Kneel for the Bratva

by Kai Ashford

He put me behind bars. Now I'm on my knees before him.
Five years ago, I arrested Alexei Volkov — heir to the most ruthless crime family on the Eastern Seaboard. It was supposed to be the bust of my career.
It was the biggest mistake of my life.
Now my brother owes the Bratva a blood debt he can't pay. And the man I put in a cage? He's the one holding my leash.

Alexei doesn't just want my obedience. He wants me to break. He wants me to beg. He wants me to forget I ever wore a badge.

The worst part? Every time those cold gray eyes pin me in place, I forget too.

But there are secrets buried between us — secrets that could destroy his empire or set us both free. And in this world, love isn't just forbidden.

It's a death sentence.

KNEEL FOR THE BRATVA is a dark MM enemies-to-lovers mafia romance featuring a morally gray antihero, forced proximity, a possessive alpha, explicit content, and a cliffhanger ending. Book 1 of the Volkov Bratva series. Reader discretion advised.

Genres: Novella

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2026

Reviews

[Mags]

This book was okay and I will admit that I’m a little invested in Nick and Alexei story. So I have downloaded the next one in the series.

I might just be too dirty because it was advertised as being 4 🌶️’s and you are lucky if it half a 🌶️.

I really like the concept the Bratva boss and the former detective.

There are minor plot holes. Like the nightclub being in the same building as the penthouse but then when it exploded its elsewhere but then later it’s back in the same building or Nick being in the kitchen but lifting his 🔫 from the nightstand without moving.

The author does admit at the beginning that they were assisted by AI. So it needs to be considered when picking it up. I’m on the fence when it comes to the use of AI as it’s not going anywhere. I also don’t know if they have only used it for Russian phrases or more of the story.

I picked this book up from Penpinery.com

[Tracy Kemp]

Gripping Dark MM Romance with Action, Heart, and Unforgettable Tension
Kai Ashford delivers a thrilling dark MM romance that perfectly balances high-stakes action with an emotional, slow-burn love story. Set against the backdrop of a brutal turf war between the Bratva and the Mafia, the story is packed with danger, revenge, gunfights, betrayals, and shocking twists that kept me turning the pages long into the night.
What makes this book truly stand out is the unexpected romance between the powerful Bratva boss and the former cop responsible for putting him behind bars. On paper, they should be sworn enemies, but as secrets unravel and hidden enemies emerge, they discover that nothing is as straightforward as it first appears. Watching their relationship evolve from distrust and resentment into genuine affection was incredibly satisfying.
Although their story technically begins with a kidnapping, it quickly transforms into something far more complex. The forced proximity creates an irresistible tension from the very beginning, and I loved the emotional connection that developed between them. The romance is definitely a slow burn, with lower spice than many dark romances, but it never feels lacking. Instead, the focus is on trust, vulnerability, loyalty, and the difficult choices both men must make as they navigate impossible circumstances.
Both main characters are strong, compelling men with complicated pasts and questionable morals, yet it's impossible not to root for them. Their chemistry is undeniable, and seeing them choose love over revenge and hatred was incredibly rewarding.
Be prepared for an intense cliffhanger, as this is only the first book in a four-book series, and it leaves you desperate to find out what happens next.
If you're looking for a dark MM romance featuring morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, emotional slow-burn romance, explosive action, revenge, crime syndicates, and plenty of suspense, this series deserves a place on your TBR. I can't wait to continue this journey and see where Kai Ashford takes these characters next.

[Stormy Shadows]

ARC Review— From Author
Star Rating: 2 stars⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: April 13th, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🌶️(not spicy to me personally)
Format: Digital

This is an enemies to lovers Bravta boss x ex cop with some “spice” but personally there was no spice. When I think of spice I think of like really deep and as the word is, spicy moments. There was a scene but nothing descriptive like other “spice” things. This was just a novella with drama that’s just it. I wanted to like this a lot more and I only picked this up cause of the spice is said it had like 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ but nope. Lie.. just sad. The story was okay and I really wanted action which there was a couple of scenes but nothing really great.. it just disappointed me.

[Destinee Hockey]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a honest review. Thank you, Booksprout.

This book was not in my normal wheelhouse. I’ve never read a MM book before. However, this book takes a whole new take on enemies to lovers.

When Nick takes down the largest criminal of his career, things back fire. He ends up finding himself working and falling for that same man. Will Nick throw away his morals for love?


I will admit that I found some plot holes. Also the book was advertised as 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I’d rate it 🌶️ ( to be nice), this was not a spicy book in my opinion.

Overall, the plot was alright but I was expecting more spice and that disappointed me.

⭐️⭐️

[Mercedes Ramcharan]

Kai Ashford’s dark MM Romance is fast paced and packed with action. While a turf war brews between the Bratva and the Mafia, an unexpected slow burn romance develops between the Bratva boss and the ex-cop that put him in prison. They both learn that not all enemies are obvious and things are not as they seem.

This book ends on a cliffhanger, and is the first in a 4-book series. If you enjoy strong MMCs, low steam but high emotions, gunfights, explosions, and revenge, add this series to your TBR!

Overall Rating: 4/5
Spice Level: 1/5
Tropes: MM Romance, Mafia (Bratva), Enemies to Lovers, slow burn

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Tura Hathaway]

This was a beautifully written story about two unsuspecting men finding love in an almost impossible situation. Our main characters are both strong men who are involved in bad things. Technically it is a kidnapping that becomes more of a voluntary stay. I absolutely loved the romantic vibes we got from the beginning and the tension that was there immediately. I absolutely love how they came to an agreement and chose their love over everything and won.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Helen Deegan]

Love a good mm enemies to lovers that instantly catches my attention and holds it wanting to turn the next page.
What more could you want when the enemies belong to opposites side of the law, one who was once officer of the law the other the heir to the most ruthless crime family.
Ending with a cliffhanger that makes you want to start the next book immediately.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Amanda Sage]

Need a quick enemies-to-lovers read? This ex cop x Bratva head is a great selection. I enjoyed the build up and can not wait for the next book.

Spice is there but more in a paint the scene without saying too much.

Both men the tension is more fluffy to me, but both are stubborn and it takes one moment for them to throw caution to the wind.

[The Book Ssirren]

I found this to be a great start to this series. Two men, both in the opposite side of the law, but find an undeniable attraction between each other. I loved this so much. The push and pull between them was great. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received this book as an arc through pen pinery and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Jennifer Taylor]

This is the first book in a four book series. What a great way to start a series. Alexei and Nick’s characters are well developed and have growth during this book. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes the story!

[wennottoday]

ARC reader
I loved it. The description of the scenes was amazing I could see and feel it even the counting in my head i could hear the tik tik tik of the clock. It was an absolute feast for my imagination. Thank you can't wait for more.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Sharon Price]

Former cop and Bratva start out as enemies and become lovers. Standard plot but interesting characters. Enjoyed enough to start the second of the series. Let you know if it meets the same standards.

[Daria]

Interesting

Mafia themed story, first read for me from this author.
The start was okay. I felt the concept. But it also felt a bit incomplete.
I wasnt a fan of the characters seemed rushed and no chemistry not a lot of heat.

[Alex Higginbotham]

I was just not in the right headspace for this at the time. I'm sure if you love mm mafia you will likely enjoy this! It was just completely a me thing!! Thank you pen pinery for the opportunity tho!

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Lisa]

Totally recommend! Intense story with fantastic character interaction. Plot twist throughout. Was on the edge of my seat while reading wondering what would happen next. Action packed storyline. Relatable characters. Best book ever!

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[JJ]

Good story, but I find it a bit slow

[Amys Book hub]

I absolutely loved this book, so many emotions I felt through this was incredible kept me up late at night to finish. Absolutely 5 🌟

[Natalie]

Really enjoyed this.

[Lisa]

I liked the premise of the book but overall the story was just meh. Zero spice….this one is rated G. Disney has spicier stuff.

[Gray]

Interesting story, the MM characters really fight in the story more mentathan physically. An ok reading.