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The Pakhan’s Secretary
What’s worse than desperation?
Taking a job I can’t afford to lose.
Walking into a glass tower of power, locking eyes with the most dangerous man I’ve ever seen—
and realizing… he owns everything. Including me.
Roman Sokolov. Cold. Commanding.
The Pakhan hiding behind a CEO’s smile.
I’m hired to be invisible—to organize his life,
to keep his secrets, to never ask questions.
But Roman doesn’t look at me like an employee.
He studies me like a weakness he plans to conquer.
One night of fear and fire shatters every rule I swore to follow.
By morning, he’s distant. Untouchable. Back behind his desk.
Then the truth detonates my world.
“You’re pregnant,” the doctor says softly.
That’s when Roman stops pretending.
“This child is mine,” he says. “And so are you.”
Now I’m trapped between enemies who want me dead
and a man who refuses to let me go.
Because one thing about a Pakhan—
he doesn’t make offers. He decides your fate.
And I don’t know yet whether he plans to protect me…
or destroy me to protect his empire.
Author’s A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance filled with power imbalance, obsession, forced proximity, and dangerous consequences. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
Taking a job I can’t afford to lose.
Walking into a glass tower of power, locking eyes with the most dangerous man I’ve ever seen—
and realizing… he owns everything. Including me.
Roman Sokolov. Cold. Commanding.
The Pakhan hiding behind a CEO’s smile.
I’m hired to be invisible—to organize his life,
to keep his secrets, to never ask questions.
But Roman doesn’t look at me like an employee.
He studies me like a weakness he plans to conquer.
One night of fear and fire shatters every rule I swore to follow.
By morning, he’s distant. Untouchable. Back behind his desk.
Then the truth detonates my world.
“You’re pregnant,” the doctor says softly.
That’s when Roman stops pretending.
“This child is mine,” he says. “And so are you.”
Now I’m trapped between enemies who want me dead
and a man who refuses to let me go.
Because one thing about a Pakhan—
he doesn’t make offers. He decides your fate.
And I don’t know yet whether he plans to protect me…
or destroy me to protect his empire.
Author’s A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance filled with power imbalance, obsession, forced proximity, and dangerous consequences. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2026
285 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 2, 2026
DNF. I was looking forward to this. Had a good premise. The storyline was even very good until about the halfway point. I got about 3/4 of the way through this book before I threw it back. The big bad Pakhan, from everyone is afraid of, turns into this milk toast. He doesn’t act like a boss at all. He’s got this enemy who he doesn’t confront. He just keeps letting stuff happen. If this was a real mafia book, he had gone out and just killed the other guy. Then there’s the holes. She’s so afraid of him, but as soon as she moves into his house, she starts bossing him around and yelling in his face and telling him what he is and isn’t going to do and what is and isn’t non-negotiable, like she has any power in the situation at all. Then there’s the little brother who is 16. She throws him this Halloween party and he accidentally stumbles upon the guy who’s being kept in the seller. Even though if you were to go down into the seller, it would look like a wine seller because where they keep the prison is hidden behind a secret door, but that’s OK. He finds him anyway we don’t know how that was pretty much the last straw. I’m just fed up with this. I was really hoping I had found a new author to read. I won’t be reading anymore for stuff.
March 15, 2026
The Pakhan's Secretary is second in the Sins of Bratva Series. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhanger. A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance filled with power imbalance, obsession, forced proximity, and dangerous consequences. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed. A secretary becomes entangled with Roman Sokolov, a dangerous mafia boss posing as CEO. Their forbidden relationship leads to pregnancy and deadly consequences. Contains mature adult themes. This is Roman and Eva story which is told from a dual point of view. A beautifully written story with world building individuals and a fascinating and complex storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, dark, gripping and thrilling story.
A contemporary romance, Bratva romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, aged gap trope story, morally-grey antihero story, employee-boss romance, workplace romance, taboo romance, forbidden romance, romantic suspense story, OTT possessive alpha hero story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, rags-to-riches story, billionaire romance, dark romance, off-limits romance, pregnancy romance, he-falls-first romance, protective alpha hero romance, with obsession, possessiveness, power and control, revelations, twists and turns, panty-melting passion, action packed, darkness, madness, danger, violence, enemies, rivalry, secrets, consensual intense rough sex, lies dominance, submission, and resilience.
A story of family, brotherhood, survival, love, betrayal, sabotage, treachery, suspense, deception, mystery, surprises, tension, heart-stopping emotions, angst, family, acceptance, captivity, kidnapping, pulse-pounding drama, anger, threats, attacks, backstabbing, double-cross, enemies and love. Roman Sokolov is the billionaire CEO of of Sokolov Financial Group and the pakhan of the Sokolov Bratva who's hiding behind a CEO's smile. He's cold, stoic, handsome and domineering. By day he runs a legal business and by night an illegitimate business for the Sokolov Bratva. He has a lot on his plate running both side of the business while his company falling apart and he doesn't know where the problem is coming from.
Eighteen year old Eva Markova is drowning in debt and can barely make it because of her mother staggering hospital bills due to cancer before she pass away. She had to take a loan out to help pay back the hospital. She needed to find a better job. She was desperate so when she got the job at Sokolov Financial Group, she couldn't afford to lose it. It affords her to at least see her way. Walking into a glass tower of power, she locks eyes with the most dangerous man that she seem. Eva was hired as his secretary and must stay invisible to organize his life, to keep his secrets, and to never ask questions. Roman believes that she was planted in his company to be a spy because of the company who lend her money. He doesn't look at his employees, but he was attracted to her.
She worries that he doesn't look at her like an employee and more like he would like to devour her. He studies her like a weakness he plans on conquering. The more time and late nights that they spend together their feelings only grow more. Until one night they cross the line, a night of fear and fire that would shatter every rule that she swore to follow and they succumb to their desires. And by morning, he was distant, untouchable back to his desk as if they didn't just spent an earth-shattering night together. And it turns out that he left her with a parting gift when the doctor said the two words she wasn't prepared to hear. "You're pregnant." Her entire world detonate in one breath. And then he stopped ignoring he said this child is mine, and so are you. However, there's a mole in his inner circle that is trying to bring down his empire.
He must get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later because Eva is not now caught in the cross-hair and they want her gone. Eva works alongside him to see figure out who's the mole and it will shock him. There's also a woman who claims that they're engaged and is planning on getting married. Which option will he choose his family in Russia and his Bratva or the new family that he as created with her?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A contemporary romance, Bratva romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, aged gap trope story, morally-grey antihero story, employee-boss romance, workplace romance, taboo romance, forbidden romance, romantic suspense story, OTT possessive alpha hero story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, rags-to-riches story, billionaire romance, dark romance, off-limits romance, pregnancy romance, he-falls-first romance, protective alpha hero romance, with obsession, possessiveness, power and control, revelations, twists and turns, panty-melting passion, action packed, darkness, madness, danger, violence, enemies, rivalry, secrets, consensual intense rough sex, lies dominance, submission, and resilience.
A story of family, brotherhood, survival, love, betrayal, sabotage, treachery, suspense, deception, mystery, surprises, tension, heart-stopping emotions, angst, family, acceptance, captivity, kidnapping, pulse-pounding drama, anger, threats, attacks, backstabbing, double-cross, enemies and love. Roman Sokolov is the billionaire CEO of of Sokolov Financial Group and the pakhan of the Sokolov Bratva who's hiding behind a CEO's smile. He's cold, stoic, handsome and domineering. By day he runs a legal business and by night an illegitimate business for the Sokolov Bratva. He has a lot on his plate running both side of the business while his company falling apart and he doesn't know where the problem is coming from.
Eighteen year old Eva Markova is drowning in debt and can barely make it because of her mother staggering hospital bills due to cancer before she pass away. She had to take a loan out to help pay back the hospital. She needed to find a better job. She was desperate so when she got the job at Sokolov Financial Group, she couldn't afford to lose it. It affords her to at least see her way. Walking into a glass tower of power, she locks eyes with the most dangerous man that she seem. Eva was hired as his secretary and must stay invisible to organize his life, to keep his secrets, and to never ask questions. Roman believes that she was planted in his company to be a spy because of the company who lend her money. He doesn't look at his employees, but he was attracted to her.
She worries that he doesn't look at her like an employee and more like he would like to devour her. He studies her like a weakness he plans on conquering. The more time and late nights that they spend together their feelings only grow more. Until one night they cross the line, a night of fear and fire that would shatter every rule that she swore to follow and they succumb to their desires. And by morning, he was distant, untouchable back to his desk as if they didn't just spent an earth-shattering night together. And it turns out that he left her with a parting gift when the doctor said the two words she wasn't prepared to hear. "You're pregnant." Her entire world detonate in one breath. And then he stopped ignoring he said this child is mine, and so are you. However, there's a mole in his inner circle that is trying to bring down his empire.
He must get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later because Eva is not now caught in the cross-hair and they want her gone. Eva works alongside him to see figure out who's the mole and it will shock him. There's also a woman who claims that they're engaged and is planning on getting married. Which option will he choose his family in Russia and his Bratva or the new family that he as created with her?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2026
2.5 Another story with an oops pregnancy and "mine" written a million times throughout the book. There is some repetitive dialogue as well. I have begun keeping track of authors that are drawn to the pregnancy tropes in their books and am putting a pause on any of their new release's unless I sense something in the blurb that is "different" than the usual read and repeat. For awhile it was sex clubs and BDSM, but many have moved on to unplanned pregnancies' which has gotten extremely predictable and boring. It's 2026 not 1970 where you would think that single woman use something to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies, but apparently not in this genre.
Roman and Eva's story could have been so much better had the author not dumbed down both main characters. Roman's character was suppose to be a strong Pakhan and business man and yet he couldn't figure anything out as everything is being strategically destroyed by a character right out of the Soprano's. Eva was suppose to really need this job, but can't stop herself from having sex with her new boss, Roman. He rolls over Eva like a train and then expects her to fall in love with him. I found it interesting that Lev kept reminding Roman about how dangerous his relationship with Eva was and yet he was exchanging pillow talk with Irina. How either of these men completely dismissed that she could be up to no good, until she sabotaged Eva's wedding dress was almost laughable since she had front row seats to what was going on in Roman's Bratva. Exiling her instead of something more serious was a real disappointment considering what she did and how many people died because of her.
Had the author included Lev and Irina in the story more, may have given the book added interest. Their involvement was behind the scene until it wasn't.
Roman and Eva's story could have been so much better had the author not dumbed down both main characters. Roman's character was suppose to be a strong Pakhan and business man and yet he couldn't figure anything out as everything is being strategically destroyed by a character right out of the Soprano's. Eva was suppose to really need this job, but can't stop herself from having sex with her new boss, Roman. He rolls over Eva like a train and then expects her to fall in love with him. I found it interesting that Lev kept reminding Roman about how dangerous his relationship with Eva was and yet he was exchanging pillow talk with Irina. How either of these men completely dismissed that she could be up to no good, until she sabotaged Eva's wedding dress was almost laughable since she had front row seats to what was going on in Roman's Bratva. Exiling her instead of something more serious was a real disappointment considering what she did and how many people died because of her.
Had the author included Lev and Irina in the story more, may have given the book added interest. Their involvement was behind the scene until it wasn't.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was on its way to being rated four stars. The slow tension between the leads. The right-hand man trying to keep everything on track. The stuck-up Russian girlfriend and the one who thinks she's a fiancee. The family which needs money back home. Then it went off the rails. First the kidnapping and interrogation of Megan's brother. Seriously the guy doesn't see Eva's not interested and his sister says nothing. Then he suddenly knows so much more about the business side than anyone should and blabs he's going to tell. So instead of making him relocate they keep him in a guest room in the basement. The next is dear brother having a passport and visa to fly to the US and then starts complaining that Eva's so well off even though he knows better. He somehow has free run of the house and finds Tyler in the basement. So of course, he keeps Alexi, Meghan, Tyler, and Eva locked in the house only to let them go a bit later and nothing done. After that, it should have immediately righted itself but unfortunately the right-hand man is made to look incompetent because his girlfriend is playing both sides. Scrap the entire character of Tyler, don't bring Alexi over and then you don't have the off the rails bit. Make Abram more evil, Irina more diabolical and make her the fake fiancée not the girlfriend of the right hand and it would flow so much better. It would make sense. As it was after the entire - Tyler in a basement thing, I was ready to stop. I know the author writes better than this. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
This is the 2nd story in the Sins of the Bratva Series where we find Eve in debt struggling with several jobs trying to get from under the debt of her mothers medical bills and sending money to Russia helping her younger brother and grandmother. Finding this secretary job making good money should help. What Eve doesn’t expect to find is one demanding and powerful man, Romas as her boss. Roman runs a legitimate business while running his Russian family as Pakhan. The interactions between them are professional until they’re not and once Eve becomes part of Roman’s world. When family and friends become a threat Roman protects his bratva and Eve loses faith. Roman is skating on thin ice with all the attacks on rival families made to look as though he’s doing them. When the danger comes to a head the secrets, lies, past and present collide leaving Eve and those he cares for in more danger than they thought possible. The love created and broken between Eve and Roman will be tested! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eva is in a serious bind when she gets a job offer, she can't refuse. When she meets Roman, he is everything the assistant stated and more and his commanding personality resonates through the warnings. He is a ruthless CEO and so much more when she learns that he is the Pakhan and when one intimate encounter leads to two pink lines Eva has her plate filled with dawning realities. Will his dangerous lifestyle become her reality and lead them along a path to happiness in the end. This story is filled with twists and turns that had me glued to the pages.
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.
February 28, 2026
The Pakhan’s Secretary is a spicy, intense Bratva romance that forms between leads Roman Sokolov and Eva Markova.
Eva needs the job at Sokolov Financial Group badly, it pays well and along with her other jobs will keep her debts at bay for a time.
Eva had no idea the direction her life would soon be taking once she stops being CEO Roman’s life organizer and keeper of secrets.
Loved the story which was well written with drama, intrigue, crime dynamics, surprises, danger, and passion.
An excellent read that delivered quite the entertaining narrative.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eva needs the job at Sokolov Financial Group badly, it pays well and along with her other jobs will keep her debts at bay for a time.
Eva had no idea the direction her life would soon be taking once she stops being CEO Roman’s life organizer and keeper of secrets.
Loved the story which was well written with drama, intrigue, crime dynamics, surprises, danger, and passion.
An excellent read that delivered quite the entertaining narrative.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
Did not finish
I was really enjoying this book till I got to about page 20. Where they had sex in his office she was all prim and proper robotic answers and then they had sex. No build up no flying her with alcohol. She needs this job so bad she would not have made that kind of mistake also it didn't seem like she was a virgin. Since they both know nothing about each other they should have used some kind of protection. I really don't like leaving a bad review I just get so disappointed with these books. Not only do they need an editor they need a beta reader who does a reality check LOL
I was really enjoying this book till I got to about page 20. Where they had sex in his office she was all prim and proper robotic answers and then they had sex. No build up no flying her with alcohol. She needs this job so bad she would not have made that kind of mistake also it didn't seem like she was a virgin. Since they both know nothing about each other they should have used some kind of protection. I really don't like leaving a bad review I just get so disappointed with these books. Not only do they need an editor they need a beta reader who does a reality check LOL
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eve is running out of money debts mounting up and a family in Russia counting on her and the only way out is to get a better paid job.
The job as a secretary is working out really good, falling for your boss though is a definite no no but it's too late now she's pregnant.
This is where everything changes, sometimes for the good but there's a lot of bad coming there way and its looking like there's no way out.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, there's so many problems at every corner and solving them is not easy.
A definite must read.
The job as a secretary is working out really good, falling for your boss though is a definite no no but it's too late now she's pregnant.
This is where everything changes, sometimes for the good but there's a lot of bad coming there way and its looking like there's no way out.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, there's so many problems at every corner and solving them is not easy.
A definite must read.
February 28, 2026
'Author’s Note: A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance filled with power imbalance, obsession, forced proximity, and dangerous consequences. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2026
Betrayal Lurking
When Eva comes to work for Roman she thinks he is merely the CEO of the company. As they become closer, his life as Pakhan is revealed and the situation gets dangerously enticing. Their story is exciting, intense and spicy. While there are some parts that fall flat, it is still entertaining at it's other moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Eva comes to work for Roman she thinks he is merely the CEO of the company. As they become closer, his life as Pakhan is revealed and the situation gets dangerously enticing. Their story is exciting, intense and spicy. While there are some parts that fall flat, it is still entertaining at it's other moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did not finish
March 22, 2026DNF 70%
I kind of liked the first 15-20%. I thought you could feel some kind of chemistry between the characters, but after that it just goes downhill. Boring and repetitive. I’ve read the sentence “His accent thickened” like 20 times already, plot isn’t advancing at all, and we’re hearing a lot about secondary characters that I honestly don’t care about, while the main characters have barely gotten close to each other.
I kind of liked the first 15-20%. I thought you could feel some kind of chemistry between the characters, but after that it just goes downhill. Boring and repetitive. I’ve read the sentence “His accent thickened” like 20 times already, plot isn’t advancing at all, and we’re hearing a lot about secondary characters that I honestly don’t care about, while the main characters have barely gotten close to each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eva starts a job as Roman Sokolov's personal assistant. The charismatic CEO is handsome, demanding and brutally dangerous. Eva quickly discovers that Roman is not just a high-powered CEO but also a brutal Bratva Pakhan. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but will they both end up burnt by it !!!
March 1, 2026
This is a steamy Bratva romance read. Well written and captivating, Cooper delivers with our main characters Eva and Roman. Dark but blended with romance both sweet at times and lots of steam and full of emotion. This book and its characters are sure to draw you in.
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.
March 2, 2026
A good read, with a good plot line, however i found it a little slow in places and found by half way mark i was losing interest, there really was a big build to this one, which i didnt feel added anything to the story. That said i did stick with it and found i enjoyed it by the end.
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.
March 6, 2026
OMG. Best book ever. Lots of drama and suspense throughout this book to keep my attention. Relatable characters and tons of entertaining lol moments. Sizzling chemistry between main characters. Loved following these awesome characters on their eventful journey.
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.
March 1, 2026
The Pakhan and his Secretary 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
You really need to read this terrific story. I ignored some of the reviews as I have enjoyed other books by this writer. I am elated I paid no attention and read it anyway!!
You really need to read this terrific story. I ignored some of the reviews as I have enjoyed other books by this writer. I am elated I paid no attention and read it anyway!!
March 17, 2026
love this story but…
I really enjoyed the storyline but the repetition of numerous lines/phrases throughout the book was frustrating and distracting making me think I had lost my place in the book.
I really enjoyed the storyline but the repetition of numerous lines/phrases throughout the book was frustrating and distracting making me think I had lost my place in the book.
February 28, 2026
needs editing
It does a lot of repeating in several places. It needed to have better editing, the storyline is good though
It does a lot of repeating in several places. It needed to have better editing, the storyline is good though
March 1, 2026
3.5⭐️ this story was pretty good. A lot going on. It was definitely interesting, that’s for sure. I’m not sure hire I really feel about this one tbh. It was good but there was just too much going on.
March 1, 2026
Eva is a beautiful strong willed woman. Roman is a sexy Pakhan. She starts working for him and the chemistry is strong. This book kept me entertained and I loved it.
March 2, 2026
So so good
Wow what a phenomenal story. I loved them together and how much love they had. Lots of twists and turns. Great read
Wow what a phenomenal story. I loved them together and how much love they had. Lots of twists and turns. Great read
March 5, 2026
Very intense!
Right from the beginning there is a charged energy between the two main characters. This story is also filled with intrigue and danger. Exceptionally written.
Right from the beginning there is a charged energy between the two main characters. This story is also filled with intrigue and danger. Exceptionally written.
March 7, 2026
Good book
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I will be looking forward to to reading more books by this author.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I will be looking forward to to reading more books by this author.
March 11, 2026
The pakhan’s secretary was Roman and Eva’s story. It was an intriguing read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
March 12, 2026
now this is secretary’s day
Love the story line with intrigue, betrayal and love
Strong alpha male meets normal struggling girl when she becomes his temp secretary
Love the story line with intrigue, betrayal and love
Strong alpha male meets normal struggling girl when she becomes his temp secretary
March 15, 2026
Got 20% of the way in and then the repetitive text and continuity errors really got on my nerves.
March 19, 2026
Such a terrible book. How many times do we have to repeat the same lines over and over? Have the book is just saying the same thing. Copy and paste.
March 25, 2026
Good but
The plot was good, but I just couldn't get past the exact same sentences throughout the book I can only read how many times someone Methodically cleans their glasses
The plot was good, but I just couldn't get past the exact same sentences throughout the book I can only read how many times someone Methodically cleans their glasses
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews