Untamed Beast

This book knocked the air from my lungs with how good it was 😮‍💨🔥

I want a Leks for myself 🤭 I mean eating me until I’m spend because I’m an addiction, yes please!!! 🥵

I loved how Natalia sabotaged all her weddings 🤣 nobody getting this Bratva Heiress until Leks who provided her with every dirty little secret of her husband to be so she could make a spectacle the moment the ceremony started 😏

Leks didn’t expect to fall for “the spoiled brat” but once she was part of his world involving the men that work at the port. Once Yuri notice the changes within Leks he questions him. And much to Leks dismay, he knows he can’t be without her.

Natalia was so shielded and grew so much since she met Leks, she found her world in art and Leks let her make it because he was the first to believe in her talent 🥹

The ending was a twist that I absolutely adore and love and I do hope to read more from this world because all the characters are lovable 💕

Recommend this to all dark mafia romance lovers and don’t forget to check the content warnings ❤️‍🔥

Jenna

1,766 reviews93 followers

May 30, 2026

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mama, this was a mess. I love mafia romances and slurp them through a straw, especially when they're marriage of conveniences. Untamed Beast was exposition heavy and the groom didn't come to collect until 60% into the book. I kept waiting for some action, but his bride was a dumb bunny. You would think with such a rich family they could afford a personal tutor. Our girl was mad dim. She walked onto construction sites in designer boots, professed to be an art expert with no formal training, and gave off major bimbo vibes. Her dynamic with her husband was a bit toxic and I hated when he threatened divorce over a perceived betrayal. I understand mafia romances are darker and play by different rules, but this didn't feel like the usual fare. It bummed me out and I wasn't here for it. It was pretty hot in certain scenes, but it took way too long to get there. I don't believe I'll continue with this series, but thanks for the opportunity. I'll make sure to double check the marriage certificate twice if I manage to get ensnared like our mafia princess here. I'm not even sure if our girl could even read it!

advanced-reader-copies

Emmy Wong

491 reviews20 followers

A love a man so whipped he cannot think straight and Leks was the perfect example of that. And to think at the start he was all “remember this is just business” when he was gone for her the second he forced her to the altar. I lvoe a forced marriage plot and an mmc so unhinged he will do absolutely anything for the fmc. The plot was amazing, I loved the twists and the tension between Leks and Natalia as they were living together and desperately trying to hold in their attraction. They both so badly wanted to screw each other it was honestly hilarious and made that moment where they both give in even more satisfying. One thing that did confuse me was adding that particular “twist” at the last 30 pages of the book that really had no correlation to anything at all and was just oddly out of place. However I did love everything else about this book. The fmc was extremely funny to me because she’s this badass mafia princess who ruined all her arranged marriages at the altar by exposing a big secret yet she’s also the most innocent girl ever and took him back with minimal grovelling. But honestly Leks was so down bad for her and would not hesitate to beg on his knees so I’m not blaming him. He may have been this crazy ruthless mafia boss but he’s a softy for her. I enjoyed this book and give it a 4/5

KayBeReading

138 reviews4 followers

May 25, 2026

The book has barely started and we’ve had a big boom and someone is already lying(in my opinion). Natalia’s family keeps trying to marry her off but girlie is smart and gets out of it every time. Now Leks has shown up and he has her right where he wants her. Natalia is a pampered princess but she’s smart and resourceful. Leks is harden man who believes(knows) he’s been wronged and wants revenge. Natalia tries hard to resist Leks and vice versa but we know it doesn’t work. Once they finally got their hands on each other it was over. My favorite part(slight spoiler) is when Natalia low key tricked Leks into kissing her. Miss mama is pure as pure can be and we did have to wait for them to get it on but once you read it you will understand why. This book had me giggling. Leks has a dirty mouth, it got the dirtiest when rope was involved and that’s all I’m saying. 🤭 Natalia formed a friendship with Vera and I loved it. There was a moment of miscommunication/ betrayal and I was thrown about what really happened. I was like damn when I found out what happened. I’m glad they got there happily ever after, there were some surprises in this one for sure. I definitely enjoyed it. This was a fast paced read and I love that!

Mandamoe

48 reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely loved Untamed Beast! Natalia was such a fantastic heroine, and I was hooked on her story from the very first chapter. The chemistry between Natalia and Leks was intense, and their relationship kept me completely invested throughout the book.

The mix of Bratva drama, secrets, revenge, and romance made this such an addictive read. I finished this book in a single day because I couldn't put it down.

If you enjoy dark mafia romances with a possessive, morally grey hero and plenty of tension, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

c.kingreads

252 reviews9 followers

3.5 ⭐️.

I dislike the “plot twist”. I HATE HOW THE MMC HAD A SON WITH ANOTHER WOMEN. SORRY BUT I HATE THAT TROPE SO MUCH. 💀💀💀

Tracy Kemp

75 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 25, 2026

Untamed Beast didn’t just pull me in — it consumed me completely. This book is like velvet wrapped around a blade: seductive, dangerous, and sharp enough to leave scars long after the final page. Madison Juno crafted a dark mafia romance so intense, so emotionally charged, that it feels less like reading a story and more like willingly stepping into the jaws of something beautiful and lethal. From the very first chapter, it grabs you by the throat and whispers, *you’re not escaping this unscathed.* 🖤

Natalia was such a standout FMC. Beneath her polished “good girl” exterior is a woman who’s exhausted — exhausted from being traded, controlled, and paraded around like a pawn in someone else’s game. What made her journey so gripping was watching that quiet desperation slowly transform into defiance. She’s survived five engagements, each one another attempt to chain her to men who only saw her as leverage. And every single time, she fought back by digging up enough dirt to destroy the arrangement before it could trap her for good.

But this time was different.

When Natalia couldn’t uncover anything on her newest Bratva fiancé, an anonymous envelope suddenly appeared with everything she needed to ruin him. And that wedding scene? ICONIC. The tension was suffocating. She walks down the aisle knowing she’s about to detonate another carefully arranged marriage, calmly delivers her objection before the priest can even begin, exposes her fiancé in front of everyone, and walks out of the chapel with her head held high. Then she locks eyes with Leks Zhukov.

And that single moment changes everything.

Because the terrifying man watching her walk away? He’s about to become her next husband.

Leks Zhukov is the kind of MMC dark romance readers live for. A walking red flag wrapped in tattoos, violence, trauma, and terrifying obsession. Ruthless to everyone else, yet completely undone by Natalia in ways he doesn’t even understand himself. Every scene with him felt electric — like standing too close to a live wire. The possessiveness, the control, the barely restrained rage simmering beneath every interaction? Absolutely feral. This man radiates “touch her and perish” energy so intensely it could power an entire city grid.

But what made him unforgettable wasn’t just the brutality — it was the cracks beneath it. The moments where his devotion became almost painful to witness. The way he looked at Natalia like she was both his salvation and the one thing capable of destroying him. I was kicking my feet one second and emotionally spiraling the next.

And the chemistry between them? God. It burned slow and deadly, like a fuse inching toward dynamite. Every conversation felt loaded with unspoken tension, every touch carried a threat of losing control, and every emotional wall between them made the payoff even more devastating. The arranged marriage trope was executed flawlessly here. The power struggles, the hatred tangled with attraction, the longing neither of them wanted to admit to — it was pure agony in the best possible way.

And when those walls finally shattered?

I was DONE FOR.

The intimacy in this book wasn’t there just for shock value or spice. Every scene carried emotional weight. Vulnerability. Obsession. Hunger. It felt raw and consuming, like two damaged people trying to claw their way toward each other while pretending they weren’t already hopelessly ruined.

I genuinely could not put this book down. Leks and Natalia completely owned me heart and soul, and by the end I was emotionally wrecked in the most satisfying way possible.

If you love:
🖤 Dark mafia romance
🖤 Arranged marriage tension
🖤 Morally gray villains
🖤 Possessive, obsessive MMCs
🖤 “I hate everyone but her” energy
🖤 Dangerous men falling disastrously hard
🖤 Explosive chemistry and emotional angst

…then Untamed Beast will absolutely destroy you in the best way.

Faiza BEGUM

763 reviews17 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 24, 2026

Huge thank you to Madison for trusting me with both the beta read and ARC experience for Untamed Beast 🖤✨ And let me just say… this book completely consumed me.

Untamed Beast is the kind of dark mafia romance that wraps itself around your throat and refuses to loosen its grip 😮‍💨🔪 Every chapter felt layered with danger, obsession, emotional destruction, and tension so thick it practically bled off the page. Madison Juno created a story that feels both brutal and deeply intimate at the same time.

Natalia was such an incredible FMC ❤️ Beneath her polished Bratva princess image is a woman who has spent her entire life being controlled, protected, and used as leverage in a world run by powerful men. Watching her slowly stop shrinking herself and begin fighting for her own choices was honestly one of my favorite parts of the story. She has this softness and innocence to her, especially through her love for art and beauty, but underneath that is a fiery stubborn streak that makes her impossible not to root for.

And then there’s Leks Zhukov 🥵🚩 This man is absolutely feral. Dangerous, possessive, emotionally damaged, and terrifyingly devoted once Natalia becomes his. Every scene with him carried this underlying intensity like he was constantly one step away from violence. He says the filthiest things with complete confidence while simultaneously acting like breathing near Natalia without permission is a punishable offense 😩 The protective obsession radiating off this man was INSANE.

The arranged marriage storyline was executed so well 👏 The resentment, forced proximity, manipulation, hidden truths, and growing emotional dependence between them made every interaction feel explosive. Neither of them fully trusts the other at first, especially with the lies and secrets tangled around their marriage, but the connection building between them becomes impossible to ignore.

I especially loved how emotionally charged the romance felt ❤️‍🔥 The intimacy wasn’t there just for shock value — every vulnerable moment carried meaning, tension, and emotional weight. As Natalia and Leks slowly let their walls crack, the relationship became even more addictive to watch unfold.

Leks escaping captivity and setting events into motion added such a strong layer of suspense to the story too ⚔️ The deeper the truths unraveled, the more emotionally intense everything became. Some revelations genuinely hurt, especially seeing how much pain both characters were carrying beneath the surface.

And the chemistry between Natalia and Leks??? Absolutely lethal 🔥 Their dynamic balances softness and brutality so perfectly. She challenges him in ways nobody else can, while he makes her feel protected, desired, and seen despite the darkness surrounding them.

Untamed Beast delivers everything dark mafia romance readers crave: obsessive devotion, arranged marriage tension, morally grey characters, emotional vulnerability, explosive chemistry, dangerous loyalty, and a possessive MMC who would burn the world down for one woman 🖤

Kirsty

673 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy

I need someone to medically explain the chokehold this book put me in because I have NOT recovered 🥵🖤 Untamed Beast was dark, addictive, intense, and absolutely dripping with tension from the very first page. Madison Juno really looked at the arranged marriage mafia trope and said “what if we made it feral?” and honestly? She succeeded.

Leks Zhukov is not your average morally grey man. That man is morally charcoal. A whole thunderstorm wrapped in scars and Bratva secrets with the emotional range of a loaded weapon. And yet somehow I was obsessed with him immediately. The silent rage, the possessiveness, the way he takes control of every room he walks into… terrifying and ridiculously hot at the same time.

And the chemistry between him and the heroine??? VOLCANIC. The push and pull had me losing my mind. She spends so much of the story trying to resist him, trying to hold onto herself after being forced into this brutal marriage, and every interaction between them crackled with tension. The fact that their marriage stays unconsummated for a while somehow made everything even hotter because the anticipation was INSANE. Every touch felt loaded. Every look felt dangerous.

But what really hooked me was that underneath all the darkness and revenge, there’s this raw emotional thread running through the story. Leks isn’t just cruel for the sake of it. He’s carrying years of pain, betrayal, and buried truths, and watching those walls crack around her had me completely invested. The moments where his obsession starts turning into something softer and more protective? I was DONE FOR.

The atmosphere in this book deserves praise too. It felt cold and sharp and dangerous in the best way, like standing outside during a snowstorm while someone points a knife at your throat and somehow you’re into it 😭 The Bratva world felt gritty and intense without losing the romance at the center.

And the spice??? OPEN DOOR means OPEN DOOR. Madison Juno fed us WELL. Every scene was packed with tension and emotion instead of just being there for shock value.

If you love dark mafia romance with obsessive men, arranged marriage chaos, revenge, secrets, possessive energy, and a heroine who slowly learns how dangerous it is to crave the villain who ruined her life… read this immediately.

Leks Zhukov, respectfully, I would make terrible decisions for you.
★★★★★

MandysBookish Mind

134 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

Natalia has spent most of her life sheltered from the realities of the world around her. While many people underestimate her because of that, she's far from naive. In fact, one of my favorite things about her was how cleverly she protected herself and her family. Every potential fiancé presented to her was carefully analyzed, and she was smart enough to find flaws and reasons to reject them when she felt something wasn't right.

Leks, on the other hand, is carrying years of resentment. After spending years in Siberia for killing Natalia's brothers, he returns determined to make Natalia's father pay for the role he played in sending him there. His motivation for revenge makes sense, and I appreciated that his anger wasn't shallow or exaggerated. He had every reason to feel wronged.

What made this story work so well was the way the relationship developed between Leks and Natalia. It didn't start as love. It grew into love. Slowly. From the beginning, there is attraction. Leks is drawn to Natalia's beauty, but even more than that, he's captivated by her personality. At the same time, he's very aware of her innocence, her sheltered upbringing, and the imbalance between their experiences. He never wanted to take advantage of that. Neither Natalia nor Leks wanted to hurt the other, and both approached the relationship with caution and respect.

The back-and-forth between them felt natural, and there was a constant push and pull as both of them tried to figure out where they stood. Leks wanted to give Natalia everything, yet he struggled with giving her the one thing she truly needed: himself. Watching him fight his growing feelings while still trying to protect her was incredibly satisfying.

By the end, I was completely invested in them as a couple. Their relationship felt authentic, their growth felt believable, and the ending was exactly what I wanted. Everything came together in a way that felt satisfying, emotional, and well deserved. I absolutely loved where they ended up and how they got there. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

“I thought she was a spoiled brat.”
“She’s my spoiled brat.”

Loverulesall_books

278 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4⭐
2🌶️

This is my first read from Madison and OH.MY.GOODNESS!! This book seriously had me in a chokehold. It was such an addictive and easy read and I honestly couldn't get enough of Natalia and Leks!

Leks is someone who has been unlawfully banished and detained in the Ivanov Center for a crime he didn't commit. When he manages to break free and escape after a decade imprisoned, his sights is set on the Bryusova family in which he wants revenge and is out for blood.

Natalia is a Bratva princess who has been sheltered since the death of her twin brothers. Her parents also want to marry her off, but each time Natalia has found incriminating evidence against all her fiancés in order to get out of said arranged marriages.

When Natalia receives help from a mysterious stranger in procuring evidence to ditch her fourth fiancé at the altar, she doesn't think twice about using it. What she doesn't realise is that she may have turned down one marriage, but this new 'husband' of hers will do anything to make her his.

Leks and Natalia were seriously explosive together! Their chemistry was simply off the charts and the tension?!? Geez.... 🥵🔥
Natalia is a true princess who has been trapped in her guilded cage and it truly shows in her naivety of the outside world. She has been told to believe Leks is the enemy, but instead she sees a side of him that doesn't add up. He may come across to others as a brute, but with Natalia he is so gentle and respectful of her - something which she certainly didn't anticipate.

Leks hadn't planned to fall in love with the enemy's daughter, but the chances were totally stacked against him. Natalia is everything he didn't know he needed or wanted and to watch him turn putty in her hands was a dream to read. I seriously can't resist a man who melts for his woman.

The story will literally leave you on the edge of your seat, whilst you fly through the pages to get to the end. I certainly didn't see that plot twist coming and I hope we get to see more from this universe!

Thank you so much to Madison for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🫶🏻

Sara

57 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 30, 2026

REVIEW OF ADVANCE READER COPY FROM AUTHOR

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

I have never wanted to grab an FMC by the shoulders and shake some self-respect into her more than I did while reading Untamed Beast.

The plot was actually pretty interesting. The art pieces, secrets, betrayal, and mystery kept me invested and were honestly the only reason I kept turning the pages.

But the romance?

Absolutely not.

There was zero connection between Natalia and Leks. I never felt the chemistry, never felt the love, and when the big betrayal happened, I wasn't heartbroken, I was annoyed.

What pushed me over the edge was Leks accusing Natalia of betraying him and then telling her he would divorce her but keep her around as his personal plaything. Sir, who do you think you are?

And Natalia's response?

Not rage.
Not heartbreak.
Not a well-deserved slap across the face.

Instead, she basically melted because he still wanted her.

Girl, STAND UP.

Every time I thought she'd finally find a shred of self-respect, she somehow managed to dig even deeper into the trenches. The amount of degrading behavior she accepted had me questioning my sanity.

And don't even get me started on the ending because there was practically ZERO groveling from Leks. After everything he said and did, I needed him on his knees begging for forgiveness. I needed suffering. I needed regret. I needed a redemption arc.

Instead, Natalia was perfectly fine accepting the bare minimum and moving on like nothing happened.

The art mystery carried this book on its back because the romance certainly wasn't doing any heavy lifting.

If you're looking for a romance with emotional depth, chemistry, and a satisfying grovel, this isn't it. If you're here for the mystery and betrayal plot, you might enjoy it more than I did.

Overall, this book had potential, but Natalia and her missing self-respect frustrated me more than the villains ever could.

Mette Larsen

31 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This was a really easy and fast read — honestly the perfect little palate cleanser between heavier books.

I liked the contrast between the main characters. Leks is very much your rough, scarred, morally grey Bratva MMC — not a polished “pretty boy,” but someone shaped by betrayal, control, and a harsh past. You can understand why he is the way he is, even when he’s not exactly likable.

Natalia, on the other hand, is more of the classic sheltered Bratva princess — but she’s not weak. She’s smart, a bit stubborn, and clearly wants more out of life than just being married off. I liked that balance between her sheltered upbringing and her desire to actually be something.

The story kicks off quickly — there’s drama almost immediately, and things escalate fast. What I appreciated was that the relationship doesn’t go from zero to everything instantly. The spice is held back, which actually made it feel more earned and a bit more intense when it finally happens.
That said… don’t think too hard about some of those scenes - they sometimes seem physically impossible😅

For a mafia romance, it’s honestly on the lighter side when it comes to darkness. There isn’t a huge focus on violence, political tension, or complex power plays. The drama is there, but it’s more predictable — the twists happen more or less where you expect them to.

I did enjoy the small twist toward the end — it added something extra to Leks’ character and gave the story a slightly different emotional layer.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with strong character contrast, good pacing, and solid spice. Not the darkest or most complex Bratva story out there, but definitely entertaining and easy to get through.

heart_in_pages_

29 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

Untamed Beast
By @authormadisonjuno

∆ Rate⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

∆Tropes:
• Dark mafia romance
• Arranged marriage
• Enemies to lovers
• Revenge plot
• Morally gray MMC
• Possessive MMC
• “Touch her and die”
• Emotional angst
• Slow burn tension

If Morally Grey Men have fan clubs, just know
I’m president because LEKS ZHUKOV??? 🖤

This book is so addicting I genuinely could not stop reading. The tension??? INSANE. The chemistry??? Literally suffocating.
Every interaction between Leks and Natalia felt like standing too close to a fire that could either keep you warm or completely burn your life down.

Natalia was SUCH a innocent FMC. Underneath all the pressure, manipulation, and being treated like a pawn by everyone around her, there’s this quiet rage inside her that slowly turns into defiance and GOD I loved watching her finally fight back. That wedding scene?? ACTUALLY ICONIC. The way she exposed her fiancé in front of everyone and walked away with her head held high??? I was SCREAMING !!!

And then there’s Leks Zhukov…

THIS MAN.

A walking red flag covered in tattoos, violence, obsession, and emotional damage 🖤 Ruthless to everyone else but completely weak for Natalia in a way that made me lose my mind. The possessiveness, the control, the “touch her and die” energy radiating off him every second??? Absolutely feral behavior.

But what made him unforgettable wasn’t just the brutality it was the vulnerability underneath it. The way Natalia slowly became the only thing capable of calming the chaos inside him while also being the one person who could completely ruin him. Their relationship felt so raw and consuming. Every emotional wall between them made the payoff even more devastating.

I was kicking my feet one second and emotionally spiraling the next

Luna’s✨magic✨land

45 reviews

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

First of all, thank you, Madison, for trusting me with an ARC!

As a huge fan of a good mafia romance, my expectations were high for this one, even though I hadn’t read any other books by the author. The premise alone hooked me right in: enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, revenge plot, betrayal, insta-love, obsessive MMC, “touch her and die” vibes. What’s not to love?

Lek’s story is devastating from the start—and it gets even darker by the end—so it’s easy to understand his character and motivations. Natalia didn’t go through the same kind of trauma, but she didn’t escape unscathed either, having experienced family losses early on and an extremely sheltered upbringing. Even so, she wasn’t completely clueless. She was definitely naive at times, but also hella smart and sassy. The way she got rid of other suitors was awesome!

I loved how the FMC wasn’t just there as a prized pony. She actually played an important role in the business, which made her character that much more interesting.

And, of course, the real MVP of the story: Dasha 🐈. Give me a pet familiar—especially a cat—and you’ve got my whole heart 😍🥰❤️

This is kind of a slow burn, at least compared to most books in the genre, but the pacing is perfect. The character development makes you fall deeper in love with each of them, and the side characters are interesting enough to leave you wanting more of their stories (Vera & Romanov next, maybe? 👀).

Overall, a great read: intense, sweet, hot, and with a satisfying ending that left me craving a second-generation series already.

Untamed Beast is part of the Heirs of Obsession series, but can be read as a standalone and is set to release on June 5, 2026.

InkedSirenXO

211 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 24, 2026

Review of Advance Copy received from Author

Untamed Beast devoured me whole. This book feels like velvet wrapped around a knife: brutal, intoxicating, and impossible to put down. Madison Juno delivered the kind of dark mafia romance that drags you into the shadows by the throat and whispers, good luck leaving now. 🖤

Natalia was such a refreshing FMC. Beneath the “good girl” image is a woman exhausted from being treated like a bargaining chip, and watching her slowly reclaim her voice while falling for the very man she should hate? Absolutely addictive. Her chemistry with Leks burned like a slow fuse headed straight toward dynamite.

And Leks Zhukov? This man is a walking red flag stitched together with tattoos, trauma, and terrifying devotion. Every scene with him felt heavy with tension. He’s ruthless, possessive, emotionally wrecked, and somehow still had me kicking my feet like a fool. The “touch her and perish” energy radiating off this man could power an entire city grid.

The arranged marriage trope was executed perfectly. The angst, the power plays, the unspoken longing simmering beneath every interaction… immaculate. And when the emotional walls finally cracked? I was DONE FOR. 🫠

The intimacy in this story wasn’t just heat for the sake of heat, it carried emotional weight, vulnerability, and obsession in the best way.

If you love:
🖤 Dark mafia romance
🖤 Arranged marriage tension
🖤 Morally gray villains
🖤 Possessive MMCs
🖤 “I hate everyone but her” energy
🖤 Dangerous men falling disastrously hard

…then Untamed Beast needs to be on your TBR immediately. This book stalked into my brain wearing combat boots and refused to leave.

Bella

373 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and I could not put it down. Natalia and Leks were pure chaos together and I loved every single second of it. Their chemistry was intense, addictive, emotional, and so beautifully messy.

Natalia was such a strong FMC even while trapped in a world where everyone wanted to control her future. I loved watching her fight against the life chosen for her while still trying to protect her heart. Then there is Leks. This man was brutal, possessive, scarred inside and out, and completely unhinged in the hottest way possible. Under all that darkness though was a man carrying years of pain and secrets and it made him impossible not to fall for.

The tension between them was everything. Every stare, every touch, every argument had me screaming internally. The slow burn mixed with the explosive spice was perfection. I loved how their relationship evolved from hatred and revenge into something raw, obsessive, and emotional. Leks and Natalia brought out the absolute worst and best in each other.

The Bratva world was dark, dangerous, and completely immersive. Madison Juno did such an incredible job balancing the violence, emotion, spice, and romance. The twists kept me locked in and the emotional moments hit way harder than I expected.

If you love dark mafia romance with a morally grey obsessed MMC, forced marriage, possessive energy, emotional damage, and insane chemistry then you need this book immediately. Leks officially owns a piece of my soul now.
Easy 5 stars from me. I am obsessed.

Emily Knaus

588 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

After reading Art & Nina’s story… I was hooked on the way Juno does Bratva romance. It’s an intense experience.

This story hooked me right from the moment Leks claims Natalia as his bride not out of love, not even out of duty, but as a calculated strike in a revenge plan aimed squarely at her father. It’s dark, dramatic, and dripping with that delicious Bratva tension that I have come to love.

Leks is the definition of cold, controlled brutality. Ten years in a Siberian prison being tortured has carved him into something sharp and dangerous, and honestly, that edge is what makes watching him fall so hard so satisfying. Natalia, meanwhile, is his opposite in every way. She’s sheltered, sassy, blonde, and bold, the kind of FMC who refuses to be intimidated even when she absolutely should be.

The art smuggling and forgery ring are the center of the plot, layering in betrayal, secrets, and shifting loyalties. And somewhere in the middle of all the lies, Leks starts falling not for the plan, not for the revenge, but for her. Those moments where his icy exterior cracks are easily the best part of the book.

But the ending… yeah. It didn’t land for me. After all that build‑up, all that emotional unraveling, the final stretch felt like it undercut the payoff the story earned. It didn’t ruin the whole book, but it definitely dimmed the glow for me.

Juno creates an immersive experience with ruthless antiheroes, opposites‑attract fire, and high‑stakes Bratva drama, that absolutely deliver, even if the ending stumbles.

A huge thank you to Madison Juno for the early copy!!

Nicole Falcon

130 reviews6 followers

“You might not want to be anywhere else, but I want to make sure that you can’t go anywhere else. You are my everything, zolotse. My treasure, my precious one, and I want to lock you up so that you’re only mine.”

After spending 10 years endure unimaginable torture, Leks finally escapes with one thought in mind: revenge. Leks knew the only way to bring down the man who put him away was by threatening his job with the Bratva and marrying the man's daughter. Natalia had no interest in marrying anyone but she knew what was expected of her. However, she didn't expect her husband to be the man who killed her brothers. Lies, secrets and betrayal seem to be around every corner with these two but neither can seem to truly give up the other.

First off this man walked right into Natalia's wedding and took over. Leks is exactly what you expect the Bratva enforcer to be. He is big and scary with scars and tattoos for days. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty if it meant keeping whatever is left of his sanity. But with Natalia, he is soft in ways that don't make sense to him. Natalia is soft and sunshine where Leks is sharpe edges and darkness. Natalia is so much stronger than anyone gave her credit for. I cannot get enough of how even when she was nervous or scared, she still never lost herself or what made her, her. Madison Juno has hit yet ANOTHER one out of the park! Falling in love with Leks and Natalia is the breath of fresh air you need if you love bratva romances.

Bratva Romance, Opposites attract, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Marriage, Virgin FMC, 1st person, dual

Principesa

23 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

This book had me invested. A man imprisoned in Siberia for a decade, a woman tied to the family who ruined his life, and a revenge plan that begins with a marriage of convenience. Leks and Natalia’s dynamic has all the ingredients for a dark, emotionally charged romance, and the early chapters deliver exactly that. I was buckled in and ready for chaos.

And then… the wedding night happens. Or rather, doesn’t happen. Leks takes one look at terrified‑virgin Natalia and “nopes” right out of the room. King behavior. A villain with layers. I couldn’t read this novel fast enough!

But then the third‑act drama hits, and suddenly this same man is offering her the choice between being discarded or being his “whore.” And she chooses door number two. GIRL. Where did your spine go? Where did your earlier sass go? Blink twice if you need help.

When they reunite, I was ready for fireworks, fury, a slap, him groveling at her feet, begging her forgiveness-something. Instead, she hugs him like he just got back from a business trip. A reunion that should have detonated, barely sparked.

I liked this book a lot (4 stars!), but the characters’ personalities shifted so drastically halfway through that it felt like I was reading about different people.

The final page felt like it just… ended. I kept swiping my Kindle like it had frozen. Everything was technically resolved and there’s no cliffhanger, but it didn’t give me that satisfying “now that’s an ending” feeling. It just left me feeling a little confused.

Jennifer Kirshman

92 reviews

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

June 1, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2.5 Stars (Rounded Up)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Untamed Beast was unfortunately my least favorite book in the series. I’m rounding my rating up because I genuinely enjoyed the series overall, but this installment didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

This story felt very different from the mafia romances I’ve come to expect. The FMC is a sheltered mafia princess, but I found myself wanting more depth and character growth from her throughout the story. While the premise had potential, her personality never seemed to extend much beyond that sheltered upbringing.

The MMC was also somewhat underwhelming. I kept waiting for the moment he would truly shine, and for me that didn’t happen until around the 60% mark. By then, it was difficult to feel as invested in the romance as I had hoped.

The writing was solid, but I wanted more from the characters and their relationships. I would have loved additional backstory on the brothers and a deeper exploration of the family dynamics. There were several opportunities to add more emotional depth and complexity that felt missed.

Even though this book wasn’t my favorite, I still enjoyed the overall series and appreciate how the author connected these characters and stories. It simply didn’t have the same impact as the previous books for me.

Tropes:
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Sheltered Mafia Princess
🖤 Protective Hero
🖤 Family Loyalty
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Opposites Attract

Connie

402 reviews24 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

age-gap arranged-forced-marriage dark-romance

I went into Untamed Beast not totally knowing what to expect, and wow… Madison Juno absolutely delivered. This is my first book by her, and it definitely did not let me down. I love discovering authors who are new to me, especially when the first book hits this hard, because now I’m already looking at her backlist wondering how I’m supposed to read everything immediately. Natalia completely won me over from the start I loved her strength, her fire, and the way she never felt easy to break even when the world around her demanded it. And Leks? He was everything I want in a mafia man: ruthless, intense, dangerously protective, and somehow still impossible not to fall for.

What I loved most about Untamed Beast was the tension simmering underneath every interaction it felt sharp, addictive, and impossible to look away from. The chemistry between Natalia and Leks had me fully invested, and every scene between them carried that perfect blend of danger, obsession, and vulnerability that mafia romance readers live for. Suddenly I was way too emotionally attached and way too far in to put the book down, queue the 5am falling asleep time. Madison Juno created a romance that felt fierce and consuming while still giving me characters I genuinely cared about. If you love dark mafia romance with explosive chemistry, a powerful heroine, and a man who is all sharp edges until it comes to her… this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.

fionasbookdiary

222 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 29, 2026

4⭐️ First of all thank you so much Madison Juno for trusting me with an ARC Copy of this book!!

I really enjoyed myself while reading this book.
Leks and Natalia really had my heart going crazy at times 👀👀 I loved their story and how we slowly got to see that Leks definitely couldn’t handle Natalia only as business!

“You’re not going to be able to walk tomorrow. I think we can agree you’ve learned your lesson.” DAMN HELLOOO MR FILTHYYY.

Overall this book was a really nice read if you love forced marriage, enemies to lovers in a mafia setting.
I loved how DOWN BAD Leks was for Natalia and how she slowly became herself during the book! The scene where she was playing chess? And he got jealous? YES PLS. Leks was so Daddy coded and I was eating out of his palm halfway into this book. (And I’m not sorry about it)

!! Spoilers !!

The end really caught me off guard tho and I feel like it’s still so open in the end, wdym he has a child? I would have loved to see more interaction between them. Also I feel like her pregnancy in the end fell a bit flat.. maybe we could convince Madison that she gives us a bonus scene?? Because I NEED THAT!
Also in my opinion he didn’t grovel enough for what he said to her.. how he treated her after thinking she betrayed him.

BUT AND I MEAN BUT!! I really loved this book and for the last 50% I couldn’t put it down!!
I feel like I’m sooo back in my mafia era now and you’re so not ready for this!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Kim Flores

5 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 30, 2026

***ARC Review***

I’ll start with this… I’m a sucker for a mafia romance! There’s something about those bad boys with the soft hearts that does me in every time and this book was no different. I dove right in and immediately was drawn into the characters. I felt that, while we didn’t get a super detailed introduction to their back stories, we were given enough to get us interested and invested. The further I got into the book the more invested I became in their stories. I understood the motivation that drove their actions and found myself rooting for them. Natalia was sassy and innocent, yet possessed a fearlessness that made her a character was interesting. Leks was the bad boy with a heart. I really wanted to dislike him, even when he jumped to incorrect conclusions but I love him in spite of myself. Here’s the thing- the author wrote these characters in such a way that you were drawn into their personalities very easily. I would have liked more depth to the development of their relationship, more exploration of their feelings and definitely more story around why Leks was so willing to believe the worst. I mean, I get where the mistrust came from but it felt a little sudden and whiplash-y for me. Overall, though, I genuinely enjoyed this book. I loved the characters with all of their flaws and miscommunications. If you enjoy mafia romances give this one a shot. It’s not perfect but it’s a fun, quick read.

Heather Papp

7 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

Oh my God, I did NOT want this book to end! I finished the last page and literally (out loud!) went “That’s it?! Goddammit!” with a disappointed chuckle. I wanted so much more of Leks and Natalia, and I desperately want to know what happens next! Hopefully there will be a followup book on their story. Madison Juno has done an excellent job creating characters that I loved to love. Natalia, a sheltered Bratva princess whose inner strength is severely underestimated by those around her. And then there’s Leks (*swoon!*), the man accused of killing her brothers and who decides marrying her is the best part of his revenge against her father. This book has spice that is, quite frankly, top tier (I thought I was going to yell out “CHERRY BLOSSOMS!” at one point, for crying out loud! lol), with tropes that include arranged marriage, age gap, enemies to lovers, kidnapping, innocent (and I do mean INNOCENT! 😳) heroine, and dark mafia. Maybe even a special kink thrown in there that I won’t spoil, but that happens to be one of my personal FAVORITES 🫦👀🥵😉 This book is an interconnected standalone novel that is part of her “Heirs Of Obsession” series, and I will most certainly be reading the rest plus anything else she has written because I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this story…. Amazing work!

Brekke Ell

24 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

Review of advance copy received from Author

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno

Banished to Siberia, accused of murder, blacklisted. Escape is the only thing on Leks mind.
Hidden away to guarantee her purity, Natalia has known nothing else.
On the day of her wedding, her fifth, Natalia is ready to stop this one too. With a packet of information about her intended at the ready, Natalia is ready for the day to be over.
Leks is ready to meet his soon-to-be bride. She doesn’t know he is her future, and his secret that will turn her world upside down.
Unknown to Natalia, she is a pawn to her father. He has agreed to another marriage proposal to save himself. Natalia’s father has agreed that Natalia will marry Leks. Leks is the accused murderer of Natalia’s older twin brothers. But he is to be her husband.
I am glad I watched “The Green Arrow” because I feel it gave me a little understanding of the Bratva. The Bratva is the Russian Mafia. Natalia’s family is part of the Bratva Council. So the twist of Natalia’s marriage is darker than you think.
Leks agreed to this marriage as a means of revenge. Natalia is unaware of the underlying issues. But she and Leks are drawn to each other and this makes everything more difficult.
This is a Dark Mafia Romance/Arranged Marriage trope for everyone. And the spice will make your toes curl.

Lucy B

106 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

4 1/2 stars

This story reminded me of repunzel meets bratva, Natalia has been put in her tower, seperated from the world by her parents. In comes leks who breaks her free from her physical cage.
This book has so much healing on both parties. Natalia from her sheltered misled upbringing, she was indoctrinated to believe she was worthless and not good enough, and leks builds up her confidence and showed her the truth. Leks from being a scapegoat and the trauma he received at the institution, he doesn't trust easily, but Natalia proves to him time and time again that she will stick by him no matter what.

The way she dodged the previous weddings was hallarious and mischeivious. I definitely loved that moment.

Despite it being a bratva book, their relationship is very sweet. Dont get me wrong. it's filled with angst, slow burn, steamy chapters where hes possesive and she submissive in all the best ways possible.

That damn cat is such a cheeky pain in the but.

I know this is a standaolone Hea, but please let it become a connected series. I want Vera's story and even Nina's .

"She's my spoiled brat,"🥹

"I'll take feeback when you digure out how to wash a single dish, okay zolotse?" 🤣

arc currupt mafia

LasyUnleashed

13 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

**ARC Reader**

When I say consumed, that's exactly what I mean! Read the whole book in less than 24hrs.

First of all, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cover! Nothing like a tall tattooed bad boy to sweep me off my feet!

I love how Leks tried his best not to catch feelings and fall for Natalia but it was obviously inevitable. His restraint was something that blew me away! He had more restraint than I probably would have had. I can understand his background even though I don't relate to all of it. He had 10 whole years to sit and simmer on false accusations and already knew exactly how he was going to handle the situation.

For Natalia being so pure, she sure did know what to do on her knees! I'm not sure who was more tempted, her or Leks. Honestly, I think that the involvement of Vera was beneficial to Natalia with her inexperience in a sexual nature. I'm astonished with the quick trust in Leks to believe his side of the story so easily. I also feel like this brought them together quicker.

The spice and explicit detail was **** for me. I love me a spicy book and I think that any of them could always have more detail.

I'm honestly bummed that this is an ebook only because it is one that I would purchase a physical copy of to have on my shelf!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Souha S

44 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author