Deadly Decisions: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance

by Shana Collins, Willa Jaymes (Narrator), Caden Hart (Narrator)

Dmitri Savin is rising fast within the ranks of the Russian Bratva, a ruthless Brigadier on the verge of ultimate power. Elise Walsh emerges as the youngest and most lethal contender in the Martinez Cartel.



When their worlds collide, sparks fly, igniting a fierce, prohibited affair that defies the underworld’s codes. But in this deadly game of crime and power, love comes at a high cost. When loyalties are tested, and secrets pushed out into the open, Dmitri and Elise must make a choice. Will they sacrifice everything for each other, or will their love be their downfall?



Deadly Decisions is an enemies-to-lovers mafia romance that weaves a tale of suspense, forbidden love, and the dark world of organized crime.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Erotica

Audible Audio

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

Shana Collins is an author of sinfully dangerous romances. She enjoys crafting and reading captivating stories about strong women who embrace the beauty of moral complexity. Each of her books is filled with unexpected twists that will leave readers eager for more.

She is an Army veteran from Hawaii and now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. Her two daughters are her best friends, and you can often find them at a local Starbucks, sipping vanilla lattes and working on their laptops.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Mafia Romance, and this is the first book in the Savin Brothers Bratva series. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I had no problems with the audiobook. I liked this book, but I wanted more. I felt the hate to love thing could have been done better, but I really loved that the female character was so strong. There were parts of this book I loved, but there were parts of this book I was liked what the H***. I have to say I did not like the last little bit of this book, and the ending was not really an ending. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[✨Crystal✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ALC provided by NetGalley for an honest review✨

This book had a lot going on and I was there for it! It has mafia, strong and smart FMC, star crossed lovers, backstabbing, and an MMC that falls first and hard for his forbidden love 🖤

Elise is a young smart woman that has risen through the ranks and has become a prominent member of the Martinez Cartel. Being a woman in this position she has to fight through the discriminations of this world, but she has definitely proven herself worthy. Dimitri has come back from Russia to step into the role of Brigadier of the Russian Bratva while his brother rises to Pakhan. While tailing Dimitri, Elise follows him to a bar and they end up meeting and instantly hit it off. Though Dimitri doesn’t know who Elise really is, he has become obsessed with finding out. But when the truth comes out and they are both ordered to kill each other, will they choose their love or loyalty? 👀

I’m a sucker for a hardened mmc that has sworn off love, only to crumble when he finally finds the one 🥰 And Elise has been without anyone in her life because she’s all about her business and reputation with the cartel. But both of them together being able to open up and be vulnerable was chef’s kiss!

The audiobook was duet narrated which really brought everything together for me. The narrators did a really good job with their characters, though the male narrator I feel should have had a Russian accent. The audiobook was kind of short at a little over 6hrs which left me wanting more. But it was easy to devour this in a day which I did 😂 The book did have an ending, but it left it open too for the next book! I’m definitely going to be checking it out 🖤

[Kerry Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an explosive book.
Elise Walsh in the only female boss in a Mexican Cartel.
Dmitri Savin is a newly appointed Russian Brigadier. These 2 should not mix.

Until Elise decides to do a 'recon' mission by following Dmitri and their business takes a huge turn.
After the first encounter, they decide to start a hidden affair, one which if found out would have them both killed by their mafia families.

If found out, who would choose what? Family and loyalty or love for the enemy?

This book was fast paced and full of tension which kept your full attention. It was a fairly quick read being around 200 pages.
It had just the right amount of spice🌶🌶🌶
I would hugely recommend this book.

[Holly Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provided by NetGalley

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Deadly Decisions hit the perfect mix of suspense and spice 😌🔥 Elise stole the show—smart, ruthless, and unafraid to hold her ground in a cartel full of misogynistic men. FMCs who don’t fold >>>

The Savin family brought constant tension, with each brother adding something new. The ending? That cliffhanger had me spiraling and theory-crafting immediately 👀

Some minor issues: dialogue felt a bit forced, and almost every man being into Elise got repetitive. The brother drama, especially with one married, didn’t work for me 😬 Hoping it’s handled better in the next book.

Overall, a strong debut with tension, spice, and a badass FMC. Mafia romance, forbidden vibes, and suspense fans should definitely check it out 🖤📖

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author and @Katieandbreypa for providing me with the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

My actual rating is more of a 3.5

I finished this so quickly and thus I can sum up my review by saying that I had a good time and more so than I honestly expected.

I am usually not a mafia romance girly because the unnecessary brutality of some of these characters is a little much to me, but this one scratched a certain kind of book itch for me. It was suspenseful, steamy and it managed to keep me invested from beginning to end.


What I really enjoyed:

Elise is such an intelligent and badass woman that has done what she has needed to survive. The fact that she was able to establish herself as a person of power in the Cartel in such a short amount of time and despite the pressures of misogynistic men is insane. She is a a talented and dedicated woman who is willing to anything to make her mark on the crime world. Some of my absolute favorite scenes in the book are of her standing her ground against these entitled mafia men who seek to undermine her.


I actually really like the Savin family and their overall relationship. I think each brother has something to bring to the table and I am excited to see what the other books will add to their dynamics. Things around them are always uncertain and keep you on the edge of your seat.


I am happy with the ending and that cliffhanger seen had me questioning everything and coming up with theories for the direction of the next book. I absolutely love it when a book does that for me because it certainly gets me excited as well as more invested in the series overall.

My areas of critique would include the writing at times and the interest that almost every man has interest in Elise. To begin with, the writing or more specifically, the dialogue, felt a little forced at times and it unfortunately took me out of the story. Secondly, we have appear to have Dmitri, Andrei, and even Liam I think lusting after Elise at points throughout the story. Like I get that she is a beautiful and capable young woman, but I am going to lose it if I see one more mafia man be completely enraptured by her. At a certain point in the book, I was like where is this all going , I can't keep up. I am particularly disappointed in Andrei because I thought that he only had eyes for Cora, his wife, but there are moments of weakness that he shows that upset me. I will not stand for brothers fighting over the same woman, especially not if one is married, it just causes unnecessary drama. The aforementioned might just be a personal pet peeve of mine, but I felt it was necessary to express nonetheless. I will keep faith that the author will resolve all of this in the next books.


In summary, I would recommend this to fans of mafia romances, forbidden romances, spice and suspenseful reads. This was a good debut by the author and I am highly anticipating their next release. I wonder if each brother will get a book or only 4 of them since Andrei is already married. Either way I am invested. I will personally be picking up the next book to make sure I see where the fate of our Savin family members lands. I really hope that we get a HEA in the end despite everything.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this way more than I thought I would. My first Mafia romance and it did not disappoint.

Elise is hardworking and focused on her career as third in command for the Martinez Cartel. She's so focused that she doesn't realize she falls for Dimitri Savin one of the leaders in the Russian Coalition. And the feeling is mutual.

I loved that Elise is a badass MFC who can still be vulnerable. I thought the writing was well done and engaging and enjoyed the different twists. I look forward to the next book.

[Marloes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️ Definitely a quick read, loved the enemies-to-lovers aspect of it. And Elise is quite the powerwoman! Loved the multiple POV’s, but it felt a little flat at times. Something about the spice was off for me too. I already saw the plottwist coming, but the last page makes me want to continue the series. If you’re into maffia romance, I would recommend this one! 🖤

Thanks @Netgalley for this e-arc!

[Serlina Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you go for love?

It's a terrible thing to be caught in the line of love & war. Especially, in the line of work that may threaten you to go after the ones you love. Deadly Decisions is started off with a bang. The strong female lead was just beautifully presented. The male lead - strong, possessive & just plain dangerous was a total catch to me as well. This book had me not wanting to put it down when I began, but ofcourse normal live appears and one has to do what one has to do. It was a wonderful read, left me wanting to know what happens next.

Received this as an ARC for a honest review & this is entirely my opinion on the book.
Definitely recommend if you love romance, suspense, crime, and strong mafia leads in a book.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟
3🌶

If you had to make a choice, would you choose love or loyalty?

Elise Walsh is part of the cartell she has worked her way up to become one of their biggest assets. Nothing is more important to her than them, that is, until she meets Dmitri Savin.

Dmitry Savin is the second Savin brother and newly appointed brigadier. Dmitry has recently moved back from Russia and has grown bored of the party lifestyle he was living. He is devoted to his family and will do anything to put them first, that is, until Elise.

After a brief and spicy encounter, Elise and Dmitry start an illicit affair, one that could get them both killed if they are caught. They are both part of different Mafia families and will eventually have to decide where their loyalties lie, with each other or the families they both hold so dear.

This book was really good. It was fast-paced and full of spice. The storyline was really good and easy to follow, i love how possessive and protective Dmitry was of Elise from the beginning even though she is badass enough to look after herself!!
This book is the perfect read for lovers of spice mafia romance, with possessive alphas and strong powerful women.

[Shavonne Belford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bratva second in command and a cartel boss meet the chemistry between them instant and explosive they know they should stay away from each other know nothing good could come of an affair but they just can’t

Suspenseful, instalust, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers

[Why Choose Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If romantic tension were a weapon, Deadly Decisions would be bent on pulling every trigger in the mafia handbook. Dark, dangerous, forbidden—and yes, it knows exactly what it’s doing. Our FMC Elise Walsh is tough, lethal, and unapologetically powerful. Youngest contender in the Martinez Cartel, she didn’t claw her way up to take orders. She’s smart, hardened, but beneath the armour you’ll catch glimpses of vulnerability, ambition, and the danger of underestimating her. Our MMC Dmitri Savin is the Russian Bratva’s rising Brigadier, deadly serious, respect-commanding, and loyal to the Family above all else. He’s used to having power, used to following code—and when he meets Elise, he’s forced to reckon with a pull he never signed up for. In Deadly Decisions, the underworld isn’t a backdrop—it’s a pressure cooker. The book opens with Elise Walsh firmly established in the Martinez Cartel; she’s lethal, admired, and feared. Dmitri Savin, recently appointed Brigadier in the Russian Bratva, returns (or emerges) on the scene, and their worlds collide in one explosive moment. Elise has had her eye on Dmitri for a while (because of course she has), and when he notices her—and things escalate—the readers know fun (and danger) are coming. They start with a forbidden, secret affair. Nothing public. Because both their loyalties—to their families, to their codes, to their brutal mafioso realities—make that an invitation to trouble. As their affair intensifies, so do the consequences. There’s murder risk, betrayal risk, “someone might find out” risk, and loyalty torn between what their hearts want and what their families demand. Elise’s cartel position and Dmitri’s rank in the Bratva mean their relationship isn’t just emotional—it’s political. Every move they make has ripple effects: trust erodes, power dynamics shift, and the undercurrent of danger never lets up. The pacing is fast enough that you don’t have time to breathe deeply—each chapter building tension, flirting with violence, betrayal, and sacrifice. By the end, they’re forced to choose: does love trump loyalty, or does loyalty drown love? And the cost of that choice is high. Deadly Decisions is exactly what you want when you’re craving mafia romance with teeth—strong leads, forbidden love, danger at every turn, and enough heat to knock out your expectations. It slips into dark territory, but it owns it.

[Vanessa Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dimitri Savin is the newly appointed and greatly feared brigadier for the Russian Bratva. Elise Walsh is the only woman holding a top rank in the Martinez cartel. The pair are sworn enemies but a chance encounter between the two quickly ignites into a fiery affair. After each encounter, they pledge it will be their last but they both know they can't stay away. When they are both order to execute each other, Dimitri and Elise must decide if they will remain loyal to their families or choose their love.

This was a solid mafia romance and was a very quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Elise wasn't your typical FMC - she was a high ranking and total bad ass in the Cartel yet still had to contend with being a woman in a male dominated world. That very first spicy encounter between Dmitri and Elise absolutely had me on board with their illicit affair - that bathroom scene 🥵🔥. I really liked the dynamic between the brothers and how they are vastly different from each other and stood out as their own person. There is something that is preventing me from really liking Elise - she seems up to something but I can't place why I feel that way. I did not like how it was inferred that Andrei, Dmitri's oldest brother, has a thing for Elise when it was impressed upon the reader that he was madly in love with his wife - this couple was interesting to me and I will need to read the prequel to see how their story plays out. Now I am not a big fan of cliffhangers, but this one had me eager to pick up the next book.

🔥 “I’m yours, Dmitri, only yours.”

🔥 “I can’t give this up. I won’t let go of you, Elise. You belong to me. You’re mine.”

🔥 “Bad girls get spankings, Elise.”

[Rieka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book instantly had me pulled in. I found the world very intriguing especially with Elise working her own way up and earning her own spot at the head of the cartel. She's a very strong willed main character yet we see the vulnerability she keeps hidden also. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the idea of Dmitri cause I was kind of drawn to Liam but as the story progressed and relationships grew I also grew more fond of Dmitri. This book is very fast paced but it's not rushed at all and is so well written.

The drama that goes down between the Savin brothers and the Mexican Cartel is described more like a whirlwind. Things that Elise and Dmitri are issued to do will break your heart as it breaks theirs in the process. I felt everything lift off those pages and hit my heart just as if I was there with them. Dmitri's brother 'The Russian Brigadier" is very edgy in this book. The connection he has with Elise is written well into the grey area and made me question him up til the very end. There's so much to unravel in this book that I highly recommend it cause I loved it.

[Morgan | bookish_morgano · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this mafia ALC I knew I had to give it a try. The author definitely nailed the star crossed lovers, insta-love and development of the FMC.

For me, I kept reading because the pacing and performance from the narrators had me by the throat. If I was eyeball reading I likely would’ve DNF’d. It’s like a train wreck where you can’t look away, I just needed to know how it ended. 😅

I absolutely despise when strong FMC’s like this one, are talked up to be the 3rd in command but then lack the badassery in their actions. Like if you made it to 3IC and have literally murdered people, I am expecting you can handle a man being gross. Like where is the knife fighting bad b’s? You can show softness and vulnerability while also being a complete UNIT of a woman in a dark world.

So ya, add to your TBR if you want a super quick read, palate cleanser that ends with a HEA for the couple but has open plot lines for the next book in series.

(TW: attempted SA, stalking/ cameras in house by MMC, accidental pregnancy, flirting with FMC from married side character 😑)

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I want to thank @katieandbreypa & @authorshanacollins for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mafia romance, yes please. What an explosive book. I was hooked right from the first sentence and kept my interest through it all. I actually really enjoyed all the Mafia and Cartel talk and background. It really made for a great read.

Dmitri and Elise are amazing together, such great heat, but most importantly love, a forbidden love that might end up killing them. Elise was a real badass female character who doesn't take shit from no one, I loved that. She was also able to be really vulnerable which made it even more realistic. As for the male character he was strong, possessive, bad boy to the max and I loved him.

It was a very well written book with great characters, great storyline and great twists. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

If you want a forbidden love, steamy Mafia and Cartel romance read this one !

[Felicia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Decisions was a quick, sexy, and wild ride. This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and it kept me engaged the entire time. I loved the setting and plot. The characters are also perfect for this story. The FMC is a complete badass!! And the MMC is the perfect quintessential mafia man. “You’re Mine.” 🥵 Their chemistry was hot from the jump, which I appreciated. 🔥 This is the first book I’ve read by Shana Collins and it won’t be my last. I listened to the audiobook and both of the narrators did a great job. 💛🤍

I would like to thank Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for giving me an ALC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first mafia romance I've read in a while, and I enjoyed it. You've got a strong FMC who isn't afraid to push the 'norm' of her world. A dark MMC who knows what he wants, and a plot with an Enemies to Lovers trope that gives Romeo & Juliet vibes.
I thought the pacing was a little quick in some parts, but for the length of the book it was good, it was spicy, and with a twist I didn't expect.
And the ending left me looking forward to the next book for more Savin brothers stories.


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story. An alpha male who is super protective, not to mention a bad@$$ FMC, um yes please. Elise has had her eye on Dmitri for a while now, but she knows that's a big no no. However, Elise and Dmitri end up in an illicit affair that is sexy, intriguing, and dangerous. They both know their affair will become known, and now they must choose each other or loyalty. If mafia stories are your thing, or you enjoy a good, dark romance, then this is one you will want to grab.

[readwithzoha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Dimitri is part of the mafia. He’s in town after coming back from Russia where he was running the family business. Elise is part of the cartel, and she has her sights on Dimitri with the stark curiosity of why he’s in town all of a sudden.

Once the two meet in a bar, an illicit affair blossoms as both can be killed, sleeping with your enemy and a modern day Romeo and Juliet situation.

Dimitri is possessive and has a strong alpha presence, however Elise is beautiful, intelligent and witty. Both are very calculated and think about their future in the family business.

This book is fast paced and the events simultaneously occur. I loved reading this book as the story line was fulfilling and good. The illicit affair, they both are grumpy and their connection is unbreakable. Plus the spicy scenes 🥵

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit, this book is an easy 5-star read! I was lucky enough to receive an ALC through NetGalley and followed along on Kindle Unlimited. The narration was phenomenal; Caden Hart’s voice is straight-up panty-dropping.

The storyline and plot were incredible. I never zoned out or felt bored once. The twists and turns were absolutely mind blowing. I guffawed at Elise’s sass and was genuinely stunned more than once. I’m definitely finishing this series!

[Rae’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes! This is a great mafia love story and I highly recommend to all mafia lovers. Elise is a complete badass and I love her but add Dmitri to the mix and this story is Divine! Ofc there is smut, action and forbidden love but every part of this story is amazing!

[Hannah’s Library📖💖✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was a nice short read.

I love a mafia book and this was good.

I feel like it was rushed a little. Maybe if it was longer things would have flowed a little better and spaced out more. However it was a good read.

I loved Elsie’s character.

I will definitely read the next books as I am intrigued what’s Liams plan is.

Thank you to Netgalley, Publisher & Shana Collinsfor this ARC.

[BookSiren Baddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a promising mafia romance series. The story blends danger, forbidden attraction, and tension really well. The suspense paired with the spice made it hard to stop listening.
I’d easily recommend this to listeners who enjoy mafia romances, forbidden love, and plots that keep you on edge.

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Decisions is a great combination of spice and action. I'm looking forward to more of the Savin brothers books!

[Nineette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise and Dimitri

It kinda a Romeo and Juliet situation in the mafia world. Elise strong female with a vulnerable side. Dimitri had another side to him that he only shows Elise.

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️

-Mafià Romance
-Enemies to Lovers
-Dual POV
-Secret Society
-Forbidden

This was so dàmn good. Elise and Dmitri have a special dynamic that makes it such a good story to read. The twists and turns had me feeling like I was on a roller coaster. The chapters are short and sweet with some extra spice sprinkled in. I’m so excited to find out what happens next!
This book has some dàrk themes so I recommend reading the TW’s but otherwise so highly recommend!

[Azyamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by Shana Collins, and I will say that I really enjoyed this. Elise is such a strong, badass and yet a vulnerable FMC in this story. I love that you get to see all sides to her throughout the story. Now the MMC he was just yummy! He is strong, possessive, and just plain out owns and runs shit! Who wouldn't love that! You get suspenseful, insta-lust, forbidden romance, along with enemies to lover's vibes throughout this entire story. I personally would of like a little more spice in this book but what is given even is good as well. I am excited to see if there will be a continuation of this story.

[Jodi Langan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved that Elise was such a strong main character. I also loved the forbidden romance trope.

Elise and Dimitri had such a sexy romance. They really loved each other. I also loved that Dimitri respected Elise and her career. He knew how strong of a woman she is.

I really can’t wait to check out the other books in this romance series. I loved it!

[The Artsy Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

" 'Elise. You are my everything.' "

A great debut from Shana Collins.

Deadly Decision, her debut and the first in the Savin Brothers series, is a fast paced mafia romance.

Elise Walsh, a female mafia boss.
Dmitri Savin, recently promoted to Russian Brigadier.

When these two fall fast and hard, what will win? Love or Loyalty.?

These two are amazing for each other, both separate and apart. Elise, a bad-ass, rising through the ranks from bartender to Boss. She doesn't put up with anything, and goes after what she wants. And will stop at nothing to achieve that. Dmitri, strong and possessive, makes you fall in love, no matter the circumstances.

Collin's writing just sucks you in, and all the twists were so well done.

I can't wait for Nikolai's story next.

I absolutely enjoyed reading Deadly Decisions, and recommend for any mafia romance reader.

tropes // mafia, insta-love, enemies to lovers, forbidden love

tw // parental loss, gun violence, torture, blood, alcohol, death, pregnancy, rape

[ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

real rating: 3.25 stars

i received an arc of this book, and was excited to read it. i've always been interested in the mafia books; so this was right up my alley. although i thought the book was pretty good, i feel like it fell short in a lot of places.

first, the storyline: it had potential to be SO GOOD. i really liked that the story was between two people in two different mafias -- both very important people. it was really interesting and unique on the author's part. however, i felt like the author didn't make it as big of a deal as it could've been. when Dmitri found out about Elise, he kinda just didn't care? yes, he was a little mad at her for hiding it, but that emotion was short lived and he was back to sleeping with her (we'll get to the dynamic of their relationship in a minute). i also felt like their personal lives didn't affect the relationship much; which i was disappointed about. i would've liked to see the roles in their personal lives affect their relationship more. although the ending shows that it did affect things a little bit, it still lacked for a majority of the book. i did, however, enjoy the amount of action this book had. i liked the stories that were told about the childhoods of the two main characters; along with the present missions the main characters did. this may seem gruesome, but i did enjoy reading about the killings. i feel like they are skimmed over in a lot of mafia books -- so this was a nice change in pace, for sure.

getting into the characters, they were alright but not my favorites. starting off with the female main lead, Elise, she was awesome. i liked how badass she was, and the respect that she demanded from the men in the cartel. seeing her run and operate the cartel like a women-in-power would was phenomenal to read about. i would've liked to read more about her personal life though, and learned a little more about her. i do think that all the characters lacked depth to them -- along with growth. none of the characters really grew. as for the male main character, Dmitri, he was alright. i'll be honest, not my favorite book boy. i will say i liked how powerful he was, and how he ran the Russian mafia. it was awesome to see him in command and would like to read more about him leading in the future. however, i felt like he was kinda a shitty boyfriend? if that's what we can even call him for Elise? i don't think he was very romantic, nor very caring. i understand he was a tough guy; but it would've been nice to see him open up a little more and be soft with Elise. moving onto the side characters, i have mixed feelings about all of them. starting with Liam, i didn't trust him. from the start, i thought he wasn't very loyal to Elise -- and i still don't think he is. i always got sketchy vibes from him; and i wasn't a fan. although i do appreciate what he did for Elise in Mexico and San Diego, i still don't really trust him. then again, we don't know much about him or learn much about him -- so that could be the reason why. as for Andrei, he was okay. i do like his respect he had towards Elise, but sometimes i feel like he could have liked her? yes, he had Cora but that means nothing. we see men cheat all the time (im sorry but the truth). and Nikolai, lowkey hated him. he was so mean, didn't really respect his brothers -- and definitely has anger issues. he kinda needs therapy, im sorry. i don't see myself really wanted to read a book about him in the future because i don't care for his character, at all

i want to briefly touch on Dmitri and Elise's relationship because it doesn't really sit right with me. i feel like they kinda used each other for sex? every time they saw each other, they hooked up. they never had a genuine conversation nor did they ever really connect on an emotional level. but they love each other? im no expert at love, but i think you need more then sex to develop a healthy relationship. i would have liked to see them connect more on an emotional level, and have a real conversation. the amount of romance that occurred in this book lacked big time, and it was another thing that wasn't too appreciated.

as for the ending, let's discuss. this paragraph WILL contain spoilers. so read at your own risk; im not gonna hear it. the ending was so predictable and im sorry, so boring. i was unfazed by the whole thing. the unexpected pregnancy trope was not appreciated, at all. but also not shocking, given that Dmitri and Elise literally never discussed protection (so irresponsible). i also thought it was weird that the author threw that in there, it was so unneeded? like, if that was her only way to reunite Dmitri and Elise then i would understand -- but it wasn't. there were so many other ways to do it, and so much better. also the ending was so weird. like Elise shoots Dmitri, and he's like kinda mad but kinda not? then the confess their love to one another while he's choking her to death and she's crying (so unlike her); then he shoots her but there are no bullets... so she leaves and that's it? it was so beyond rushed and im sorry, so beyond boring. like it felt like a wattpad moment -- not a published book. then Dmitri goes to rescue her, but literally only acts like he cares about the baby LOL. like okay Dmitri, how nice. and Andrei pretty much demanding her to be part of the family is weird -- like didn't you hate her? and Nikolai's comment is so stupid, he 's so annoying. although im proud of Elise for leaving the mafia

overall, this book wasn't bad. it was a pretty good, quick read. if you're looking for a short mafia romance with a lot of smut then this is for you. but it's not the book for you if you want something more emotional and more connection