The Price of Loyalty

by Brina Brady, Anita Ford (Editor)

Adrik Marinov was raised to inherit a Russian crime empire and shaped into the monster his father wanted. Walking away should have given him freedom, but Viktor Marinov doesn’t let go of blood. As long as Adrik is alive, he’s a target.

Hans Schroeger is everything Adrik isn’ steady, gentle, and safe. A German professor and novelist with California warmth, Hans has built a quiet life after heartbreak until Adrik crashes into it, all shadows and intensity.

Their connection is instant. Hans offers the peace Adrik never believed he deserved; Adrik awakens something in Hans he thought he’d buried.

Adrik fled the mafia. Hans fled love. Neither expected the other to be the one thing they can’t walk away from.

Genres: M M Romance

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2026

About the author

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Price of Loyalty by Brina Brady is a gripping, emotional romance that perfectly balances danger, intensity, and tenderness. This story pulls you into a world where loyalty and survival come at a steep cost—and where love might be the most dangerous risk of all.

Adrik Marinov is a fascinating hero. Raised in violence as the heir to a ruthless mafia empire, he’s spent his entire life shaped by darkness. Watching him try to build a life outside of that world while knowing his father’s shadow is still looming over him creates constant tension. His guarded nature and quiet desperation for something real make him incredibly compelling.

Hans Schroeger is the perfect contrast. Calm, thoughtful, and deeply grounded, he brings warmth and peace into Adrik’s chaotic world. His life of books, quiet mornings, and reflection feels like the opposite of everything Adrik has known. Their connection feels both intense and fragile—two very different men finding something unexpected in each other.

The romance is beautifully written, blending passion with emotional depth. Hans awakens a side of Adrik that was buried beneath years of violence and expectation, while Adrik pushes Hans to open his heart again after years of solitude.

As Adrik’s past begins to close in, the stakes rise dramatically, reminding readers that the mafia world rarely lets anyone walk away cleanly. The tension between love and survival keeps the story gripping until the very end.

Dark, emotional, and unforgettable, this book is a powerful story about redemption, trust, and finding love in the most unlikely places.

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

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrik, raised to inherit a violent Russian crime empire, walks away from the mafia but can’t escape the danger that still hunts him. Hans, a gentle German professor living a quiet, steady life, is his complete opposite. When their paths collide, the connection between them is immediate and unexpectedly deep. Hans offers the peace Adrik never believed he could have, while Adrik awakens feelings Hans thought he’d buried long ago. Both men fled their pasts, but neither can walk away from what they find in each other.

Adrik’s character is explored in far more depth than Hans’s, and while that made him compelling, it also left the emotional balance of the story a little uneven. I found myself wanting more detail around their feelings, especially Hans’s inner world, to fully ground the intensity of their connection. The bones of a strong emotional arc are there, but some moments felt like they needed more space to breathe. The ending was surprisingly abrupt, which stood out even more because the story easily had room to continue. It felt like the book stopped just as things were getting interesting, and a longer, more developed conclusion would have strengthened the overall impact. Still, the premise is engaging, the contrast between the two men works well, and there’s a lot of potential in their dynamic. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! I would say that this is about people living a life where they don’t have to shrink to expectations”, perfect words from Adrik himself. And those expectations aren’t always someone else’s, but their own as well. It starts really strong, really sad, and with so much information, you’re left reeling, trying to figure out what’s going on and then… it slows down a bit, and the beginning makes sense. It’s a huge change for Adrik, and having so many things happening at once helps the reader relate to the huge ordeal he’s going through, as well as understand his future choices. And Hans… he’s just so… I don’t know, like a refuge in the middle of a storm, and he’s perfect for Adrik, but Adrik gives him the push he needs as well. I loved them both, and this book will take you for a wild ride, so hold on to your seat, and enjoy.

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

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the character dynamics between the two MMCs. Adrick felt the weight from his mafia life and needed to run away from it to keep him alive and safe after his life was threatened by someone close to him. He lost the person he thought he loved and in comes Han. Han is a professor and he and Adrick have an instant connection and then have to navigate through the lies, half truths and misunderstandings. They both had to learn to open up to the other person and not let the fears they have ruin the best thing that happened to the both of them. The mafia element is there but it wasn’t front and center and I liked that about this book. Even though I don’t read a lot of MM romances, when I do I want it to be done right. This book was that. It was also the first time I read a book from Brina Brady.

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

[Meli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off great with Adrik finally standing up for himself. As for Hans I considered him brave like Adrik but for a different reason. Him feeling apprehensive of starting a new relationship but still seeking out Adrik was brave. While I usually don't have a problem with insta attraction I did here. Mostly because while they are drawn to each other they also both seem to have unresolved feelings for another person. And the pettiness involved wasn't my favorite either. At the end I felt like the story was inconclusive with Hans not knowing Adrik's full background. Honestly I wished the book where longer. This way there could have been more romance and allowed Adrik to fully tell his background as this would have established the couple as having trust and love.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Book that will keep you on your toes. This is the hidden mystery of a man on the run who can't continue to be a monster. Adrik jumps on a plane and ends up landing in Germany. Not knowing who to turn to, with no one to trust he's on his own. Hans is an unassuming College Professor. His passion is writing. He writes feverishly outside of teaching. When these two meet it's like a game of cat and mouse. One step forward two steps back. BRINA BRADY loves the chase and anticipation. This Book was not what I was expecting. It's hard to love when you can't trust anybody. I really enjoyed this book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
I received a free copy and this is my full and honest review.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of two people finding each other when they need each other the most. Adrik’s father is involved in some questionable business which Adrik wants no part in. He's also very controlling and after rumors about Adrik’s involvement with his tutor and the tutor's involvement with the FBI Adrik flees under a false name. He ends up on Germany’s Baltic coast where he meets Hans. These two are immediately drawn to each other. Secrets threaten their fragile bonds, but their attraction is undeniable.

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

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Price of Loyalty by Brina Brady is about Adrik Marinov and Hans Schroeder. Adrik always lived on the edge of danger in dealing with his family, never knowing when this was when they would disown or try to kill him. Hans, a professor in Germany and author, was so tired of being dismissed or forgotten like he didn’t matter. I loved the story that Adrik breaks from his family and finds a balance of finally feeling safe and free. Hans dealing with his past and finding love and safety in Adrik arms. Brina brings a wonderful story and keeps you holding your breath in anticipation of what comes next.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense! Adrik, was raised to live a life he didn't want as heir to Russian mob royalty. Faced with a choice he couldn't fulfill, he leaves. Viktor, his Dad, doesn't agree, so Adrik is targeted and never safe. Hans, is a quiet steady Professor living a quiet life struggling to recover from grief. Their meeting, their courtship is an explosion of need and want seeking peace and comfort. Excellent flow of conflict, the attempted solution, opposites attracting, standing up for personal values and the emotional battle to own one's truth. Well done! Great flow, nice cover art, great character development and likeable characters. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrik is the son of a ruthless mafia kingpin. He finally leaves, unable to bear the truth of life in the mafia. But leaving is easier said than fully done, especially with Adrik's father. So he waits for the other shoe to drop. Constantly.

He meets a handsome German professor, who is everything he isn't. Quiet. Calm. All he needs. He crashes into Hans' world, finds happiness for too brief a time, and then... Adrik's past catches up to him. His family. Lies and power plays.

Can Adrik and Hans find happiness when Adrik's past is only a breath away? This is a wonderful story.

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

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrik and Hans story was a mosaic of emotions. Danger, adrenaline, violence, trauma, insecurities, jealousy, petty revenge, doubts, secrets, inadequacy, betrayal, rage and hatred, heartache are just a couple of those that intertwines to spun their story and experiences.
They have to learn to be truthful with their feelings, to be patient and give each other space to breathe, but also to support and be there for each other.
They have numerous challenges along the way, and they have to be firm and fight for their happiness.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrik & Hans's story was an interesting and not your typical mafia read. As I was able to read this in an afternoon setting, I found myself captivated by the storyline and plot. I was drawn into to their world, focused on their journey of heartaches, trust issues, jealousy, and communication. I fell in love with Hans immediately but took awhile to warm up to Adrik's character. Great dialogue, engaging characters, good chemistry and help my attention to the ending...

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

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Price of Loyalty is the story of Adrik and Hans. This story was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, danger, insecurity, action, and secrets. So much happens in the beginning of the story but it helps to make Adrik more understandable as a person. I loved both Adrik and Hans because they were perfect for each other. I loved watching these two work through their relationship. This is a story that is masterfully written. I would definitely recommend this book as a 5 star read.
received a free review copy

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrik's father is Mafia and wants him unalive as he warns his teacher there was a hit on him. Adrik runs away to Germany where he meets Hans, a Professor. But Adrik has a hard time trusting anyone, Hans is curious and both have issues with other men in their pasts. They have to work at a relationship with Adrik holding back information about who he is and his dangerous family. The reveal leaves a little to be desired. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the contrast between Adrik and Hans. Adrik’s past in the mafia hangs over him the entire time, and you can really feel how much he wants a normal life but doesn’t fully believe he deserves it. Hans was a good balance to that, more quiet and reserved, but still clearly wanting a real connection with someone.

The story focuses more on their relationship and emotional struggles than the mafia side, which I actually liked. It made the romance and the trust they slowly built feel more important.

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

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hans Schroeder is a professor and writer, he is gentle and quiet man. After heartbreak he has rebuilt his life, he is unprepared for Adrik Marinov. Adrik who grew up in a crime family as the next heir to the empire. He does what he is supposed to do, but not by choice. He leaves the family and his father Victor wants him dead. Both Hans and Adrik are independent individuals with trust issues, but fit so well together. I did feel that there were some unresolved loose ends, but overall a great story.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'...In a world where love is a liability, can a man who was born for war find peace with a man who was born for poetry?
Or will the shadows of the Marinov name destroy the only real thing Adrik has ever found?'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated 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 via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Metz874 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
For me this book is 3,5 stars.
Interesting read with a lot happening. Both main characters are very independent, which I appreciate, but I felt like all the secrecy surrounding Adrick created a certain distance between them through the book. The chemistry between them when they met were hot and they are quite a match. I do like the mafia side of the book and the suspense around it was at times nerve-racking and exciting.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After leaving his home to escape from his afia family Adrik moves to Germany. Adrik meets Hans in a local bar & they click. The feelings are there but Hans is sceptical, Adrik has too many secrets. Will these feelings harm the relationship? What happens when Hans finally hears them? Low to medium angst, well written, HEA.

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

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - very good narration.
Story - Adrik flees his mob family and goes into hiding. While living in a remote village, he meets Hans and the two find a strong attraction to each other. Adrik keeps a lot of secrets to try to protect both of them, which is not conducive to a healthy relationship. The ending was quite unexpected. The story mainly focused on Adrik, and while that worked well, I would have enjoyed a little more detail for Hans.

[Debb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrik wanted out and he found that sometimes even when you think you are out, you're not. Hans made a life for himself but didn't know what he was missing until Adrik. A really beautiful story and so enjoyable to read.

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

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. At first I thought Sergei would actually be Adrik’s love interest, but I was wrong.

I felt bad that they never had a chance at anything despite their feelings for each other, but honestly, Hans was definitely for Adrik.

There were some loose ends in the story that I would have liked resolved, but overall it was good read.

[Akasha721 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrik runs from his father's home and into the arms of Hans. While the story is great it jumps around without pause. Looking at the cover, you would never suspect what's inside. However, they do find their HEA!.

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

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were really interesting and the story caught my attention and kept it.

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

[deborah lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was painful and methodical. Angst drips off every word, pulling it kicking and screaming from the page. It was like the autopsy of a relationship, one moment at a time. Very dark and consuming.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Price of Loyalty by Brina Brady is a great mafia romance. The story is entertaining, exciting, interesting, and more.

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

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adric has to go on the run when His father puts a hit on him. He ends up in a small town in Germany. He meets Hans in a bar, and both know that they have feelings for each other. Adric realizes he has to be honest with Hans if he wants what they have to go further. I really enjoyed this book.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

His father is in the mafia and when he wouldn’t do what he was told he put a hit on him. He moves to another country to get away. He meets Hans and they fall in love.

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

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Price of Loyalty and struggled to put it down. The story and characters are amazing and I enjoyed reading it.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the story of Adrik and Hans grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it. The story has angst and is an emotional read but they do get their hea in the end.