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The Bratva Lords #1

Lord of Vengeance

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.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2026

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Arianna Fraser

51 books417 followers

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5 stars
1,894 (46%)
4 stars
1,291 (31%)
3 stars
682 (16%)
2 stars
176 (4%)
1 star
69 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
6,107 reviews545 followers
March 12, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Suely Pio.
202 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
1,5 stars.

The story had potential but went nowhere.
it's so cliche.
at one point i was asking myself if i should dnf.
ugh....
probably wont read the series or the book about the parents.
it's just very very meeeh
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
662 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2026
“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 😊
Profile Image for Heather.
775 reviews
April 8, 2026
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.
23 reviews
April 3, 2026
I am actually mad writing this review 😭💀

What. was. this. book. 🤡

I went in thinking “Bratva romance? okayyy give me tension, danger, raw emotions”
What I got instead was a man who talks like he’s submitting a police report.

“Assailant”???
ASSAILANT???
Sir, are you mafia or filling out paperwork??? 🧾🧍‍♀️

There is ZERO rawness. ZERO intensity. ZERO personality.
Everything feels so clinical it’s actually impressive—like how do you remove all emotion from a romance book?? 😭

---

Let’s talk about the trauma.

You bring in kidnapping, trafficking, heavy backstory… and then do absolutely NOTHING with it.
No clarity. No emotional depth. No proper explanation. Just vague hints like I’m supposed to magically understand everything???

I’m not asking for graphic detail—but at least give me something solid to hold on to??
Right now it’s giving: ✨trauma for decoration✨

---

CHARACTERS???

Why am I 7% in and already confused??
Why are there SO MANY people with NO proper introduction??
Am I reading a story or taking attendance??? 📋😭

And just when I’m trying to keep track—
Dmitry becomes Adam for a whole chapter???

I’m sorry WHAT???
Did editing just… not happen??? 😭💀

---

The “spice”…

Don’t even call it that.
I was SKIMMING.
I NEVER skim romance. EVER.

No chemistry. No tension. No buildup. Just awkward, overdone lines that made me physically cringe.
“slim furrow between my legs”???
PLEASE be serious 😭✋

---

The biggest problem?

I felt NOTHING.

Not for the characters.
Not for the relationship.
Not even for the plot.

I was aware of every single word like: “yes, I am reading a book. unfortunately.” 📖🧍‍♀️

---

I pushed myself to 80% thinking maybe—MAYBE—it will finally come together.

It didn’t.

I DNF’d because I genuinely could not care anymore.

---

If you’re expecting:
🔥 mafia intensity
💔 emotional depth
❤️ real chemistry

You will NOT find it here.

What you will find:
❌ confusion
❌ clinical writing
❌ zero emotional payoff

---

I regret the time I spent on this so much 😭
This was exhausting, frustrating, and honestly… disappointing on every level.

Yeah. Never again 🚫


The author is so bad!!!!
1,801 reviews13 followers
February 25, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Megan.
378 reviews
July 13, 2026
3.5⭐️
I enjoyed it but somthing was off like it felt like insta love but not at the same time because they didnt say i love you till 90% but it all felt easy.
The plot was addictive and I hope it carries on throughout the series.
Tropes:
- She lives with him
- Touch her and die vibes
- Nightmare Scenes
- Feisty FMC (has a backbone)
- MMC isn't the typical tortured hero
Profile Image for Caitlyn Littler.
17 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 21, 2026
I really need to stop going off tiktok recommendations🙈
Profile Image for Donita.
360 reviews45 followers
March 2, 2026
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.
6 reviews
March 11, 2026
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.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
7,869 reviews87 followers
February 25, 2026
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
Profile Image for Ceacea.
400 reviews75 followers
May 9, 2026
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.
46 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2026
excellent read

This story grabs you immediately and just gets better and better page by page. I can’t wait for the next books in this new series. One of the best reads I’ve had in months!
Profile Image for Brittany  Trynor.
596 reviews58 followers
May 19, 2026
Needs a warning!! Possible slump might ensue!! 😅😍🥵
Never disappoints mafia series. Doctor o wait a pa who runs into trouble and then quite literally into new bratva head..... is he her savior or is she running to things much worse...??
30 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2026
never disappointing

Fraser writes with such vigor I find myself energized while reading. More books please! I polished this off in one day! Thank you
Profile Image for Cloudstanloves2read.
324 reviews
September 20, 2026
Lord of Vengeance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars

🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 pepper

I recently finished Lord of Vengeance by Arianna Fraser, and this one has actually been sitting in my Kindle library for quite a while. I was craving some mafia/Bratva vibes, so I finally picked it up and I’m so glad I did.

I really enjoyed the premise and storyline. Dmitri and Ava were fantastic leads, and the supporting cast was just as strong. Arianna is one of those authors who makes you fall in love with the entire ensemble, not just the main couple. Getting to see everyone interact throughout the book added so much richness to the world.

What surprised me most is that this felt like a dark Bratva romcom, in the best way. It had the violence, mystery, danger, and family dynamics I expect from a Bratva romance, but it also had these sharp, darkly funny moments that gave the story a unique tone. I haven’t really read anything quite like it before. The blend of grit and humor made the book stand out and kept me entertained from start to finish.

It also ended up being a little spicier than some of Arianna’s other titles I’ve read, landing at a solid three spice rating for me. Those scenes were done really well, and Dmitri and Ava’s chemistry carried the story beautifully.

I fell so hard for some of the supporting characters that I actually jumped around in the series that’s how well this book was written. I’m still making my way through the rest, but it’s been a consistent four star experience across the board.

If you’re looking for a well written Bratva romance with strong character development, engaging side characters, a compelling storyline, and a fun twist of dark humor, you definitely need to check this one out.
Profile Image for Antonette.
9 reviews
April 9, 2026
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.
2 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Christi Goodwin.
Author 1 book3 followers
August 1, 2026
The beginning had me hooked but then in the middle it lost me; here's why- (SPOILERS)...


First chapter titles- They give away what is coming in the chapter. I think Fraser is trying to be clever but gives too much foreshadowing.

The format leaves a lot to be desired. We get an anticlimactic scene of who's involved with the crimes in the middle of the book. Then it's world building, fluff.

For some reason Fraser decides to make the MMC an idiot by not confessing his love in a lame proposal.

Then the FMC goes from an intelligent bad ass to a naive, pouter. He's the head of a crime syndicate and you're surprised he's violent!? Then you have a go bag ready to go like he's not going to find you. Ugh; bad character development.

And how many times can a girl get abducted? Started to get ridiculous.

The only reason I kept reading, (but really skimming ), was because I wanted to see who was behind it all.

This story had so much potential, but was just a mess.

Profile Image for Crystal Grimshaw.
212 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2026
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.
757 reviews
February 20, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Mary Pulvermacher.
469 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Jill.
12 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
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!
1,071 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2026
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!
1,398 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,245 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews