The Pakhan's Secret Babies: An Age Gap, Billionaire Boss Romance

by Laylah Snow

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2026

Reviews

[Aleksandra]

Okay, so imagine your staple office romance — then sprinkle in a billionaire, a masquerade, and a pregnancy reveal that hits harder than my caffeine intake on release days. That’s The Pakhan’s Secret Babies: An Age Gap, Billionaire Boss Romance by Laylah Snow in a nutshell — and yes, it absolutely delivered.
I loved how Elena’s internal monologue was both swoony and cringe-worthy in all the best ways. I mean, she’s been crushing on her boss Roman Petrov (pronounced: Totally Understandable) for two whole years — and then goes to her own masquerade party, ends up in his arms (and bedroom), and exits stage left like a true rom-com heroine when he naps. The masked dance, the tension, the “uh oh I’m pregnant” reveal… Snow plays this with just the right level of earnestness and heat.
What worked? Character chemistry for days. Roman’s cluelessness about his masked mystery woman was both frustrating and hilarious — like watching someone walk around with a name tag that says “HELLO I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU BUT YOU STILL DON’T KNOW IT.” And when things get serious (twins! Bratva daddy energy! resignation letters torn like cheap tissue), Snow transitions seamlessly from steamy to heartfelt.
Writing style? Bold and brassy with moments that made me chuckle aloud — the kind of dialogue that makes you go, “Yes, she said that, and no, I’m not mad about it.” If there’s a weakness, it’s that the story leans into tropes with unabashed enthusiasm — but honestly, that’s half the fun here.
Final verdict: a wildly entertaining, totally addictive guilty-pleasure read that made me root for Elena and Roman from masquerade to maternity. If you love boss romance with a side of “oops, we’re having twins,” this one’s a 5/5.

[Jennifer Amaral]

This book is PURE chaotic billionaire mafia romance drama and honestly?? I ate up every second of it 👀🖤🔥

Silver fox Bratva boss?
Secret pregnancy with twins?
A masked masquerade hookup that turns into absolute emotional chaos??

Yeah… this book knew EXACTLY what it was doing.

Roman Volkov completely delivers on the possessive, ruthless alpha MMC energy 👀🔥

Cold. Powerful. Controlling in that terrifyingly attractive mafia romance way.
The kind of man who walks into every scene acting like the world already belongs to him.

And honestly??
The second he starts fixating on her, it becomes impossible NOT to get obsessed.

What I loved most is how much tension exists between them even before everything explodes. She’s been secretly in love with him for years, trying to keep those feelings buried while working for a man who radiates danger and authority.

Then the masquerade ball happens…

And WOW 👀🔥

The secrecy, the masks, the forbidden attraction—it all creates this intense atmosphere where everything feels reckless and inevitable at the same time.

And once the pregnancy enters the story??
The possessive energy goes through the ROOF 😂🖤

Because Roman is NOT the kind of man who lets go of what he considers his.

The emotional tension also surprised me in the best way. Underneath all the billionaire power plays, spice, and mafia drama, there’s still vulnerability and fear driving both characters—especially when it comes to trust, protection, and family.

✨ If you love:
• silver fox billionaire MMCs
• mafia romance
• secret pregnancy / secret babies
• possessive alpha heroes
• forbidden boss romance with explosive chemistry

This one is dramatic, addictive, spicy, and absolutely overflowing with chaotic possessive energy 🔥🖤.

[TRACI]

Spice 1.5
Plot 2

Elena the FMC was a personal assistant to the Bratva Pakhan legal side of his business , unaware that she was working in the criminal world. One night at a party wearing a mask they sleep together , Unaware that he is sleeping with his secretary .

If you read this genre of books , then you have read a version of this story before.

The spice was almost open door with more details .

The plot, characters and overall book was just okay , In a few days I more than likely wont remember these characters names. Nothing stood out, it wasn't boring enough to DNF but I also wont rush to read any other books by this author .

What I didnt like , there was cadence in the book that Ive started to notice that while I cant prove that its AI , its strange and seems out of place for the book type and the story doesn't require this much thought or ' introspection " from the author .

[Rita]

very good

I always like when the beginning starts with drama and mystery. Elena has been a secretary of Romans for two years. She's felt that he doesn't even see her, but she has had feelings for her for him for two years. She's very prim and proper when she's at work her and her friend Mara live in an apartment together when Mara has a wild idea. For Elena to go to a masquerade party. And Elena decides to go she dresses, sexy and feels free. She wants one night of letting go. Roman sees her across the room and things spark 🔥 and they do the nasty, but that seems to be all it is a one night of freedom. Elena knows who Roman is, but he has no idea who she is because she gave a fake name to him. Roman can't get her out of his head, but doesn't have a clue who she is. Doesn't realize she's been his go to secretary for two years but things take a dramatic turn Roman offers a Elena a proposal, but she knows it's without romance or love

[Brandi Bauer]

Repetitive

This book could have been better and shorter. The storyline itself was really interesting but so much of it was just omitted and glossed over. For instance, the “bag guys” are all “dealt with” off page with little more than a word or two from the MMC and not really mentioned again. Then there is the repetition. The same thing said over and over again. I was so close to just hitting the recap whole book button, just to see how everything turned out, and returning the book. Instead, I read on and skimmed through the repetitive parts until I got to the end. I can normally get through a book like this in less than 6 hours but I kept putting this one off because it was slow and tedious. It took twice as long to get through. I liked the story, for the most part though.

[Terry Sasada]

awesome

How do you go from a secretary to a wife in a very short period of time. Elena knows that Roman is dangerous, but she doesn’t know the extent of it or even who he really is. And Roman has no intention of telling her. Even though things are heating up, and she is pregnant with his twins, he keeps his secret thinking he is keeping her safe. Elena notices the small things, but can’t add it up… and then danger presents itself and for the first time Roman knows his feelings for her are real. There were so many unsteady emotions in this book you really had to read between the lines to know what they’re not saying. And you really get a look inside the Bratva and how dangerous it is. This book is everything you could possibly want in a mafia love story, including a very happily ever after.

[Jenn Godbold]

I love reading anything from Laylah and this book was just as great for me. Elena is a secretary for Roman and helps plan his masquerade party. After giving everyone directions making sure everything is perfect, she changes clothes, makeup and hair so she is unrecognizable. She attends the party mingling with the guests and even Roman doesn't recognize her. Roman (who Elena has a crush on) takes her to his bedroom where things get steamy and spicy. Once Ronan is asleep, she ends up leaving. I love her secret baby stories and can't wait for the next book to come out!.

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

[Niki]

She has been his assistant for two years and had a crush on him just as long, so when her job is done for the night she dresses up for the party. The last thing that she expects is him to come to her rescue when she gets cornered. Then he takes her to bed, and still does not recognize her. When things get heated a couple weeks later he still does not know that it was her. When he discovers when the mystery women was and finds out that she is carry his heirs, he does the only thing he can and that is marry her. That creates a whole new set of problems for him.

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

[M. H.]

It was good, but some things were just off the mark for me. For at least half the book, Elena and Roman didn’t have much dialogue going except when they were working, even when they were married and that just didn’t make sense to me. The other thing, what happened to Aleksei ? He was a pest of an ex who kept stalking Elena even when he knew that she’s married and pregnant, Elena said she’d tell Roman about him pestering her but she never does, and Aleksei just disappears suddenly. Like what he just randomly gave up ?

Anyways, not bad but there wasn’t as much communication as you’d expect between Elena and Roman for a lot of the book.

[Cathy Moir-Allen]

Part of "Forbidden Kings". Elena has been Roman Petrov's personal secretary for two years - about the same length of time she has been in love with him. When a masquerade ball is held at the estate, she decides to give herself one night of happiness. When Roman sees the unknown masked woman at his party, he is greatly intrigued. After an intense night of passion, Roman awakes alone. Elena says nothing at work, just continuing on managing Roman's life. but Roman's start noticing small signs that all is not what it was. Everything has changed.

[Ruth]

Elena a secretary for Roman plans his masquerade party. After giving everyone directions making sure everything is perfect, she changes clothes, makeup and hair so she is unrecognizable. She attends the party mingling with the guests and even Roman who doesn't recognize her. Roman (who Elena has a crush on) takes her to his bedroom where things get steamy. She leaves when he falls asleep. Will Roman ever realize it's her? Will she tell him when she finds out she is pregnant?

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

[Johanna]

'So I tried to quit.
But Roman said no.
And tore my resignation letter to pieces.
Now I’m hiding a secret he can never know about.
Because if he does…
The pakhan is never letting me…
Or our babies go.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

When Elena secretly puts on a gown and mask to enter the gala at her boss's home, she did not know that it would lead to an intimate encounter with repercussions. She has been working with him for two years and didn't know that he was the Pakhan until she is taken and it leads to a heartfelt discussion. This action-packed story is filled with dangerous twists and turns that kept me glued to the drama.

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

[Virginia Danyow]

It was refreshing to read a mafia story that did not have graphic descriptions of the violence aspects. They were there, and hinted at, but not in all the explicit detail. Elena's character was relatable and had great growth over the course of the story. Roman's character was the typical strong silent type but once he started showing emotional cracks he became more likable.

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

[Jessica M]

Suspenseful, light mafia, secret baby/identity romance. I enjoyed Roman and Elena relationship. There was a power dynamic between them but at the same time mutual respect and Elena was a boss babe at work. I always love the accidental pregnancy trope!.

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

[Barbara]

Laylah captivated as well as had my undivided attention when she wrote this amazing 5-star book. The characters Roman and Elena are mesmerizing, and every turn of the pages delivered a flawless story that had me hooked.
This is a hot read that will definitely keep you entertained from start to finish.

[Linda Elliott]

This is such a great story.

A great story should be easy to read and keep you reading till the end, and that is what this one does. Great characters and smoothly written. The man changes from what he was and you see it in every page. The woman changes without questioning, at least not often.

[Evaleen B. Chalkley]

Good

It's worth reading and has a good pace. The author tends to tell you about exciting things that went down but doesn't show you. Like the main villain is "taken care of" but that's all you get. Just feels kind of anticlimactic after all this thriller building the author did. But I like the characters and enjoyed the story.

[PortlandEnchantress]

Absolutely No Feeling

Nothing. I felt nothing reading this story.
Roman is emotionless as is Elena.
While I do believe the love they had for each other, it can't be felt.

When Roman tells Elena he loves her, you'll feel nothing.
Elena never tells Roman she loves him but we know she does.
Sorry, not my kind of story.

[Narelle]

Roman has spent thirty years building something, and by the end of this book he knows why and what for. Elena has been his secretary for two years, organising his life and business. A steamy read with boss/employee to lovers, first times, babies and touches of drama too.

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

[Amy Hutchins]

You got to love a ruthless and protective alpha who is a little late to his own feelings. I enjoyed seeing Elena and Roman's journey unfold. You get great chemistry, lots of tension, and a strong heroine.

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

[Starla Johnson]

Very Repetitive

This book was very repetitive. The plot was lacking and I could just not get into the characters. I only finished it because I am not a person that DNF's a book. Towards the end, I just started skimming and stopped actually reading.

[Janice Marie]

Terrific book!

Laylah Snow outdid herself with this book. I loved her style of writing and the way the story flowed. The characters will be remembered long after the last page is read.

[Paula K]

I would give this 4.50 stars if I could. The love story of Bratva Pakhan Roman & his secretary Elena is anything but boring. It drew me in right from the start & kept the roller coaster of emotions coming until the end. A great read!

[sheryl blaszczyk]

Incredible story

Absolutely loved this story. I loved that Elena wasn’t whiny and accepted everything and spoke her mind. They were really great together. Fantastic story but sequences

[Marilyn Smith]

Good Story

Elena works as Romans secretary for years and is in love with him. She goes to a maskeraid party where they have to wears masks and Roman asks her to stay the night. Six weeks later she is pregnant. Someone is sabotaging his deals and shoots at them. Good story.

[Joy D]

It ws really good. I figured there would be more to the ex who kept showing up....it just seemed to stop being part of the story. Did we also ever get to hear them say I love you to each other?

[Kathryn]

I really enjoyed this book 4.25⭐️

[Claudia Reinbrecht]

2.5

[Carolyn Teresa]

Worth the read

I ended up likening it, I wasn’t sure at first but stayed with it and I was glad I did.