What do you think?
Rate this book
Empire
Every conquest starts with a betrayal, and every reign is built on the ruin it leaves behind.
Before Vincenzo Vieri and Nikolaj Dragovich ever bled for each other, there was Salvatore and Ruslan.
The golden heir to one of the original Five Families and the ruthless youngest son of the Dragovich Bratva were never meant to be anything but enemies in expensive suits, circling the same tables, the same territories, the same war. What starts as seduction and strategy turns into something far more dangerous when private meetings, stolen nights, and brutal devotion blur the line between ambition and love.
But in a world where legacy matters more than desire, love is never enough. Salvatore is forced to choose between the man who owns his heart and the bloodline that owns his name.
PLEASE This is a short prequel to Conquest and does not end in an HEA.
Before Vincenzo Vieri and Nikolaj Dragovich ever bled for each other, there was Salvatore and Ruslan.
The golden heir to one of the original Five Families and the ruthless youngest son of the Dragovich Bratva were never meant to be anything but enemies in expensive suits, circling the same tables, the same territories, the same war. What starts as seduction and strategy turns into something far more dangerous when private meetings, stolen nights, and brutal devotion blur the line between ambition and love.
But in a world where legacy matters more than desire, love is never enough. Salvatore is forced to choose between the man who owns his heart and the bloodline that owns his name.
PLEASE This is a short prequel to Conquest and does not end in an HEA.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 31, 2026
-because the world is monstrous. Because love never arrives in our lives without bringing its own blade. Because the worst things are always softened by the shape of trust before they cut deepest, I turn my face into his throat and let him hold me while I memorize the sound of a man trusting me enough to sleep.
-I’ve already made a career of dying for him in ways that don’t leave a body.
-somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently.
-I’ll walk into it carrying the taste of this man on my tongue, and that will be both my shield and my downfall
I am not okay. 😭
I went into this novella expecting a quick, dark read to get some background information before starting the Conquest/Reign duet, but what I got was a surprisingly emotional story about forbidden love and heartbreak. The tension between these two Mafia sons is absolutely everything. The author has a gift for crafting beautiful, poetic sentences that have a contrast with the gritty crime/mafia setting, and it works perfectly.
Knowing this is a prequel, I was prepared for a cliffhanger, but I wasn't prepared for my heart to be ripped out. It is devastatingly sad. The author sets these two up so well that I'm worried I won't be able to invest in the sons' story because I'm too busy mourning these two. I'm desperate for the next book, but mostly I'm desperate for their eventual happily ever after.
-I’ve already made a career of dying for him in ways that don’t leave a body.
-somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently.
-I’ll walk into it carrying the taste of this man on my tongue, and that will be both my shield and my downfall
I am not okay. 😭
I went into this novella expecting a quick, dark read to get some background information before starting the Conquest/Reign duet, but what I got was a surprisingly emotional story about forbidden love and heartbreak. The tension between these two Mafia sons is absolutely everything. The author has a gift for crafting beautiful, poetic sentences that have a contrast with the gritty crime/mafia setting, and it works perfectly.
Knowing this is a prequel, I was prepared for a cliffhanger, but I wasn't prepared for my heart to be ripped out. It is devastatingly sad. The author sets these two up so well that I'm worried I won't be able to invest in the sons' story because I'm too busy mourning these two. I'm desperate for the next book, but mostly I'm desperate for their eventual happily ever after.
June 1, 2026
SO much better than Conquest!!!
Ruslan and Salvatore had me crying at how fucking awful their story was, and honestly I wasn't expecting this novella to completely change my opinion on this series!!
I still didn't enjoy Conquest, but I am really looking forward to Reign now, especially because there's a significant time jump between the two books.
Ruslan and Salvatore had me crying at how fucking awful their story was, and honestly I wasn't expecting this novella to completely change my opinion on this series!!
I still didn't enjoy Conquest, but I am really looking forward to Reign now, especially because there's a significant time jump between the two books.
May 31, 2026
4 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
i literally never read stories like this but i’m an avery collins stan and i wanted to make sure i had the full background on vincenzo and nikolaj before starting their duet.
just…ouch. my heart is so broken for salvatore and ruslan. i understand why the author didn’t flesh out their relationship fully—and i feel like it probably would’ve hurt a fuck ton more—but i am lowkey sad we didn’t really get to see it begin and grow. but what we did get of them was painful and raw and real. only about 130 pages and i was completely absorbed into this world. i really hope they get their hea at the end of the series.
okay, vincenzo and nikolaj… i’m ready to be hurt again.
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
i literally never read stories like this but i’m an avery collins stan and i wanted to make sure i had the full background on vincenzo and nikolaj before starting their duet.
just…ouch. my heart is so broken for salvatore and ruslan. i understand why the author didn’t flesh out their relationship fully—and i feel like it probably would’ve hurt a fuck ton more—but i am lowkey sad we didn’t really get to see it begin and grow. but what we did get of them was painful and raw and real. only about 130 pages and i was completely absorbed into this world. i really hope they get their hea at the end of the series.
okay, vincenzo and nikolaj… i’m ready to be hurt again.
August 6, 2026
This is the prequel to Ruin & Royalty - please read it!! This story is sooo good! It's a fairly quick read, since it's a novella. It took me through the gamut of feelings! I swooned during multiple encounters between Ruslan and Salvatore....and then wept at the end, at what needed to happen. There's no HEA for these broken boys...yet.
May 24, 2026
“He looks unfairly beautiful in the half-dark. Too beautiful. My vice. My ruin. My fucking poison wrapped up in broad shoulders, blue eyes, and a mouth that’s taught me too well how to lose.”
OMG THIS SERIES! IT’S A MUST READ IF YOU LOVE BROKEN BOYS WHO BECOME EVEN MORE BROKEN MEN!
Empire is the prequel to the “Of Ruin and Royalty” MM dark mafia romance series by Avery Collins, that started with Conquest.
I now need to go back and reread Conquest to put Empire into context.
And to say I cannot wait for Reign to come out on 1 June is an understatement! (Update: it’s out and it’s fabulous!)
Empire was absolutely heartbreaking, but where there’s life there’s hope, right?
All the stars!
OMG THIS SERIES! IT’S A MUST READ IF YOU LOVE BROKEN BOYS WHO BECOME EVEN MORE BROKEN MEN!
Empire is the prequel to the “Of Ruin and Royalty” MM dark mafia romance series by Avery Collins, that started with Conquest.
I now need to go back and reread Conquest to put Empire into context.
And to say I cannot wait for Reign to come out on 1 June is an understatement! (Update: it’s out and it’s fabulous!)
Empire was absolutely heartbreaking, but where there’s life there’s hope, right?
All the stars!
August 3, 2026
Wow, a beautifully written novella! The prose is everything.
The only bummer is that its short length just can't carry a supposed-to-be-complex mafia plot—seriously, who prints out their criminal records and keeps them in a safe just waiting to be stolen? 💀 Sure, it accelerates the narrative, but it's just ridiculous.
Plus, I needed way more page time on how they actually fell for each other.
The only bummer is that its short length just can't carry a supposed-to-be-complex mafia plot—seriously, who prints out their criminal records and keeps them in a safe just waiting to be stolen? 💀 Sure, it accelerates the narrative, but it's just ridiculous.
Plus, I needed way more page time on how they actually fell for each other.
April 25, 2026
Wow. Okay I knew what this was going into it and yet I still was so heartbroken for the boys that had to turn into men way to fast, boys that truly never really got to live for themselves and now as adults they are everything there fathers were even though they swore they wouldn’t. They passed on this hatred that the promised they’d leave behind. All there stolen moment had been so emotional as I knew it wasn’t going to end well.
Choosing between duty and true love such a hard decision when you’re brought up in hate, and brought up to despise the person you are falling for. These two had my whole soul, and I can wait for Reign to see what happens to these two. They deserve so freaking much.
Choosing between duty and true love such a hard decision when you’re brought up in hate, and brought up to despise the person you are falling for. These two had my whole soul, and I can wait for Reign to see what happens to these two. They deserve so freaking much.
August 27, 2026
No because this book had me sobbing into my red bull and wiping my eyes. It’s that serious. When I say I will remember this book forever and the way these two characters love each other FOREVER. I mean when i cross over to the other side im going to be telling everyone about it. My heart BROKE!!!!!!!! for these characters. You think it’s going one way, and then it goes in a completely different direction. This book made me both loatheeeeeee avery Collins for daring to put this out into the world and loveeeeee her for having the audacity to punch us in the face with these characters. This book makes you feel like your heart has been ripped from your chest and incinerated and you thank her for it.
May 23, 2026
Omg Avery. This was painful because you can tell how much they love each other and it literally destroys them and their lives to do so. I really hope we see them again in Reign. They deserve to be together 😭 five stars for 160 pages of my heart hurting.
July 25, 2026
great read
Wow so much going on for such a small book love betrayal revenge loyalty I do love a good mafia story but this is great while also being so heartbreaking but still I really enjoyed it
Wow so much going on for such a small book love betrayal revenge loyalty I do love a good mafia story but this is great while also being so heartbreaking but still I really enjoyed it
June 3, 2026
I’m seriously sick to my stomach!!! Sobbed like an actual baby. The betrayal seriously killed me and I hate that they had to live so long with it while still loving each other. How their poisons were tunneled into their sons, and couldn’t do anything to stop it. But all these years later, it seems as if no one is there to stop them for choosing each other because both of their parents are dead. Those parents who groomed their sons to choose family and power over everything. Who told them that love equals weakness and softness. All things that Ruslan and Salvatore felt for each other and were forced to hide. Like I’m seriously ill over the fact that Ruslan was standing on the terrace of the villa about to unalive himself with Salvatore’s name on the bullet thinking about Salvatore and how he said “you were supposed to be beside me lyubimiy” 😭 with the love that never went away even with the betrayal.
Even at 60/62 I am still so freaking happy that they finally get their happily ever after they ALWAYS deserved 🥹
— quotes (no self control w them)
“The second his lips touch mine, everything hard in my body gives way so completely, it’s almost shameful. I melt under him; all that rigid fury runs out of my body as if he’s reached inside and switched off every defense I own.”
“The only thing is this—Ruslan and the taste of blood, whiskey, and home where there should be none. He always does this to me. He takes the noise out of my world with a single touch and leaves me raw in the quiet that follows.”
“I missed you, lyubimiy.” — “I close my eyes for a second because there’s no point pretending I don’t fold for it. Beloved. Favorite. Mine in every way that matters and none that can ever survive daylight.”
“The softness stays hidden; that belongs to no one. … No one except Salvatore Vieri.”
“I think of the way his face changes when he stops performing and lets himself be tired with me. I think of him trusting me with the silence he doesn’t give anyone else. And I want to die.” (I can’t 😭😭)
“I’ve been in love with Ruslan for so long that I don’t even know when it stops being lust and starts being a terminal condition. Maybe it’s always both.”
“He looks unfairly beautiful in the half-dark. Too beautiful. My vice. My ruin. My fucking poison wrapped up in broad shoulders, blue eyes, and a mouth that’s taught me too well how to lose.”
“I’m trying to salvage what’s left of my fucking sanity. You are the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, Ruslan! I can’t stop wanting you, and I can’t stop coming back, and I can’t stand there and watch you touch somebody else like I’m supposed to be above it. I am not above it! I’m not clean or detached. I’m in this so deep I can’t see the fucking bottom anymore, and I hate you for making me this weak.”
“Don’t ask me for that, Not to leave. Not to stop loving you. Ask me for anything else. Ask me to lie better, disappear faster, break somebody’s fucking teeth, whatever you want. Just don’t ask me to walk away.”
“I know there is no honest way left to call this only physical. Not when he says my name like it matters. Not when I whisper, “cuore mio,” against his mouth, and he answers, “lyubimiy,” with a reverence that feels more dangerous than any threat his father ever could make.”
“I’m weak when it comes to him, because I’m selfish enough to keep what isn’t mine, because somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently.” (Sorry???!! 😭)
“Salvatore Vieri is the one thing in my life I know I should surrender for his own good, and he’s also the one fucking thing I can’t stop taking. He’s my worst impulse made flesh, and that’s why I can’t quit him.”
“And what’d you conclude, Vieri?” — “That I understand you more now. That I want to touch every bruise your father leaves where nobody can see. That I should run in the opposite direction because a man being made into a weapon is no safer than a loaded gun, just because he kisses well.” (I seriously cannot deal)
“You shouldn’t want anything to do with the whole picture.” — “And yet.” — ““And yet,” he echoes.” (🥹)
“I love you,” — “I know I shouldn’t,” he says, voice unsteady now in a way I’ve almost never heard from him. “And maybe that makes me weak or stupid or exactly what my father thinks I am, I don’t know anymore. But I’m done pretending this is something smaller just because smaller would be easier to survive.” (Sick and sobbing!!!)
“So I cover his hands with mine and answer his love with my own. “I love you too, lyubimiy.””
“He kisses me with tears in his eyes that he’d deny under torture, and because I know him, because I love him, because I’m exactly as weak for him as he is for me, I pretend not to notice and kiss him back like I can hold the whole fucking world outside the glass a little longer.”
“I love you, Salvatore.” — “”Cuore mio,” he murmurs, and then he’s kissing me again, and I’m done for in every way that matters. Maybe I always am.”
“I’ll remember this as one of the only honest nights of my life. Two sons standing in the wreckage of what their fathers made them and admitting they love each other anyway. It doesn’t save us. It makes everything worse.” (I seriously cannot STILL😭😭)
“I make the worst decision of my life and call it everything I’ve ever wanted.” (I am 💀😭)
“Mine, in no legal sense, but every secret one. My man, my heart, my love. My downfall. “Cuore mio,” I whisper.” (These two are my freaking downfall like i really can’t)
“And what exactly do you want, amore mio?” — “You, Salvatore,” I say, looking him in those maddening dark eyes. “I only want you.” (BYEEEE)
“I kiss him slowly and without thought, because he doesn’t understand why I started planning to kill my father in the first place. He doesn’t realize it’s because of him.” (Im sick to my stomach)
“You trust people too easily when you love them,” — “Not people. You.”
“Because the worst things are always softened by the shape of trust before they cut deepest, I turn my face into his throat and let him hold me while I memorize the sound of a man trusting me enough to sleep. I let myself drown in one last night before it all burns.”
“I look up at my lover and see the villa. Morning sunlight. His head in my lap. The way he laughs when I tell him I’m going to keep him there forever. The way he says his sister will paint. Every soft thing crashes through me at once and becomes unbearable.” (I’m so depressed)
“I needed one last night where I wasn’t losing you already. One last night to remember you still loved me.” (FUCK ALL THE WAY OFF!!!)
“I’ll never forgive you,” — “But I’ll love you until I die.” (😭😭😭)
“I look at him one last time and see everything at once. The boy I first wanted because he’s beautiful and vicious and looks at me like he’d rather set the room on fire than let it own him.”
“He sent Nikolaj to kill Vincenzo because somewhere under all that discipline and legacy and rage, he is still the young man in the rain with a mark over his eye and my name lodged in the center of his chest like a bullet.” (CUT THE CAMERAS I AM SOBBING ONCE MORE)
“There was a bullet in the chamber, and your name was etched into the brass.” (Stop pls)
“That’s why I came,” — “I wanted to look at the man who could bring my father—the man who single-handedly dragged my family out of ruin—down to his knees.”
“Maybe the answer never mattered—he kept me, and I kept him. The method was merely detail.”
“He won’t kill himself.” — “He’s too stubborn and too hateful.” There’s a pause, then he says softly, “and he’s still waiting at the villa, on that terrace, because he still loves you too much.” (😭😭😭)
“If the man I ruined can still sit on that god-forsaken terrace counting heartbeats instead of bullets, then the least I can do is meet him there and let him decide whether to pour the whiskey or pull the trigger.” — “With my mind made up, I walk toward my car without looking back, knowing my destination—because I finally realize there’s no one left alive to stop me.”
Even at 60/62 I am still so freaking happy that they finally get their happily ever after they ALWAYS deserved 🥹
— quotes (no self control w them)
“The second his lips touch mine, everything hard in my body gives way so completely, it’s almost shameful. I melt under him; all that rigid fury runs out of my body as if he’s reached inside and switched off every defense I own.”
“The only thing is this—Ruslan and the taste of blood, whiskey, and home where there should be none. He always does this to me. He takes the noise out of my world with a single touch and leaves me raw in the quiet that follows.”
“I missed you, lyubimiy.” — “I close my eyes for a second because there’s no point pretending I don’t fold for it. Beloved. Favorite. Mine in every way that matters and none that can ever survive daylight.”
“The softness stays hidden; that belongs to no one. … No one except Salvatore Vieri.”
“I think of the way his face changes when he stops performing and lets himself be tired with me. I think of him trusting me with the silence he doesn’t give anyone else. And I want to die.” (I can’t 😭😭)
“I’ve been in love with Ruslan for so long that I don’t even know when it stops being lust and starts being a terminal condition. Maybe it’s always both.”
“He looks unfairly beautiful in the half-dark. Too beautiful. My vice. My ruin. My fucking poison wrapped up in broad shoulders, blue eyes, and a mouth that’s taught me too well how to lose.”
“I’m trying to salvage what’s left of my fucking sanity. You are the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, Ruslan! I can’t stop wanting you, and I can’t stop coming back, and I can’t stand there and watch you touch somebody else like I’m supposed to be above it. I am not above it! I’m not clean or detached. I’m in this so deep I can’t see the fucking bottom anymore, and I hate you for making me this weak.”
“Don’t ask me for that, Not to leave. Not to stop loving you. Ask me for anything else. Ask me to lie better, disappear faster, break somebody’s fucking teeth, whatever you want. Just don’t ask me to walk away.”
“I know there is no honest way left to call this only physical. Not when he says my name like it matters. Not when I whisper, “cuore mio,” against his mouth, and he answers, “lyubimiy,” with a reverence that feels more dangerous than any threat his father ever could make.”
“I’m weak when it comes to him, because I’m selfish enough to keep what isn’t mine, because somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently.” (Sorry???!! 😭)
“Salvatore Vieri is the one thing in my life I know I should surrender for his own good, and he’s also the one fucking thing I can’t stop taking. He’s my worst impulse made flesh, and that’s why I can’t quit him.”
“And what’d you conclude, Vieri?” — “That I understand you more now. That I want to touch every bruise your father leaves where nobody can see. That I should run in the opposite direction because a man being made into a weapon is no safer than a loaded gun, just because he kisses well.” (I seriously cannot deal)
“You shouldn’t want anything to do with the whole picture.” — “And yet.” — ““And yet,” he echoes.” (🥹)
“I love you,” — “I know I shouldn’t,” he says, voice unsteady now in a way I’ve almost never heard from him. “And maybe that makes me weak or stupid or exactly what my father thinks I am, I don’t know anymore. But I’m done pretending this is something smaller just because smaller would be easier to survive.” (Sick and sobbing!!!)
“So I cover his hands with mine and answer his love with my own. “I love you too, lyubimiy.””
“He kisses me with tears in his eyes that he’d deny under torture, and because I know him, because I love him, because I’m exactly as weak for him as he is for me, I pretend not to notice and kiss him back like I can hold the whole fucking world outside the glass a little longer.”
“I love you, Salvatore.” — “”Cuore mio,” he murmurs, and then he’s kissing me again, and I’m done for in every way that matters. Maybe I always am.”
“I’ll remember this as one of the only honest nights of my life. Two sons standing in the wreckage of what their fathers made them and admitting they love each other anyway. It doesn’t save us. It makes everything worse.” (I seriously cannot STILL😭😭)
“I make the worst decision of my life and call it everything I’ve ever wanted.” (I am 💀😭)
“Mine, in no legal sense, but every secret one. My man, my heart, my love. My downfall. “Cuore mio,” I whisper.” (These two are my freaking downfall like i really can’t)
“And what exactly do you want, amore mio?” — “You, Salvatore,” I say, looking him in those maddening dark eyes. “I only want you.” (BYEEEE)
“I kiss him slowly and without thought, because he doesn’t understand why I started planning to kill my father in the first place. He doesn’t realize it’s because of him.” (Im sick to my stomach)
“You trust people too easily when you love them,” — “Not people. You.”
“Because the worst things are always softened by the shape of trust before they cut deepest, I turn my face into his throat and let him hold me while I memorize the sound of a man trusting me enough to sleep. I let myself drown in one last night before it all burns.”
“I look up at my lover and see the villa. Morning sunlight. His head in my lap. The way he laughs when I tell him I’m going to keep him there forever. The way he says his sister will paint. Every soft thing crashes through me at once and becomes unbearable.” (I’m so depressed)
“I needed one last night where I wasn’t losing you already. One last night to remember you still loved me.” (FUCK ALL THE WAY OFF!!!)
“I’ll never forgive you,” — “But I’ll love you until I die.” (😭😭😭)
“I look at him one last time and see everything at once. The boy I first wanted because he’s beautiful and vicious and looks at me like he’d rather set the room on fire than let it own him.”
“He sent Nikolaj to kill Vincenzo because somewhere under all that discipline and legacy and rage, he is still the young man in the rain with a mark over his eye and my name lodged in the center of his chest like a bullet.” (CUT THE CAMERAS I AM SOBBING ONCE MORE)
“There was a bullet in the chamber, and your name was etched into the brass.” (Stop pls)
“That’s why I came,” — “I wanted to look at the man who could bring my father—the man who single-handedly dragged my family out of ruin—down to his knees.”
“Maybe the answer never mattered—he kept me, and I kept him. The method was merely detail.”
“He won’t kill himself.” — “He’s too stubborn and too hateful.” There’s a pause, then he says softly, “and he’s still waiting at the villa, on that terrace, because he still loves you too much.” (😭😭😭)
“If the man I ruined can still sit on that god-forsaken terrace counting heartbeats instead of bullets, then the least I can do is meet him there and let him decide whether to pour the whiskey or pull the trigger.” — “With my mind made up, I walk toward my car without looking back, knowing my destination—because I finally realize there’s no one left alive to stop me.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
👑🖤 I'll never forgive you. But I'll love you until I die 🖤☠️
"I'll never forgive you, but I will always love you." It's said to me in the rain with exile stamped across his face, and the words never leave me after.
"He takes the noise out of my world with a single touch and leaves me raw in the quiet that follows."
"Beloved. Favorite. Mine in every way that matters and none that can ever survive daylight."
"Because somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently."
"You beg beautifully."
"And you break things beautifully."
"If I ever have children, I will make sure they don't end up as each other's weaknesses. They won't even love me--that is my f****** vow."
"I'll never forgive you. But I'll love you until I die."
"One day, a son of my blood and a son of his will inherit this position without ever consenting to it. We're not the end of this story. We're only the first wound."
Why, Avery? Why did you do this to me and rip my heart out 😫😭? This novella broke me. I was very curious how this war started and how the daddies fell in love and became enemies. This is a tragedy and doesn't have an HEA (for now). The epilogue gave me so much hope and they will get their HEA in Reign!! It's best to read this story after Conquest as it puts so many things into perspective from that book. It shows you how deep this rivalry goes and how history repeats itself. These fathers and sons were so much alike that they mirrored each other. That broke my heart even more from how much pain, grief, and ruin that these families have been through. I loved how we got to see more expansion on this world with the five families and bloodlines/lineage. This world Avery is creating is so brutal but viciously beautiful and feral.
This story follows Salvatore and Ruslan. This book starts off with Nikolai coming to talk to Salvatore. He wants to know the history and story between the two fathers. We then see a young Salvatore in love with Ruslan. They're hiding their relationship and this spans for 2 years. Ruslan seduced Salvatore and became his friend then his lover. He is betraying him at the same time and feeding information back to his father. We see the five families meet and discuss business. We see people betraying each other. We see Salvatore try to end this relationship but Ruslan won't let go. They both will be married off soon but can't let each other go. Salvatore's father finds out about them and threatens him to get information to destroy the Dragovich bloodline. Ruslan and his family get exiled and banned as traitors. They get one last goodbye and it will pull at your heartstrings 😭. We get to the epilogue where he is talking to Nikolai and you see how Ruslan has been handling things. A sliver of hope still remains.
My heart and soul broke for both of these men. They both had to go through so much pain, betrayal, and heartache. The love between these two was gut-wrenchingly beautiful and so sad. They loved so hard for one another. With all the betrayal, they still never lost that love. I wish Salvatore had confided in Ruslan and asked him for help but I understand why he did what he did. The connection and chemistry were off the charts 🥵🥵. The spice was delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I loved the nicknames these two had for each other. It killed me to see how hard Ruslan was handling things now. These two are a shell of the men they used to be. I really can't wait to see these two reunite and get the HEA they not only deserve but waited years to have 😭. Onto Reign now, to get my heart ripped out again. I'm so sad yet excited to finish up this series. 👑☠️🩸🔪📑
"I'll never forgive you, but I will always love you." It's said to me in the rain with exile stamped across his face, and the words never leave me after.
"He takes the noise out of my world with a single touch and leaves me raw in the quiet that follows."
"Beloved. Favorite. Mine in every way that matters and none that can ever survive daylight."
"Because somewhere along the way he stopped being a habit and became the only language I speak fluently."
"You beg beautifully."
"And you break things beautifully."
"If I ever have children, I will make sure they don't end up as each other's weaknesses. They won't even love me--that is my f****** vow."
"I'll never forgive you. But I'll love you until I die."
"One day, a son of my blood and a son of his will inherit this position without ever consenting to it. We're not the end of this story. We're only the first wound."
Why, Avery? Why did you do this to me and rip my heart out 😫😭? This novella broke me. I was very curious how this war started and how the daddies fell in love and became enemies. This is a tragedy and doesn't have an HEA (for now). The epilogue gave me so much hope and they will get their HEA in Reign!! It's best to read this story after Conquest as it puts so many things into perspective from that book. It shows you how deep this rivalry goes and how history repeats itself. These fathers and sons were so much alike that they mirrored each other. That broke my heart even more from how much pain, grief, and ruin that these families have been through. I loved how we got to see more expansion on this world with the five families and bloodlines/lineage. This world Avery is creating is so brutal but viciously beautiful and feral.
This story follows Salvatore and Ruslan. This book starts off with Nikolai coming to talk to Salvatore. He wants to know the history and story between the two fathers. We then see a young Salvatore in love with Ruslan. They're hiding their relationship and this spans for 2 years. Ruslan seduced Salvatore and became his friend then his lover. He is betraying him at the same time and feeding information back to his father. We see the five families meet and discuss business. We see people betraying each other. We see Salvatore try to end this relationship but Ruslan won't let go. They both will be married off soon but can't let each other go. Salvatore's father finds out about them and threatens him to get information to destroy the Dragovich bloodline. Ruslan and his family get exiled and banned as traitors. They get one last goodbye and it will pull at your heartstrings 😭. We get to the epilogue where he is talking to Nikolai and you see how Ruslan has been handling things. A sliver of hope still remains.
My heart and soul broke for both of these men. They both had to go through so much pain, betrayal, and heartache. The love between these two was gut-wrenchingly beautiful and so sad. They loved so hard for one another. With all the betrayal, they still never lost that love. I wish Salvatore had confided in Ruslan and asked him for help but I understand why he did what he did. The connection and chemistry were off the charts 🥵🥵. The spice was delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I loved the nicknames these two had for each other. It killed me to see how hard Ruslan was handling things now. These two are a shell of the men they used to be. I really can't wait to see these two reunite and get the HEA they not only deserve but waited years to have 😭. Onto Reign now, to get my heart ripped out again. I'm so sad yet excited to finish up this series. 👑☠️🩸🔪📑
July 15, 2026
Esta es una historia absolutamente hermosa como desgarradora 😭 Y de verdad que leí la advertencia que decía que no teníamos un final feliz y aún así volví a caer con la esperanza tonta de que tal vez, solo tal vez, encuentren una salida. Y cuando no llega duele más porque la escritura te hizo creer en ellos.💔
Nuestros personajes están condenados desde el principio😞 No hay solo un "villano" el verdadero antagonista es el propio sistema, el legado, la idea del linaje y poder. Un ciclo que se repite con cada generación.
Lo recomiendo absolutamente! Es una historia corta, la narración y la trama son buenas, es perfecto para pasar un rato (me lo termine en una noche) y definitivamente lo distrutas👏🏻 sufres? Si. Vale la pena? POR SUPUESTO.
Te lo digo de nuevo, esta es una historia corta pero hay muchas emociones que desbordas al leerlo y eso solo se debe a lo bien que esta hecho, sin necesidad de que tenga 1500 páginas 👏🏻
Por cierto ese final no me puede dejar así, voy corriendo a buscar migajas de estos dos en el libro Reign✨🙌🏻
Hasta aquí mi reporte 🫡
Nuestros personajes están condenados desde el principio😞 No hay solo un "villano" el verdadero antagonista es el propio sistema, el legado, la idea del linaje y poder. Un ciclo que se repite con cada generación.
Lo recomiendo absolutamente! Es una historia corta, la narración y la trama son buenas, es perfecto para pasar un rato (me lo termine en una noche) y definitivamente lo distrutas👏🏻 sufres? Si. Vale la pena? POR SUPUESTO.
Te lo digo de nuevo, esta es una historia corta pero hay muchas emociones que desbordas al leerlo y eso solo se debe a lo bien que esta hecho, sin necesidad de que tenga 1500 páginas 👏🏻
Por cierto ese final no me puede dejar así, voy corriendo a buscar migajas de estos dos en el libro Reign✨🙌🏻
Mine, in no legal sense, but every secret one. My man, my heart, my love.
My downfall.
I don’t have you in any way that can survive daylight
Hasta aquí mi reporte 🫡
September 9, 2026
5 blazing stars for destroying my heart and causing me to lose sleep! 😭❤️
Salvatore and Ruslan’s love is so utterly heartbreaking. Their dynamic is the absolute definition of angst, devotion, and high-stakes tension, the kind of romance that grips you by the chest and doesn't let go even after you turn the final page.
The prose itself is nothing short of breathtaking. Avery has a way with words that makes every scene feel vividly real, beautifully atmospheric, and emotionally raw. Switching between their perspectives using dual first-person POV worked flawlessly here; it allowed us to get right inside their heads, feeling every ounce of inner turmoil, longing, and desperation firsthand.
And the worldbuilding is immaculately crafted. The author balances rich, immersive setting details with a palpable sense of cruelty and danger. The way she constructs atmospheric tension, building it slow and thick and suffocating is incredible. You can feel the sharp edges of this world and the real threat looming over every character decision.
This was my very first book by Avery Collins, but it is definitely just the beginning of a lifelong fan status! why am I only finding her now?! If you love deeply emotional, high-tension romance with exquisite writing and relentless angst, drop everything and read this immediately. 🥲
Excuse me while I go sprint over to read Conquest and Reign right NOW!🪽
Salvatore and Ruslan’s love is so utterly heartbreaking. Their dynamic is the absolute definition of angst, devotion, and high-stakes tension, the kind of romance that grips you by the chest and doesn't let go even after you turn the final page.
The prose itself is nothing short of breathtaking. Avery has a way with words that makes every scene feel vividly real, beautifully atmospheric, and emotionally raw. Switching between their perspectives using dual first-person POV worked flawlessly here; it allowed us to get right inside their heads, feeling every ounce of inner turmoil, longing, and desperation firsthand.
And the worldbuilding is immaculately crafted. The author balances rich, immersive setting details with a palpable sense of cruelty and danger. The way she constructs atmospheric tension, building it slow and thick and suffocating is incredible. You can feel the sharp edges of this world and the real threat looming over every character decision.
This was my very first book by Avery Collins, but it is definitely just the beginning of a lifelong fan status! why am I only finding her now?! If you love deeply emotional, high-tension romance with exquisite writing and relentless angst, drop everything and read this immediately. 🥲
Excuse me while I go sprint over to read Conquest and Reign right NOW!🪽
June 6, 2026
Where it all began. You need to read this after Conquest but before Reign, The events in this story take place before Conquest. There were hints in Conquest that had me theorizing about Vincenzo’s and Nikolaj’s dads. WELL…Empire gave me some answers and left me in a world of hurt. In Empire, we meet a younger Ruslan (Nikolaj’s father) and Salvatore (Vincenzo’s father). I have to admit that I was a little mad, oh hell a LOT mad at these two for their hypocrisy until reading their story. We learn that their families are a part of a council working together with Salvatore being the head or King of the Five Families. Like Conquest, there is political plotting and manipulation. These young men are pitted against each like pawns for their families’ bidding. They become lovers but betrayal forces them apart. We are left with a non HEA for now. This one hurt but I need answers. This series is so incredible and I’m deeply invested in these characters, their complexities and all of the integral parts working together.
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
⚔️Forbidden Romance
❤️🔥Rival Mafia Heirs
⚔️Power Exchange
❤️🔥Possessive Male Leads
⚔️Bloodline or Love
❤️🔥Psychological Warfare
⚔️He’d Burn the World for Him
❤️🔥Bittersweet
⚔️Touch Him and Die
❤️🔥I Would Have Chosen You
⚔️ Non HEA (for now)
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
⚔️Forbidden Romance
❤️🔥Rival Mafia Heirs
⚔️Power Exchange
❤️🔥Possessive Male Leads
⚔️Bloodline or Love
❤️🔥Psychological Warfare
⚔️He’d Burn the World for Him
❤️🔥Bittersweet
⚔️Touch Him and Die
❤️🔥I Would Have Chosen You
⚔️ Non HEA (for now)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow this absolutely wrecked me… and honestly, I should have known better.
I went into this prequel to Conquest expecting pain, but I still wasn’t prepared for just how devastating Ruslan and Salvatore’s story would be. Avery doesn’t just break your heart, she makes you feel every bit of it. And yes, there were tears.
This is where it all begins. Seeing the fathers of Nikolaj and Vincenzo, understanding their love, their choices, and how legacy shaped everything… it completely changed how I see them. After Conquest, I had very different feelings about these men, but after Empire? Just heartbreak. They’re products of the lives they were born into, and watching that play out was brutal.
Their story is full of love, tension, and inevitable betrayal. You can see exactly where things go wrong, and it makes it hurt even more because you just want to reach in and fix it.
Also, be warned—this is not a HEA. Not yet. And that makes it hit even harder.
This was a fantastic prequel that adds so much depth to the series and makes everything that comes after even more impactful. I’m already bracing myself for what’s next, because clearly I enjoy having my heart ripped out by Avery Collins.
And yes… I will absolutely keep coming back for more.
I went into this prequel to Conquest expecting pain, but I still wasn’t prepared for just how devastating Ruslan and Salvatore’s story would be. Avery doesn’t just break your heart, she makes you feel every bit of it. And yes, there were tears.
This is where it all begins. Seeing the fathers of Nikolaj and Vincenzo, understanding their love, their choices, and how legacy shaped everything… it completely changed how I see them. After Conquest, I had very different feelings about these men, but after Empire? Just heartbreak. They’re products of the lives they were born into, and watching that play out was brutal.
Their story is full of love, tension, and inevitable betrayal. You can see exactly where things go wrong, and it makes it hurt even more because you just want to reach in and fix it.
Also, be warned—this is not a HEA. Not yet. And that makes it hit even harder.
This was a fantastic prequel that adds so much depth to the series and makes everything that comes after even more impactful. I’m already bracing myself for what’s next, because clearly I enjoy having my heart ripped out by Avery Collins.
And yes… I will absolutely keep coming back for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
First things first. Even though this is a prequel to Conquest I recommend reading Conquest first. Mainly because the first chapter hints and shows the effects of the ending of Conquest from another character’s point of view.
I’ll be the first to say it I had a very strong dislike towards Vincenzo and Nikolaj’s fathers in Conquest. Something about both of them just rubbed me the wrong way. The were hiding something from their sons and it bothered me.
I went into this was open eyes not expecting much and got freakin sucker punched. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL!!!!
Ruslan and Salvatore. God, those men. Not only did they make me fall in love with their story but broke my heart so many times, it physically hurt to finish this.
For such a short book it grabbed you like a full-length novel. Knowing how alike their sons are to them was both beautiful and bloody painful.
I really want to say so much more about this story and express just how it made me feel but in doing that I’d spoil a lot of it. Something I refuse to do.
If you’ve read Conquest and this book has intrigued you. READ IT!! I swear its worth the heartache and emotional whiplash. Even if I questioned my own decision when I finished this.
*This review will appear elsewhere*
First things first. Even though this is a prequel to Conquest I recommend reading Conquest first. Mainly because the first chapter hints and shows the effects of the ending of Conquest from another character’s point of view.
I’ll be the first to say it I had a very strong dislike towards Vincenzo and Nikolaj’s fathers in Conquest. Something about both of them just rubbed me the wrong way. The were hiding something from their sons and it bothered me.
I went into this was open eyes not expecting much and got freakin sucker punched. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL!!!!
Ruslan and Salvatore. God, those men. Not only did they make me fall in love with their story but broke my heart so many times, it physically hurt to finish this.
For such a short book it grabbed you like a full-length novel. Knowing how alike their sons are to them was both beautiful and bloody painful.
I really want to say so much more about this story and express just how it made me feel but in doing that I’d spoil a lot of it. Something I refuse to do.
If you’ve read Conquest and this book has intrigued you. READ IT!! I swear its worth the heartache and emotional whiplash. Even if I questioned my own decision when I finished this.
*This review will appear elsewhere*
May 8, 2026
You know that song love of my life by Taylor Swift?
Yeah, that about sums up the pain and suffering to come from this.
I knew it was going to be painful after reading Conquest but I wasn’t expecting full on sobs. With that being said, I absolutely adored this story so so much. Ruslan and Salvatore are end game and I won’t expect ANYTHING MORE THAN THAT. Both broken boys expected to fulfill legacy over love.
Their moments together had me kicking my feet and blushing, cause the mouth on both of them? SWOOOON. I was also terrified though cause I full on knew the other shoe was dropping and soon. It didn’t take away the effect from their love story though it just made it that much more important for the reader to understand what they’ve been through. And their nicknames for each other? My godddddddd stick a fork in me cause your girl is done.
I don’t want to give too much away but what you can expect from Empire:
Pain ✅
Spice ✅
Tears ✅
Amazing writing ✅
Love story that you want to never end and for them to just BE TOGETHER ✅
Avery pulled at my heart at every opportune moment in this novella and that ending? !!!!!!! Why !!!!!!!!
10/10 stars, no notes. GIVE MY BOYS THEIR HAPPY ENDING IN REIGN!!!!
Yeah, that about sums up the pain and suffering to come from this.
I knew it was going to be painful after reading Conquest but I wasn’t expecting full on sobs. With that being said, I absolutely adored this story so so much. Ruslan and Salvatore are end game and I won’t expect ANYTHING MORE THAN THAT. Both broken boys expected to fulfill legacy over love.
Their moments together had me kicking my feet and blushing, cause the mouth on both of them? SWOOOON. I was also terrified though cause I full on knew the other shoe was dropping and soon. It didn’t take away the effect from their love story though it just made it that much more important for the reader to understand what they’ve been through. And their nicknames for each other? My godddddddd stick a fork in me cause your girl is done.
I don’t want to give too much away but what you can expect from Empire:
Pain ✅
Spice ✅
Tears ✅
Amazing writing ✅
Love story that you want to never end and for them to just BE TOGETHER ✅
Avery pulled at my heart at every opportune moment in this novella and that ending? !!!!!!! Why !!!!!!!!
10/10 stars, no notes. GIVE MY BOYS THEIR HAPPY ENDING IN REIGN!!!!
May 29, 2026
”I’ll never forgive you…But I’ll love you until I die.”
If you’ve read Conquest, you know how this story ends. But the journey to it is beautiful and sad. A messy situation of love, betrayal, loyalty, and tragedy. I think I actually teared up a few times reading this book.
Two sons standing in the wreckage of what their fathers made them and admitting they love each other anyway.
It doesn’t save us.
It makes everything worse.
Ruslan and Salvatore write heartbreaking. Despite being on the shorter side for a book, they had such a big impact. Their story needed to be told and it definitely made Conquest have that much more of an impact.
That I should run in the opposite direction because a man being made into a weapon is no safer than a loaded gun, just because he kisses well.
I can’t wait to see there happy ending in Reign when it comes out in just a few days. They deserve some sort of happiness together. That despite the betrayal, love still finds a way. I’m interested to see the aftermath of learning this story from Nikolaj’s perspective. I’m very interested in know what he’s going to do with this information.
The loss of the version of me who believed love might be enough to make a different kind of ending.
If you’ve read Conquest, you know how this story ends. But the journey to it is beautiful and sad. A messy situation of love, betrayal, loyalty, and tragedy. I think I actually teared up a few times reading this book.
Two sons standing in the wreckage of what their fathers made them and admitting they love each other anyway.
It doesn’t save us.
It makes everything worse.
Ruslan and Salvatore write heartbreaking. Despite being on the shorter side for a book, they had such a big impact. Their story needed to be told and it definitely made Conquest have that much more of an impact.
That I should run in the opposite direction because a man being made into a weapon is no safer than a loaded gun, just because he kisses well.
I can’t wait to see there happy ending in Reign when it comes out in just a few days. They deserve some sort of happiness together. That despite the betrayal, love still finds a way. I’m interested to see the aftermath of learning this story from Nikolaj’s perspective. I’m very interested in know what he’s going to do with this information.
The loss of the version of me who believed love might be enough to make a different kind of ending.
April 28, 2026
OMG this is epically brilliant!
Even though this is a prequel, I highly recommend that you read Conquest first, or some context may be lost.
Geez, this one is a doozy, it’s been a couple of days and I’m still reeling! This is the story of the Father’s, Salvatore and Ruslan, it takes us on a heartbreaking journey into the history behind the fued between the two families. I love the way the story is told, the perspective of it is brilliant, but that’s all I will say or I’ll spoil it.
The story is a gut wrench from the start, after reading Conquest, we knew that the hatred between the two fathers and families ran deep. We had hints of why and that there was something there before, and in Empire it is all laid out for us.
Seeing the relationship develop is heartwarming, against all odds, against everything they were taught, against all expectations, love still blooms, and it is beautiful. What you don’t expect (but probably should) is the deception and ultimate betrayal, and it guts you. It’s been a while since a book made me cry!
This book will rip your heart to shreds and leave it bleeding. The ending is cruel, it will leave you with hope and longing and you standing there holding a part of your heart in your hands just staring at it. It’s the “must read” that you didn’t know you needed to read! After you have read Conquest of course, which will leave the other part of your heart hurting just as much.
Even though this is a prequel, I highly recommend that you read Conquest first, or some context may be lost.
Geez, this one is a doozy, it’s been a couple of days and I’m still reeling! This is the story of the Father’s, Salvatore and Ruslan, it takes us on a heartbreaking journey into the history behind the fued between the two families. I love the way the story is told, the perspective of it is brilliant, but that’s all I will say or I’ll spoil it.
The story is a gut wrench from the start, after reading Conquest, we knew that the hatred between the two fathers and families ran deep. We had hints of why and that there was something there before, and in Empire it is all laid out for us.
Seeing the relationship develop is heartwarming, against all odds, against everything they were taught, against all expectations, love still blooms, and it is beautiful. What you don’t expect (but probably should) is the deception and ultimate betrayal, and it guts you. It’s been a while since a book made me cry!
This book will rip your heart to shreds and leave it bleeding. The ending is cruel, it will leave you with hope and longing and you standing there holding a part of your heart in your hands just staring at it. It’s the “must read” that you didn’t know you needed to read! After you have read Conquest of course, which will leave the other part of your heart hurting just as much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Empire is the prequel to Conquest, it’s the heartbreaking story of Ruslan and Salvatore, Nikolaj and Vincenzo’s fathers. This is where the story truly begins. The prequel gives us just enough of a look into the past to see their love for each other and how legacy led to betrayal. How these men are just products of the life they were born into, it’s not by choice but by blood.
I knew going into this book that it’s not a HEA … for now. I knew going into this book that Avery was going to break me. What I wasn’t expecting was to be so completely devastated with Ruslan and Salvatore’s story. Did I have few choice words for Avery? Yes. Did I scream at her WHY? Yes. Did I wanna track her down and demand their HEA right now? Also yes. Honestly at this point I truly believe Avery enjoys the pain she puts her readers through.
So I will sit here heartbroken, not only for Nikolaj and Vincenzo, but also for Ruslan and Salvatore until they all get the HEA they desperately deserve in Reign.
🌶️🌶️
Empire is the prequel to Conquest, it’s the heartbreaking story of Ruslan and Salvatore, Nikolaj and Vincenzo’s fathers. This is where the story truly begins. The prequel gives us just enough of a look into the past to see their love for each other and how legacy led to betrayal. How these men are just products of the life they were born into, it’s not by choice but by blood.
I knew going into this book that it’s not a HEA … for now. I knew going into this book that Avery was going to break me. What I wasn’t expecting was to be so completely devastated with Ruslan and Salvatore’s story. Did I have few choice words for Avery? Yes. Did I scream at her WHY? Yes. Did I wanna track her down and demand their HEA right now? Also yes. Honestly at this point I truly believe Avery enjoys the pain she puts her readers through.
So I will sit here heartbroken, not only for Nikolaj and Vincenzo, but also for Ruslan and Salvatore until they all get the HEA they desperately deserve in Reign.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Prequel to Conquest (available) Reign (coming soon)
Enemies to lovers to enemies
Forbidden love
No HEA
Mafia romance
How a short novella can give you everything you need and more and wreck you in around 146 pages like WHY??????….
Empire: 2 mafia princes the Italian golden prince Salvatore and the calculating “cold” Russian prince Ruslan.. family ties, a$sholes controlling mtf fathers (sorry still angry), enemies turned into lovers, secret relationship, and then everything just went to sht, what makes it worst is that we know that a lot of fkn time has passed and I want to cry again hahahahaha
Ok now My lit reaction: I was shocked, jaw lit on the floor, then came rage hahahaha what the actual fCK!! and I’m still trying to process this entire soul crushing moment
-“ Domestic. Morning. Kitchen. Us. Small, stupid things that feel harmless until you realize they´re the foundation of every life we´re not supposed to have…..”😭😭😩😩
-“I´ll never forgive you”, But I´ll love you until I die”- 😩😭😭😭😭😭
Enemies to lovers to enemies
Forbidden love
No HEA
Mafia romance
How a short novella can give you everything you need and more and wreck you in around 146 pages like WHY??????….
Empire: 2 mafia princes the Italian golden prince Salvatore and the calculating “cold” Russian prince Ruslan.. family ties, a$sholes controlling mtf fathers (sorry still angry), enemies turned into lovers, secret relationship, and then everything just went to sht, what makes it worst is that we know that a lot of fkn time has passed and I want to cry again hahahahaha
Ok now My lit reaction: I was shocked, jaw lit on the floor, then came rage hahahaha what the actual fCK!! and I’m still trying to process this entire soul crushing moment
-“ Domestic. Morning. Kitchen. Us. Small, stupid things that feel harmless until you realize they´re the foundation of every life we´re not supposed to have…..”😭😭😩😩
-“I´ll never forgive you”, But I´ll love you until I die”- 😩😭😭😭😭😭
May 25, 2026
I know they said it will hurt but I went for it anyways. I don't regret it one bit. This book goes to show how love can make and unmake.
Salvatore and Dylan's story showed exactly that. No matter how much you love a person, betrayal can come so easy and fast that you will never recover. And no matter how much you love a person, you might have to make decisions that hurt them.
I hate that I understand both sides. I want to blame one of them but we all know it's the men that thought their children were merely pawns that they can use and dispose. Daughters, Sons all of them because they share too selfish to expand even a silver of affection to them.
I am glad the author acknowledged the misogyny, some authors do not even realise that it is in fact misogyny to see women and girls as a bargaining tool. It made sick to read, a girl go through that.
This story is so good in a weird way. Not the happily ever after way but the way in you sit and think about it for days.
If you are ever picking up, do not forget to read trigger warnings!
Salvatore and Dylan's story showed exactly that. No matter how much you love a person, betrayal can come so easy and fast that you will never recover. And no matter how much you love a person, you might have to make decisions that hurt them.
I hate that I understand both sides. I want to blame one of them but we all know it's the men that thought their children were merely pawns that they can use and dispose. Daughters, Sons all of them because they share too selfish to expand even a silver of affection to them.
I am glad the author acknowledged the misogyny, some authors do not even realise that it is in fact misogyny to see women and girls as a bargaining tool. It made sick to read, a girl go through that.
This story is so good in a weird way. Not the happily ever after way but the way in you sit and think about it for days.
If you are ever picking up, do not forget to read trigger warnings!
April 22, 2026
Something this short shouldn't hurt so much.
"I'll never forgive you. But I'll love you until I die."
I recommend actually reading Conquest first even though this is a prequel I think it hits so much harder that way. The animosity between Ruslan and Salvatore always felt like there was more to their story. I definitely didn't expect this.
The sins of the fathers continue to be push onto the sons for generation after generation. Everything that happened at the end of this was so painful to read.
So here I sit absolutely heartbroken for not only Nikolaj and Vincenzo but also for Ruslan and Salvatore. I desperately need Reign because these men deserve so much better than life has given them.
"I learned that exile isn't loud. It's the sound of your own footsteps carrying you away from everything you build your name around. While the man you love stays standing in the wreckage because he chooses legacy over you and loses the very thing he thinks he's saving anyway."
"I'll never forgive you. But I'll love you until I die."
I recommend actually reading Conquest first even though this is a prequel I think it hits so much harder that way. The animosity between Ruslan and Salvatore always felt like there was more to their story. I definitely didn't expect this.
The sins of the fathers continue to be push onto the sons for generation after generation. Everything that happened at the end of this was so painful to read.
So here I sit absolutely heartbroken for not only Nikolaj and Vincenzo but also for Ruslan and Salvatore. I desperately need Reign because these men deserve so much better than life has given them.
"I learned that exile isn't loud. It's the sound of your own footsteps carrying you away from everything you build your name around. While the man you love stays standing in the wreckage because he chooses legacy over you and loses the very thing he thinks he's saving anyway."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Empire is the devastating prequel to the Conquest and Reign duet. It focuses on the fathers of Vincenzo and Nikolaj and how their broken betrayal set up the unfortunate curse that now their sons have inherited decades later.
Overall this is a fantastic prequel. It sets up the dynamics of Ruslan and Salvatore while giving you enough backstory to feel their connection and wallow in the devastation that is their doomed romance. I fell quickly for these two and cannot wait to see their eventual HEA, no matter how dark and devastating it will be. I loved returning to this world of mafia doom, while still rooting for these broken men to eventually find their redemption and second chance.
I cannot wait for Reign to see the continuation of Ruslan and Salvatore and their sons and how everything proceeds.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall this is a fantastic prequel. It sets up the dynamics of Ruslan and Salvatore while giving you enough backstory to feel their connection and wallow in the devastation that is their doomed romance. I fell quickly for these two and cannot wait to see their eventual HEA, no matter how dark and devastating it will be. I loved returning to this world of mafia doom, while still rooting for these broken men to eventually find their redemption and second chance.
I cannot wait for Reign to see the continuation of Ruslan and Salvatore and their sons and how everything proceeds.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
April 20, 2026
Empire - Avery Collins
4/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I have t read too many books by Avery but I knew this one was going to be epic and man, this one definitely did not disappoint me. Even though, I haven’t read Conquest, that book has been pushed on my tbr to the top because what in the world did I go through?!
From the moment we meet Ruslan and Salvatore, I was completely hooked from their first meet all the way to the end. My God, this book had me in all my feelings.
I knew this book did not have an HEA for now but I cannot wait to see what we get with these two. That last chapter had me in all my feels.
Ugh, Avery, why do you like to hurt us so much?! This definitely was so good for such a short book because you get so much and get to feel just as much feelings as well.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I have t read too many books by Avery but I knew this one was going to be epic and man, this one definitely did not disappoint me. Even though, I haven’t read Conquest, that book has been pushed on my tbr to the top because what in the world did I go through?!
From the moment we meet Ruslan and Salvatore, I was completely hooked from their first meet all the way to the end. My God, this book had me in all my feelings.
I knew this book did not have an HEA for now but I cannot wait to see what we get with these two. That last chapter had me in all my feels.
Ugh, Avery, why do you like to hurt us so much?! This definitely was so good for such a short book because you get so much and get to feel just as much feelings as well.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 4, 2026
This might be one of the best prequels I have ever read.
Empire is the prequel to Conquest, the tragic love story of Ruslan and Salvatore. These men are the fathers of Nikolaj and Vincenzo.
Even though I knew going into this book it was not going to have an HEA, I could not help being captivated by the push and pull of their forbidden love for each other. It was all consuming and powerful even though they both knew it was not to be anything more they could not ignore their desire no stop their pull to each other.
This novella in its 146 of pure heartbreak was so beautifully written and so tragic. Never did I want a couple to be more than what was expected of them. What I like about this novella is it sets up the betrayal and the looming curse of their sons years later. If you loved Conquest, this is a must read to see where it al began.
Empire is the prequel to Conquest, the tragic love story of Ruslan and Salvatore. These men are the fathers of Nikolaj and Vincenzo.
Even though I knew going into this book it was not going to have an HEA, I could not help being captivated by the push and pull of their forbidden love for each other. It was all consuming and powerful even though they both knew it was not to be anything more they could not ignore their desire no stop their pull to each other.
This novella in its 146 of pure heartbreak was so beautifully written and so tragic. Never did I want a couple to be more than what was expected of them. What I like about this novella is it sets up the betrayal and the looming curse of their sons years later. If you loved Conquest, this is a must read to see where it al began.
July 10, 2026
📖 Empire
🖋 Avery Collins
🧬 Mafia romance MM
⭐️ 4
🌶 5
🏢 Publicação Independente
✅ Kindle Unlimited
Eu li fora de ordem? Sim 🤣
Me atrapalhou? Acho que não 😅
Salvatore é um homem de 60 anos que recebe seu "assassino", o filho do seu maior inimigo, o homem que foi enviado para matar seu filho, só que antes de qualquer ação ele quer saber: O que você teve com o meu pai?
Meus amigos e é aqui que tudo desanda, ele conta o passado dele com Ruslan, de amantes a traidores, Ruslan confiou em Salvatore e foi exilado, marcado para vida, Salvatore traiu o amor da sua vida pelo sangue, é perdeu a aposta.
Um prequel de menos de 150 páginas carregado de emoção.
Vou ler os filhos agora, que seria o primeiro livro, e depois vou para a história desses dois 60+ 😍. Eu estava precisando de um bom máfia romance ❤️, casal com mais química que a tabela periódica e um hot 🥵🔥
🖋 Avery Collins
🧬 Mafia romance MM
⭐️ 4
🌶 5
🏢 Publicação Independente
✅ Kindle Unlimited
Eu li fora de ordem? Sim 🤣
Me atrapalhou? Acho que não 😅
Salvatore é um homem de 60 anos que recebe seu "assassino", o filho do seu maior inimigo, o homem que foi enviado para matar seu filho, só que antes de qualquer ação ele quer saber: O que você teve com o meu pai?
Meus amigos e é aqui que tudo desanda, ele conta o passado dele com Ruslan, de amantes a traidores, Ruslan confiou em Salvatore e foi exilado, marcado para vida, Salvatore traiu o amor da sua vida pelo sangue, é perdeu a aposta.
Um prequel de menos de 150 páginas carregado de emoção.
Vou ler os filhos agora, que seria o primeiro livro, e depois vou para a história desses dois 60+ 😍. Eu estava precisando de um bom máfia romance ❤️, casal com mais química que a tabela periódica e um hot 🥵🔥
July 23, 2026
Some Love Stories Don't Have an HEA But That Doesn't Make Them Any Less Real
Oh, this one hit me in the heart. I chose to read the prequel, despite publishing dates, before the duet, so I am very invested to see how this story weaves into the following duet. I know the goal is always to have that happily ever after, but sometimes love is even stronger and more real with there is an impossibility to it, when two people choose it knowing what could happen. This is a love story that shows that some circumstances can be forgotten, and betrayal is not always as simple as it seems. Sometimes betrayal happens even with the Love is Real. Have some kleenex before the epilogue. I'm going into the duet with hope in my heart, but this is not a love story I will forget soon regardless.
Oh, this one hit me in the heart. I chose to read the prequel, despite publishing dates, before the duet, so I am very invested to see how this story weaves into the following duet. I know the goal is always to have that happily ever after, but sometimes love is even stronger and more real with there is an impossibility to it, when two people choose it knowing what could happen. This is a love story that shows that some circumstances can be forgotten, and betrayal is not always as simple as it seems. Sometimes betrayal happens even with the Love is Real. Have some kleenex before the epilogue. I'm going into the duet with hope in my heart, but this is not a love story I will forget soon regardless.
September 30, 2026
I died …💔💔💔💔
“I look up at my lover and see the villa. Morning sunlight. His head in my lap. The way he laughs when I tell him I’m going to keep him there forever. The way he says his sister will paint. Every soft thing crashes through me at once and becomes unbearable.
“Ruslan,” he says.
I could spit in his face or curse him. I could tell him to go
to hell, to choke on legacy, to enjoy the empire he’s
choosing over me.
I force calm on myself instead. If he’s going to do this, he can do it looking at me.
“Do it, lyubimiy,” I whisper.
He flinches, so I know the words cut him. His free hand
comes up once, as if by reflex, like he means to touch my face before the blade does.
“Forgive me,” he whispers in Russian before the dagger
cuts across my left eye in a burst of white agony so bright it erases the room.” 💔
“I will never forgive you, but I will love you until I die” 😭
“I look up at my lover and see the villa. Morning sunlight. His head in my lap. The way he laughs when I tell him I’m going to keep him there forever. The way he says his sister will paint. Every soft thing crashes through me at once and becomes unbearable.
“Ruslan,” he says.
I could spit in his face or curse him. I could tell him to go
to hell, to choke on legacy, to enjoy the empire he’s
choosing over me.
I force calm on myself instead. If he’s going to do this, he can do it looking at me.
“Do it, lyubimiy,” I whisper.
He flinches, so I know the words cut him. His free hand
comes up once, as if by reflex, like he means to touch my face before the blade does.
“Forgive me,” he whispers in Russian before the dagger
cuts across my left eye in a burst of white agony so bright it erases the room.” 💔
“I will never forgive you, but I will love you until I die” 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews