Lord of Vengeance

The Bratva Lords #1

by Arianna Fraser

The girl races toward me, like a bird seeking shelter from the storm. She doesn't realize I'm a far worse predator than the one she's fleeing from.
I'm Dmitri Morozov, soon to be Pakhan of the most powerful Bratva in New York and St. Petersburg.
People run from me, not to me. Women may edge close, drawn by my money or power. But no one has ever sought protection in my arms before. She's running down the hall of this luxury apartment building, desperately calling for me to save her. This sweet girl doesn't realize she's raced into the jaws of a monster, but I'll rain vengeance down on everyone who's hurt her.


Forced Marriage
Forbidden Love
Surprise/Secret Baby
Dark Bratva Romance
Captured Bride
Touch her and I'll end you vibes
Found Family

Lord of Vengeance is the first book in the Lords of Bratva Series. There is no other woman drama and always, a HEA.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Romance, Found Family, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy, Dark

447 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Part 1

There were some positive aspects in this story, but the ease with which the heroine accepted and integrated into the mafia life was difficult to overlook.

Dnf @ 46%

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilya has made sacrifices in order to capture her dreams of being a doctor. Everything changes when she escapes a fate worse than death and begs to be rescued by Dmitri Morozov. She has no clue that Dmitri is next in line to be Pakhan of the Bratva in NY and St. Petersburg.

Dmitri is furious a woman has been held captive in his newest building. He vows to protect her but for some reason he wants her in his care. He realizes she is coming to mean something special to him but how does he keep her from not wanting to leave all the while figuring out who is behind it and with brutal force ensuring they never do it again.

Really well done, page turning suspense. I was captivated by this story and it had so many facets to each character you just want more. Definitely will be checking out more from this author.

[Beyza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Mafia)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: Book 1 of a series of interconnected standalones. Dual first-person POV. Content warnings provided. Available on KU.

If you love an over the top protective MMC who's morally gray without the dark personality you get in most mafia stories, this is for you. It's a dark world with a dark plot but the characters feel lighter than the world. I am coming to see that I really enjoy worlds like this. Give me high drama without the dark and mildly depressing angst. I love all the characters here and not just our heroes and heroines. The villains are perfectly villainous! The drama is paced so nicely for a book this long. I was never bored or felt like skipping through. I hung on every word and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[Han · Rating 3 out of 5]

No OWD

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

true mafia romance

This book was such a good mafia romance. It’s super gritty. Recommend you read trigger warnings if you are squeamish, or have issues with sex traffickers ( not the MMC)

This book was fantastic between the morally dark mmc Dmitri being a hero and rescuing the FMC Ava from trafficking.
There’s so many shoot outs, kidnappings, backstabbing, plot twists, spicy scenes, accidental pregnancy, tricked into marriage, and so much more. It was a great story. I really enjoyed it. Michelle heard is one of my favorite mafia romance authors and now I think Arianna Fraser may be right up there too.

If you like mafia romance you will enjoy this one.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl races toward me, like a bird seeking shelter from the storm. She doesn't realize I'm a far worse predator than the one she's fleeing from.
I'm Dmitri Morozov, soon to be Pakhan of the most powerful Bratva in New York and St. Petersburg.
People run from me, not to me. Women may edge close, drawn by my money or power. But no one has ever sought protection in my arms before. She's running down the hall of this luxury apartment building, desperately calling for me to save her. This sweet girl doesn't realize she's raced into the jaws of a monster, but I'll rain vengeance down on everyone who's hurt her.

This contemporary billionaire forbidden love dark Bratva organized crime thriller romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in New York/St. Petersburg, that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters who are an alpha male possessive/protective hero who is exuding power/wealth, violent, dangerous, soon to be the most powerful Bratva in New York and St. Petersburg/ a resilient disabled female heroine, who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the Lord of vengeance, explicit, mature romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, found family, secret surprise pregnancy, chaos/drama, suspense that is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, humor, HEA, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the Lord of vengeance and an explicit billionaire dark Bratva organized crime thriller romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dark, lustful, dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lord of Vengeance” is the first book in Arianna’s new series, “The Bratva Lords Series.” Dmitri Morozov is heir apparent to the Morozov Bratva, the most powerful in New York and St. Petersburg. His parents are Maksim and Elle, who you will remember from “Mistaken,” the first book in “The Morozov Bratva Saga.” His siblings and most trusted friends are Roman and Alexsey. Ava Blue, a petite, sliver-blond haired is a physician’s assistant at Bellevue Hospital. Between six years of college and another two years of near-slave-labor wages to get my Physician’s Assistant degree, financially, she is struggling. Life is difficult at work with a vindictive ex-fiancé, whom she caught cheating on her and is now trying to ruin her professional reputation.

Whilst picking up Ilya, his best friend’s Adam’s irresponsible brother for the bachelor party, a tiny girl, covered in blood, races towards him….”Help me! Please! Help!” Her shirt is ripped, with cuts and scratches littering her skin. Whilst collapsing against his chest, he notices that she is wearing a shock collar. “Someone collared this poor girl.” Dmitri is angry! “Even with the blood streaking her pale skin, she’s beautiful, the silver-blonde hair, like the sun and moon mixed. Her eyes are midnight blue, I saw her color before she passed out.”

After being conned into a scheme of rent controlled housing for medical personnel, Ava is intentionally drugged on arrival at her new home. Upon waking up, she is in a king sized bed, chained, with a middle aged man in the room. He advises her that he bought her at auction with the apartment, as a package deal. “I work hard. So, when I come home, I want you to be... fun. I’ll have friends over. I expect you to be nice to them.”

Dmitri takes her to his mother’s, Dr. Ella Morozova, clinic for treatment. Her injuries consistent with a severe beating, based on the defensive cuts and bruises on her forearms and hands. She is also mildly concussed, and has burn marks on her neck. Even though she is safe at the clinic, he stays with her, watching her and helping her through her nightmares. For her own protection, she moves in with Dmitri.

Ava and Dmitri develop strong feelings towards each another. He understands her and cares about her….Dmitri will do anything to protect Ava. “Gently putting my hand on her cheek, I lean close, murmuring, “You're safe. No one will hurt you again, I swear it. You're safe here, try to sleep, Malen'kaya Soroka.” Her head turns into the warmth of my hand and another soft sigh escapes her lips before she goes back into full sleep.”

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. Is there a chance of a happily ever after for them? I’m very happily hooked on this series - looking forward to the next book.

This book had me hooked from the start! 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 Dmitri and Ava, 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 😊

[Emsi Gleds · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this! loved ava she was so strong

[Donita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally found a quick-easy read and a refreshing surprise in the dark/mafia romance genre — not because of the vengeance plot and all, but because it refuses to rely on the usual trauma tropes.

So I haven't read a lot of Dark Mafia Romance but most of the books that I did read have the same usual backstory. However, Dmitri breaks a huge trope:
• No conveniently dead or cruel parents
• No misery porn childhood, no brothers fighting each other
• A functional, loving family that still produces a dangerous, competent man

And then there is the FMC: She is strong without being loud, resilient without self-pity, and morally realistic without grandstanding. She doesn’t cry for injustices committed by people who knowingly did her or others harm, and she doesn’t demand answers she hasn’t earned. While she allows Dmitri to lead — because it makes sense: Hello! He's a mafia leader with a lot of connections and power — she is never a pushover. She sets boundaries, refuses what she doesn’t want, and asks the right questions without being entitled.

"I did judge you, after everything you'd done for me. It was fair to say that I'm more comfortable with violence when you're protecting me, and I had to examine that about myself. Embracing you means seeing all of you without judgement."

The communication is Chef's kiss!! The power dynamic is balanced, intentional, and respectful. Control is exercised with purpose, consent, and awareness, making the relationship compelling rather than exhausting.

If you’re tired of overwrought trauma, over the top angst, entitled heroines, and performative morality, Lord of Vengeance is a sharp, satisfying read — dark, controlled, and quietly powerful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Wonderful story. She’s become an automatic read author for me. Her characters are easy to like and there is the perfect amount of tension and action to make the story enjoyable.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She ran from a predator and found a darker savior who’ll burn the city to the ground to protect her.

Ava thinks a new apartment is her fresh start, a clean break from a manipulative ex and a life that keeps shrinking around her. Instead, she wakes up collared inside a luxury cage built to break women like her. She survives the only way she knows how, with precision, grit, and blood on her hands. When she finally escapes, she doesn’t run from the most dangerous man in the building. She runs straight into him.

Dmitri is ruthless, controlled, and heir to a powerful Bratva empire. He’s raised to command fear, not offer protection. But someone used his building for something vile, and someone hurt what is now his. Vengeance turns personal as he dismantles the threat piece by piece, and somewhere in the violence he realizes this isn’t just about power. It’s about her.

As Ava fights through trauma and refuses to be handled like something fragile, their connection shifts from rescue to choice. He’s dominant but he listens. She’s scarred but she won’t surrender her agency. Protection becomes negotiated power, and heat becomes trust. What starts in fear transforms into a love that forces them to confront who they are beneath the armor.

Ava grows from emotionally worn down to fiercely self possessed, reclaiming her body and her future on her terms. Dmitri shifts from transactional control to vulnerable devotion, discovering that love doesn’t weaken him, it anchors him. They build something intense and intentional, where dominance is chosen and loyalty is earned.

A dark, ultra steamy bratva romance about a possessive protector and a woman who refuses to be owned. It’s about trauma, recovery, power, consent, vengeance, loyalty, and two morally gray hearts choosing devotion in a world ruled by blood and hierarchy.

The Elevator Pitch: After escaping a meticulously engineered captivity inside a luxury high rise, a sharp, trauma scarred medical professional collides with a ruthless Bratva heir who rules the city through fear and precision. As he hunts down everyone who dared to touch her, protection turns into something far more dangerous, forcing them to navigate power, consent, and desire in a world built on blood and hierarchy. What begins as vengeance becomes a test of whether two morally gray survivors can choose devotion over control.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[Antonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of Vengeance the story of Dmitri and Ava is a dark, addictive dive into the brutal world of the Bratva, where power, danger, and obsession collide. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a high-stakes game of survival and control, led by a commanding and ruthless anti-hero, Dmitri Morozov. Ariana did it again I’m a fan of her so many books that’s in my Kindle Library

Ariana delivers exactly what fans of mafia romance crave—intensity, tension, and a fiercely possessive male lead whose presence dominates every scene. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, building from fear and distrust into something far more consuming and complicated. If you enjoy the “touch her and die” trope and powerful, morally grey characters, this book will definitely hit the mark.

The pacing is fast, making it an easy and engaging read. The darker themes add depth to the story, though at times the plot leans more toward romance than action. While some elements may feel familiar to seasoned readers of the genre, the emotional pull and steamy moments keep the story compelling.

Overall, Lord of Vengeance is a satisfying read for anyone who loves dark mafia romance with strong tropes, intense relationships, and plenty of spice. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises—an entertaining and gripping escape into a dangerous world.

[traci moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I say?!?!?!? Gurl has done it again. A great read for the first book in a new series and the reason is i will certainly give something away. I don't do reviews but this was 5 star for me. I love Arianna's writing so much. This book did not disappoint- not that I thought it would. Ava's story starts out so tragic and she runs into Dimitri and I do mean literally runs into Dimitri with a shock collar on her and he moves in and does what we all knew he would do PROTECT. Loved the side characters Roman, Alexsey, Rurick, Matvey and can't forget Gordi. The banter is bantering and the spice is spicin. I giggled, pumped my fists and rolled my eyes so many times. We meet up again with some previous characters from earlier series- Momma Ella being one of them doing her doctor thing. This book was greatly paced. Could not put it down- well I had to- to make it last but that was an epic fail. Looking forward to the rest of the series- already marked on the calendar for the release. Anything Arianna Frasier I will definitely read.

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the family dynamic Ariana Fraser creates in her mafia books. I devoured all the MacTavish second gen books and have started to read the first gen. The Bratva counterparts may be just a tad more serious than the Scottish Clan but the closeness of the family is still there. I’ve read Maxim and Yuri’s stories already and I loved seeing them interact with the adult children. Dmitri is the future Pakhan and takes Ava under his protection when she escapes an apartment where she has been held prisoner. I’ve read more mafia stories than I can count and this plot kept me guessing. I did not see some of those twists and turns coming! Ava fits so seamlessly into Dimitri’s world. My favorite scenes included Ava and the rest of Dmitri’s family. Great spice, plot and the characters are chefs kiss!.

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

[Carmelita Clardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome beginning

This is the first book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. The H is the oldest son of a Maksim and Ella Morozov, their story is the beginning of. He is handsome, rich, kind and will let his demon out when needed. He meets the h when she is running down hall from her kidnapper. She had been sold in a trafficking ring. He helps her and along the way they fall in love. The plot and characters were very well written. There’s the kidnapping, attempted abduction, gruesome murders, betrayal and an unexpected pregnancy. So good, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great epilogue.

[Mary Pulvermacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I waited forever for this book and it did not disappoint! I loved Ava, the way her mind works had me laughing out loud at points. I definitely could relate to her at times. The bad guy was kind of obvious but the twists to get to that point were a little wild! I did not see some of them coming. The betrayals! This book was great and I had to immediately get the extended epilogue so I could read it. I can’t wait for Roman’s book. He was a great side character so I can’t wait for his story.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna Fraser never disappoints me! This one is dear to me for the ADHD representation. I truly appreciate the humanizing qualities Arianna gives her characters. Definitely not my grandmother’s dime store romance novel variety, but another great Bratva Dark Romance. These next generation novels are an artfully crafted new world with much appreciated appearances of former favorite characters. Definitely worth diving into a new series of interconnected standalone novels, can’t wait to watch this set unfold more!

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Little Mapie!

From page one l like this story,Dmitri was in the right place when Ava came running down the hall.Dmitri can't believe that human trafficking was so close to his family when he finds out who kidnapped Ava.Im glad that she never gave up and kept fighting every time some one try to take her away.!m not sure what else to say,it kept me on the edge of my seat and sure wasn't boring!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of vengeance

Absolutely loved this book! If you like dark mafia romances, then this book is for you! Please note that this book centers on human trafficking. Not from the MMC or his family. I loved Dimitri and Ava and how he would burn the world down for her! This book so did not disappoint!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for The Lord Of Vengeance by Arianna Fraser. Readers should review content for triggers.

What a great story - not your typical Mafia / Bratva storyline. I love that the author wrote such a strong MFC and when the MMC falls he falls hard !

Cant wait to read more in the Bratva Lords series !.

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

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Vengeance is one of the best books that I have read. Dimitri is a great MMC. Ava is a sweetheart and goes through so much mentally and physically.

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

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

[Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, new to me author

So I’m in my mafia era again, and Arianna was definitely different from others I’ve read (in a good way). I loved every page of this book. It will definitely be a trophy book for me. I can’t wait to see what you do with the other books.


Btw, Ms. Arianna, you’re on my list of favorite authors.

[Will A. Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

Well done! Excellent storyline, well developed characters, and off the charts lovemaking. The story will keep you involved and excited for the next chapter.It’s a page turner and the family dynamics is beautiful and heartwarming. There is violence, betrayal and vengeance. There is also humor and bravery. The story moves fast. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series. I really enjoyed this book...the banter between the main characters was on point and the secondary characters are fun to read. This isn't a light Bratva book...there are heavy themes including human trafficking. But it is a book with strong female characters including Ava and Ella (Dmitri's mother).

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

[Kea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Marriage, found family, heroine with a disability, ADHD representation, enemies, shooting, kidnapping, betrayals, devious traffickers . . . so much more. Arianna Fraser, known for her Scottish MacTavish series, begins a new generation from the Morozov Bratva Saga, starting with soon-to-be pakhan, Dmitri in LORD OF VENGEANCE where Ava literally falls into his arms.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not My Usual Cup of Tea, but...

The gangster romance trope is usually lost on me. It genuinely isn't my go to reads. However I happened upon a blurb for Lord of Vengeance and thought I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in two days. I couldn't put it down. It didn't drag or go into heavy descriptions, which loses me, and I enjoyed the characters, especially fmc. She may be small but she is feisty! I'll be reading more from this author.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the prologue

If your the type of reader who skips the prologue, you will be truly confused with this book.
I loved it! Romance, drama, tension, betrayal and everything hou want in a romance.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than expected

This isn't like other second generation characters that either completely ignore the parents or fill the story reminding the reader of what happened in the first series. It is just the right mix.

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

God what can I say about this book! It was truly amazing! I loved Dmitri! He was amazing. Ava was everything I loved in a FMC! She was strong, independent and amazing! I cannot wait for the rest of the families stories!