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His Reluctant Salvation: An Age Gap Forbidden Bratva Romance
I met him in a storm of blood and chaos.
A mafia king bleeding on my ER table—
cold eyes, ruthless aura,
a man carved from violence and vengeance.
I should’ve walked away.
Instead, I saved him.
And that single choice pulled me into a world
I was never meant to survive.
His enemies hunted him.
Then they hunted his daughter.
And before I realized what was happening…
they began hunting me too.
Mikhail Orlov claims he’s protecting me.
But protection in his world feels a lot like captivity—
guns, guards, shadows whispering my name.
He sits on a throne built from blood,
and I’m the outsider he refuses to let go.
I tell myself I’m too soft for this life—
too moral, too breakable, too good.
But the thing about monsters like him?
They fear only one thing—
losing the woman who sees the man beneath the brutality.
And the truth I hate admitting?
In a world full of predators…
I’ve never felt safer than I do with him.
Author’s A dark, emotional, forbidden age-gap mafia romance. No Cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.
A mafia king bleeding on my ER table—
cold eyes, ruthless aura,
a man carved from violence and vengeance.
I should’ve walked away.
Instead, I saved him.
And that single choice pulled me into a world
I was never meant to survive.
His enemies hunted him.
Then they hunted his daughter.
And before I realized what was happening…
they began hunting me too.
Mikhail Orlov claims he’s protecting me.
But protection in his world feels a lot like captivity—
guns, guards, shadows whispering my name.
He sits on a throne built from blood,
and I’m the outsider he refuses to let go.
I tell myself I’m too soft for this life—
too moral, too breakable, too good.
But the thing about monsters like him?
They fear only one thing—
losing the woman who sees the man beneath the brutality.
And the truth I hate admitting?
In a world full of predators…
I’ve never felt safer than I do with him.
Author’s A dark, emotional, forbidden age-gap mafia romance. No Cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 7, 2026
the plotline was promising but the execution leaves much to be desired…
Did Not Finish
March 16, 2026Not a fan of the writing style DNF 10%
January 23, 2026
The Doctor meets the dangerous Orlov Family
Nothing prepared Claire Donovan for working in a NY hospital. She's a doctor from the UK, looking for something new, an adventure. What happens suddenly is more violence than she expected or wanted in her ER. Claire is a good woman with very black and white judgements of good and unacceptable in people and situations. That's about to be challenged! This handsome, odd, strong man just keeps up saving her before she even knew who he was !
Mikhail Orlov is the boss, The Mafia King who is 50ish had been forced into an arranged marriage that produced an older son, Andre his right hand man. And his fifteen year old daughter, Anya who he never got to see or raise. Andre was the only child that he had been allowed to keep. The family that raised Anya taught her to hate and loath her father. And boy did she ever. She bought into all of their lies.
Not only did Mikhail have his son in his "business" but his trusted nephews Sergi and Roman.
Jack Harroun, another ER doctor is known for being good at his job but after a while Claire began to wonder about his motives.
This is an emotional story and I began to feel really sorry for Mikhail. He really didn't want any women in his life at first. And I could see why. His first wife Olga hated him and rejected him at every chance she got. His daughter when she "had" to be returned to him did the same. There was a strong attraction between Mikhail and Claire but he was afraid to let anything happen. He wasn't going to let that beautiful smart doctor in and just be rejected again ! He was afraid that she would only see him as an Executioner. The battles were intense and he worked so hard to protect his family, those he cared about and his organization. The attacks kept coming from all sides it seemed. I kept thinking, "How do "they" keep breaking into his house? He had all those guards, inside and out and all the security measures. It sure kept things exciting ! I also kept thinking, "How is it ever going to work out between The Doc and the Mafia Man? Yes, the heat was definitely there for sure. And he does save her time and again. By the way, I loved how it ended !
Oh, a side note I would like to see what happens to Anya when she gets old enough to get married !
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nothing prepared Claire Donovan for working in a NY hospital. She's a doctor from the UK, looking for something new, an adventure. What happens suddenly is more violence than she expected or wanted in her ER. Claire is a good woman with very black and white judgements of good and unacceptable in people and situations. That's about to be challenged! This handsome, odd, strong man just keeps up saving her before she even knew who he was !
Mikhail Orlov is the boss, The Mafia King who is 50ish had been forced into an arranged marriage that produced an older son, Andre his right hand man. And his fifteen year old daughter, Anya who he never got to see or raise. Andre was the only child that he had been allowed to keep. The family that raised Anya taught her to hate and loath her father. And boy did she ever. She bought into all of their lies.
Not only did Mikhail have his son in his "business" but his trusted nephews Sergi and Roman.
Jack Harroun, another ER doctor is known for being good at his job but after a while Claire began to wonder about his motives.
This is an emotional story and I began to feel really sorry for Mikhail. He really didn't want any women in his life at first. And I could see why. His first wife Olga hated him and rejected him at every chance she got. His daughter when she "had" to be returned to him did the same. There was a strong attraction between Mikhail and Claire but he was afraid to let anything happen. He wasn't going to let that beautiful smart doctor in and just be rejected again ! He was afraid that she would only see him as an Executioner. The battles were intense and he worked so hard to protect his family, those he cared about and his organization. The attacks kept coming from all sides it seemed. I kept thinking, "How do "they" keep breaking into his house? He had all those guards, inside and out and all the security measures. It sure kept things exciting ! I also kept thinking, "How is it ever going to work out between The Doc and the Mafia Man? Yes, the heat was definitely there for sure. And he does save her time and again. By the way, I loved how it ended !
Oh, a side note I would like to see what happens to Anya when she gets old enough to get married !
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I am obsessed with this book. The character development of not only the main characters is fantastic and the side characters have enough bread crumbs for you to follow along without being able to guess the plot twists ahead of time.
You could really feel the hurt in Mikhails past when you read his internal thoughts and how he struggled to overcome not being accepted by his first wife of his daughter which created barriers to being open to a new woman. He thought that control kept everyone safe but it just created distance.
Claire struggled with being sheltered and struggling to understand that all things exist in a shade of gray, whether she was brought up that way or not. She essentially is forced to choose between her ingrained ideas of her upbringing and her love for Mikhail. Luckily, life gave her more than once chance and a shove in the right direction.
The two of them had explosive chemistry and even though it took a while, they did learn how to work together be be stronger instea of against one another. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel with the book having Mikhail being so indifferent about his daughter right off the bat, but once Claire showed up at the house, I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You could really feel the hurt in Mikhails past when you read his internal thoughts and how he struggled to overcome not being accepted by his first wife of his daughter which created barriers to being open to a new woman. He thought that control kept everyone safe but it just created distance.
Claire struggled with being sheltered and struggling to understand that all things exist in a shade of gray, whether she was brought up that way or not. She essentially is forced to choose between her ingrained ideas of her upbringing and her love for Mikhail. Luckily, life gave her more than once chance and a shove in the right direction.
The two of them had explosive chemistry and even though it took a while, they did learn how to work together be be stronger instea of against one another. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel with the book having Mikhail being so indifferent about his daughter right off the bat, but once Claire showed up at the house, I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2026
3,5 rounded-up to 4 stars!
Russian bratva boss fell for doctor who helped patching him up after he got shots. She actually fell for him too but she had her mind only on black and white of the world. Their story to finally reach their HEAs was interesting. I enjoyed reading this book though the writing style made the story kinda dragging. I found this book had quite many plot holes. By the end of the book I still had questions unanswered.
Mikhail, the hero, was actually really good. I loved that he got arc redemption and character growth. He got portrayed as cruel mean man but deep inside he had insecurities. He listened to his right hand men too. They were his son and nephews, but I liked that he was not arrogant boss.
Claire, the heroine, was so stubborn. She needed to be in dangerous twice to finally accept that she belonged to Mikhail. Her character was actually refreshing for me because I usually read mafia romance with FMC who already familiar or in the circle of mafia world, unlike Claire who had zero awareness about it.
Though this book didn't blow my mind, I would definitely read the following books in this series. I slightly invest in the characters already.
Russian bratva boss fell for doctor who helped patching him up after he got shots. She actually fell for him too but she had her mind only on black and white of the world. Their story to finally reach their HEAs was interesting. I enjoyed reading this book though the writing style made the story kinda dragging. I found this book had quite many plot holes. By the end of the book I still had questions unanswered.
Mikhail, the hero, was actually really good. I loved that he got arc redemption and character growth. He got portrayed as cruel mean man but deep inside he had insecurities. He listened to his right hand men too. They were his son and nephews, but I liked that he was not arrogant boss.
Claire, the heroine, was so stubborn. She needed to be in dangerous twice to finally accept that she belonged to Mikhail. Her character was actually refreshing for me because I usually read mafia romance with FMC who already familiar or in the circle of mafia world, unlike Claire who had zero awareness about it.
Though this book didn't blow my mind, I would definitely read the following books in this series. I slightly invest in the characters already.
Review of advance copy
A doctor (Claire) ends up with Mikhail on her table, seeing him up. She has no idea who he was. And didn’t really find out until he kidnapped her to keep her safe. Mikhail has a previous marriage and his daughter lived with the wife’s family, their son with him. She was a total pain in the rear. Had to go live with dad. That pissed her off. He doesn’t know hire to deal with her. Claire isn’t happy about being kidnapped either. But he only did it because of the target on her back.
This book was so intense. I devoured it. The danger and chaos were real in this. Say was the desire and spice. Once Claire realized what she was up against and why Mikhail took her, she was more at ease. Then the sparks started to ignite between them. Pure fire.
I was totally engrossed in this book. Looking forward to reading more.
This book was so intense. I devoured it. The danger and chaos were real in this. Say was the desire and spice. Once Claire realized what she was up against and why Mikhail took her, she was more at ease. Then the sparks started to ignite between them. Pure fire.
I was totally engrossed in this book. Looking forward to reading more.
Review of advance copy
Mikhail was one man you really should make angry Russian Pakhan one very violent man outside of the family.
Years ago an arranged marriage resulted in a son living with him and a daughter brought up with his dead wife's family.
This is all about to change when Anya a teenager also a brat comes to live with him for good and doesn't know how to deal with her.
Then there's Claire a young Dr who treated him in hospital that resulted him kidnapping her due to target on her back.
From this you should know by now that there will be fun and games with thus lot, falling in love with your jailer both woman and child rebel.
Even more kidnappings are about to happen.
Not an easy book to put down the violence continues nearly to the end finding the last traitor.
Years ago an arranged marriage resulted in a son living with him and a daughter brought up with his dead wife's family.
This is all about to change when Anya a teenager also a brat comes to live with him for good and doesn't know how to deal with her.
Then there's Claire a young Dr who treated him in hospital that resulted him kidnapping her due to target on her back.
From this you should know by now that there will be fun and games with thus lot, falling in love with your jailer both woman and child rebel.
Even more kidnappings are about to happen.
Not an easy book to put down the violence continues nearly to the end finding the last traitor.
January 29, 2026
Dnf @26%. I did not like how he treated and acted towards his daughter! He wanted to parts of her life for the first 16 years and now he’s basically forced to take her in but has anger towards the situation. He doesn’t treat her like he cares for her or even wants her there. He’s only about his older son, he’s raised him since birth and has love for him but couldn’t show that same to his daughter. I don’t care that he saved her when they were being attacked, he basically insinuates that it was a “chore” and something “he had to do” and not that he did it because he loves his child. I just can’t get over this. I don’t care if he ends up loving her or wants a father/daughter relationship with her, the way he is now is unacceptable and there’s no excuse for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
Loved this book, well written
I am tired of these kind of books where the man screws over the heroine and she forgives him without him apologizing or having a valid reason for it. I just read the first book of another series and it is the last of it left me with an angry mind, like how she do that! This book was NOT like that. A true HEA. I don’t know what you call the other kind or if authors are aware they are doing that. That is bringing women down. Just let him get away with whatever. Can’t tell a series will be like that but it means if the first book is it is also the last! I loved these characters and will buy this and other series by the same good author!!!
I am tired of these kind of books where the man screws over the heroine and she forgives him without him apologizing or having a valid reason for it. I just read the first book of another series and it is the last of it left me with an angry mind, like how she do that! This book was NOT like that. A true HEA. I don’t know what you call the other kind or if authors are aware they are doing that. That is bringing women down. Just let him get away with whatever. Can’t tell a series will be like that but it means if the first book is it is also the last! I loved these characters and will buy this and other series by the same good author!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An arranged marriage left Mikhail unwanted by his late wife his teenage daughter living with her family and their son with him bit when his bratty teen Anya is targeted he brings her home only the nurse from the ER who patched him up is now a target so he brings Claire in saying its protection but his wants go far deeper. Claire didnt know saving the pakhans life would put hers in danger and into Mikhails world one he doesnt plan on letting her leave. Well written engaging steamy desires action and more.
January 17, 2026
This is Book 1 of The Orlov Dynasty series. And a FANrastic start to the series!
'A dark, emotional, forbidden age-gap mafia romance.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A dark, emotional, forbidden age-gap mafia romance.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
Mikhail learns that his teenaged daughter Anya is coming to live with him and son Andre, then comes the drama that leads to him meeting Claire, an ER doctor. Steamy, full of bratva/mafia drama and action, age gap, emotions and forbidden.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2026
Eh, I don’t really know what to say.
It seems that immaturity ran through this book, even with the head of a mafia don. Constant repeats of what they thought and felt. It was a hard read. I kept reading to see if it improved. It did not. I’m just not a fan. The story sucked. Like I said, immaturity ran through this read.
It seems that immaturity ran through this book, even with the head of a mafia don. Constant repeats of what they thought and felt. It was a hard read. I kept reading to see if it improved. It did not. I’m just not a fan. The story sucked. Like I said, immaturity ran through this read.
February 2, 2026
omg the fmc
Claire is a loon! One minute she is running away (twice) and then poof, she all i love u i am staying. She ticked me off so much.
I felt truly sorry for the daughter who didnt seem to have anyone that loved her
Claire is a loon! One minute she is running away (twice) and then poof, she all i love u i am staying. She ticked me off so much.
I felt truly sorry for the daughter who didnt seem to have anyone that loved her
March 1, 2026
His Reluctant Salvation
His Reluctant Salvation by Scarlett Shelton is book one in The Orlov Dynasty.
This book was a bit harder for me to get into. Its a good story just not a fast paced one.
Dc
His Reluctant Salvation by Scarlett Shelton is book one in The Orlov Dynasty.
This book was a bit harder for me to get into. Its a good story just not a fast paced one.
Dc
March 8, 2026
Excellent book!
This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Scarlett Shelton. It was very enjoyable and it won’t be my last. The storylines were well written and the characters were so easy to fall in love with!
This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Scarlett Shelton. It was very enjoyable and it won’t be my last. The storylines were well written and the characters were so easy to fall in love with!
March 25, 2026
DNF at 56% She pissed me off. He did too but she pissed me off more because what the fuck do you mean you left the house, ran to your job the after seeing someone beat up, you ran to the police. Ma’am. Get the fuck out of town
March 27, 2026
DNF I was really hoping this would be good. I only got halfway through before I couldn’t take it anymore. Between his stupid daughter and the doctor, I just wanted to slap both of them. I kept thinking it would get better but it didn’t get better quickly enough.
May 5, 2026
Good read
Fast pace which I like. Good storyline with many different angles. I would recommend you give this story and writer a read. Looking forward to the next book in this series of the Orlov dynasty
Fast pace which I like. Good storyline with many different angles. I would recommend you give this story and writer a read. Looking forward to the next book in this series of the Orlov dynasty
January 25, 2026
This book was so amazing, suspenseful and page-turning, I couldn’t put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to my reading friends and family. Perfect balance of love and chaos.
February 2, 2026
His reluctant salvation was Mikhail and Claire’s journey. It was a roller coaster ride. And voluntarily leaving this review.
February 22, 2026
DNF. Juvenile dialogue
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews