Dark Bratva Christmas

by Valencia Rose

Cruel. Callous. Twice my age.
Ruthless brother of the man I love—
and now, the one ripping away my innocence.

Matysh Volkov.
I didn’t choose him.
I was forced to marry him.
Forced to carry his heir…
to secure an alliance with the enemy.

He hates me. I loathe him.
But that doesn’t stop him from tying me to his bedposts,
punishing every defiance,
and claiming every inch I swore he’d never touch.

And when I run?
He catches me.
“Run again, Little Flame… and I’ll put your fire out.”

But when his enemies strike—
on a cold Christmas night—
they come for me and the heir inside me.

And that’s when the most dangerous Bratva king in New York—
the man who swore he felt nothing—
turns into the monster who leaves Christmas painted in blood.

Because for me and our child?
Matysh has burned the world down once—
and he’d do it a million times over again.

***

Dark Bratva Christmas is a full-length standalone, Christmas Holiday Dark Mafia Romance, with NO cheating and a guaranteed swoony HEA.
It includes all your favorite Enemies to Lovers, Forced Marriage, Forbidden Taboo Love (her fiancé’s brother), Age Gap, Twins Pregnancy, Possessive Obsessed Antihero, Feisty Heroine, Found Family, and a whole lot of Touch Her and D!e vibes.
The book does feature violent scenes as well as those of an explicit rough intimate nature. Please buy this book only if you are comfortable with such content.

Genres: Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Christmas

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

About the author

Valencia Rose is an Indie Author who loves to create a world of love and happy ever afters for her readers to escape from the crazy times we currently live in. She loves to breathe life into sizzling hot stories revolving around Sexy Billionaires, Alpha Bosses and Dominant Playboys who will stop at nothing to get who they want, when they want and how they want.

If you like Steamy Contemporary Romance books, make sure to subscribe to Valencia's Club to grab your very own copy of one of her latest steamy romance novellas for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8h4cfh6qfv. And as a member of Valencia's Romance Club you get to receive first dibs on her new releases, share your feedback and suggestions about what stories you'd love to read more of in her books and which hot bad boys you'd like to see more of on her covers. You can also drop her an email anytime at Valencia@ValenciaRoseAuthor.com.

Reviews

[Jetscarbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ I really liked the plot to this mafia book. It was such a tangled mess, but the instant “chokehold” was built into the plot immediately. (Possible spoilers ahead)

H is 42. Leader of the mafia. Playboy, but no OW in this book.
h is mid 20’s. Daughter of a mafia don. She’s a V.

The book opens where h is marrying Mikhail. Mikhail is H’s younger brother. Mikhail and h are very much in love (or as much as you can be after knowing each other for a month)
H definitely notices h (his POV was 😂😂 because you really shouldn’t be thinking of your brother’s wife like that on his wedding day)

Anyway, Mikhail and h have not signed the papers yet. An explosion happens, and Mikhail is wounded. H gets to him, and Mikhail makes H promise that he’ll take care of h (both families hate each other) Mikhail dies.

h is locked up in H’s home for a few weeks, then she is forced to marry him. It’s to keep the peace.
Neither MC is happy about this

This quote made me laugh when h told H that his brother would be rolling in his grave if he knew what H was making her do.

”He’ll really be rolling when I bend you over and rail you.”
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 (ooooh no he didn’t)

So the spice starts right after their marriage. h is an V. H is a sadist. He likes the kink.
Afterwards, they both experience guilt. H ignores her after that for a few weeks. Surprise! She’s pregnant.

Over the next few months, the MCs will get close, then they’ll pull away from each other. She’ll do something bad, and he’ll “punish” her. Whipping, paddling, blindfolds, restraints, etc…

It’s clear H starts to develop strong feelings for her, but he has a lot of guilt.
h develops feelings for H but she has guilt and she feels like she’s just property/baby making machine.

Ofc, h gets kidnapped and we find out it was her dad behind Mikhail’s death and everything else. His whole plan was for her to end up with H, get pregnant, then wipe out H so the baby takes over…aka grandpa would be in control.
H saves her and they both admit they love each other.

The epilogue is a year later. They have twin boys and they named one Mikhail. ❤️

So it has Christmas in the title. 🙃🙃 Yeah, it’s a Christmas book, I guess, because Christmas is mentioned a lot. But it’s not that important to the book.

[Karen Goodenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Bratva Christmas was packed with action, twists and most importantly, amazing spice. Loved it from page one and the ending was perfect.

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

[Heather Schweit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books from this author. This is a dark romance, set in a violent world, against the backdrop of Christmas. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I really like the premise of the book. The story itself was very engrossing & well-developed. It captured my interest from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book!

It's written in a dual point of view style with the chapters going back & forth between the main characters. It helps you understand where each are coming from & why they act in certain ways.

The main characters are Catarina & Matysh. Catarina is the daughter, and only child, of the Pakhan of the Petrov family. Matysh is the Pakhan of the Volkov family. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Catarina is forced to marry Matysh against her will. It starts as a business deal. They fulfill their duty. They hate each other, but are also attracted to each other. The book does a good job showing this struggle. Matysh is determined to uncover the enemy who attacked his family & exact his revenge. The more time Catarina & Matysh spend together, the more they get to know each other. Their chemistry is combustible, whether they like it or not. When Catarina is kidnapped during a brazen attack on Christmas Eve, Matysh burns down the world to find her before it's too late. There are some twists & turns that keep this book interesting.

There's a lot of spice in the story. The many secondary characters, good & bad (some very bad), help flesh out the world of the story. There were some story elements I found refreshing in this book. I wish I could elaborate, but that would give away too much. I really like the friendship between Matysh & Nikolai. I hope Nikolai gets his own book; I want to read more about him! I like how the book deals with trauma, healing, and keeping a loved one's memory alive. I really appreciate the growth arcs of the characters over the course of the story. However, I did take issue with Matysh's view on Christmas movie marathons. I don't want to say any more so as not to spoil anything. You really should read this story. This book is definitely a must read!

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

[Hend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catarina is the Russian mafia princess who will be forced to marry her brother in law after her love and husband is murdered on their wedding day 🥺🥺
Matysh is cruel Pakhan who doesn't believe in love at all and he hates Catarina but they must get married for the reunion of their families The Bravta Christmas
Catarina is the Russian mafia princess who will be forced to marry her brother in law after her love and husband is murdered on their wedding day 🥺🥺
Matysh is cruel Pakhan who doesn't believe in love at all and he hates Catarina but they must get married for the reunion of their families and also they must have an heir 😁😁 and this is where it gets hot 🔥 🔥 as our Matysh has some kinks which are naughty 😁😁😁 yet he gets her a Christmas tree so she can decorate it and enjoy the holidays , take her to the Christmas market she likes and yet he still so stubborn to admit he loves her 🙈🙈😍😍

That was a quick fast amazing read for Dark mafia romance lovers 😍😍😍😍 also they must have an heir 😁😁 and this is where it gets hot 🔥 🔥 as our Matysh has some kinks which are naughty 😁😁😁 yet he gets her a Christmas tree so she can decorate it and enjoy the holidays , take her to the Christmas market she likes and yet he still so stubborn to admit he loves her 🙈🙈😍😍

That was a quick fast amazing read for Dark mafia romance lovers 😍😍😍😍

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Bratva Christmas by Valencia Rose is a dark, intense mafia romance that delivers both heat and emotional stakes. Matysh Volkov, the ruthless Bratva boss twice the heroine’s age, forces her into marriage to secure an alliance—and what follows is a twisted blend of power, domination, and fierce, possessive love.
The tension is electric: Matysh punishes defiance, claims every inch of her, and isn’t afraid to show his darker side. At the same time, the heroine’s strength and determination shine through, especially when their world is threatened on a snowy Christmas night.
Valencia Rose’s writing leans into raw, dark passion and complicated character growth, consistent with her other mafia novels.
Verdict: A thrilling, steamy holiday read for fans of possessive anti-heroes, forced marriages, and high-stakes drama — not for the faint of heart, but deeply satisfying if you like your romance on the darker side.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Mafia Christmas Romance

I have read many of this author's books and this one doesn't disappoint. A dark mafia romance set round Christmas, full of action, mafia drama, enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, steamy romance, secrets, suspense, violence, danger, power struggle and passion with some wonderful twists. The story is well written and there's action from the first page, I couldn't put this down.

After Mikhail Volkov is murdered on his wedding night, his bride, Catarina Petrov is made to marry his older brother Matysh to stop a mafia war. Her first wedding was meant to bring peace between the families but Matysh blames her for his brother's death and just wants to punish her; can she really find a way to bring peace with her new husband?

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

[Mary Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell me, Little Flame, does it scare you more that
you want me to control you, or that I already do?"

This has got to be the best quote from this steaming HOT BOOK.
Matysh and Catarina’s relationship was born on the death of her beloved Mikhail who died on their wedding day. Mikhail the younger brother of Bratva Beast Matysh said his last words to his brother, and Matysh built his relationship on those words, and lived up to the job of Protecting Her With His Life.
A brilliant book sees the span of a year the first year of married life between Matysh and Catarina a lot of trying to escape at first, but then discovering that being controlled in the bedroom is something she couldn’t live without. I definitely enjoyed reading this one.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Merry (and dark) Christmas

This book has a very interesting back story that makes it even more interesting than the normal “forced marriage.” Matysh was not a fan of Catarina (more her family) but begrudgingly accepted her marriage to his younger brother, Mikhail. The two were a love match and would unite the feuding families…until the groom dies in a wedding day ambush. Matysh agrees to keep Catarina safe as his brother’s dying wish, and is roped into marrying her a few weeks later by Cat’s father. They hate one another at first, but slowly feel a pull they can’t deny.

This book has everything- hidden enemies, suspense and spice! I finished the book in just a day and at 270ish pages, it’s a quicker read! Definitely check this out if you love mafia romance!

[LolaJean Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark romance, with scenes that you would expect in a Mafia romance novel, along with extremely hot, spicy scenes. It is a story of enemies to lovers, a virgin and a sadist, forced marriage, and unseen enemies. Told in the first person, the story is set during Christmas time and has a great twist at the end.

The dual point of view gives deep insight into both characters. From red-hot spicy scenes to brutal mafia confrontations, this book keeps you on edge. A thrilling, can't put down, and unforgettable read!.

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

[Brenda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay...

I had a hard time reviewing this book The Writing editing and the story were pretty good. I disliked the way that they got together physically a month after the killing of her fiance which was the mmc's brother. Same old story, they hated each other but yet they got together sexually. Which would have been a lot less offensive if she had not loved her fiance and it had just been an arranged marriage. Almost every physical encounter seemed abusive. Tying her up using a whip ni@@le clamps. Supposably she liked it which seemed unrealistic with her being a virgin. I struggle with why authors putting this sort of thing into a romance no woman I know wants to be hit LOL

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic book! The story of Catarina and Matysh captivates you from the very beginning and makes it hard to put down.
They hate each other and are forced to marry. Their journey is a rollercoaster with plenty of action, danger, trauma, drama, healing, a dark edge, and his obsessive side emerging when her life and that of their unborn child are in danger. Plenty of love, romance, and steamy moments.



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

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Savage Mafia Empire Series by this author. It is an age gap, off limits mafia romance between Catarina and Matysh. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a forced marriage turns into something more. It is a captivating love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, danger and suspense, and twists and turn, and interesting secondary characters. A page turner.

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

[Kathy L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 1/2 star rating*

I liked this story! It was a short adventure with plenty going on and it was enjoyable. Definitely a Christmas theme throughout the pages.
There were moments the timeline didn't fit the storyline as it progressed towards Christmas. It almost felt like it should've started a bit before Thanksgiving but it was a small insignificant detail that didn't take from the story but did make me pause and think a few times.
The characters story was a fast paced one but still good and you got to see them connecting. And the action was an added little bonus.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding and a death on the same day plus a promise made by Mikhail the groom with his last breath.
Another wedding same bride Catarina and Mikhail's brother Matysh the groom who believes she was behind the death.
A promise made is the only thing keeping him from killing her but when danger comes looking for them both love brings them closer.
This story starts with a bang and will keep you guessing until the very end who is responsible and why.
Not an easy book to put down for long.

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

This story is explosive with the main characters on the same page being death, When Catarina's fiancé is killed on the day of her wedding she ends up marrying his brother and their love hate relationship begins. Itis filled with suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat to see how it all ends for them.

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

[P Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do... I did...

This Mafia Christmas Book is so great. It reads so easily, you can get it done in one sitting. It has everything a great Mafia book has, the contracts, enemies, power struggle and violence. But it's got that steamy vibe that we all love too. I was so caught up in it I didn't even look for the twist that was dropped on me! It was sensational!.

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

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valencia Rose tells a wonderful story of loss and love after, even if the love takes a little while to get there. Catarina is handed a bad hand, and as a mafia princess she is strong and courageous. Matysh may be a monster, but he keeps his promises and protects Catarina at all costs. It was great to see their HEA as it was taking place because they both deserved it. Together they are unstoppable.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seductively dark mafia holiday romance. And it is delicious.

The plot was intriguing, exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were so very appealing and complex and complicated and compelling and so perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Bratva Christmas starts off with a bang, literally, and continues throughout the book with one action filled scene after another. Catarina starts out marrying one guy and ends up marrying another in this intense, intriguing, dramatic journey. Catarina and Matysh's story is nonstop drama, suspense and steam. A definite must read!

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark romance, mafia and on top it’s happening at christmas - can it get better?

Yes, if you mix it with forced marriage, excellent spice, action, danger, trauma, healing, drama, darkness, possessiveness and love.

A book that’s captivating, not for the faint heart, thrilling and exciting.

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

[Kerri Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so dang amazing! You will not be disappointed in this roller coaster of a ride. Mikhail and Cartarina hate each other. She was to marry Mikhail’s brother but he was killed that their wedding. So Mikhail stepped up and took his brother’s place. They are enemies but quickly fall in love when someone is trying to kill her and their unborn child.so good.

[Jamie Schobert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't like a mafia book but this one is good. The characters start off hating each other cause the female main character is in love with his brother but when things get out of hand they figure out that they can't live without each other.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Danger

Catarina and Matysh are forced into a marriage to unite their rival families. While their initial interactions were contentious, these two are drawn together. I could not help to enjoy each and every chapter as it was suspenseful, steamy and entertaining. This was a fantastic read.

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

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

hit the mark

The storyline all felt a bit rushed but the author did manage to include all the fun tropes we all love. I just wish it would have been drawn out a bit more so it didn’t feel like that insta love, complete 360 just out of the blue.
The book was a fun Christmas read and won’t hesitate to read more from the author.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you warm, your pulse pounding and your heart racing just looking at the cover, but just you wait because OMG Matysh and Catarina deliver one heck of a book just waiting for you. I found this romance book thrilling and suspenseful as well as page turning.

[Ashley And · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! So much so that I ended up reading it all in one night! I just couldn’t put it down! It has the perfect amount of spice and romance with a side of Christmas!

[june · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, emotional

This was intense, lots of twists and turns. Definitely was glued to story line. Lots of emotions as I'm reading thru story. Enjoy the unexpected,and happy endings. Will look forward to other books of yours.

[MandaC86 · Rating 3 out of 5]

😑

This was just a stocking stuffer it wasn't my bag and it just felt wrong somehow and forced to be Christmas take those elements out and it would have been just another mafia book that you forgot about. Not my cup of tea

[Laurie hammarstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! ❤️🔥🔥

Such a good storyline that pulled me in immediately. I
love Maytsh and Caterina, their characters are written so well. Both characters are head strong but they are made for each other. I have only read two books by Valencia Rose and I loved both of them.

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved it!!!! I ate this up and left no crumbs... such a great read!!!
I loved it ....he was such an a hole but loved it!!!! Great book!!!