Crowned by the Bratva Monster

The Kingpins' Brides #5

by A.J. Black

My wedding was supposed to be the start of my new life—
until my so-called brother stormed in, ripping me into his arms.
Worse? The Bratva devil locks me up and demands I marry him.

I was supposed to escape my father's cruelty, marry a creepy old man.
Instead, I was forced into a marriage with Pavel Orlov.
My so-called brother, the Bratva devil.

He locks me away in his mansion, and I fight him.
But when he catches me pleasuring myself, everything changes.
In an instant, I’m on my knees, and he’s the one in control.

I offer him a deal—a fake marriage.
I’ll pursue my art, live my life... as long as it’s in name only.
But Pavel demands real marriage, real sex... and a baby. His baby.

He buys me a private studio, gives me the freedom I never have.
Each touch, each heated glance, is a temptation I can’t resist.
And then I discover the
He killed my father.
And now, I’m carrying his child.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2026

About the author

A.J. Black writes stories for readers who crave dangerous thrills, dark love, and secrets too big to hide.

Her books are filled with fierce, dominant men who will stop at nothing to claim what's theirs—and heroines who fall for them, even when they know it’s dangerous.

Expect mafia bosses, contract marriages, and love that isn’t just about hearts—it’s about power, possession, and burning passion.

In A.J. Black’s world, survival and seduction collide in explosive, fiery moments.

When the dust settles, no one is the same.

Reviews

[Not A Writer]

A Blood-Stained Crown and the Devil Who Claims It
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

If you think your family gatherings are stressful, Irena’s wedding day is here to hold your drink. Crowned by the Bratva Monster by A. J. Black is a high-octane, dark mafia ride that kicks off with a literal bang and doesn't let up until the final page. The visual here is pure Bratva gothic: white lace stained with fresh blood, cold marble mansions that feel like gilded cages, and the intoxicating smell of expensive whiskey and gunpowder. It is a story where the "happily ever after" is carved out of betrayal and deep-seated obsession. 🏛️💉

The narrative tension is delicious. Irena is moments away from an unwanted marriage to a "creepy old man" when Pavel Orlov—her step-brother and the newly self-appointed Pakhan—storms the ceremony, kills the groom, and claims her for himself. Pavel isn't just an antihero; he’s a "Bratva devil" who has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for his moment to seize the crown and the girl. The revelation that Irena’s father didn't die of natural causes, but by Pavel’s own hand, adds a layer of mistrust and danger that makes their forced proximity feel like a powder keg.

What sets this story apart is the evolution of their dynamic. Pavel is over-the-top possessive, locking Irena away only to find her resistance is what fuels his fire. When he discovers her in a private moment of vulnerability, the "fake marriage" deal she tries to strike is incinerated. He demands a real marriage, real passion, and a Bratva heir. Between the high-stakes intrigue and the moments of unexpected humor, Black weaves a tale where passion and danger are inseparable. Watching Irena find her voice as an artist while navigating the lethal world Pavel has built around her makes for a deeply addictive read. 🎨⛓️

The Tropes
🇷🇺 Bratva / Mafia Romance
💍 Arranged & Forced Marriage
⚖️ Age Gap / Step-Brother (Taboo)
🗡️ Enemies-to-Lovers / Antihero Alpha
🍼 Secret Baby / Pregnancy Arc
🛡️ Possessive & Obsessive Hero
✨ Virgin FMC / Second Chance Elements

TL;DR: A dark, gritty, and incredibly passionate Bratva romance that starts with a wedding-day massacre and ends with a claim that can't be denied. If you love your heroes lethal and your heroines resilient, this is a 4.5-star must-read.

[Shelley G]

I loved it though I did find a fair few detail mistakes. I’ve documented and sent to the author. Irina is a bratva princess with a nasty abusive father who gives her in marriage to the enemy for trade routes. Patel is her older adopted brother who hates her father and wants irina for himself knowing that the man she is supposed to marry with abuse her, so he stops the wedding and takes off with irina vowing she will only marry him.after secretly killing her father . She resists but eventually gives in because he knows some of her deepest secrets. Events happen, they circle each other arguing and fighting until one night desires takes over. Things become much better they both admit to loving each other until someone very close betrays them and does something horrible plus tells irina news she didn’t know throwing into question everything she thought she knew to be true. She tries to run but is caught because pavel is obsessed with her and can’t let her go which leads him to doing the unthinkable. It breaks all trust and this time irina disappears until 6 months later pavel finds her in a bad situation and saves her. She knows now she must return home but doesn’t know if she can forgive pavel or trust him again. Pavel knows he messed up and is willing to do anything besides let her go to fix his mistake even if it means begging on his knees. And there’s more at stake then just his heart. Can irina forgive him and move forward? When all the truth is finally revealed it changes everything she thought she knew. This story shows how badly a relationship can suffer when the truth is hidden, when two grown adults can’t just talk together to work things out and when panic and fear makes ppl do things spur of the moment without thinking of the consequences. And the toll those actions take on everyone and what it takes to repair such damage. Excellent world building, fabulous character descriptions making them believable and real. A good interpretation of life in the bratva for both males and females and that if true love is found in that life u hold on to it tight.

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

[JP18267]

Shocked and utterly hooked from the first page! Pavel is ruthless and out for revenge and Irina is his ultimate prize. The patience and scheming to take over everything were pure genius. Both share a secret taboo crush, and Pavel finally takes what is his.

A. J. Black is one of my favorite mafia authors; she has the most unique and twisted stories. Crowned by the Bravata Monster lived up to all the hype. The perfect balance of high-stakes suspense, jarring betrayal, and seriously sizzling moments. This forbidden dark mafia romance was a pure masterpiece!

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

He is ruthless and knows what he wants and makes plans to get it. Irina has accepted her fate to marry a man she either knows or wants but when it comes time to say the vows they are interrupted by her stepbrother and their dangerous path begins. Nothing is as it seems and when the truth comes out will Irina be able to accept Pavel as the new Pakhan and her husband. This story kept me glued to the pages.

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

[L KQ]

Stepbrother Captor

When Irina is kidnapped from marrying a older man with bad intentions she doesn't expect her stepbrother to be her captor. With her father dead and truths waiting to be revealed this story takes on a sinister vibe while simultaneously being full of chemistry and emotion. I could not put it down.

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

[Kandiemarie]

This is the fifth installment of The Kingpins' Brides series. It's filled with dysfunctional family values, desperation and sacrifice, power and control, secrets and lies, and twists and turns that make for an exciting and entertaining book. It's an incredible addition to the series and I highly recommend reading.

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

[Marilyn Smith]

Really good!

Pavel kills Irinas fiance and takes his place and marries her. He also kills her dad with something that makes everyone think its a heart attack. Pavel become head of the Bratva and is very passive of his wife. Someone is trying to take over his territory and kidnaps Irenia. Really good book.

[Barbara]

Pavel and Irina are such freaking terrific characters. This mafia romance book is filled with some terrific enemies to lover's storyline that ends up with a few unexpected surprises. AJ has brilliantly written this super engrossing unputdownable book that has you hooked right from the start. I can't recommend this book enough as well as this author because they both are AWESOME.

[PortlandEnchantress]

Loved every minute

Pavel loved Irina like no other and had for years before she ever even knew. He is my favorite character.
The things Irina's fatherput him through and did to him was heartbreaking to read. That he used his secret love for Irina to get through it was tear jerkingly touching.
He is an incredibly strong man who would do anything for his Irina.

[laura.lovesreading]

Oh my god this book begins high and doesn’t let up.

It’s ruthless, forbidden, dark, full of danger, suspense, betrayal and steam.

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

[Rita]

Nice!

Love this book if you like blood stabbing murder, fighting stealing robbing awesome sex heartbreak lie's secrets and everything else in between this book is for you. It's exactly what a mafia story should be. I loved it.

[sheryl blaszczyk]

Outstanding read

Oh my god what a phenomenal story. They were perfect together. Her father what a POS. I was also blown away by his friend didn’t see that coming at all. Couldn’t stop reading. It was funny and oh so hot. Start reading

[Shadow.readz]

DNF at 21%

Couldn't get into the story!

[Lisa Taylor]

oh wow

Oh wow what a great book the way he would look after her even when she had no idea was wonderful, I loved how strong she was too

[Theresa]

Dnf. fMC was too juvenile.

[Vanessa Johnson]

Good storyline, definitely would have people on both sides of the fence on the morals in this one, but I’m inclined towards thinking that I would see it as okay, but that’s just me

[Barbara]

Pavel and Irina are such freaking terrific characters. This mafia romance book is filled with some terrific enemies to lover's storyline that ends up with a few unexpected surprises. AJ has brilliantly written this super engrossing unputdownable book that has you hooked right from the start. I can't recommend this book enough as well as this author because they both are AWESOME.

[Barbara]

Pavel and Irina are such freaking terrific characters. This mafia romance book is filled with some terrific enemies to lover's storyline that ends up with a few unexpected surprises. AJ has brilliantly written this super engrossing unputdownable book that has you hooked right from the start. I can't recommend this book enough as well as this author because they both are AWESOME.