Cruel Romeo

Gubarev Bratva #1

by Naomi West

My husband would kill me if he knew who I really was.
Thank God he doesn’t.
… Right?

I've spent years hiding from my mafia past.
Then I accidentally walk into the wrong room at the wrong time.
And lock eyes with Petyr Gubarev—the man who's about to become the pakhan of my family's biggest rival.

I run.
Duh.
But Petyr needs a wife—immediately—to claim his throne.
So when his arranged bride doesn't show, it's MY name he growls into the microphone.

Just like that, I'm dragged to the altar.
And a very unwilling "I do" is wrenched from my lips.

Now, I'm trapped in Petyr's mansion.
Sharing his bed.
Becoming his everything.

Including, if Petyr gets his way...
... the mother of his child.

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

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Erotica

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

Reviews

[Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me MORE…. On to the second book 👀

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a cliché mafia romance it’s a comfort read for me. But this did not need to be almost 500 pages. The same thoughts are repeated over and over again, to the point where it feels padded instead of compelling. We get it. Move on.

The premise had potential, but the execution was rough. Sima runs away from her Bratva family at 12, stays in the same city, and somehow isn’t found for 12 years? Be serious. And Pyter… for a Bratva boss, he was painfully underwhelming.

The miscommunication trope at the end almost made me DNF. Sima tells him who she is, warns him about her brother’s plan to kill him, names the real informant and he still decides she’s the snake? For no logical reason? Give me a break.

This could’ve been a fun mafia romance. Instead, it was bloated, repetitive, and frustrating.

[Kiki_HeartReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In love with this couple so much and love being with them in this book!! Their banter is hilarious and very realistic. It was like being in the same room as them with how real their relationship felt.

Sima was very relatable and down to earth. I loved her smarts and her badass retorts!! Shes cool and very easy to fall for. She'd be an amazing friend to have.

Petyr had a lot on his plate and his madness in his mind was understandable but his reaction at the end when he found out she was gone was uncalled for and im worried what he will do as He was in the wrong for the most part and without his wife's confession he would be dead so He owes her his life!!!!!

I do wish we get to learn a bit more about Mikhail as I dont think he is a bad person per se just needs to grow up more and understand Petyr abit more.
I also wish we learn more about Dimitri in the next part so lets see. I would like him to be more prominent in the next book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Romeo is book one in the Gubarev Bratva duet. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. The story continues in book two Cruel Juliet. 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. Oozing and dripping with romance, suspense and heat that makes this read not only extremely hard to stop reading. 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. A total page turner with enticing erotic scenes; the perfect mix of interesting characters, personal drama, loads of foul play, and hidden secrets. 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, forced marriage romance, mob romance with hidden agendas, scorching hot passion, distrust, madness, darkness, manipulation, rivalry, revenge, violence hatred, enemies, danger, violence, resilience, survival, push and pull, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, pain and hurt, pleasure and sin, revelations, double-cross, surprises, betrayal, backstabbing, love, treachery, murder, bloodshed, sadness and so much more. There are some definite intense, suspenseful, and downright violent moments, but I loved it all!
Petyr Gubarev is the new pakhan of the Russian Gubarev Bratva as of last week. His father Vladamir Gubarev was shot and killed in broad daylight in his way to church. His eldest son Dimitri Gubarev was spared the same quick death as well, but he's currently comatose. He's ruthless, calculated, cold-hearted, and vicious. He's getting married in order to secure his position as the new pakhan. However, his bride as run away and he's in need of another bride. Bratva princess Sima Danilo run away twelve years ago from her family in order to avoid an arranged marriage. Her sister Lara understood, she knew what burdens she had to bear and follow through with her marriage arrangement. And for years Sima had been working and taking care of herself in her small ratty apartment surviving on cup noodle dinners. Sima doesn't see herself ever getting married and is shocked and her current occupation.
Sima Danilo who's once heir to a vast and bloody dynasty as now been rebranded and reborn as Sammi Banks, wedding planner extraordinarie with zero connections to the criminal underworld. She's saving in order to own her own wedding planning business and is short by exactly $5,329 to start her new life. Luckily, she was working on the wedding of the year which comes with a hefty bonus check and then she will be free. She was doing her last run through of the wedding checking everything when she was stopped blood cold, breath caught when she saw the groom's name Petyr Gubarev, panic seizes her by the throat. Because the killing of his dad was dominating the news for a month. And when Petyr Gubarev gave a public speech to assure the company's shareholders that the family business was in good hands. Only it sounded more like a threat to whoever dared to aim a gun at his kin and she's fairly certain that whoever he was referring into was her dad.
She as been in that life long enough to read the writing on the wall and also remember how her father operates, the lengths that he'll go to secure his power. Although he usually prefers to do it through arranged marriages, but she didn't give him much of an opportunity to barter her away since she had run off. For years she as avoided the Gubarev name, keeping a low profile, ducking her head so far below their radar they'd never think to check. And why would they when she as a new name, a new life. She couldn't believe Petyr was there in this fairytale scene. But then she accidentally walked into the wrong room at the wrong time. And lock eyes with Petyr Gubarev, the man who's about to become the pakhan of her family's biggest rival. He neede a wife immediately to claim his throne. He recognized her as one of the wedding planner and a new plan start formulating.
Sima was shocked when Petyr decided that he wanted to marry her after his bride flee and growls her name into the microphone. And just like that she was dragged to the alter. He forced her down the aisle to marry him. And a very unwilling I do is wrenched from her lips. She believes that he doesn't know who she was and was keeping the secret unbeknowing to her that he knew all along and she was strategic in his plans to bring down her father. Now she's trapped in Petyr's mansion sharing his bed and becoming his everything including if Petyr gets his ways the mother of his child. Their marriage was built on a tangled web of deceit, deception and scandalous secret. All her life people wanted something from Sima and now her husband wants a heir. Petyr wasn't the rightful heir so his every move his being watched, judged, and critique and there's in fight and betrayal is at a foot and he doesn't know who he could trust in having his back. The story ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger.

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cruel Romeo” the first 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. “Russian crime boss Vladimir Gubarev was shot in broad daylight on his way to church, killed on the spot. Dimitri Gubarev, his eldest son, took a bullet, too. He was spared the same quick death his father got, but he’s currently comatose. The prognosis is grim.”

Sima is pretty sure that her estranged father is responsible….the man she has not seen since she ran away when she was twelve. The missing Danilo Bratva princess! When is bride to be fails to go through with the arranged marriage, Petyr still needs a bride….he decides he is marrying her! She is now married to a stranger! If he finds out who she really is, who her family is, she will be dead!

“I would have backed her against the wall. Seen if her mouth stuttered like that when it wasn’t words coming out of it, but moans instead. I would have run my hands up those hips, slid that blazer off her petite shoulders, tugged her zipper lower, lower, lower.”

As per standard for Naomi’s Bratva Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent and dark at times, passion, secrets, loyalty and let’s not forget the heat 🔥🔥between Petyr and Sima. The chemistry between these two is off the page! Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. These two will definitely keep you on your toes….

This book had me hooked from the start! Siena has excelled with the second book in her new series! Being a Mafia Romance story, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between them. You will fall in love with Petyr and Sima, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima has been on the run from her Bratva family for years, so getting caught up in the business of an enemy Pakhan, being forced to marry him, and then expected to give him an heir is the very last thing she ever imagined for herself. But Petyr Gubarev is impossible to resist and once she starts seeing the real man behind the title, it becomes harder to hold on to the secrets and pretenses that threaten their chance at happiness.

I really had a good time reading this duet. Cruel Romeo brought out two of my absolute favourite Bratva romance tropes: a badass FMC and a relationship that burns slow but with intensity.

Sima was SO cool. Quick with the witty one liners, effortlessly likable, and genuinely down to earth despite her background. She was never whiny or annoying, just real. The whole “fingering doth not a new human make” line was HILARIOUS and is just an example at how the banter in this was top tier. Most importantly, I loved watching her grow in confidence because she has fought so hard for her own happiness. She deserves the entire world and then some!

And Petyr… oh Petyr…I liked him so much. He is a Pakhan but not a monster which I appreciated a lot. There is this gentle giant quality to him that felt refreshing and his respect for Sima, even when he was firm or frustrating, made him stand out. Yes, there were moments where he annoyed me because conflict blinds even the most rational person, but his true self, the nerdy historian who loves Sima truly and quietly, was my favourite version of him.

"Always. Yours. No one else's."

Honestly, these two fiery heirs are perfect for each other if they can just move past their insecurities and heavily guarded walls. But what I loved most was how much they learned to compromise. Even though Petyr held the power in the beginning, they slowly shifted into something that felt equal, soft, and real. And when the emotions ramped up and everything fell apart, my stomach dropped. Naomi West brought the drama, the tension, and the high stakes that make this duet addictive. By the way, shoutout to the cover model, who is this man, how do I become his emergency contact?

I am so excited to dive into the second book because Sima and Petyr deserve happiness, healing, and a love that finally feels safe. <3

[Kat Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Naomi West is in my top 5 authors of this genre. She has amazing writing and her plots are always winners for me. Oftentimes you find that the mafia/bratva plot lines are very similar in a lot of ways what i love about Naomi is that her plot lines are always vastly different,

The FMC is a sweet woman only 24, Sima is from a bratva family but after seeing her mother crushed in a unhappy marriage and then her sister she ran at only 12 her parents think she's dead and that's the way sima want it. She became Sammi the wedding planner, unfortunately for sima the wedding she's currently planning Bratva royalty...the bride a runaway and she's been recognised by the groom so when he stands up and announces her as his bride, she knows better than to fight, Petyr is the Pakhan because his father was killed and his brothers in a coma and who put him there the danilos who just happen to be Simas family. So when he spots the lost Danilo princess he sees an opportunity he can't miss. He gets her back to his house where it's quite clear from her new sister in law kira and housekeeper anya that she is not welcome. She tries to run but fails and ends up making a deal with the devil. Marriage a heir then she's free to go with the child but does he have any plan to stick to that deal. They start to bond and petyr takes her to the museum and then to his brothers hospital room, where she feels terrible at what her family did. Days later at college her psycho brother accosts her tells her she will turn on her husband and that his right hand man is under his thumb, she tries to tell her husband but it's too late, during the day someone tried to kill his brother and kira accused Her and petyr believes her, threatens to take her baby and send her back to her father, so she runs and who could blame her. Petyr only realises to late that she was telling the truth...

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petyr and Sima

3.5⭐️
2 🌶️
Dual POV
M/F
No cheating

There are some inconsistencies which is why I don’t rate it higher. But overall this is a good book and I can’t wait to read the next.

Sima ran from her Bratva family when she was 12. She scraped by and became a wedding planner and this is where the story begins and when she meets Petyr. His arranged bride runs away and after meeting Sima and figuring out her true identity, makes her his wife.

Sima is surviving and Petyr is trying to catch those who killed his father and brother ( spoil alert it’s her family). They eventually grow close but then there is a third act breakup that makes Sima run again and that’s where our story ends….until the next book.

~Spice level is low and could be better for a mafia book. I expect dark and dirty.
~Inconsistencies with Petyr suddenly calling her by her real name to other people when at first he kept it a secret.
•Also, the person who trashed Sima’s apartment we were led to believe was her brother looking for her, but it was her boss and they just skip right over that info like Sima didn’t care.
•Also, the guy at her job was beat up and they made it seem like her brother found where she worked….nothing came of that. Then in the end her brothers find her and she acts surprised. This was annoying.
~ and Kira… come on. I wouldn’t say there is OW drama in the sense that an ex comes back. But definitely some OW drama in the SIL department. Sima is the only one that realizes she is psycho but then she ditches that thought and becomes stupid like the rest of them. Side note to Kira…no one introduced her as SIL to Sima. Led readers to believe she was actual OW drama then suddenly Sima knew she was SIL. It’s like some info was skipped.

[Sarah S · Rating 1 out of 5]

This should definitely go down as one of the WORST mafia romance books ever

1. On the run since she was 12 yo. AS IF!!! C'mon - there's no way a tween is able to hide out from her Bratva pakhan father without money or help, both of which she claims she has none of and did it on her own.

2. Wedding Planner my A$$ - she brags about how amazing she is at her job and even has an opening scene of how great she is at handling last minute issues when she "suddenly" sees the name of the bride and groom and discovers it's another Bratva boss. No way she's the best wedding planner in the world and A - doesn't know the names of the bride and groom and B - has NEVER met them????

3. She hides in a storage closet where the groom is getting dressed. A high end venue like that would put the groom in his own dressing area.

4. After over a decade of using her fake name, she accidentally blurts out her real one.

5. Is this supposed to be a YA slapstick rom-com - she acts all goofy and stupid.

6. TOO DUMB TO LIVE - everything the FMC did just annoyed me with how batsh#$ stupid she acted. She willingly says yes to him at the altar, then goes with him in his car to his house and at that point, she tries to escape. what?!

7. This was the worst written book ever.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima has been on the run from her Bratva family life for twelve years, she was twelve when she left her family to think she was dead. Sima works as a wedding coordinator. She is working a Bratva wedding. Sima needs a break and she runs into what she thinks is an empty room and runs right into the groom getting ready. Petyr is the new pakhan of the Gubarev Bratva. His father was killed and his brother is brain dead from an attack by the Danilo Bratva. When Petyr’s. Bride backs out he calls Sima to the altar. They make a deal to marry, have a child and Sima gets paid and she gets her freedom. Sima is hiding a very big secret, she is a Danilo. The more time that Petyr and Sima spend together the more they begin to have real feelings. Sima gets pregnant. She runs into her younger brother and then she runs into her oldest brother. She knows she has to tell Petyr who she is. Will Petyr believe Sima is telling the truth about her not being associated with her family? What will happen when Sima decides to leave after Petyr calls her a liar?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.

Fantastic Book 1 Gubarev Bratva!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!!

Everything I love about a mafia romance!! The first book in the Gubarev Bratva is definitely OUTSTANDING.
This story was designed to utterly consume you with its highly interesting and captivating characters and powerfully intriguing and passionate storyline.

Sima has escaped from her mafia family and made a life for herself only to be forced into marriage by the one man who would surely want to unalive her.
Petyr needs to a bride to fulfill the terms of his succession to becoming Pahkan of his Bratva, but he got more than he ever hoped for when he ran into Sima at his wedding.

Petyr and Sima romance kept me completely engaged from beginning to that very pulse-pounding cliffhanger.
The love hate relationship between these characters is very intense, highly alluring and incredibly entertaining.
I really enjoy Sima…she’s determined, tenacious and witty.
As for Petyr he’s the controlling, powerful and dirty kind we all love for our bad boy book boyfriends.
Their chemistry is off the charts…so HOT.

A completely fascinating, impressive and steamy romance to escape into.

[Midnightfairies · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first by this author, and I'd definitely read another one.
Its a typical mafia/forced-marriage/age-gap book, so I'll get straight to it.
Here's my thoughts...

What I liked...

* I really did like Sima, her humour was fabulous, I just wish there was more of it! I felt for her, however she was a little too meek at times, especially when dealing with Kira and Anya. Also a virgin at 24 years old, huge eye roll!

* Petyr (had to google how to pronounce this name lol)...he was a fab alpha/arsehole. Didn't like how easier he was influenced by Kira.

* The spice was pretty good!

* The story was nothing ground-breaking tbh. The sort of story I've read in dozens of books in this genre.

* cliff-hanger ending


What I didn't like as much...

* OMFG the internal monologue went on and on and on and on...it went round in circles, the same thing over and over. I literally skimmed most of it.

* Timeline discrepancies, quite a few! I don't think this book could have been proof read.

* Editing issues too.

I will however be moving on to reading book 2 straight away!

[bookishWife · Rating 2 out of 5]

So… when a random stranger calls your name as a bride—even though you’re the wedding planner—you just say yes? No real blackmail, no serious pressure, just yes? Alrighty then.

The book itself is… fine, I guess, but the writing is riddled with errors, which makes it hard to fully enjoy. And Petyr? He’s a dumb asshole who lets his mouth run faster than his brain. What exactly did he expect Sima to do? He claims he comes from a “respectable” mafia family, yet he treats her like a disposable wife. Make it make sense. You know what—whatever.

If you can look past the writing issues and the wildly unrealistic situations, the story is tolerable. Not great, but not unreadable either.

Mostly, the plot is just Sima running. She actually succeeds—until Petyr shows up and drags trouble right back into her life. And somehow he’s the one complaining about her survival instincts? That’s… weird, to say the least.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a mafia romance, which means I always enjoy it, but it’s true that there are some plot inconsistencies that pulls you out of the narrative a bit, like what do you mean she left her house at 12 years old? Could’ve been way easier if she was 16, but 12 is crazy to be around and independent.
Also, what’s going on with Kira?? I get that the ending was rushed and action-paced, but she’s supposed to live in the same house? She only lives there at the beginning and then just… gone? I guess she’ll show up more in the next book but still. Not missing her bitchy attitude though.
And the final chapter, where Petyr just says he will bring Sima back?? Like??? Not even in his own thoughts he took accountability of his words? She left because all the shitty things he told her? And he still expected to find her home waiting for him to berate her more maybe?? I would have loved to see some regret in his thoughts honestly

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wife Undercover

She ran from home at 12 years to avoid an arranged marriage, sold off like her sister was to settle her father's debt. 12 years later she's working the last place anyone would think to look for her, as a Wedding Coordinator

However, the bride has absconded and the groom decides she's a better fit. So she's forced to marry but not just anyone, the newly installed pakhan of a rival family.

Shes trying to keep her identity a secret, he's figured out who she is but is keeping that a secret, there's a sister in law who hates her, the pakhan is trying to navigate his new role with a new wife, enemies are best friends, it's all subterfuge and lies.

Do they get their happily ever after, or will the lies of others prevail?

[DoctorCopper · Rating 1 out of 5]

These cookie cutter mafia/bratva stories are getting on my nerves. Why is every one of these mafia romance books the same? Girl wants freedom, doesn’t want to be married off as part of a deal, wants a different life…then suddenly, she’s “trapped” & “forced” to marry the hot mafia leader who is a stranger to her.
But hey! He’s really good-looking, so all her dreams of a different life fall by the wayside because she can’t resist how attractive he is and she can’t possibly fight wanting to sleep with the guy (heavy on the sarcasm here)…
It was just so predictable and I’ve already read so many versions of this same story.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Romeo is the first book in the Gubarev Bratva Duet which is a dark Bratva romance between Petyr, who is to become the new Pakhan for his Bratva once he is wed, and Sima, the wedding planner who becomes the unwilling bride when the original bride does not show for the ceremony. Sima had escaped her father's Mafia arranged marriage at age twelve to Petyr's rival. Their intriguing story has complex characters, plot twists, drama, strong emotions, secrets, betrayal, and sizzling chemistry. The book ends in a cliffhanger and will continue in Cruel Juliet.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Romeo by Naomi West is book 1 of the Gubarev Bratva duet. This story follows Petyr and Sima. He is about to wed and become the new pakhan…but, things go wrong and now he needs another. Then, there she is…Juliette…and he decides she will be that other. Whether she wants it or not.

There’s so much grit, drama, betrayal, shocks galore, sizzle, danger, intrigue, and sooooo many secrets!! She wants nothing to do with this world…and then, in the blink of an eye, it is thrust upon her. This story ends in a shocking cliffhanger!!!

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Romeo (Book 1 of Gubarev Bratva) by Naomi West. The dark romance in this story kept me on the edge of my seat while the author’s storytelling and attention to detail kept me vested in characters and outcome of story. It’s raw, it’s gritty, it’s full of twisted drama, strong characters, touches of suspense, and plenty of intense passion. Ends on a cliff, can’t wait to see how Petyr and Sammi’s story continues.

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

[chris fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those authors that I grab and then have to wait to read … wait because I know once I start I won’t want to put it down.

I think Sima is one of my favorite FMCs. She is strong and resilient and won’t take any crap.

Petyr. .. love it when a big Bratva boss falls and doesn’t even realize it.

This ending though ..

Cheering for Sima cause she takes care of herself.

Wondering if there is more going on with Kira..

So many questions I need answers for in the next book.

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

[Fan29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say this is probably by far one of my favorites from Naomi. I really loved both main characters. Sima was a strong character who I truly enjoyed reading about. I loved the side characters and kept me guessing about Kira and Anya, who will turn out to be the villain? I loved how caring Petyr could be but wasn’t too happy with him at the end but I could understand where he was coming from. So what does Sima do at the end? What she does best… run. This book ends on a cliffhanger. But definitely worth the read. Highly recommend this one. Arc was given for an honest review.

[Faith Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

It got better & better!

That was a wild ride! It's strange that I enjoy this type of book so much, when in reality if I met men who behave like this I'd be running as fast as possible in the opposite direction.

My heart went out to Sima; to be thought of merely as a commodity, without any agency of her own, has to be the bitterest pill to swallow. I wonder if it is still rife or if it's just artistic licence, a plot device beloved by authors! The dénouement of this book is heartbreaking & promises much for the second book. Can't wait :-)

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story grabbed my attention from the start. The part where she escaped when she was young with no money was a bit unbelievable, but, this is fiction not real life, so is easily overlooked when reading. I really wanted someone to punch the SIL, preferably Sima lol. I just knew from the start she wasn't a good person. I couldn't wait to read the second book when I got to the end. Recommend if you want a light mafia romance read.

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

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Typical repetitive Naomi West. If the same thoughts weren’t repeated and repeated, this could have 300 pages and not more than 400.
Sima/Sammi is totally a ridiculous character. She ran ways at 12. 12!! And never found by her Mafia family. Implausible. She started and 12 and then made a name for herself in the wedding planning business by 24. She doesn’t know her current wedding is Bratva.
The storyline itself isn’t horrible. It has good moments.
When the “rat” is exposed, the scene of Petyr’s dawning sense of betrayal is well written.

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

He needs a wife to become Pakhan and Sima wants nothing to do with it if she has her way. She ran from her family because she wanted out and her job was all that mattered. Now one wedding gone wrong is enough to have her world going backwards and if Petyr knew where she actually comes from it could cause war. This thrilling story had me all caught up in Sima and Petyr as they navigate their journey.

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

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Romeo is book one of two in the Guberev Bratva duet and tells Petyr and Sima's story. This book is packed with betrayal, deceit, drama, twists and turns and off the charts chemistry. Naomi West has a way of captivating you from start to finish with her books, and I promise, Cruel Romeo is no exception. You will be obsessed! You are in for one rollercoaster of a ride, but what a ride it is. Can't get to book two fast enough!

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and Petyr Gubarev is everything you love and hate at the same time. A slight twist on an arranged marriage when the groom calls the wedding planner to the alter. A captivating story when we see Sima, a young woman whose life not what it seems. I love the witty banter between them, the chemistry is off the charts and a contract to fulfill. The story ends in a sizzling cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book One of the Gubarev Duet. The author has given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Sima and Petyr. The story keeps us turning the pages with a forced marriage, secrets, connection, danger and steam. The story ends with a cliff hanger that is picked up in the next book, Cruel Juliet.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima did her all to get out of the mafia world and succeed until she crosses paths with Petyr, her families rival and next heir only he needs a wife and his bride just ran, and so its Sima he demands become hisnwife and mother to his child, only he doesn't know who she is right? Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more.

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

[iris anstatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

I really liked this book. My only problem was the end. Spoiler alert: he should have not been so easily swayed. It only took an accusation by a known rival to so quickly lead him down the wrong path.
Up to that point, this book was excellent. I'm anxious to see how things work out in the next book. This is one of my favorite authors, she didn't disappoint.
I highly recommend this book.