Betrothed

Devil's Playground #2

by Piper Stone

First he made me his. Then he made me his wife.

When Kirill Aristov kissed me so roughly I forgot all about my fear of flying and then made me come hard enough for everyone on the plane to hear, I didn't know he was a ruthless bratva boss.

Or that one day soon I'd be his captive, my helplessly bound body bucking and writhing with every merciless climax as the bastard who just stripped me bare and spanked my ass red took me in the most brutally shameful way possible.

But by the time he put his ring on my finger, I knew what kind of man had made me his.

And what it means to belong to him.

Publisher's  Betrothed is the second book in the Devil's Playground series but can be read as a standalone. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrothed is the second installment in the Devil's Playground Series. A dark full-length mafia standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book. The stories are interconnected with individuals from the previous books stopping by and contributing to the story. A woman becomes captive to Kirill Aristov, a ruthless Bratva boss, who forced her into a marriage in this dark mafia romance. This is Kirill and Vivian story which is told from a dual point of view. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. An exquisitely written story with world building characters and a complex and twisty storyline that grabs the audience attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted and on the edge of your seat with it's scorching hot panty-melting passion, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, mystery, suspense, and pulse-pounding drama surprises. Captivating. Sinful. Decadent. Compelling. Irresistible.
A contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, morally-grey antihero romance, lust-at-first-sight romance, insta-love romance, insta-everything romance, he-falls-first romance, Bratva romance, arranged marriage romance, unexpected pregnancy, Bratva romance filled with danger, lies, enemies, violence, betrayal, murder, grief, attempted murder, bloodshed, kidnapping, captivity, tension, angst, secrets, loyalty, greed, hidden agendas, revelations, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, hidden identities, lies, deception, darkness, madness, revenge, resilience, loss, survival, spice, pawn, death, chaos, heart-stopping emotions, mob war, possessiveness, obsession tragedy, love, heartache, power and control, attacks, threat, hurt and pain, suffering, acceptance, family, retaliation, steam, power struggle, distrust, mayhem and so much more.
Kirill Aristov is the second in command and friend to Kazimir Chertov who's the pakhan of the Chertov Bratva. Mikhail a.k.a. the Ghost has been trying to take out Kazimir and as made several unsuccessful attempts on his life. Kirill was at the christening for Kazimir youngest child. He was standing beside him and his wife and his one month old Godson when suddenly the door burst open and gun start blazing. Now Kirill is tasks with hunting and eliminating the Ghost he was on his way to New York City and was in the airport lounge when he meets Dr Vivian Hamilton in the VIP lounge and they enjoy their time together. Vivian was on her way to her sister's wedding. She normally flies with her friend because of her fear but her was unable to do so. Vivian was freaking out on the plane but Kirill was able to distract her by kissing her roughly causing her to forgot all about her fear of flying.
He took her to the bathroom where he introduced her to the mile high club. They didn't exchanged any names or phone numbers just a shared connection between two attractive passing strangers. He made her come hard enough for everyone on the plane to hear. She had to bite her lip to keep from screaming so that the other passengers would not hear her scream. He didn't know that she was born into a powerful Irish mafia family, and she also wasn't aware that he was a ruthless Bratva boss. Or that one soon she'd be his captive. Her body helplessly bound bucking and writhing with every merciless climax as the bastard who just stripped her bare and spanked her ass red took her in the most brutally shameful way possible. Kirill just knew that he wanted her. And take what he wants. It wasn't fate that made Kirill and Vivian path cross everything was orchestrated by the Ghost.
The two path ways after their encounter and believe that they will never see each other again. Vivian is a successful physician working at Mount Sinai. Four years ago she lost her boyfriend Gabriel Lorenzo who was killed in an accident and since then she have closed off herself from any other relationship and buried herself in her work to numb the pain and to forget her family name. Vivian went back to work and a few days later she was shocked one night when her when she came face-to-face again with someone who she thought that she would never see again. Kirill and Vivian path crosses again when his investigation of three unknown assailant leads him to the hospital that Vivian works. He's very suspicious and doesn't believe in coincidence and wonders if their meetings is a setup. She saves his life after he got stab from a life threatening stab wound with ricin. Kirill decided to kidnap her to take additional care for him. He also wanted to protect her because he believes that their lives are interconnected to what's going on with the Ghost and the Chertov Bratva. Eventually, Kirill learns about her ties to the mob. Although Vivian has stayed away from her mob family she went to her uncle to ask him to leave Kirill alone which he refused, and when that didn't happen the two decided to get married. But by the time he put his ring on her finger, she knew what kind of man had made her his. And what it means to belong to him. Will Kirill be successful in defeating the Ghost? Will they get their HEA? How will he react to the news of her being from a mafia family? How will he react to the news that he will become a father?

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

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Betrothed” is the second book in the “Devil's Playground Series.” Kirill Aristov is Kazimir Chertov, the Pakhan’s, second in charge and right hand man. When an attempt is made on Kazimir’s life by the Ghost, he is tasked to eliminate the issue. Viviane Hamilton is on a flight to Italy for her sister’s wedding on some remote island. Since her boyfriend Gabriel Lorenzo was killed in an horrific car accident in Hawaii four years ago, she has buried herself in her work as a doctor to forget who her family is.

On the way to the airport lounge, Viviane and Kirill meet and hit it off. She knew instinctively that Kirill was someone she should stay far away from, but her willpower was slipping away. Once the plane, as it starts to take off Vivian’s, she is terrified until she hears his soothing voice….”Just breathe, malen’kiy yagnenok. Everything will be fine. We’ll be in the air in moments.” To calm her down, she joined the mile high club with him and the look from….”A dark look settled into his eyes, shifting from playful to possessive.”

“Maybe this was what passion was about, letting go with a stranger. No baggage. No promises. No future. Just the shared moment of being able to revel in joy and ecstasy.” Never expecting to see him again, she returns to work at Mount Sinai Hospital, she finds Kirill in a life threatening situation. After cleaning up and stitching his wound, he kidnaps her to take care of him. His own personal doctor! He also needs to protect her when they find out that the Ghost is the one that orchestrated them meeting at the airport. The attraction between them only gets stronger and more intense.

Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion.

“His actions were gentle at first, opening my mouth with his, darting his tongue inside. But I could feel the buildup, the hunger building to an intense precipice. There was no shoving aside this man. There was no telling him no. The kiss was as passionate if not more so than before. Even the way his fingertips were digging into my skin was incredible. He swept his tongue back and forth as he pulled me even closer.”

As per standard for Piper’s Mafia Romance stories, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between Kirill and Viviane.The chemistry between them is off the page! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate the power of a woman!
I feel for Vivian on vacation in Hawaii when her boyfriend is in a serious car accident, so she buries herself in work and tries to forget who her family is. Until her sister’s wedding on a remote island in Italy where she hears things that she files away for a later date. Kirill is beside himself after an assassin attempts to kill his boss’ family at a christening, thus sending Kirill to NYC to hunt down the infamous Ghost. When Kirill discovers Vivian looking for the private lounge at the airport that she was gifted along with a first class seat thanks to her new brother-in-law, he offers her his assistance. The two share a wonderful time while waiting for apparently the same flight. What follows is Kirill taking Vivian’s mind off her flight fear, yet the two never exchange information. Kirill is taunted by a threat that leads him suspiciously to a hospital where he attempts to take out the enemy. While Vivian returns to the hospital, she discovers none other than Kirill in a terrifying situation that she acts like she was trained to handle. Kirill kidnaps Vivian to care for him, and to protect her as there is something about her that he can’t leave behind. Knowing that their meet cute was likely staged by none other than the Ghost, Kirill barely trusts Vivian despite the good doctor risking everything to save his life! Vivian’s family secret is revealed, when she goes to her Uncle to demand he leave Kirill alone. When that doesn’t happen, the two plan an unexpected wedding that sounds like a recipe for disaster. Will Kirill be able to keep Vivian safe and lure the Ghost out in the open? You have to read to find out!

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrothed is the 2nd book in Devil's Playground series and follows Dr. Viviane Hamilton and Kirill Aristov is the second in charge of Chertov Bratva.
Kirill is sent to New York City to hunt an an assassin called the Ghost after his Pakhan and his family were almost murdered. While on the way he meets a beautiful and charming woman named Viviane who is also flying to New York. They hit it off while waiting for their flight and end up on the same flight in first class. They end up joining the "Mile High Club" after he uses it as a way to distract her when she's in the grip of a full blown panic attack. After landing they go their separate ways only knowing each other's first name. Their lives soon intersect again when Kirill finds himself chasing 3 unknown assailants who lead him inside a hospital and smack into Viviane. Now wondering if meeting her wasn't a coincidence but a setup he ends up taking her with him after she saves his life.

The book is so well written with intriguing characters that will keep you engaged, captivated and holding your breath waiting for the next OMG moment. It takes you on a journey that's nail biting, heart pounding, suspenseful, dangerous, brutal and yes loving. There are twist, turns, betrayals, murder, retaliation, power grabs, hidden identities, secrets, lies, chaos and even some steamy sex.

Buckle up because this one will grab you from the beginning and hold you tight as you anticipate what could come next.

I received a copy through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill Aristov is Kaz’s right hand. With the attempt on his Pakhan’s life as well as his families, Kirill is tasked to find the person known as the Ghost. Someone put out a hit and they need to be eliminated. Vivian doesn’t like flying but for her sister Nikki’s wedding she will. When a handsome stranger she meets at the airport, strikes up a conversation with her, it is smooth trip. When these two meet again, things take a turn. But is the meeting a setup, a distraction.

I have to say that both Kirill and Vivian’s life is almost a mirror image. They both lost someone not too long ago. Reasoning: having to do with family. But the real issue here is that the Ghost aka Mikhail is still out there. He is trying to take what Kaz cares for and this time what Kirill cares for. I love the passion these two have. And let me say, that Viv is tough as nails. She gives as good and she gets. She is not weakling. Her family, they she wants no part of is actually Irish Mob, McCarthy. When things get dicey for Kirill, she makes a play. And the woman is a doctor to boot. Come on, she is the best. Her poor sister Nikki is used as well. Another pawn. There was a part when Kirill is going through Viv’s cell that I was getting a bit upset. But it ironed out, thank goodness. It was a bit crazy.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bratva Beast and the Doctor

An intense read with twists throughout this action packed, entertaining read full of betrayal and some surprises.

Kirill and Vivian, both are a strong willed explosive couple with tons of chemistry, sizzle and connection making this read fun with lots of danger as you step into the Bratva world filled with possessive, obsessive men who deny they want love until it hits them and then, no-one who touches their women will live.

Loved their romantic journey and all the drama connected to it. Page-turning read.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read between the Irish Bratva and the Russian Bratva who cross realms
This had been a simply wonderful book and I guarantee that readers will have enjoyed every moment of this book and it seems that an attack on Kirill Aristov’s Pakhan at the christening of his month old baby and he had been sent to New York to kill the Shadow, the individual they believed was his brother that he had been forced to put into exile after he had attempted to kill his brother.
On the plane Vivian had met Kirill had they had hit it off after they had met on the plane after she had been upgraded by Enzo and this had led to them having a sexual interlude on the plane and then she had discovered that she actually had feelings for the man.
Karzimir had left the operation in New York in Kirill’s hands and he had been shocked to discover that Vivian was a surgeon in the Mount Sini hospital and they had discovered that their love was actually growing but when he discovers that she was actually from a family of the Irish Mob.
The stab wound that Kirill had received had dosed with risin and he was close to dying and it had only been because of her medical training that she had been able to save him, she had him in a coma for three days why his body had been fighting against the risin but it was unbelievable that she had actually survived and she had even spoken with her uncle about Kirill remaining safe in the hospital.
Both Kirill and Vivian had known love and they had nearly been married but unfortunately in both cases they had lost the people they had cared for and they had never actually gotten over this and it seems that they now realised that what they felt for each other they had deep feelings for each other.
I guarantee that readers will be captivated by this book and Kirills search for The Gost and the safety of his Pakhan Karzimir and his family who were as close to him as if he was his brother, he cared for his wife and was godfather to youngest child.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill comes across as typical Bratva at the beginning of this story but he soon steals your heart. Vivian is amazing from page one. She is smart, strong, loyal and loveable. True she is related to members of the Irish but she has no allegiance to anyone except her sister. There is violence in this story but it is not off putting and the steamy scenes are not over the top. It is a story full of intrigue and suspense and makes a great read.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never say Never!

Krill always said he wouldnt get married but he stood firm until he met Vivian, who he met on a plane going to New York.They both had secrets but he found out hers soon enough,I love this story,it had heartache,drama,greed and it was a Bratva story which are my favorite. It may of started with heartache and death for both Vivian and Krill but by the end it was love but with watchful eyes!

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kirill and Vivian’s story…
Kirill Aristov is sent to New York to protect the Chertov Bratva’s interests and track down the ghost that’s plaguing their organization. On the way he meets Dr Vivian Hamilton and the two instantly hit it off. Although now it seems that there are entirely too many coincidences. Betrayal is especially disheartening when you suspect it comes from your inner circle… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill and Vivian, are spicy from the start. Stubborn and explosive together. Vivian gives as good as she gets. Coming from a family she walked away from, the McCarthy an Irish mob family. Becoming a doctor.
Kirill is possessive, obsessive man. When he falls it is hard and dare anyone touch his woman.

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

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so spicy, so intense. There was no way I was putting this down until I had finished it. Kirill and Vivian were so hot, right from the beginning. She was fierce, he was possessive and very much an alpha male. But these two together were explosive. I absolutely loved this story. I was invested, obsessed and everything in between.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling!
Kirill and Vivian are so hot together, they’re sizzling! Frying eggs on a sidewalk, volcano spewing lava, fire burning hot as hell! And not just the incredible heat, it’s the dominance, the passion, the ecstasy, the desire that will keep them together, always!

[Gaynor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying high

These two meet and end up having a mile high experience! Fate keeps throwing them together and things become more serious. There is heat, hunger, discipline, claiming and violence and twists and turns!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It caught my attention easily and kept me engaged throughout. I liked the Vivian and Kiril characters so much and I truly thought their chemistry was off the charts.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill and Vivian meet before a flight, the start of a dark, adventure filled and passionate journey. The second book in the Devil’s Playground series sees old and new faces, secrets, danger and more.

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

[Ginger's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! I love her FMCs particularly. Most of them are smart and competent.

[Kevin McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved this book as much as i loved all the books ive read by ms stone. I cant wait to read many more by her too.

[Aggie Worth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous standalone Russian Bratva romance, but it's a second installment in a series and as such it's really great to read them in order and know when the previously mentioned characters make their appearance.
I really loved Kirill's story. He's a multilayered, complicated man, not just a straightforward, brainless Bratva commander. There's so much about him. Other than devilishly good looks, obviously.
Vivian is a mafia princess, although she's been working hard to escape her destiny. It's almost ironic when she realises where and with whom her future lies.
But it's all much more complicated than that. I enjoyed every moment of the book, absolutely adored the characters, their vivid personalities and great looks. They're so well developed one could almost see and hear them speak.
Highly recommended read, another really good one from this author.

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

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian attended her sister's wedding in Italy. She is upgraded to first class with admission to an exclusive lounge. She meets Kirill while trying to find the lounge, they share a meal and separate to go to their seats. She is a nervous flyer, nearly having a panic attack when Kirill calms her down by taking her to the bathroom and rocking her world. They separate in NYC, neither giving their last names or phone numbers.
Kirill is on the trail of the Ghost who attempted to assassinate Kazmir and his family. His brother Mikhail is the prime suspect. Kirill is targeted when he starts to trail a suspect, but is stabbed and manages to kill the assailant, but two others escaped. Vivian is on duty when she sees the assailants, she manages to take one out with a stretcher, only to find Kirill bleeding in the stairwell. He takes her to his residence where she treats him but is making plans to escape.
I loved the characters in this story. Vivian is a stubborn woman who has made a name for herself in the medical field and not allowing her father or uncle to influence her choices. Kirill is equally stubborn, intent on protecting Kazmir and his family as well as Vivian. The two have real chemistry which is put to the test.
This plot was very complex and builds upon the first book in this series. there are very sinister undertones and betrayal.
I hope there is another book coming in this series.

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

[Susan Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in fate?

Vivian has been to her sister’s wedding and is waiting for her flight to depart. She for her bride’s maid gift she has a first-class ticket and has access to the Plaza Premium lounge. Kirill has been to the christening for his godchild. He is the head of security for the bratva. The church should have been locked down, no one in or out. Until the gunshots ring out inside the church during the ceremony. The Pakhan tells him to save his wife and children. Kirill and Vivian enjoy thier time in the lounge. Vivian is a horrible flyer. Without her friend she starts to panic. Kirill comes to her aid, like a true gentleman. They become members of the mile high club. They are bound for New York city and keep running into each other. Their next meeting is bloody. Someone is trying to kill the Pakhan’s family Kirill is charged with finding the “Ghost”. Vivian and Kirill’s adventures together is far from being over. Please read the trigger warnings.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I love this story and have waited for Kirill to get his own book since he was first mentioned in Book 1! He has a surprising "meet cute" in an airport with Vivian, a woman who is deathly afraid of flying. After a very hot "mile high" encounter, they part was when the plane lands wanting more but realizing since they only exchanged first names that this would be a "great memory". When fate throws them together again during in an encounter at the hospital Vivian works at, Kirill begins to consider that maybe their encounter wasn't so much a "meet cute" but could be more of a "fate planned meeting". I love seeing big handsome Mafia or Bratva men fall hard when a woman who turns out to be "the one" are placed in their path and the consequences of that fateful meeting are revealed.

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

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian meets Krill on the flight back to New York after her sister's wedding.There was an attraction between them but they parted without exchanging names. Krill had come to New York to try and track down who had nearly killed his boss. He ends up following a suspect into a hospital and being wounded. He discovers Vivian is a doctor there and she patches him up before he takes her to his safe house. There is an attraction between them but Vivian's background will make a relationship complicated.

I love Vivian. She is a woman who has fought her family to make her own life and she is prepared to make her voice heard.

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

[Athena Diven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd always wondered what a good lead up to the mile high club would be and the author doesn't disappoint. Factor that in with an agreement to not share last names or their contact information, leading to the ultimate one night stand. Which they both regretted almost immediately. Their passion is explosive, Kiril, expects to keep Vivian close to him. Danger threatens them and together they'll face whatever is to come. Great characters and worldbuilding as well as an awesome storyline. I found the story highly entertained, what a wonderful read.

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

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrothed is the 2nd book in the Devil's Playground series. It can be read as a standalone. Lots of drama and secrets in this sexy Bratva romance. As always, I enjoyed this authors story. Lots of danger, and of course, STEAM.

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

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an attack on his Pakhan and family, Kirill goes to New York to try and do d the Ghost. A plane journey creates a connection between Vivian and Kirill, one that starts to look like a setup when Kirill finds himself chasing a man who leads him to the same hospital that Vivian works in. Realizing she could now be a target he takes her under his protection, but not all is as it seems and despite the chemistry between them, Vivian has a secret, one they will both use to try and capture the Ghost.

I loved reading Kirill and Vivian's story. It is jam-packed with everything you can expect and more. Hot, steamy and with a storyline that is captivating and I had to read it in one sitting. I loved how strong and determined Vivian is as well as her determination to protect people. This is a great series and I highly recommend reading it.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirill and Vivian meet in an airport and then he distracts her from her fear of flying on a flight to New York. Parting ways expecting never to meet again. Surprisingly Kirill is chasing a suspect and runs into Vivian at the hospital she works at as a doctor. When he receives a knife wound, she treats him and he insists she come with when he leaves. He doesn't want her to contact the police about the man he just killed and wants to also protect her from the unknown villains. He is in New York searching for the "Ghost" who attacked his Pakhan at a christening. This steamy dark Bratva romance is intriguing with secrets revealed and feisty Vivian always trying to escape.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part of the Devil's Playground series, and we follow Kirill and Vivian from the moment they meet during a trip they both take to New York, unaware that their journey and meeting were staged by others. That doesn't matter to them, because they have chemistry and an instant attraction from the very first moment. A delightful story with plenty of suspense, and hot and spicy scenes between them. A great series and highly recommended!


I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a member of the bratva know about being a godfather to an infant? That's the question Krill is asking himself when the traitor resurfaces and attacks the christening. He's ordered to hunt the traitor down and ends up in New York. Vivian is a surgeon who is returning from her sister's wedding in Italy. Krill is over the top alpha, and Vivian is a head strong woman who wants nothing to do with her father. The plot keeps building, twisting and turning. The relationship between the characters are intricate. Book one had the Italians. This one had the Irish. Can't wait for the next in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Devil's Playground.

'He just knew he wanted me.
And he takes what he wants.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely 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.