, mystery, panty-melting passion and heat. Hang on to your kindle and prepare yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with tension, drama, longing, cravings, threats, and emotions. Dangerous. Decadent. Dirty. Sinful. A fast paced, thrilling, twisted and dark read. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. This book demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life that you craved and never knew needed.
A billionaires & millionaires romance, crime thriller story, romantic suspense story, touch-her-and-die romance, contemporary romance, organize crime story, morally-grey antihero romance, Bratva romance, aged gap trope story, forbidden romance, taboo romance, off-limits romance, Russian mafia romance, over the top alpha hero romance, dark mafia romance, secret baby romance, arranged marriage romance, damsel-in-distress story, forced proximity romance, forced marriage romance, virgin heroine romance with lies, passion, dominance, violence, submission, alliance, obsession, dirty talking, consensual intense rough sex, love, enemies, rivalry, sex and sin, anger, possessiveness, impending mob war, family, revelations, retaliation, pain and pleasure, survival, angst, deception, darkness, madness, danger, power and control, loyalty, power struggle, bloodshed, attacks, power play, murder, corruption, kidnapping and betrayal.
Isabella Mancini a.k.a. Isa a beautuful Italian mafia princess and heir to the Mancini mob family and constantly surrounded by bodygyards and is not allowed to do anything or live the life that she wants. But over the years she as become an expert at escaping by giving her guards the slip and leaving the house to meet up with her friends. She gave the guards the slip on night and met up with her friends at the club. However, she didn't want to wait for them to leave the club and decided early to sneak back inside. But she ran into some serious trouble when three drunks cornered her into the alley to rape her. But was saved by a strong and handsome man. He took her back to his place where she decided to pay him giving him her most precious possession which is her virginity. They had a mind-numbing night of passion. No last names. No promises only his touch, scorching and consuming leaving her ruin for anyone else and she walked away in the morning vanishing like Cinderella.
Alexei Plushenko was the knight and shining armor who saved her from her attackers. He's a ruthless Russian Bratva prince and part of the Ivanov's crime family and a killer crowned in blood and he never forgives being slighted and her running away and daring to forget him. Fast forward, a few weeks later she finds out that she's pregnant with his child but decided to keep it a secret from the family, and the next time that they come face-to-face again was at her cousin Stephania rehearsal dinner. Alexei was shocked to see her because he had been looking for her and was shocked to see her at dinner. Alexei and Isabella's family was entering into this marriage arrangement for an alliance to strengthen both their organization. Stephania doesn't want to get married to Alexei because she's already in secret relationship and in love with Omar Del La Rosa who's the son of Cartel leader Christian Del La Rosa. Initially, the Ivanov's wanted the arrange marriage to be with Isabella but her dad wasn't having none of it.
Although Alexei is promise to her cousin the two can not seem to get enough of each other and continues to be with each other in secret. Christian Del La Rosa wants to take over Chicago hence the attack at the rehearsal dinner where Stephania was shot and Isabella was also injured. The Don would not allow the shame of the pregnancy to be on his family name so what will he do to rectify the situation and still get their alliance? What will Alexei do when he finds out that he's going to be a father? Will he step up and do the right thing since his dad wasn't in his life? Will they get their HEA? Will her cousin get her HEA with family who is trying to destroy her family?

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

[SilentSpectra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-ish

Written at 50%:

The story is good so far. The characters are distinct and the setting is described well enough to put you there with them. The story line combined with the action keeps me wanting to know what happens next but I'm constantly waiting for Isa to just flipping tell her "secret." It would solve the alliance issues because there'd still be one, through her, freeing her cousin to be with who she wants. Instead, she keeps being silent and letting this heart ache and purgatory, in regard to the marriage/alliance, drag on unnecessarily.

Not only that, but what further proof does Isa need that she needs to stop sneaking out like a child because the danger to herself is real? Being in the middle of two shootings aimed at killing her apparently wasn't proof enough. She's teetering on TSTL territory which combined with the whole keeping this "secret" crap, is infuriating and almost makes me want to stop reading. Almost.

After I finished: well, she kept the damn secret almost to the end and she wasn't even the one to spill it, Alexei was. Isa was a monumental childish idiot who only seemed liked an adult when she had to take on family business. I have a hard time keeping myself in imagination land when I'm being asked to believe that men who have been entrenched in the mafia world are going to easily follow a woman as childish as she was without complaint. Nay, in fact, they root her on. Get f*****. In no world would a woman who was still sneaking out of her house, because she refused to listen about the very real danger she was in, and had the goal of being an interior designer would be allowed to take over so seamlessly.

I still enjoyed the story but honestly, I hated Isa's character. It's just unfortunate she's the FMC.

[Book Nook Kitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

Basic rubbish. The covers on romance books lately are so sexy they sucker me into reading the books, only to find the writing and stories are awful, because as the old saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover, only it usually means the opposite.

Clearly the covers are AI generated, and seem to be created by the same person, they're all that identical, colours, themes, fonts, backgrounds, tattooed guys, all the same. Here's a list of just the first books shown by Amazon when I put mafia or bratva romance into the search bar, their covers are practically identical -

Neva Altaj (stolen touches), Jane Henry (unleashed), Natasha Black (sold to the bratva) Sherry Blake (ruined by revenge), Ariana Cooper (bound by the bratva), Ava Gray (trapped by the bratva) Vivy Skys (mafia boss fake wife) Ashlie Silas (merciless mafia don's bride), Selena Winters (carnival master), Scarlett Shelton (the bratvas captive), Raven Reeves (shadow kings kiss) and so many more all AI and very similar.

The authors haven't stated any cover designers names in the front pages of the many books I've checked, like there should be. It makes me wonder if the stories are also AI generated. Because they're all so clone-like, clichéd, boring and basic. Different books by diffrrent authors also even have the same mistakes made in most.

The opening scene in the alleyway was decent, attention grabbing, but then everything after that was crap, cringingly stupid dialogue, basic sex scene, repeated vocabulary, his cheekbones were sin, his car like sin, his suit sin etc. Movements, actions, conversations, entire scenes were absent, making it jump, have gaps, making it all very basic.

The characters are weak and pathetic, not strong bratva or mafia men. He wants her, was her first, got her pregnant, got engaged to her cousin, does nothing to ge the woman he wants, then apparently they cheat with each other, but I couldn't even force myself to read thet far. Did not finish. If I could give less than 1 star I would.

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent thrilling and exciting story. isabella is a young virgin mafia princess who decides to get a bit wild one night at a bar and ends up with men thinking they can attack her outside. alexei saves her and takes her to his home so her father doesn't see her drunk. there she ends up giving him her virginity and they don't exchange last names. being alone next morning she takes off.
later she finds out her father has contracted for alexei to marry her cousin which is a shock esp as she finds out she's pregnant with his baby. the story evolves around how he eventually finds out she's having his baby, how they can't stay away from each other all while she can't tell her dad and the marriage with him and her cousin is still being pushed ahead. but the cousin loves another man who's father is their enemy so its gets very complicated and dangerous. isabella gets kidnapped and alexei must do everything he can to not only save the woman he loves, but his unborn child, his own life, take down an enemy, join mafia families as allies to save them all and get the cousin to safety and a way to be with the man she loves as well. its a gripping, dangerous, complicated messy world with a great happy ending.

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

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Mancini sneaks out one night and finds herself having a one-night stand. In the morning, she finds herself alone, so she gets an Uber home. To her horror, a few weeks later, she finds herself pregnant, and since no names or numbers were exchanged, she has no idea who he is. Her cousin Stephanie, whose parents were killed, now lives with Isabella's family. Isabella's father tells Stephanie that she is to be married to Alexai to unite the two Ivanov and Mancini families and make them stronger against the De La Rosa cartel. While everyone waits at the engagement party for Stephanie's fiancé to arrive, Stephanie confides in Isabella that she doesn't want to marry Alexai; she is in love with her high school boyfriend, Omar. When Alexai finally arrives, Isabella is shocked to find that he is her one-night stand, the man she has been dreaming of, and now the father of her baby. Alexai is equally shocked and unsure what to do now. KC keeps you turning the pages with all the twists and turns that you dont see coming.
I received an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a steamy Mafia Romance with lots of twists and turns, then you will love this book.

[Anna M. Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella 'Isa' Mancini/Alexei Plushenko. Mafia Princess/Bratva. One night stand. Stephania 'Steph' - Isabella's cousin. Don Domenico Mancini - Isabella's dad. Christian De la Rosa - Domenico's rival. De la Rosa - Columbian. Alexei Plushenko/Stephania Mancini - arranged marriage. Yuri, Lev and Luk Ivanov - Alexei's half brothers. Mancini's - Oldest family in Chicago. Engagement party. Attack. Isabella grazed. Stephania injured. Suspect - Christian De la Rosa. No proof yet. Yuri Ivanov - Bratva. Mario - Isabella's bodyguard. Detective Barnes - Ivanov payroll. FBI Agent Jamie Patterson - in charge. Case locked down. Elena Ivanov - Alexei, Yuri, Lev and Luk's sister. Christian De la Rosa - ghost. No pictures. Columbian/Mexican alliance. Gregori. Stephania/Omar Rose - in love? Omar Rose - Christian De La Rosa's son. Isabella kidnapped. Terms - Alexei. Betrayals. Secrets. Lies. Revelations. Attacks. Threats. Dangerous. Deadly. Violent. Gripping. Action-packed. Possessive. Protective. Attraction. Taboo. Affection. Virgin. Consensual. Acceptance. Endearing characters. Thrilling story. Love. HEA. Entertaining.

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

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review – Dark Desires by K.C. Crowne

Isabella is a fierce and independent mafia princess who refuses to be caged inside her father’s mansion. She sneaks out whenever she can, and one night, her rebellion nearly lands her in danger—until she’s rescued by Alexei. The attraction between them is instant and electric, setting off a chain of events that change Isabella and Alexei’s life forever.

The next time she crosses paths with Alexei, it’s under shocking circumstances—he’s being introduced as her cousin’s new fiancé through an arranged marriage. From there, the tension, passion, and drama only intensify.

I really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between Isabella and Alexei leaps off the page, and their push-and-pull dynamic kept me hooked. My only complaint is with Alexei himself—at times his uncertainty about pursuing Isa felt out of character for a Bratva leader. I expected him to be more decisive and dominant, so his hesitation made him come across a little weak in certain moments.

That being said, the story delivers a satisfying and passionate happily ever after. A great mix of forbidden romance, mafia drama, and fiery chemistry—definitely worth the read!.

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

[Mukti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is exactly the kind of heroine I root for—fierce, independent, and absolutely refusing to be locked away in her father’s mansion. She sneaks out whenever she can, and one night it almost ends badly… until Alexei swoops in. From that moment, the chemistry between them is instant and sizzling.

The real jaw-drop moment for me was when she runs into him again, only to find out he’s her cousin’s brand-new fiancé in an arranged marriage. Talk about drama! From there, the story is just full of passion, tension, and all the forbidden vibes I love.

I have to say, I did really enjoy this book. Isabella and Alexei’s push-and-pull had me hooked, and the chemistry just leaps off the page. My only little gripe? Alexei himself. There were times I wanted to shake him—he’s supposed to be this big bad Bratva leader, but he kept second-guessing things with Isa. I was expecting more decisiveness and dominance from him, so it threw me a bit when he hesitated.

That aside, it was a fiery ride with plenty of drama and a solid happily ever after. Mafia romance, forbidden love, sizzling chemistry—definitely worth a read!

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

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella(Isa) Mancini is the daughter of Dominico Mancini, head of the Mancini Mafia. She constantly slips her protection to get away. After partying at a club she’s cornered in a dark alley by three thugs and she’s quickly regretting slipping her guards. Then a tall handsome stranger appears giving the 3 thugs a chance to run but they ignore his offer and he quickly takes them down. He introduces himself as Alexie and offers Isaac ride home but she’s too keyed up from the attack and asks him to take her to his place. She ends up spending the night with him and giving him her innocence. When she wakes alone in bed she gathers herself and leaves expecting never to see him again. A week later he walks into her cousins engagement party as the groom to be Alexie Ivanov. He has promised to marry Stephania to tie the Mancini’s with the Ivanov Bratva. One night with a stranger who rescued Isa has turned her world upside down. There’s a war brewing and this arranged marriage is intended to strengthen both families for it. There’s surprises, turns twists, danger, heat, violence, heartbreaks and love keeping you wondering what’s going to happen next!.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

She likes to escape...but can she escape him once he knows her secret

Dark Desires is the third book in the Chicago Bratva Series. This is a great book that delivers on the promises that the cover photo invokes in you.....danger, smouldering, sexy as sin, and hold on to you panties because they are about to be blown away. Isabella is a mafia princess, born into a ruling family. She is usually well guarded but she likes to escape her confines and when she does she knows how to have some fun, which can also lead to trouble. Alexei was born into a Russian Bratva family and he is deadly and intense. He saves her from a situation late one night and they spend the rest of it with some toe curling pleasure. In the morning she is gone but not before leaving with a little bonus from her escapades. They were never supposed to meet again but at the arranged wedding of her cousin Isabella discovers that Alexei is the groom. Well this is going to get complicated quickly as he wants her, even before knowing her little secret.

[Chella · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s alright, but I think something’s missing

The storyline is alright, I’ve read very similar stories from this trope before. I will say that I think there are pages missing from this book. The story jumps at times and the dialog refers to conversations that never happened. I went back to double-check to see if I missed something, but there was nothing there. Sort of lost my interest a little because of it.

The FMC is super reckless too. The story wasn’t consistent with her feelings/duties. She’s pregnant and will do anything to protect her baby, but then she sneaks out of her house and ditches her security detail all while there are people wanting to kill her family. She knows this, she was shot. So I guess it makes complete sense to go for an impromptu cab ride in the city?

One last thing. She prides herself on being “tough” but can’t make any decisions for herself. She also has BBS and caves for the MMC whenever he’s near. Maybe Body Betrayal Syndrome just isn’t a trope for me.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another amazing book by Ms. Crowne. This is book 3 of the Chicago Bratva Series and it is impossible to put down. Isabella, a mafia princess and an escape artist, likes to sneak out of the house every chance she gets. All she wants is some freedom. One night when her guards aren’t around she sneaks out with friends and finds herself in some trouble and a handsome stranger comes to her rescue.

Alexei is in the Russian mafia and to honor his family he agrees to an arranged marriage. Imagine his surprise when Alexei shows up at his engagement party and finds the woman that he rescued and can’t forget, is the cousin of his soon to be wife.

This is a well written book that is filled with suspense, chemistry,tension, drama, trauma, and twists and turns that keep you guessing on how things will end. This is one book you don’t want to miss.

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

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Desires is a very good mafia romance story. It was well-written and suspenseful.

Isabella is a mafia princess who is rebelling. She decides to go out one night to a bar and have some fun. She meets Alexei who helps her and offers to take her home. She doesn't want to go home and face her father so he takes her to his home instead. They spend a night together. She doesn't know him and he doesn't know her. The next day she leaves.

Isabella soon finds out that her dad has a contract for her cousin to marry Alexei. They meet again at her cousin's party. Isabella finds out that she is pregnant and has to make the decision to tell Alexei. Isabella's cousin is in love with someone else and doesn't want to marry Alexei. What will happen with Isabella and her cousin? You have to read this one to find out.

I loved all the twists in this story and look forward to more from this author.

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

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella had always snuck away from her guards to be out with friends and have a normal life. Only one night she didn’t see the danger and was saved by a man that was obviously from her world.
Alexei saw the woman in danger, and he wasn’t going to watch. He didn’t expect it to turn out to be the best night of his life or her to be gone when he woke.
Deciding to show up her cousin’s rehearsal dinner to give her support. She’d never met the groom and couldn’t believe it was the man from her one night, the night she can’t forget.
Everyone is doing what they must for the family, Alexei is marrying Isabella’s cousin to form an alliance. Isabella’s cousin is doing the same for the family because she loves someone else.
Isabella can’t see a way out of it; her cousin has to marry him. Alexei can’t see a way out all he knows is he still wants Isabella and he knows the secret she’s keeping from everyone.

[Chaos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was liking the beginning of the story but as it went on, I hated it more and more. Im not the biggest fan of the cheating trope. While I get how Isa is in love and obsessed with Alexie, they should not have had any type of relationship, sex, etc until they had resolved things with Stephania. I hate cheating. I know Alexie didnt love Steph but she was Isa's cousin. The decent thing to do is talk to her, say something, not go behind her back and fuck! It angers me so much because it cheapens everything Isa and Alex could have!!! Don't cheat!!! Seriously!

Also how did Steph not realize the connection between Omar and the people hunting her family? I finished it just to finish it. I was so over the story the moment Isa and Alex starting having sex while he was engaged to her cousin. Stephania may not have loved Alex but that was her fiancé. Don't care about the excuses or that Isa had him first. Its a respect thing.

[RebelReadingVi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexei Plushenko and Isabella Mancini

5/5 ✨️
4/5 🌶

Wow! I was so into this book I really couldn't put it down. I love the characters and how they didn't make them seem useless more like I'm stronger than I look.
Isabella is a rebel but in a good way she just wants a little bit of freedom but unfortunately for she can't because she's a mafia princess with a big surprise that a one-night stand landed her in.
Alexei is definitely a gentleman but a very bad Russian mafia man who caught his eye on Isabella.
And honestly, it's sad and romantic how they love each other and can't stay away from each even knowing that Alexei is engaged to Isabella's cousin Stephanie, but doesn't true love conquer all especially in the mafia world?
Can't wait to read what's next in this storyline.
Definitely recommend reading.