Married to My Ex's Brother

The Kingpins' Brides #4

by A.J. Black

He’s my ex’s brother. A Bratva king.
I’m just a broke college girl.
I would never marry him… unless it’s the only way to survive.

I saw a killer’s face. Now I’m the target.
Julian Moretti saved me—but survival comes at a
Be his fake wife.

It should have been a contract.
Until I stumbled home drunk and ruined his thousand-dollar suit.
Until the man everyone fears stripped me bare,
bathed me with his own hands,
and tied me in ways I’d only dared to dream.

He swears it’s pretend.
But every kiss feels like a claim.
Every bruise on my skin proves it.
He saved my life.
Now he’s about to ruin me completely.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2025

About the author

A.J. Black writes stories for readers who crave dangerous thrills, dark love, and secrets too big to hide.

Her books are filled with fierce, dominant men who will stop at nothing to claim what's theirs—and heroines who fall for them, even when they know it’s dangerous.

Expect mafia bosses, contract marriages, and love that isn’t just about hearts—it’s about power, possession, and burning passion.

In A.J. Black’s world, survival and seduction collide in explosive, fiery moments.

When the dust settles, no one is the same.

Reviews

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent story!

Just the correct amount of suspense, treachery, sexual angst and obsession, all rolled into one lovely book! Age-gap, contract marriage, two brothers wanting the same woman, add in some Mafia intrigue. What more could a reader want?

[Estee Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance

Spice 4/5 Julian the mmc is kinky, possessive, a filthy talker. Warning in his primal moments he likes being called Daddy and calling her inappropriate names. Honestly it wasn't sexy for me, it was messed up but I dealt with it knowing he actually loved her. Aside from that, there was typical mafia stress, deception, betrayal snakes in the grass, a jealous ex, danger and an HEA.
Ends with us knowing what's up three years later, book complete no extended bonus email required. Our couple is safe and happy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say the least I was hooked reading this romance book from start to finish is an understatement. I couldn't put down the book once I started reading it and let me tell you that this book is TOTALLY AWESOME to read. I was up half the night finishing it because I was magnetized with Ira and Julian and the jaw dropping intense heat this book has. Make sure you have plenty of caffeine on hand because this book is going to cause a late night of reading.

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

This action-packed story drew me in immediately and had me connecting with Julian and Ira. When she becomes the next victim because she saw a killer Ira becomes a target and to stay safe, she becomes the fake wife to Julian but there is nothing fake about the feelings that Julian ignites within her. Will their fake relationship turn into the real thing and lead them to happiness.

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

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irresistible Pull

Julian Moretti has never felt a pull towards anyone like Ira but her ex-boyfriend is his brother. Their connection while forbidden was intense and irresistible. It was an interesting read that was full of suspense and betrayal.

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

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian and Ira's story drew me in from the start and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It's an intense and intriguing read. The action, betrayal, chemistry, danger, suspense, attraction, and steam kept me hooked. Highly recommend reading and look forward to reading more from A. J. Black.

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

[Diane Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

This was genuinely uplifting even for a Mafia romance. One of the best things for me was they didn’t do this long drawn out period of time before realizing their love for each other. The ml and fl kept the spice up a notch , making the story warm and engaging. It is a must read.

[Kyrie Mangus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Marriage

This was quick read for me. Once I started I was easily hooked into the story line and couldn't put it down until I was done. I needed more and needed it ASAP. Julian and Ira totally stole my heart and I loved the chemistry between them.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!!!

An excellent read, I absolutely loved this book. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone. You will not be disappointed! Bring on more books please. Happy reading

[sheryl blaszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story

Loved this story so much. A lot of twists and turns ups and downs heart pounding and alot of sweating lol. But great story

[Jenny Sundstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Married to my ex's Brother

Very enjoyable and different, full of drama and suspense. I loved the way the characters changed towards each other and the love they shared.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed forced proximity mafia romance which was Julian and Ira’s story. It was an intriguing read. I received an early copy via bs. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh I loved it

Oh I loved it the way she would do anything to save and help her friend no matter what , I loved the way he was strong

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ira is a young very poor college woman who sees a murder in an alley one night on her way home from work and is seen by the killer who seems to know her. she's now a target. she is saved by a stranger at the last minute. in order to protect her julien a much older mafia boss convinces her to marry him for one year on a contract because he is in need of a wife and feels she won't interfere with his life or business. she soon discovers he is her ex's brother which leads to some bitterness when leo her ex finds out. julien quickly develops feelings for her and her him but neither say anything. after having sex julien wants to continue so ira agrees to just sex thinking he will never want more. but julien has dark sadistic tendencies that he is afraid will scare ira away. she is immediately thrown into extreme tutoring to become the perfect wife and lady of status in order to attend a gala and is overwhelmed and snaps at the pressure. at breaking point she takes off and julien has to find her. she's drunk and he ends up caring for her which leads to a night of spice where he indulges in his dark side where he finds ira accepting. they attend a party where the killer is seen and events happen to put ira in danger once more. betrayal is at hand, the killer is closing in but his identity continues to evade. ira discovers she's pregnant but when she goes to tell julien she sees something that tears her apart. julien trying to flush out the killer makes some bad choices which leads to ira being kidnapped and now her and the baby are at risk. julien must do whatever it takes to save the woman he loves and his child but it might not be possible when it comes to light who the killer actually is.
a great detailed story with lots of emotion, plot twists, spice, detailed characters with sass fight and grit.

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

[Kat Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A. J Black is a new author to me but definitely one that I will read again. I loved the characters the MMC is called Julian he is a mafia leader and on the hunt for a serial killer murdering his men he comes across Ira who's about to be caught by said serial killer....Ira who's walking home from work stumbles across a scene in a alley of a man killing a woman she try's to hide but he spots her and recognizes her she just can't place where from...she runs which is when Julian saves her. He promises to keep her safe if she marries him so she does. However being a mafia wife comes with its own challenges there's rules she doesn't know so she gets trained but when the trainings to vigorous and she snaps how is she meant to cope add in that it turns out Julian is her horrible ex boyfriends brother, she's falling in love with her contract husband, being hunted by a serial killer and judged by everyone in her new social circle I think she's well within her rights to lose her mind a little. When the ex attacks her Julian protects her they end up fessing there love to each other but that's not the end of the drama...a baby on the way, a serial killer to stop....there's a lot going on but he has a tiger A. FREAKING. Tiger - raja may be my favourite character.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say the least I was hooked reading this romance book from start to finish is an understatement. I couldn't put down the book once I started reading it and let me tell you that this book is TOTALLY AWESOME to read. I was up half the night finishing it because I was magnetized with Ira and Julian and the jaw dropping intense heat this book has. Make sure you have plenty of caffeine on hand because this book is going to cause a late night of reading.

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

This action-packed story drew me in immediately and had me connecting with Julian and Ira. When she becomes the next victim because she saw a killer Ira becomes a target and to stay safe, she becomes the fake wife to Julian but there is nothing fake about the feelings that Julian ignites within her. Will their fake relationship turn into the real thing and lead them to happiness.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story full of suspense, action, and danger. What began as a fake relationship quickly escalates, as feelings and attraction can't be contained. It's difficult, though, as Julian is tasked with keeping Ira safe after she witnesses a murder, and the killer now has his sights set on her. I enjoyed reading their story, and it's highly recommended!



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.