Anya Morozov has spent the past three years avoiding the world. After being captured and torn apart in all of the worst ways possible, the Bratva Princess disappeared from mafia society.
Despite the ghosts of her past continuing to haunt Anya, nothing could keep her away from her brother’s wedding. She speaks to no one and stays safely in her seat. Flanked by her protective family, she does her best to get through the evening unscathed. Until she’s asked to dance.
Matteo Moretti finds himself drawn to the angelic Russian princess after only one glance. He knows she’s been through more hell than anyone ever should. In fact, he knows more than the whispers of the mafia world claim to. Their siblings are now married, and through that connection, he’s found himself wondering often about the reclusive girl who avoids all men.
He should leave her alone to her solitude. But as the youngest of nine Italian mafia sons, Matteo isn’t much for avoiding risk. He wants to meet Anya, and he’s willing to do anything to make her comfortable. Including handcuffing himself to dance with her.
What begins as a bold gesture transforms into a tentative friendship. With distance and past trauma keeping them physically apart, it’s strange how close they begin to feel.
Such a pretty title, and it's gonna be about the prettiest couple ever 😌 it's friends to lovers too, one of my favorite tropes!! Their crumbs were yummy in the previous books 😭
My excitement for this book was next level as we got a small moment of Matteo and Anya over the last few books and from this moment I knew I absolutely couldn’t wait to have their story in my hands. Which yes this also resulted in me devouring this book within 24 hours. Matteo and Anya certainly have a special place in my heart🥹
Let’s take it back to the beginning shall we, if you have read Jade and Dmitri’s book which is the first in this series it is briefly mentioned that Anya suffered while she was only 15 due to her mother’s schemes. We first get to witness Anya after she attends Jade and Dmitri’s wedding, where Matteo offers Anya a dance and to make sure she feels completely safe and in control at all times he volunteers to keep his hands restrained.
Anya’s healing journey is a slow and steady process, she is weary of most men and this is not limited to her own family but this small gesture that Matteo does by her absolutely warms my heart. Furthermore, this is the first moment that I was so proud of the FMC, she was already outside of her comfort zone by attending a public event but she goes beyond that by dancing with Matteo for. It was also the first time in a long time that she felt like just a regular girl. This is certainly a defining moment between the pair and Matteo being the gentleman that he is of course and asks for approval of her father if he can remain in contact with Anya via text message.
It is here that the pair starts to build a friendship, which first starts over a few messages and then goes to FaceTime calls. Anya never deviates from her routines which means she doesn’t leave the house, but Matteo keeps Anya connected to her niece and nephew which Ii found to be a sweet gesture as Anya was worried due to her lack of visits that they won’t know who she is. Matteo became a lifeline for Anya so to speak, he cared very much for her well being, and he ensured that their calls and messages were judgement free. Basically that he was a place where she could always be open and honest.
Like Matteo I was cheering Anya on during her journey throughout this book and how little by little she began to claim pieces of her life back and slowly start to build confidence once again. I think Matteo gave her an indirect nudge that she wanted to do more to help herself.
The FMCs the series always tend to build a friendship with a Moretti sibling and while yes Matteo and Anya started off as friends she also developed an unexpected friendship with another Moretti sibling and let’s just say while his exterior is hard and tough he certainly had a soft spot for Anya and he ensured she was well protected. But you need to read this book to find out who exactly that is🤭
I also loved reading about these two building their friendship and later in the book see how that friendship started to blossom into something more. Matteo’s loyalty was completely to Anya and he proves this at many points throughout this book. Matteo was always respectful towards Anya and it was always her own pace that they went at, this includes his visits while they were still friends and then later when that friendship blossomed into something deeper.
Words cannot describe how much I loved reading about their journey, the author definitely delivered. I cannot for our next Moretti sibling, and this sibling is definitely one readers have been asking for quite some time but definitely more after Apollo and Rayna’s book🤭
Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
✨Review of Advanced Reader Copy received by the author✨
PLEASE THIS EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!! 5 STARS NO NOTES!! When I tell you I saw the arc pop up in my email yesterday morning I screamed I am not joking, thank you to K.L Mann the author for providing me with this opportunity to experience Mattel and Anya’s magic early! I’ve been anticipating Anya’s story since Hidden Empire when we got introduced to her character and Matteo being her man is absolutely perfect. They are soulmates, I love friends to lovers and this was perfectly executed, the pacing the YEARNING for each other. Matteo is so patient, sweet and considerate as well as funny and makes her laugh which is exactly what she needed after what she went through. The found family in this is something else, the moment I started reading the series I knew it would be my Roman Empire series. The growth of Anya’s character made me so so proud of her and all the relationships between her and characters she became closer to AHH SO CUTE. PAPA MOROZOV is so soft for his little girl aaah I adore it! I need the next book like yesterday 😭😭😭
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC review: Ohhhhh this was so goood!! Matteo and Anya’s love is so precious! All I want is to wrap them both in a huge hug and be apart of their crazy family. I loved this book, I loved Anya so much, I felt very protective of her, she’s so soft and sweet yet so strong and determined, and Matteo is so amazing, he’s so patient with everyone and he’s ADORABLE with his niece and nephew, I’ve been waiting to read his book since Hidden Empire and I was not disappointed, both characters grew so much together it’s so beautiful to see 🥲 I adored the side characters, Anya’s father, uncles, aunt and cousin were essential to the story and to Anya’s recovery ❤️🩹, they were hilarious and heartwarming (though Matteo might not agree), I especially loved her aunt, she offered the upmost support to both them and I loved her for it. I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone, although check your TW, this story is full of lovable characters and heartwarming scenes that’ll make your heart ache a bit.
Tropes: 💜slow burn 🩰found family 💜hurt/confort 🩰healing 💜friends to lovers
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange of my honest opinion!
Wow…. Firstly, thank you to the lovely author for the opportunity to be apart of this ARC. I could not wait to finally read Matteo Moretti’s story!
Secondly, i finished this book in 6hrs. I DEVOURED it. I absolutely ADORED every single chapter of this book. Matteo has always been my favourite Moretti and it was so nice to finally see him have a plot of his own, somewhere where he belonged. He was so gentle and patient with Anya given her past trauma and ALWAYS showed up for her. He is the pure definition of a MADE gentleman.
Anya…My beautiful girl. I related so much to her. I went through something similar as her and i found myself relating to her deeply. She showed so much strength, courage and growth, i was cheering her on through every moment. I really hope we get to see more of her and Matteo throughout the other empire books!
K.L Mann did a fantastic job of delivering yet another Moretti empire masterpiece. My girl is out here working OVERTIME publishing these books so fast, she deserves a break! (but also pls give us another book soon). Whatever K.L Mann writes, i will devour.
I received this ARC and am so grateful for the opportunity to read it.
Divine Empire by K. L. Mann was one of my most anticipated reads, and Matteo and Anya absolutely delivered.
I’m a mafia girl through and through, but this was honestly one of the sweetest mafia romances I’ve read. Given Anya’s traumatic past and the way it’s caused her to isolate herself and avoid physical contact, especially with men, you knew Matteo would have to move carefully—and he did. Every step he took with her was patient, thoughtful, and full of care. He never rushed her, never pushed, and always made sure she had control.
Watching their relationship build through texts, trust, and tiny moments of connection was so beautiful. Matteo truly met her where she was, and Anya’s growth throughout the book was incredible to watch. She wanted to heal not just for herself, but because Matteo gave her something safe to lean on.
And as always, the found family in this series continues to be one of the best parts. Nico’s POV and everything he did for both Anya and Matteo completely stole the show for me.
This was another five-star read in one of my favorite mafia worlds, and I’m already desperate for whatever comes next.
Read this if you love: • Friends to lovers • Shy girl x sunshine boy • Patient, gentle MMCs • Found family • Healing and learning to trust again • Softer mafia romance
I’ve been looking forward to this story for a long time, and it did not disappoint.
For me, this story is about healing and redemption. What a journey it was seeing Anya take back her power, this book is written so beautifully and carefully. I love how Matteo sees Anya for who she is and not through the lens of her trauma. Their connection is tender, funny, and grounded, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.
This is a story that deals with heavy themes, but it never feels exploitative or careless. Instead, it is thoughtful, respectful, and intentional. Getting to know the Morozov family was so fun, and it added so much depth to the story. In a genre that’s extremely popular right now, this book still manages to feel fresh and emotionally rich. The characters feel real, their relationships feel earned, and the story lingers long after you finish.
A beautiful, sensitive, and well-written addition to the series. I’m very much looking forward to what comes next.
Matteo has been my #1 from the beginning (sorry Cassio), and this book did not change that. The way he was with Anya, or with anyone really, is incredible. 🥰 He is the best person anyone can have in their lives.
I was a little scared of how Anya’s background would be handled but I can 100% say I was not disappointed. The author did a great job at helping us understand without having to add details to what happened, which was refreshing. We don’t need nightmare flashbacks in detail to understand a character’s trauma.
THE MOROZOV FAMILY!! ❤️ I was not expecting to love them as much as I did! Aunt Irina deserves the freaking world and more MCs deserve a character like her.
I had the privilege to have an ARC of this book and dare I say that Matteo knocked Cassio right outta his number one spot!
The story follows Matteo, ninth Moretti son and Anya ( Dimitri and Ivan’s sister) Bratva princess who has a very tragic backstory. This is a story of trusting, healing and falling in love with acts of service. Slow burn but worth the wait! The relationship between these two is actually so perfect, I wish I could read it for the first time again when it comes out!
Nico also jumped right on up my list of favorite Moretti men too in this book!
Best side character awards go to Uncle Lev and Nadya. The banter and comedy goals are so there!
Lastly, mafia fathers are so golden and tbh they make me emotional. Dante is perfect but Anton is CHEFS KISS!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you so much Kassie for the ARC! Matteo and Anya’s love story was more than I could’ve hoped for and kept wishing it wasn’t ending as fast as it was! I’ve always loved Matteo, but he became even more endearing in this book and had me smiling in the first chapter. I love how Kassie was able to write Anya and her character so well without explicitly discussing her trauma. It takes a really great writer to do that. We still got to see the effects of it and her healing, but nothing triggering to readers. I also love Matteo’s growth in this story and how he became the amazing partner that he is! I am so glad we got so many Moretti and Morozov family moments and I honestly need to reread the rest of the series ASAP! This universe is the best and can’t wait to see what else is coming!
The girl who thinks she’s so broken and hard to love, and the boy who loves her as easy as breathing.
I have to be honest, I cried many times. To think that you’re so troublesome and having someone who loves you so effortlessly— to have someone who thinks you’re worth the trouble.
I love the Moretti family, and its always nice to be back with them. But to see Matteo Moretti find himself in the process of finding love? Amazing. They are so precious to me.
(Also, ngl, I am frothing at the mouth for more Nico. Please? Thank you?)
P.S, this is my first time receiving an ARC and I was so giddy I could die. And its beyond fitting to have a found family, mafia book be the first ARC I received. So thank you Kassie. Please give me more I BEG.
productive use of my day off to binge this arc? absolutely
idk what is it about all these characters but I just love reading about them and getting more characters with every book
their friendship and relationship was so cute! their growth was amazing both alone and together
so many characters and just love them! Nico stan forever 🤪
literally so easy to just be reading and go “oh wow I’m already 35% into the book” I was just flying through it bc I just get into what the characters will do or what will happen next
SHES DONE IT AGAIN!! This book was perfection, Matteo and Anya, were just a match made in heaven! I loved that they became friends first and how slowly the relationship developed! It was incredibly sweet and exactly what they both deserved!! I loved how much we saw Nico in this book and Anya’s family too! The ending, I was shook but so ready for the next book! I loved watching Anya’s healing journey and how strong and brave she was and how much Matteo championed her!
I truly cannot wait to read about matteo and Anja. Matteo has been a favourite since hidden empire. His banter is hilarious. May 2026 cannot come fast enough!!
Thank you to the author for the ARC this book absolutely exceeded my expectations in every possible way. I went in excited… and came out completely obsessed.
Divine Empire is easily one of the most emotional, heartwarming, and beautifully written books in the series. Matteo and Anya’s story? Pure magic. The kind of love that makes your chest ache and your heart feel full at the same time.
I’ve been waiting for Matteo’s book since Hidden Empire, and let me just say he was worth the wait.
Matteo is EVERYTHING. Sweet, patient, protective, and quietly devoted in a way that sneaks up on you. He’s not loud about his love, but you feel it in everything he does. The way he shows up for Anya, respects her boundaries, makes her laugh, and gives her the space to heal… it’s the kind of love that feels safe. And don’t even get me started on how adorable he is with his niece and nephew my heart couldn’t take it.
And Anya… I loved her so much. She’s soft and gentle, but also incredibly strong. After everything she’s been through, watching her slowly heal, grow, and come into her own was such a rewarding experience. Her journey felt raw and real, especially with the mental health representation woven so thoughtfully into the story. Seeing her go from hurting and withdrawn to more confident and a little sassy? I was so proud of her.
Their relationship is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers perfection. The yearning? Immaculate. The emotional connection? Deep and unshakable. They were best friends first, soulmates always and watching that love evolve felt so natural and beautifully paced. Matteo is exactly what Anya needed, and she grounds him just as much in return.
And then there’s the found family which honestly might be one of my favorite parts of the book. Anya’s family completely stole my heart. Her father (Papa Morozov!!) being so soft for her, her protective uncles, her supportive aunt, her entire chaotic but loving circle it added so much warmth and depth to the story. They were hilarious, overbearing in the best way, and absolutely essential to Anya’s healing journey.
I also loved getting more of the Moretti family and seeing behind-the-scenes moments that connect to previous books. It made the world feel even richer and more immersive. The multiple timelines (which I’m usually picky about!) worked so well here and added layers to both the romance and the emotional development.
This book has: • Slow burn • Friends to lovers • Found family • Mafia romance • Sunshine MMC × hurting FMC • Mental health & healing • Long distance & lots of texting
…and it executes every single one perfectly.
Matteo and Anya’s love story is tender, emotional, and deeply healing. It’s about patience, growth, and choosing each other again and again, even when things are hard.
By the end, I didn’t just love them I wanted to live in their world. Wrap them in a hug. Stay with this family forever.
Also… the setup for future books?? I am already desperate for Nico, Ivan, and Leon’s stories.
This series just keeps getting better, and Divine Empire might be my favorite yet.
Anya Morozov has been living in isolation after surviving a traumatic past that left her withdrawn from the world but when she crosses paths with Matteo, the youngest Moretti son, she finds herself slowly willing to step outside her comfort zone and open herself up to a friendship that makes her feel safe again. And as things progress, Matteo is determined to break through her carefully constructed walls and sets out to show Anya what love can truly be.
Y’all this was SO GOOOOOD. Anya and Matteo’s book has been a long time coming and I was SO excited to finally dive into their story. And honestly? It just hit in such a beautiful, respectful way. This wasn’t your typical fast-paced, high intensity mafia romance where everyones making out and ripping each others clothes off. No, this was soft, so carefully intentional, a slow courtship where every moment, every word, every touch actually meant something. The yearning? INSANE.
“Bad days or good, I’ll be with you through every step.”
Matteo, the youngest Moretti son, has always had that softness to him and this book really leaned into it. He’s sweet, patient, and just so genuinely wholesome. Him holding the twins and taking care of them was so adorable and the way that he just kept thinking of how he could make Anya as comfortable as possible, even second guessing himself at times cause he was just so darn nervous to get it right, ugh. There’s something so endearing about the way he approaches Anya, never rushing her, never pushing too far, just…being there in the way she needs. I ADORED THIS MAN.
And Anya…oh my heart. She’s quiet, gentle, and carrying so much, but what I loved most was that she still had agency. I think it was very clear that she wasn’t trying to define herself by what happened but as a precaution, hiding was just important to protect her wellbeing. Watching her healing, her growth, and the way she slowly allowed herself to feel safe again had me rooting for her the entire time.
“You’re always seeing the best in me.” “I think I’m just seeing you.”
What really stood out to me was how different this felt from a lot of mafia romances. In a genre that’s usually very fast, very physical, and very intense right off the bat, this was such a refreshing change of pace. Their relationship developed slowly, often with a large physical distance between them, and somehow that made it feel even more intimate. The banter was effortless, the connection was genuine, and the respectful courtship was honestly one of my favourite parts. I also really appreciated the role of the Morozov family in all this, they really really grew on me (especially Aunt Irina, Uncle Lev, and Daddy Anton who were just such gems!).
This was the kind of slow burn that actually burns. A story of healing, empowerment, and learning how to love again in a way that feels safe and real. Huuuge shoutout to Kassie for really bringing out such a masterpiece. This was my favourite book and couple in the series by far! And THAT ending??? Shocking in the best way. It makes complete sense for what’s coming next and let’s just say…I absolutely cannot wait for Fractured Empire.
This book was everything I could have hoped for and more. It was innocent and sweet while being equally as deep and moving. There were too many moments to count that brought tears to my eyes. Some happy, some sad--moments where I felt the character's emotions settle in my throat as if I were standing nearby them and watching my dear friends go through so many life-changing moments.
Let's talk about our main characters:
Anya, what can I say? I love our shy, smart, brave FMC💜
She's lovely in all the ways you think she'd be. Traumatized by her past, but willing to face challenges head on. She's perfect in the ways that matter and perfectly imperfect in the ways that humanize her and give girls/women like her a voice. Anya's strength and ability to adapt are commendable. Seeing her growth throughout the book is inspiring and beautiful. She's in control of her own life and she won't relent her control for anyone or anything--I think that's one of her superpowers. She's self-aware enough to know her boundaries, but also open enough to allow herself to push them when she needs to. Anya is magnificent and I love her so much.
What about our MMC, you may ask? Matteo Moretti is as goofy and light-hearted as always, but this book brought out a new layer, new depth to him that I had maybe only subtly noticed over the course of reading all the other books in this series. Divine Empire gives us a full 360 degree look into Matteo's mind, into his emotions, his words (because omg, he's so good at delivering these short, impactful monologues throughout the book) and most importantly, his actions.
Matteo deserves everything good in life because he truly notices all the small things and he cares. It's no secret that Matteo cares for Anya, but the level of care and attention to detail is out of this world. My jaw dropped several times while reading this book and I had to re-read certain scenes over several times just to fully take them in because of how beautiful and touching they were.
There were plenty of other side characters and stories that also added to the emotional depth and impact that this story had. I loved everyone I met, even some rather unpleasant characters, and I loved watching the story unfold, even in the uncomfortable moments. There were so many plot twists and moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I honestly couldn’t put this book down, even to eat and sleep.
K.L. Mann really did her thing with this book and I'm so honored to have received this ARC and to have had the privilege of getting to know these characters on such a deep and intimate level, while also getting a front row seat to their stories and POVs. ❤️
When this book drops, drop everything else and read it! You won't regret it for a second. I just finished this book and I already wish I could read it again for the first time. 😍😁
I mean, where to even start. First of all, I was elated to find the ARC copy in my inbox. Like literally, I nearly cried with how excited I was. I had to wait with reading because I was too excited to focus on the words.... I had to pace myself because I wanted to enjoy it for more than a day 🫣 On to the actual review ->
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible. I've laughed A LOT because of our sweet Matteo, mostly, but I've shed a tear here and there. Anya and Matteo are perfect together, and the events of this book are ones I really did not see coming. The ending was unexpected but amazing, as always. The book was full of twists and turns, but of course, as we all know, Kassie gave Anya and Matteo the HEA they deserve.
now I'm a greedy person, and I can't wait for Leon's book, even though this one hasn't officially come out yet 😆
Divine Empire basically takes place during the same time Savage Empire happens, which I very much enjoyed, because we got to see /relive things that happened in that book through a different perspective. I love seeing more of the Moretti family ♡ I especially enjoyed getting to read the wedding scene again, which was of course much more in depth than the scene in Tragic Empire. I really enjoyed getting to read Matteo's inner feelings, and Anya's about that situation. From the moment I picked up the book I knew I was not going to be able to put it down, and I was right. I did my absolute best to not finish it in one sitting, because I wanted to savour it, but I ended up finishing it in two days instead of one because it was just that good.
I enjoyed reading Anya's chapters, and getting to know about her inner conflict and how she handled things. We all knew the gist of what happened, of course, but only from the scraps that were mentioned in previous books, and let me tell you I was not prepared for the actual truth... I was very happy seeing Matteo help Anya heal, and throughout the book it becomes more than clear that Anya is so much stronger than people may think. This was a perfect story line for Matteo and Anya, and while it was a bit bittersweet for me, it was heartwarming to read how they settled together at the end.
This book was mostly long distance (as previously revealed on Kassie's instagram) and I really enjoyed Anya's chapters and getting to know her family. I'm a sucker for big, caring families and we got an overdose in this book!
There is so much more to be said about this book, but I want to prevent any (possible) spoilers, so I will leave it at this for now. I'll come back to write more once the book is released! If you haven't yet, pick up the Moretti series and be prepared to become an addict!!
Thank you to Kassie for letting me be an ARC reader ♡
Divine Empire completely lived up to the intense anticipation I had built up over the previous installments. Ever since those early glimpses of Matteo and Anya, I knew their story would be something special—and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
From the very beginning, Anya’s past is handled with care and depth. Knowing what she endured at such a young age adds so much weight to her journey. Seeing her step out of her comfort zone to attend Jade and Dmitri’s wedding already felt like a huge milestone, but the moment Matteo asks her to dance—and goes out of his way to ensure she feels safe and in control—was unforgettable. That single act spoke volumes about his character and set the tone for everything that followed.
What truly makes this story shine is the gradual development between Matteo and Anya. Their relationship doesn’t rush; instead, it grows through small, meaningful interactions—texts, calls, quiet support. Matteo becomes a steady presence in Anya’s life, someone who offers understanding without pressure. He creates a space where she can simply exist without fear or judgment, and that emotional safety becomes the foundation for her healing.
Anya’s growth throughout the book is incredibly rewarding to witness. She doesn’t transform overnight—her progress is slow, realistic, and deeply personal. Each step forward feels earned, making her journey all the more powerful. Matteo never tries to “fix” her; he simply supports her, allowing her to reclaim her independence in her own time. That balance made their connection feel genuine and deeply moving.
Beyond the central romance, the supporting cast adds so much richness. The dynamic within Anya’s family brings both humor and warmth, and their presence plays an important role in her recovery. The Moretti siblings continue to be a highlight of the series, and the unexpected bond Anya forms with one of them adds another layer of protection and tenderness to the story. Nico, in particular, stood out in a way that was impossible to ignore.
What I appreciated most is how this book handles heavy themes with sensitivity. It never feels exploitative; instead, it focuses on resilience, trust, and emotional healing. The romance itself is soft yet impactful—built on patience, respect, and unwavering loyalty. Matteo’s devotion and Anya’s quiet strength create a pairing that feels both heartwarming and unforgettable.
This story blends emotional depth with moments of lightness, creating a reading experience that stays with you long after the final page. It’s easily one of the most tender and heartfelt mafia romances I’ve come across, and it continues to prove why this series stands out.
I’m already eager to see which Moretti sibling takes center stage next.
💜✨ARC Review ✨💜 Thank you so much for this opportunity Kassie!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
I DEVOURED this book, I literally read it in one sitting in less than 24hrs 😭😭😭
Let me tell you when I checked my inbox and saw that I got an ARC I SCREAMED!! I was shocked that I actually got picked OMG I was not expecting to be one of the ARCs!! Again Thank you so much Kassie for this opportunity I'm utterly grateful!!
Review time ✨
6/5⭐ 🌶️ Cuteness = Overload 🥹🤧
This book is book 4 from the Moretti Empire series by K. L. Mann and it is Matteo & Anya's story. And let me tell you, IT IS AMAZING!! CHEF'S KISS!! 👌
Some of the Tropes: - Friends to lovers 💜 -Slow burn🩰 -Found family 💜 - Hurting Fmc X Sunshine Mmc🩰 - Comfort /Healing💜 - Long distance relationship🩰 - Mafia Romance💜 - Protective Uncles 🩰 -Lots of texting 💜
Matteo is my 2nd favorite after Cassio ( I don't think anyone could beat my hubby 💙🤭)
Matteo is such a green forest omgg 😭😭 Ilove him I NEED ME AMATTEO. He is so patient, sweet and gentle with Anya. And the way he would do anything for her ughh the YEARNING 😩 I Love me a man that yearns.
Anya is such an amazing brave character I love her my baby .🥹 I love how she's so sweet and shy but, also so so brave. The way she pushes herself to get out of her comfort zone and prove that she can better is just admirable!!
Anya & Matteo are so cute!! they are literally MADE for each other. The way he's so understanding and gosh he's just so husband material they are just *chef's kiss*👌!! They are the definition of soulmates🥹🥹. The hug scene is a MASTERPIECE!! I was sobbing🤧🤧.
And the way Nico is so protective over her 😭😭!! And him trying to be nonchalant about it lol I love him!
Getting to know the Morozov family is fun!! Aunt Irina has my heart, her relationship with Anya is everything. I love how she's always there for her and when they hang out together ugh so cute 🤧.Papa Morozov being such a big softie for his little girl 🥹 and the way he was so understanding with Matteo & Anya's relationship was actually unexpected but I'm happy about it.
But the PLOT TWIST at the END.......... It had me screaming, crying, throwing up 😭😫😖 mostly BALLING my eyes out lol. The plot twist had me sitting there staring at the wall and rethinking if I'm ready for the emotional damage in Leon's book, like CUT THE CAMERAS😭🥲. Idk what I'm gonna do with my life until I get Leon's book 🥲. I NEED his book ASAP 😫 Miss Ma'am you have some explaining to do 😭😭 and need to pay for my therapy lol. August needs to come faster I need Leon's book!!
Overall, the book is amazing and will definitely re-read soon lol. Again thank you so much for this opportunity Kassie!🫶🏻💜
Long-distance relationships and slow-burn stories are not usually my type of books, but I truly loved and enjoyed this one. OMG, I waited for this book for so long, and finally I got to read it. First of all, I laughed so much at how Lev and Matteo interacted. I loved how protective Lev was toward Anya—even more than her father. The comments he made about Matteo were truly deserved, but I still laughed at the way Matteo kept trying to win him over. Nico’s part was also written so well. The way he protected Anya from the shadows during her sixty days of therapy, and how he had been looking after her even in the past by killing her assaulters—it added so much depth. Anya’s father, Anton, is also very understanding when it comes to his daughter and her relationship with Matteo. Being a pakhan doesn’t stop him from being emotional with Anya, and that’s what I love most about his character. He tries to accept Matteo for her instead of acting like an awful parent. I can’t even explain how excited I was when the author mentioned the TV show Supernatural. I didn’t expect that at all, and it made me so happy because I love that show—I’ve already watched all seasons 2–3 times. What I really love about Matteo is how patient he is with Anya and how much he respects her boundaries. He develops feelings for her but still keeps his distance, giving her time to figure out her own emotions. Even if those feelings weren’t mutual, he was ready to stay with her friend, and that’s something I deeply admire. Even after they confessed their love, Matteo was prepared to accept that Anya might never want intimacy—and that level of understanding is rare. It’s overwhelming to see how Anya tries to overcome her trauma and decides to go through sixty days of therapy because she can no longer live in fear or let anxiety control her. I loved how she slowly became herself again—not just a shell shaped by trauma. Her bravery stood out, especially when she initiated intimacy with Matteo. I was heartbroken when she revealed she couldn’t get pregnant—I actually shed a tear or two. After everything she went through, she fought her demons and defeated them with her own strength, and with the support of her family and Matteo. Overall, I loved this book, and I was SHOCKED when I read epilogue 2 about Chloe—like, WHAT THE HELL??? It actually makes some sense, but STILL. Thank you to the author for this amazing book—I already can’t wait for Leon’s story 😊❣️
Rating: ★★★★★ Tropes: - Slow burn - Friends to lovers - Found family - Protective uncles - Mafia family - Sunshine mafia son x hurting mafia princess - Mental health representation - Lots of Texting - Long distance
I was lucky enough to get a ARC of this masterpiece. I absolutely love this book, and I knew I would love it as soon as it was announced. I love Matteo since book 1. He might have to fight Apollo for my favorite ML in this series. I might be a bit biased with the book since I’m in love with their series but I loved it, it was perfect. I usually am not a fan of multiple time lines but I ate it up in this book. I also loved seeing more of the Moretti family and more of behind the scenes of other books. I also loved getting to know Anya’s family. I love them, they are all so protective and understanding. The other books made them seem scarier that they are lol. This book made me so excited for Nico’s book, he is so protective of his family, I love it 😩
I absolutely adore Matteo he has been one of my favorites since the start of the series and I knew I was going to love his book. And he sure didn’t disappoint. He is a sweet and protective ML and he is so patient with Anya. He will do anything for her and I knew since that scene in savage empire that they were going to be my new favorite couple. He is so willing to do anything and everything just to make sure she is comfortable. I fell in love with him more.
Anya was like a breath of fresh air. She was so sweet and truly saw Matteo as her best friend. I related to her a lot when she struggled with her mental health but seeing her healing was nice. I love her and she personality. She and Matteo were made for each other. Seeing her come out of her shell and be more sassy and confident was truly so rewarding to read, just being able to see her go from shy and hurt to a new version of herself.
*update after reading it entirely* Matteo won me over. He’s my favorite. Pathetic men for their girls have me in a chokehold. I never stood a chance 😔
Also Ivan?! My baby?! Ahhh I’m excited for his book now too. And Leon?! I was already feeling so bad for him since savage empire but then that. Ugh I need his book like now. Can’t wait for its release!
I honestly wish I could experience this story again for the first time—that’s how much it stayed with me. Anya and Matteo completely stole my heart, and their journey might be one of my favorites in the series so far.
One of the things I love most about this series is how each FMC finds an unexpected friendship with one of the brothers. Watching Anya and Nico build such a genuine, protective bond was incredibly moving—it added so much emotional depth to the story.
Matteo has been a standout since book one, but here we truly see him shine. He’s pure sunshine—patient, protective, and endlessly kind. The way he becomes Anya’s safe space first, her best friend, and then something more… it was beautifully done. That transition from friendship to love? Absolutely heart-melting.
Anya’s journey is just as powerful. She’s carrying so much pain and trauma, and while she wants to heal, fear holds her back. Watching her slowly open up, take steps forward, and allow herself to feel again was emotional and deeply rewarding. Their relationship doesn’t rush—it builds, it grows, and it feels real.
That chapter from Nico’s POV? I was in tears. Seeing how he quietly watched over her, making sure she was safe, added another layer of love and protection that hit hard.
I also loved the glimpses of the wider family—especially Dante and his devotion to his children. Even though this story firmly centers on Anya and Matteo, those small moments with familiar characters made it feel like coming home.
The pacing is definitely slow burn—but in the best way possible. Every moment felt earned, every emotion meaningful.
Thank you to K.L. Mann for the opportunity to read this ARC—I’m already counting down the days for Leon’s story.
5⭐ READ!! I literally could NOT put this book down 😭 this is my third ARC and I feel so lucky I got to read Divine Empire early—Mateo and Anya have my whole heart, I’m OBSESSED.
Anya’s story honestly broke me. The trauma she went through at such a young age… you really feel it, and watching her slowly come out of her shell and find her strength again was so powerful. She’s so brave, and her growth felt real, not rushed or forced.
And Mateo??? don’t even get me started. The way their relationship builds from friendship into something deeper was EVERYTHING. It was soft, genuine, and had me kicking my feet and giggling the entire time. The care, the protectiveness, him cooking for her??? the FIRST KISS??? I was BLUSHING.
But also… NICO??? Mateo’s brother stepping in and protecting Anya??? 👀 yeah I noticed that REAL quick.
I loved learning more about the Morozov family—Anya, Dimitri, and Ivan—and seeing that whole dynamic mixed with Mateo’s Italian mafia background. It added so much depth and tension without taking away from the romance.
The texting and video chat format was SO COOL. I’ve never read anything like that before and it made everything feel so real and immersive. Watching their connection grow like that and then seeing it unfold in person just hit different.
And the uncles??? overprotective in the best way. Some of their lines had me laughing but also like… okay I see you 👀
BUT THAT ENDING??? EXCUSE ME??? I’m actually unwell. I did NOT see that coming and now I need the next book immediately.
If you love slow burn, emotional healing, mafia romance, and a couple that will completely take over your brain—READ THIS.
✨I received an ARC of Divine Empire in exchange for an honest review.✨
I’ve been looking forward to Anya’s story since Hidden Empire, and having Matteo as her match just felt right. Their story delivered everything I hoped for emotional, soft in places, and full of tension and slow yearning that keeps you wanting to read more.
Matteo is strong and charismatic, but I really appreciated seeing his more vulnerable side. towards Anya.It added depth to his character and made him feel more real. He’s patient, thoughtful, and knows how to make Anya feel (normal), which is exactly what she needed. The love he has for her feels genuine and that forever love we all wish/want in life.
Anya was just as amazing. She’s strong in her own way and doesn’t let what happend to her define who she is which made their dynamic even better. Her growth throughout the story really stood out, The friends-to-lovers element was done really well, and their chemistry carried the story.
I also loved the found family aspect.it’s one of my favourite parts of this series. The relationships felt genuine, and the softer moments were a my fav.
Overall, this was a great addition to the series, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys mafia romance with strong characters and emotional depth.
Tropes: ✨Friends to lovers ✨Mafia romance ✨Slow burn ✨Found family ✨Emotional/angsty romance ✨Strong FMC ✨Protective MMC 5/5⭐️
This book ! I inhaled each and every single page like an addict and devoured every single word.
The slow-burn, the build-up, the friendship and the journey of healing and discovering one another.
The friends-to-lovers trope that had me awing and yearning for something like what Matteo & Anya share.
Matteo, the youngest son of 8, the one who is good at everything but doesn't feel like he has a solid position in his own family.
I loved how he saw Anya, a girl that had been through trauma and an ordeal that no one should ever go through, and he saw someone that needed a friend to be there for her instead of another person to sympathize with her.
This book was just perfection and I love seeing a deeper and mature side to Matteo, something that wasn't as clearly shown in the previous books.
I loved the book so much! Another hit !
And that 2nd Epilogue 😭😭 I. DID. NOT. SEE. THAT. COMING ! I expected something else to happen... but 🥺
Can't wait for book 5 because of it... Leon 🫣🙌🏽❤️🔥
Thanks once again for the ARC copy of the book K L Mann ! The book is amazing and I love the series even more! ❤️
OH MY GOD. There’s nothing like a “friends-to-lovers” story and this one has me completely hooked. Matteo and Anya are the sweetest couple in the world. I think, at this point, Matteo is my favorite Moretti. I love how everything unfolds so naturally between them—no pressure, just taking their time and giving each other space. Their connection is beautiful, and I love how trust builds between them—nothing feels forced; everything just happens naturally. It’s stories like this that make me love “friends-to-lovers” stories so much. I love how they become each other’s anchor and source of motivation.
Anya—seriously, I just wanted to hug her and protect her from everything. What a brave and determined girl. I really enjoyed reading about her growth and how she kept taking on more and more challenges.
I loved seeing more sides of Matteo—not just the fun brother and uncle. He’s a true gentleman: patient, respectful, empathetic, and devoted. It really just confirmed why he’s my favorite Moretti. The devotion he has for Anya is simply beautiful.
Now the Morozovs are a very close-knit family, and I didn’t expect to love them so much. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll get to read more about them.
I recommend checking the warnings before reading—there are topics that might be triggering.
I’m obsessed with this series and I need more; I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you so much to the author for this amazing ARC - you made my week.