Cruel Juliet

Gubarev Bratva #2

by Naomi West

I ran.
He found me.
And he's not letting me go again.

Being eight months pregnant means I'm not doing much running these days.
Thank God—I've done enough running for a lifetime.
I've got a new name, a new life, and a tiny cottage by the ocean where no one knows who I am.
I've even started to let myself believe I'm safe.

Then I come home to find Petyr Gubarev in my living room.

He's furious, dangerous, and demanding I return with him.
Return?! With him?! Is he crazy?!
The same man who admitted he'd been lying to me from the start?
That he knew who I was all along?
That he married me to use me against my family?

Uh, that's gonna be a "no" from me, my friend.

But Petyr isn't asking.
And the problem is, my "no" isn't as forceful as it should be.
Because no matter how many times he used me for his plans and his pleasure...
... part of me always wanted more.

So here I go again, back down the Bratva rabbit hole.
But this time, I'm walking in with my eyes wide open.
Let's see which one of us breaks first.

CRUEL JULIET is Book 2 in the Gubarev Bratva duet. The story begins in Book 1, CRUEL ROMEO.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance

468 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

Reviews

[Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So all in all I enjoyed this duet.. it had all the trobes I usually go for and the spice was perfect. The reason for my 4/5 star rating is the MMC annoyed me with how much he pandered to his sister in law, it was way too much lol

[Kat Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we left off on Sima running and she did well it took Petyr 6 months to find her she's now 8 months pregnant and being brought "home" locked in her room and treated awfully by Luca, Petyr, anya and kira, Luca because her family killed his, Petyr because he felt abandoned Kira is jelous and honestly I don't know anyas provlem, it takes a while but Petyr and sima start to recover he gives more freedom and she starts to forgive, but the other members of the house are not so happy, anya threatens her with what Petyr should do, Luca shows his disdain and Kira brings her food with bitter words, it takes Petyr coming home to her out of it on the bathroom floor to realise she needs him, they think it's some kind of bug, Petyr starts treating her better, but then there's a shooting sima tries to find out if Petyr is ok and Luca brushes her off treats her badly, she's found curled up crying thinking somethings happened to him and Petyr has words with Luca, which is a turning point for them. Luca finds her at the bottom of the stairs having fallen, her waters have broke they really bond through that experience and the baby is born that night sima admits she didn't fall she was pushed that's when they realise someone's working against them, but who in the house would do that and how far will they go? Can they deal with the Danilo's intime?.

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

[beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

He was a total dick and then he kissed her and suddenly she forgave him??? Like tf

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Juliet is book two in the Gubarev Bratva duet. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating and ends with a happily-ever-after. The story begins in book one Cruel Romeo. This is Petyr and Sima story which is told from a dual point of view. You will love this book if you love a dark Bratva romance with lots of twists and turns you didn't see coming. A fast paced, dark, thrilling and twisted story. Immerse yourself in this rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane adventures, non-stop action, secrecy, mystery and heart-stirring emotions. An absorbing and unputdownable read. This story is wonderfully written with characters that are fierce, resilient, shrewd, brave, protective, passionate and powerful.
A dark mafia romance, romantic suspense story, women's crime fiction story, organize crime story, contemporary romance, Bratva romance, billionaires & millionaires romance, general romance, secret baby romance, fake marriage romance, forced proximity romance, action & adventure romance, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero romance, morally-grey antihero romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story,
forced marriage romance, mob romance, second chance romance with enemies, fear, hidden agendas, scorching hot passion, guilt, distrust, madness, darkness, manipulation, rivalry, revenge, violence hatred, lies, danger, violence, resilience, survival, push and pull, power play, mob war, pain and hurt, mole, revelations, double-cross, surprises, traitor, steam, backstabbing, love, healing, murder, bloodshed, deception, internal conflicts, alliance, sadness, insecurities, family found, submission, dominance, misunderstandings, friendship, forgiveness and acceptance and so much more. There are some definite intense, suspenseful, and downright violent moments, but I loved it all!
The story continues where it left off where Sima learned that Petyr knew who she was all along and was only using her against her dad so she ran, and that was months pregnant. She also took was just in case money from Petyr, now she's being hunted by the mob in New York. Petyr threaten to take the baby away from Sima and threw her back to the family that she has ran from. She run and run south until she end up in the Florida Keys and changed her name again to Felicity Bennet. A cottage right on the ocean side. When Petyr found her he didn't gave her a choice in the matter of coming back with him. She told him that she was having a girl therefore she was not suitable for a Bratva heir. But he told her that they would just have to keep trying until she gives him the heir that she promised so until then she was bound to him. She had barter her body to him on her wedding night where she would give him a heir and he would set her free and make her a wealth woman. But unbeknowing to her he didn't have any plans and doing so he was going to throw back to her family who he was fighting with.
He brought her back to his house and lock her into a guest room like a prisoner. Sima is still plotting and trying to escape again. The two doesn't trust each other. She doesn't want her daughter to grow up the way that she did like a prisoner in a glided cage; plus everyone hates her in house because they found out that she's a Danilo, Anaya the housekeeper and Kira her husband's sister-in-law all treats her bad. For six months while he hunt her all over the country he was a complete mess. He was worried that his enemies could have gotten to her and she also as enemies. He was living wreck for months and let a lot of things fall by the wayside. Petyr and the Danilo's have been killing each other men flooding the streets with blood. He know that he should have trusted her because everything that she said was all true and if it wasn't for her he would've been in the bottom of the lake.
Petyr has strong feelings for her and as to keep her lock away so that he doesn't fall back in the pattern that they had before she runs. He's fighting an inner battle to stay away. Petyr eventually found out that Sima was the run away mafia princess who was presume dead, but ran away when she was twelve years old. They must navigate through, drama all the treachery, enemies traitor, betrayals and secrets within their inner and outer circle in order to survive and get their HEA. They had their daughter and they both loved her and he made her keep the baby which helped her. She was even reunited with her sister Lara and Petyr defeated her family.

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

[Jordan Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I really loved this duet and it wasn’t even because of the spice. I just loved the characters.

Petyer and Sima pulled me in right away.

Book one starts with Sima, who goes by Sammie. She’s a wedding planner and today she’s running her clients wedding. Sima left behind her troubled past as a Pakhan’s daughter and created a new identity so she could never be found. Everything changes when she realizes the wedding she’s planning is a bratva one, and she suddenly fears she’ll be recognized. When she accidentally bumps into the groom, neither of them can deny the spark between them.

Petyer feels it immediately. He decides right then that he knows her from somewhere, and that he can marry anyone as long as he has a bride. Who better than her.

I love that he already knew exactly who she was and kept it quiet. Even though he knew she was the daughter of his biggest rival, the man who killed his father. It starts with him wanting revenge, but he has no clue how quickly his feelings will take over.

Their relationship moves fast. The sexual tension, the deal they make, the contract that she will give him an heir. What he offers her is freedom. Freedom, money and the chance to finally stop running. Deep down she knows that if she agrees, she’ll be set for life.

She moves in and starts living the life of a bratva wife. They start sleeping together constantly to get pregnant.

Meanwhile Petyer is already dealing with his brother Dimitri being in a coma in the hospital. Dimitri’s wife is living with them and acting threatened and strange toward Sima. On top of all that, Sima knows she has to tell him the truth soon because she is falling for him.

Earlier in the day there is an attack on Dimitri at the hospital. The moment Petyer gets the news, he starts spiraling and questioning everyone around him.

Later, when Sima tries to tell him the truth about who she is, he is already on edge from the attack. She also tells him something he refuses to believe at first. She warns him that Lev, his right hand and second in command, is a traitor who will turn on him.

Instead of listening, he lashes out. He blames her, tells her he always knew who she was and acts like that alone makes her the enemy.

And once again, when things get too heavy, Sima runs.

But of course she was right. Petyer walks into an ambush because of Lev. I was glad he found out the truth and killed him, but it broke my heart a little. His brother is in a coma and Lev was the closest thing he had left. Losing Lev was a hit he never expected.

Book two had me hoping Petyer’s grovel would be a little stronger, but I really loved how her relationship with her bodyguard Luka healed and grew.

When Kira suddenly started acting sweet, I knew something was off.

They have their baby and I loved that she named her after Petyer’s mother.

When it finally comes out that Kira is completely unhinged and behind so many of the problems, everything makes sense. She tricked Sima into going to lunch just to hand her over to her horrible family. Thank God Petyer knew better. He knew Sima would never leave him again, especially not without their daughter.

Finding out Kira planned her own husband’s death because he was basically a vegetable, and because she wanted to be the Pakhan’s wife, was wild. She wanted Petyer, believed she’d make a better wife and was ready to kill Sima and the baby to clear the path. I was honestly glad he ended her.

I loved the ending. Loved that he found Sima’s sister. Loved their four kids. I still wish Luka had gotten something more because he was such a sweetheart.

Good book

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cruel Juliet” the second and final book in the “Gubarev Bratva Duet.” Sima Danilo, once heir to a vast, bloody dynasty, has now been rebranded and reborn as Sammi Banks, wedding planner extraordinaire with zero connections to the criminal underworld. Petyr Gubarev is the new pakhan of the Gubarev Bratva as of last week. Sima is now married to Petyr and pregnant with his child, heir to the Gubarev Bratva.

With her estranged father and brother being responsible for the death of his father and putting his brother in a coma, Petyr finds out who she is and who her family is. Worst thing is that he thinks she has betrayed him. Sima does the only the thing she knows how to do….she runs. She has to protect herself and the life of her unborn child, no matter the cost!

With a new name, a new life, and a tiny cottage by the ocean in Florida Keys where no one knows who she is. Sima is now eight months pregnant and not in the state to run. “I swallow hard, push the panic down, and rest my hand on my belly. The baby shifts, a firm kick against my palm.”

Arriving home from work, the front door is unlocked….something is wrong. “Petyr Gubarev. Sitting in my living room like he owns the place and everything in it. Including me.” She is forced to return home. “Goodbye, Felicity. It was nice while it lasted.” No one speaks to her or acknowledges her, except on open hostility. “I don’t know if it’s because I ran from him or because of who my family is. Maybe it’s both. Either way, it’s clear: I am not welcome here.” Once back at Petyr’s home, she is locked in a room, on her own.

Petyr and Sima’s relationship is tumultuous - with many twists and turns around each corner. Slowly the barriers come down….will they be able to trust each other again? Will they be able to save their relationship and possibly become more? Will their relationship survive? Will their pasts destroy any chance of a future together? Will parenthood bring them closer to each other? So many questions …. you will be hooked!

The story is full of passion, intrigue, romance, danger, drama, betrayal,twists and turns around every corner! The sizzle between Petyr and Sima jumps off the page - it is electric! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, intrigue, death, power, action and passion. There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a dark mafia romance! I did not want it to end! From page to page, chapter to chapter, I could not put it down - you will metaphorically be on the edge of your chair! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

When trust is gone and everything falls apart, Sima does what she has always done best…protect her peace and run. What she does not realize is that Petyr has no intention of letting her go without a fight. And when they inevitably collide again, somewhere along the way of their bumpy love story, they are reminded of why they fell in love to begin with.

This one was a hard read in the best way. A big portion of the book is spent picking up the shattered pieces of their relationship, and that is what made their love feel so earned, so real.

“I’m yours. Always yours.”

Sima is still my favourite girl boss. She has been through so much and has fought for her freedom and her agency with everything she has. I felt terrible for her inner conflicts, the things she had to endure, and the constant ache in her heart. My girl deserved better at every turn, and I admired her pick-herself-up-and-keep-going attitude so much.

And Petyr…oh Petyr. I struggled with him in the first half because I knew he could do better, be better, and love better. But hey, those flaws are what made him human. You could truly feel the internal tug-of-war between what his role as Pakhan demanded and what his heart wanted. In the end, it was his growth that really made waves, watching him grow into the man Sima always deserved was incredibly satisfying.

The plot was easily the strongest part of this duet. It kept me guessing, never dragged, and delivered emotional punch after emotional punch (someone get me bruise cream, my heart needs it!). Naomi West hit every mark with this finale, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. These two enemy heirs finally got their hard-won happy ending, and it made every up and down worth it.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima ran away from Petyr months ago after he accused her of being a traitor. Sima is now 8 months pregnant and living at a wedding planners again in Florida under the name of Felicity Bennet. One day after working twelve hours as an assistant wedding planner she comes home to find Petyr in her cottage. Petyr has been looking for Sima for months after he realized that she isn’t the traitor that he thought she was. Petyr loves Sima but he is not an emotional man. Petyr brings Sima back to New York and sets her up in a guest room instead of their old room. Kira is married to Dimitri, Petyr’s oldest brother, who has been recovering from a coma after being shot. Kira has been trying to make a move on Petyr but he won’t have anything to do with her. Sima is waiting for Petyr to come home and she hears a baby crying, she goes to check and gets pushed down the stairs. Luka finds Sima and takes her to the hospital. Petyr is notified that Sima is in labor. Kira continues to cause Petyr to second guess Sima. Will Petyr ever discover Kira’s true intentions before it’s too late? Will Petyr and Sima’s family ever resolve their fight? Will Dimitri fully recover? Will Petyr and Sima go on to have a beautiful family and a happy life?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.

Awesome Conclusion to Gubarev Bratva Duet!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Juliet picks up right where Cruel Romeo left off, continuing Sima and Petyr’s intense, complicated story—one built on lies, secrets, and survival. This installment never slows down. It’s a captivating ride filled with betrayals, twists, and unexpected turns that keep you fully hooked.

Amid all the danger and deception, there’s also forgiveness, healing, and a love that refuses to break, no matter how impossible it seems. The found-family element adds even more heart to the story, giving Sima and Petyr a sense of belonging they’ve both desperately needed.

A gripping follow-up that deepens the stakes and the emotions.

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

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat and tidy ending

Book 2 picks up 6 months later, Sima is 8 months along and still hiding which comes to an end as Petyr has found her, and none too gently dragged her home.

Now she's a prisoner at home and everyone doesn't like her. Anya and Kira as usual, the men because they've found out she's a Danilo. Petyr's hate feels the worst because she still loves him yet he's treating her like the enemy.

Sima is having to navigate their hate but also weird things that have been happening. Twice she is compromised. Here is where the story lost a star because she knows what's happening to her but she's doubting her instincts.

Little Lilia is eventually born and things seem rosy but enemies are still lurking and Petyr and Anya will have to make some hard decisions

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fast paced dark mafia story with Petyr and Sima. The truth finally came out, he knew she was a lost mafia princess, she was assumed dead, when he forced her to marry him. He always knew she was the wild card he controlled, or did he. She comes into her own power, power to change everything. Her life, her child, her love and the lives of everyone about to go to into a bloody mafia war. A captivating story that never stops it’s filled with secrets, lies and betrayal with twists and turns to keep your interest and guessing until the end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing!!
Epic conclusion!! The second book in the Gubarev Bratva delivered in the most REMARKABLE way.

Completely and totally exhilarating! I couldn’t wait to read Petyr and Sima’s HEA.
The intensity of their marriage and relationship is so fierce and highly passionate.
We still get all the suspense, family drama and intrigue we got in the first book but with more heart-gripping and emotional moments.
The chemistry is blazing, but now there’s a deeper connection that adds more depth to their bond and love for one another.
The perfect kind of mafia romance to escape into.
I was wonderfully impressed and satisfied with Petyr and Sima addictive and captivating story.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Juliet by Naomi West is book 2 of the Gubarev Bratva duet, and the conclusion to the story following Petyr and Sima. She left. She’s living incognito in a small beach house. She’s invisible. Until she comes home and finds Petyr has found her.

Whew!!! This story just blew my mind!!! I loved these two and their anger…and desire towards each other. Seems they can’t be without the other. Now, she knows that that he’s discovered the truth…everything will change. Unputdownable read that will have you gasping with shock and following a story that is unbelievably engrossing!!! Loved this sooooooooooo much!!!!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book of this duet titled the Gubarev Bratva Duet. This book was even more so. This book continues with Petyr and Sima. Petyr finally finds out who Sima is: a lost mafia princess, presumed dead when so there was no reason not to get her to marry him. Slowly she comes into her own. Gains confidence and transform everything. The love she has for her child is unmeasurable. This story is beyond compelling- it is a gripping tale that will keep you turning pages and you’ll want to read it again.

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

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concludes this series and just when nobody can find her while she waits for the baby being born now at eight months.
Petyr is waiting for her and she's back where she started inky this time locked in a bedroom with no chance of escape.
Although it was his fault she ran, his treatment of her is absolutely horrible and this time everyone as turned against her not like last time when it was Kara, his sister in law.
Will he ever admit to loving her or even to trust her again, perhaps when the baby is born.

[Debleena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am never going to understand, how her books get 4+ stars when in each of her duet she shows the FMC as a pathetic doormat who forgive with little to no grovel. Naomi's stories make me pity her, because only someone with next to no self esteem or dignity can write stories about mc's being disgusting loathsome pigs who make huge errors and then force their presence on FMC, and the fmc's being so pitiful and pathetic take these loathsome trashes back. No more of her waste of space, waste of time books for me or my little book girlies , that's for sure.

[barbie hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

She ran, he found her.

Sima and Petyr's story continues with their once passionate relationship now turbulent and broken. It's a tale with multiple villains and malicious forces that contribute to the destruction of their marriage. Danger, violence and betrayal surround them and their relationship keeps evolving into something more. The characters are multidimensional and the riveting plot is full of action, suspense and passion. The dialogue is sometimes clever and funny, sometimes intense and always addictive. I highly recommend this two book series!

[Fan29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up about 8 months later. Sima is in hiding but Petyr finds her and brings her back. I don’t like how he locked her up but his fear was obvious yet he could have been more honest with Sima. But I loved how he cares about her and worries. His loyalty to her I loved. I loved the side characters especially Luka. I’m glad he came around and was there for Sima. I also loved how we kept guessing about Kira and Anya. Definitely loved this series. It’s by far one of my favorites. Highly recommend it.
Arc given for an honest review.

[Natalie Dees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo good. Predictable but what mafia romance isn’t after you’ve read too many to admit to a therapist haha love how everything worked out and the pus and pull throughout their relationship. They both deserved their HEA. I wish there was a bit more for some of the side characters and there were a few errors that were confusing. For example part way through the book it was said that Simas dad was dead but he wasn’t and then it was corrected in the next chapter. Kind of odd. Oh well. Still really good.

[Dre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still have mixed feelings about the MFC

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and the MMC. The MFC - not so much. Not sure what it is about her that just sets me off. I seen the betrayal coming a mile away and was hoping for more… more drama? Violence? Honestly I don’t know, just more. There were a few discrepancies that threw me for a loop. Apparently two months passed then how was the baby only a month old. How did 2 years go by then another 10 years and the kid be only 10 and not 12?

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Gubarev Bratva duet and concludes the story of Sima and Petyr. In this book, we pick up where the first ended, continuing with the love and relationship they've built, leading to their happy ever after. Unfortunately, before they can have their HEA, they must deal with some drama and betrayal. So, buckle up, you're in for a ride.

This book, like the first in the duet, hooked me from the start, and I could not get enough. 5 stars all the way!!

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Book 2
Loved reading Cruel Juliet which is book 2 and the conclusion of the Gubarev Bratva. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down because it was so good. So many twist-n-turns, action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was rooting for Sima and Petyr until the very end and the chemistry between them was extremely hot and I loved their story!!

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Juliet (Book 2 of Gubarev Bratva) by Naomi West. This one picks up were Cruel Romeo left off, same intense drama and heated chemistry, and good amount of character growth as the story progresses. A fake marriage that ends up with very real feelings and a sweet bundle of joy for these two. I enjoyed their story and would recommend it to others.

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

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, the beginning of this book made me very annoyed with both the FMC and the MMC, but really with the MMC. However, it picked up, got spicy and had a good ending/HEA. This book series had plot and spice, which is amazing! 🤩 theintrigue throughout this series was so good and kept me guessing. I do wish some parts were a bit less repetitive for pacing purposes, but this was still a really good Bratva romance. 🔥😎

[chris fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion that I couldn’t put down. These two had a hard fought HEA.

Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers .. yep so many ups and downs.

Men who are raised that love is a weakness find out that it really isn’t.

Demons are met and beat.
Alliances made
Friends become family

I truly enjoyed this and was sad to get to the end.

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

[Pat Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petyr and Sima's Story

I really enjoyed this duet.
Petyr Gubarev is an interesting character. Thrust into the Pakhan role when his father is assassinated and his older brother is in a coma, he overcomes intense challenges.
Sima Danilo is forced to marry Petyr while hiding0 her true identity as the daughter of his chief enemy.
Their love story is intense and rocky but satisfying. I recommend this book

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

Cruel Juliet is the exciting conclusion to this series, and it is filled with twists and turns that had me glued to the pages and all caught up in Sima and Petyr. She ran away once, and Petyr pursued and has caught his woman. Will his pursuit finally lead them to the happiness they finally deserve.

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

[CJ]

This is Book Two of the Gubarev Bratva Duet and picks up where Book One, Cruel Romeo, left off. The fast-paced dark mafia pulls us further into the lives of Petyr and Sima. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with secrets, betrayal, danger and steam.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima ran when she learned that Petyr knew about her all along but she didnt run alone, and when he catches up to her he doesnt plan on letting her get a second chance to run. Well written engaging steamy drama desires, second chances and more.

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

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, in this one, I am siding with Sima. But I liked how Petyr knew what he did was wrong and was fighting his inner battle to do the right thing while protecting Sima as well.

I loved how the story ended for everyone, including Lara. The ending was exactly what we like in a Naomi West book.🙌🏼.