Born into Ruin

Devils Will Rise: Melnikov Legacy #9

by Sonja Grey

"You'll be my first, and I want you to be my last."

Sitka:

I knew I was in trouble the moment I started looking for Damien in every room.

One smile became a crush.

A crush became an obsession.

And somehow, without either of us meaning for it to happen, I fell hopelessly in love with a man everyone else seems determined to fear.

The more I learn about Damien, the harder it becomes to imagine a future without him in it.

But every secret eventually comes to light.

And when my brothers discover what we've been hiding, Damien is going to be the one paying the price.

Damien:

The first time I saw Sitka Medvedev, I was done for.

She makes me laugh, steals my breath, and somehow manages to see the parts of me I've spent my whole life trying to hide.

I should stay away from her.

I know exactly what her brothers will do if they find out about us.

Unfortunately, I've never wanted anything more than I want her.

Now I'm keeping secrets from the people closest to me, falling harder every day, and making plans for a future that all depends on one thing.

Surviving the moment her brothers discover she's mine.

Born into Ruin is a steamy mafia romance featuring a possessive hero, a fearless heroine, secret dating, protective brothers, found family, emotional scars, touch-her-and-die vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

This is the ninth book in the Melnikov Legacy series, but it can be read as a standalone. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA are always guaranteed.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, He Falls First, Forced Proximity

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

Reviews

[˙⋆☆ Cherryyy ☆⋆˙ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,2 ᯓ☆ || ¿Me gustó? Sí, pero no tanto como esperaba. Aunque eso no quita que me divertí mucho leyéndolo.

No sé si fue porque me sugestioné al leer otras reseñas no tan positivas o si fue problema mío, pero al llegar a la parte donde ya están "juntos", me desconectaba un poco de los personajes. En especial con las escenas spicy. Simplemente perdía el interés justo en esos momentos. Nunca me había pasado con ningún otro libro de la serie. Al menos no que notara de forma consciente mientras leía.

De todas formas, sigo amando a los personajes. Quizá esperaba más de Damien y Sitka, sin embargo, me es imposible odiar su historia. Y tenía razón, Damien si entró en la categoría de Melnikov dulces jsjs (ej: Luka y Nikki). BTW, LUKA EL MEJOR HERMANO DEL MUNDO, LO AMO 😩💖

Creo que lo que más me gustó fueron las escenas familiares y cuando los hermanos de Sitka se enteraron de todo y se llevaron a Damien (no me culpen, quería algo de acción SJKAJSK). Y después la autora va y me hace esa tremenda aparición de la familia Melnikov para apoyar a Damien y enfrentarse a los Medvedev??? AMÉ, el mejor momento del libro.

Con todo eso me di cuenta de lo mucho que voy a extrañar a los Melnikov una vez que la serie termine 😭😭😭 Ellos sí son mi tipo de locura, es como dijo Luka de que estaba acostumbrado al desquicie de Sasha porque al menos él si tenía reglas (gracias, Lev 🙏), no como Misha y Yury jskajsk. Totalmente de acuerdo con él, acostumbrarme a la familia Medvedev una vez que llegue su turno me va a costar un esfuerzo no compararlos. Lo bueno es que las familias ya están relacionadas así que probablemente sigan habían menciones o cameos 🤞

Y ahora que menciono a los Medvedev, tengo que decir que el único libro que me emociona leer es el de Bran (el de Aleks solo lo leería si se parece a su padre Valeri, mi Medvedev favorito). Y de las chicas, Yulia me recuerda a Yelena así que también espero su libro.

Allie me agrada, pero Dima tendrá que hacer muchos puntos pq no me demostró en ningún momento algo que valiera la pena conocer (salvo cuando no quiso ir al club de estriptis).
Yury me cae mejor que Misha, pero la vdd tampoco me entusiasman mucho.

Me iba a poner mamona respecto a que la segunda generación Medvedev no es igual a la de los Melnikov sobre el sexo, pero luego recordé que la primera generación Melnikov no eran unos Santos (excepto Matvey) así que va, está bien. Me doy por bien servida con una vez que conozcan a su chica, bye bye a las demás.

Eso no quita que extrañare a mis Melnikov vírgenes 😔🤚 (me la pela que no sea realista jskajs)

Por último, AAAAHHHHHHH YA QUIERO EL LIBRO DE EV (aquí me cayó increíble, super gracioso, ya lo quiero ver actuar como abogado). Se dan cuenta de que habrá un salto temporal de 8 AÑOS??? Una locura, ya quiero ver que es lo que hará Sonja con su historia jsjs

✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮⋆˙✮

Pre-read: COMO LE HAGO PARA ESPERAR HASTA EL 26 DE JUNIO??? NECESITO leer a Damien YA 😭😭😭

Btw, la sinopsis me gustó, pero me dejó un tanto confundida, el conflicto será con la familia de Sitka (específicamente con los hermanos)??? Uno pensaría que ser familia de Max le daría más facilidad a Damien de estar con ella. Raro, pero aún así me intriga saber como lo llevará Sonja ☝️

[Geeky Author · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐ 1/5 Stars

It genuinely pains me to write this review because Sonja Grey is one of my favorite authors. I have read pretty much everything she's written, and until now, I don't think I've ever rated one of her books below four stars. That's how much I love her writing.

But this one... this one made me realize that maybe my issues aren't just with this book—they're with the second-generation Medvedev crossover as a whole.

One of the reasons I fell in love with the original Melnikov series was the characters. The women had ambition, careers, hobbies, and lives outside of the men. Even the second-generation Melnikov girls had goals and personalities beyond romance. But every time the Medvedev family enters the picture, that completely disappears.

The women in this family honestly feel like trapped birds. They all live inside this compound, rarely leave, have no higher education, no careers, no real ambitions, and seemingly nothing to do except wait until a man enters their lives. It's such a stark contrast to everything I loved about the Melnikov books.

And then there are the Medvedev men.

Look, I understand they're Bratva. I'm not expecting saints. But the Melnikov men set such a high standard. Yes, they're dangerous criminals, but they also respected the women in their family, supported their sisters' choices, didn't interfere in their love lives, and never came across as sleazy. They had morals outside of their criminal business.

The Medvedev men, on the other hand, are just... manwhores.

They spend their lives sleeping around, going to strip clubs, and then somehow become absurdly overprotective and controlling when it comes to their sister. Watching Misha and Yuri refuse to leave Sitka and Damien alone in a living room while behaving the complete opposite way themselves was peak hypocrisy and honestly just old-school misogyny masquerading as brotherly protectiveness.

As for the romance... I never bought it.

One minute Damien and Sitka have a crush on each other, and the next they're talking about forever. There was almost no emotional development between them because every opportunity they had alone was spent sneaking around to have sex instead of actually getting to know one another. Their relationship never developed beyond physical attraction, which made the declarations of forever feel completely unearned.

The sneaking around also became incredibly frustrating because it created conflict that didn't need to exist.

Max literally tells them to tell the truth before they're caught, especially since her brothers are already suspicious. They finally decide they're going to come clean the very next day... and somehow these two cannot manage to stay away from each other for one single day. Instead, they sneak off together again, get caught, and the entire conflict explodes.

That wasn't organic drama. That was the author deliberately forcing conflict where a mature conversation would have worked just as well.

And honestly, I never understood why Damien was acting so afraid in the first place. This is a Sonja Grey hero. Her Bratva men have never been portrayed as cowards. They burn the world down for the women they love. Yet suddenly Damien spends the entire book sneaking around as though the Medvedev family is somehow far more powerful than the Melnikovs. It felt completely out of character for this universe.

Around the 90% mark, I finally realized what my biggest problem with this book actually was.

My beloved Melnikov family was almost completely missing.

Instead, I had to spend most of the book with a family I simply don't enjoy. The moment my favorite Melnikovs finally appeared near the end, the magic that I associate with this series instantly returned. It honestly made me realize that they were the reason I'd fallen in love with this world in the first place.

To make matters worse, there really isn't much of a plot here beyond Damien and Sitka trying to find increasingly reckless places to sneak off together. Their excuse for hiding the relationship is that Damien wants to make a good impression on her family... except he barely spends any meaningful time with them. He's either hiding away with Sitka, sitting in his room, or spending time with his cousin. So what exactly was the point of keeping everything a secret for so long?

Overall, this book was a huge disappointment. I forced myself to finish it, but I was never invested in either the romance or the story. More than anything, it made me realize how much I prefer the Melnikov side of this universe over the Medvedevs.

I'm glad Ev's book is the last one in this series because, as much as I adore the Melnikov family, I think I'm done with the second generation after this. And unfortunately, I have absolutely no interest in continuing with the second-generation Medvedev series.

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho aunque fue sencilla la historia. 🥰
Siempre es un gusto leer a esta familia y más cuando aparecen todos. No sé qué voy a seguir leyendo cuando salga el último, el de Ev 😭 porque los hombres de la otra familia no me convencen, solo Bran.

Ame es que Damien también fueron como su hermano y sus primos. Y por eso entendí y a la vez no porque los hermanos de Sitka estuvieron en contra.
Pot más hombres como ellos, salud (con ganas de que me encuentre uno así).

[🍸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

melnikov 2nd gen boys:
pray 🙏🏻
educated 📚
a job 💰
clean 😌
loyal 💍
faithful 👼🏼

medvedev 2nd gen boys:
dirty house 🏚
hoe 🚂
gold digger 🏗
stink ass 🤢
5 kids 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
cheater 🖇

[Morozovbooks 𝚿 · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Termine el libro? SI ¿me encantó? Si enserio que cosa más increíble. Estos dos fueron puro fuego y los ame cada segundo no quería terminarlos pero ni modo tocooo ahora a esperar a Ev (y Sonja si te apuras y me das a Dima & Allie no me enojo ehh 🙂‍↕️🤭)
Vayan y léanlo que es increíble VENGAAA🫵🏻🫵🏻

[hope]

omgomgomgomgomg damien and sikta's book finally!!!! it's almost here i'm going to freak out!! 😭 and the cover?? okayyyyy 👀 def my fav cover of the series.

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 4 out of 5]

No author writes MMCs like Sonja Grey does. At least the MCs in her Melnikov Legacy series.

I adore them. Adore their devotion, their obsession, their values, their loyalties to both their families and their women.

I am really not in my poetic state of mind, so this is the best this review is going to get.

This had to have been the book with the mellow-est violence in the whole series. The MCs are absolutely freaking adorable. MFC was the star, though, with so many good qualities that Damien has taken the back seat.

She is a little adventurous adrenaline junkie with a personality bigger than life. I get why he fell in love with her. But Damien other than being a perfectly obsessed man had nothing to offer. Loved that the author made him dyslexic and that he was shown so much support from his family who constantly assured him that dyslexia does not identify him and that he is actually very intelligent. However, we did not see any proof or examples of his intelligence! The author could have validated him with a much more important role in his bratva but what we were left with was that he was needed in his family's bratva but that's about it.

I did not like the Medvedev men (probably MCs of her next series). So different from her Melnikov men. Unlike the Melnikovs, the Medvedevs do take advantage of all the clubs and strip clubs they have. They do imbibe on alcohol and maybe/probably drugs as well. They are manwhores and have been around quite a lot and with many. I'll probably skip their series altogether except maybe Bran's. I am absolutely in love with that man.

That said, another hit in this series. Can't wait for Ev's book.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Romance is my jam. I read a ton of it, and Sonja Grey is an Auto Buy/Auto Read author that I love. The universe she has built with the Melnikov and Medvedev Bratva Families is quite extensive, and I love that readers didn’t need to say goodbye. We get their grown children now.

Damien stole my heart from the beginning. His struggles with dyslexia, the support of his family, and the emotional impact they had on him resonated deeply with me. I liked how it was woven through the story.

Born into Ruin has a slower progression than the other stories in the series. Both Damien and Sitka are hiding their relationship because of different Bratva families, and Sitka has scary brothers. Damien is hiding his dyslexia from Sitka, and they are both inexperienced—each other’s first.

Damien is a sweetheart. He’s shown vulnerable at times and it was refreshing to see an MMC like this. And to see Sitka be what Damien needs was just what I needed.

Thank you to Author Sonja Grey for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nakeela · Rating 2 out of 5]

⚠️SPOILERS⚠️

never reading a Grey book that contains the Medvedevs ever again, this made me rage, cry cause of frustration, and almost throw up.

letting your sons out and not your daughters is abuse by the way, it’s not even about being overprotective or some shit like that, it’s straight up misogyny. i got so grossed out by the Medvedevs. The Melnikov legacy was the best series Grey wrote honestly, i will not be reading the Medvedevs legacy. how do female authors even write stuff like this:

I keep myself relaxed when I answer, “Why the hell would it bother me? I’m just surprised you let her.”

what do you mean ‘let her’, she is a human not your property. it’s disgusting. this is one of the many moments that really made want to throw my ipad out of the window.

Dima, kostya, misha, yuri, tyoma were the worst, they are allowed to go out, sleep with everything that walks, do the things they are passionate about, and the girls what, sit at home, wait for their prince charming, that’s all they do in life? sit around and wait for a man. in books like this, the girls never have personalities. never. this is what i call oppression, Sitka says there’s no point in going to college, bz her family will not let her go off the property or something like that. this is the 21st fucking century, not 1800s.
another one:

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if my uncle suspects anything, anything at all, my ass will be on lockdown for the remainder of Damien’s trip.

why, bz a girl has a crush? so fucking stupid

“Svetlana smiles and says, “You know you can stay as long as you want if it’s okay with your parents.”
“I’ll talk to my mom,” I tell her.
It’s never mattered that I’m eighteen. Now that I’m an adult, it makes no difference, so I’m not surprised that I still need the go-ahead from my parents to do things around here. If I didn’t have my dirt bike, I’d go crazy. I think that’s why my dad never tried to discourage it. He knew I’d need an outlet, an escape that gives the illusion of freedom.”

infantilising an 18 year old, i’m sure she can make her own decisions

“Allie shrugs. “She’s too busy worrying about me keeping my virginity intact. She’s not too worried about anyone else’s cherry at the moment.”

controlling your adult kids body, great .


and then after her brothers took her fiancé, assaulted him, she just laughs and forgives? seriously?

so yeah, lots of rage from me, never again. nope. thank you very much

[Ivana Carreon · Rating 1 out of 5]

No se que acabo de leer.
Es lo peor que le he leído a esta autora.
No me gustaron los personajes, siento que no hubo una historia, el desarrollo de esta misma no me gustó, el drama fue un malentendido, me esperaba mucho más. Demasiado largo para no contar nada.

Es la segunda vez que esta autora hace lo mismo, mete personajes vírgenes que inmediatamente son súper kinkys en lo sexual, tratando de hacer una historia un poco más “oscura”, pero en la que solo habla de dos personajes enamorados unos del otro. El romance más empalagoso del universo adornado con mafia para hacerlos dark romance.

Creo que me debí quedar en la primera generación. 🥲

[Rae🦇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dual V 🥰.

This was SO good. 😭

Sitka: (18/Raven haired/fmc) | bookworm. Adrenaline junkie.
Damien: (Raven haired/mmc) | Dyslexic, insecure.

[Han]

Dual V no opd all firsts with each other

Also was really off put by the generational passing down of liking being chased in the woods and talking about it with their parents? what a great way to family bond…? Then asking “I wonder if our kids will also be into it” ?! I’ve been getting more icked out with 2nd generation books when stuff like this gets put in them- I totally get you want to show 1st gen’s still love each other after all these years but there is different ways than this and having them be ALL over each other infront of their kids. Time and place ppl

Notes for future me
*would skip sitkas brothers/cousins books if they came out especially dima and Allie (manwhore H, virgin h and known each other since like birth) rest of the brothers cousins seemed like manwhores as well*
*maybe read Evs books but this series is getting more and more boring*

[Calypso✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨I don’t even know where to start because I really do like this book.

❤️‍🩹Damien completely stole my heart. He’s so unbelievably soft when it comes to Sitka. 🫠The way he loves her is patient, protective, and completely all-consuming. The man was down BAD, and I loved every second of it.🤭

💕Sitka was just as easy to love. She is sweet, understanding and a total book worm. 🤌🏽 She wasn’t afraid to love him, even when the odds were stacked against them. I loved how she saw the person behind the mask and still loves him completely.🥹

Every chapter had me waiting for the moment everything would fall apart, and the tension was unreal. ❤️‍🔥This book is very different from the other Melkinov legacy series. There isn’t a lot of danger or action but there was tension and high stakes which kept me hooked.🤭

If I had one tiny complaint, is it felt a rushed when they first got together and towards the end. I felt there was more to explore in those moments.

⭐️Overall this book gave me the great mix of angst, sweetness, tension, and swoony moments. Sonja Grey still knocked this one out of the park. I definitely recommend if you want a sweet forbidden Bravta romance.🙌🏽

Thank you to the Author Sonja Grey and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this ARC!🖤

[Lauren’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been spending the UK heatwave mainly melting to death but I managed to get a couple of books read in between!

One of my favourites has been this arc of Sonja Grey’s newest addition to the Melnikov series!

I’m obsessed with this series to the point I don’t think it’s possible to dislike anything about these books!

I loved Damien and Sitka’s story so much! To start off we see the vulnerability from both characters. Sitka doesn’t think Damien could ever be interested in her and Damien doesn’t think he’s good enough for her because of his insecurities around his dyslexia.

The story itself is the perfect blend of smutty and romantic. There were so many moments I loved but every-time Damien was dragged out to do something with the entire Medvedev family I laughed. They’re definitely slightly crazier than the Melnikov’s and I can’t wait to read more about the second gen of that family!

This was such a fun read and I can’t recommend it more!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun with Damien and Sitka and to get to know better the Medvedev Bratva!! Plus, I can’t wait to read about a certain couple 😉😉
Sitka was soooo badass, and Damien was so loveable, they were such a perfect couple💚.

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

[Meghan Sacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I was a little disappointed that most of Damian and Sitka’s story was about the Medvedev family and we had very little of the Melnikov family. However, I will be excited to read the Medvedev stories when the come out (especially Brans’)

[Tameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring but I love the author. 😒

[Mandi Childress]

Born into Ruin is another amazing story by Sonja Grey. I am Obsessed with all the Melnikov books, and Damien and Sitka's forbidden romance is no exception.

This story is about Damien and Sitka and their fierce love towards each other. From the start, we learn about Damien's struggles with dyslexia, and get an understanding of the insecurities this caused him throughout childhood. Sitka is strong, loyal and a total bookworm, (who doesn't love that?) I truly love the dynamic between these two, and how sweet they were to each other, The way Sitka accepted him made my heart melt and the determination they had to be together, made the romance everything.

I look forward to reading Evgeny's story and the humor he will bring.

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born Into Ruin reminded me exactly why Sonja Grey remains one of my automatic one-click authors. At this point, the Melnikov and Medvedev families feel less like fictional characters and more like beloved, chaotic relatives I eagerly return to time and time again. Every new release feels like coming home, and Damien and Sitka's story was one I had been waiting for with great anticipation.

Unlike some of the darker, more action-packed installments in the series, Born Into Ruin takes a quieter, more intimate approach. Rather than focusing heavily on Bratva politics, violence, and power struggles, the story centers on two people who have secretly loved each other for far longer than either is willing to admit. Their relationship may be forbidden in the eyes of their overprotective families, but that only made their romance more compelling.

Damien and Sitka were absolutely wonderful together. Their connection felt genuine, tender, and deeply rooted in friendship, loyalty, and understanding. The secrecy surrounding their relationship added tension and plenty of entertaining moments, especially considering the formidable obstacle standing between them and happiness: Sitka's family.

If there's one thing these families excel at, it's turning a simple romance into a full-scale security operation. The overprotective brothers, intimidating fathers, constant surveillance disguised as concern, and endless interference created both humorous and emotional moments throughout the story. While there were times I wanted everyone to sit down and have a normal conversation, their reactions also made perfect sense. These are people deeply entrenched in a dangerous criminal world, and protecting their loved ones is second nature. Sitka's brothers may have gone overboard, but their fierce devotion to their sister was never in doubt.

What truly made this book shine for me was Damien.

He is probably one of the sweetest heroes Sonja Grey has ever written. Thoughtful, patient, protective without being overbearing, and completely devoted once he gives his heart away, Damien was impossible not to love. His struggles with dyslexia added an emotional layer to his character, and seeing the insecurities he carried from childhood made my heart ache for him. I appreciated how the story showed that even a strong, capable man can still carry wounds from the past. While I would have loved to see this aspect explored even more deeply, it helped make Damien feel authentic and relatable.

And then there's Sitka.

I absolutely adored her. Strong, intelligent, loyal, independent, and a total bookworm, she was everything I hoped she would be. More importantly, she loved Damien exactly as he was. The acceptance, support, and unwavering belief she showed him were some of the most beautiful parts of the story. She never tried to change him or diminish his struggles. Instead, she stood beside him, defended him when necessary, and fought for the future they both wanted. Their love felt safe, comforting, and incredibly sincere.

The romance itself is undeniably sweet, but don't mistake sweet for boring. The chemistry between Damien and Sitka is intense, and when they finally give in to their feelings, the passion is undeniable. Their emotional connection made every romantic moment feel meaningful, and the steam was both satisfying and beautifully woven into their relationship.

One of the highlights of the book, as always, was spending time with the extended family. Sonja Grey continues to excel at writing family dynamics better than almost anyone in the genre. Whether they're teasing one another, threatening one another, protecting one another, or showing up when it matters most, these relationships remain the heart and soul of the series.

And of course, every appearance by Vitaly Melnikov was an absolute gift. It doesn't matter how many new characters are introduced or what dramatic situation is unfolding—when Vitaly enters a scene, he immediately steals it. His presence never fails to entertain, and I found myself smiling every time he appeared on the page.

That said, this wasn't quite my favorite book in the series.

The biggest reason is that I kept waiting for the emotional knockout punch I've come to expect from Sonja Grey. The romance was beautiful, the family moments were fantastic, and the writing was as addictive as ever, but I never quite got that devastating twist, shocking revelation, or emotional gut punch that completely wrecked me. The pacing occasionally felt slower than previous installments, and there were moments when I found myself waiting for a larger conflict or major event to shake things up.

Readers who primarily love the series for its darker mafia elements, dangerous power plays, and high-stakes drama may find this installment gentler than expected. This is very much a character-driven, relationship-focused story, and while that worked beautifully in many ways, I occasionally missed the intensity that has defined some of the earlier books.

Even so, I never stopped enjoying myself.

Born Into Ruin feels like comfort food for longtime fans. It's spending time with characters you've loved for years. It's watching two people finally stop fighting what has always been obvious and choose each other despite every obstacle in their path. It's softer, sweeter, and more focused on family, devotion, and emotional connection than dark mafia suspense.

Was it my favorite Melnikov or Medvedev book? No.

Did it completely consume my life the way some previous installments have? Not quite.

Did I still love being back in this world and with these characters? Absolutely.

And if there's one thing this book accomplished, it's making me even more excited for what's coming next. I'm already counting down the days until Evgeny's story because if anyone is capable of bringing chaos, humor, and absolute mayhem to this universe, it's him.

Born Into Ruin may trade some of the series' trademark darkness for warmth and heart, but it remains a deeply enjoyable, emotionally satisfying romance that reminds readers why the Melnikov and Medvedev families are so easy to love. Even when Sonja Grey isn't delivering my favorite book in the series, she's still delivering a story that is impossible to put down.

[Aurora Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born Into Ruin by Sonja Grey ⭐⭐⭐⭐

There are certain authors who become automatic reads, the kind where you don't even bother reading the blurb because you already know you're going to click "buy" the second the book goes live. Sonja Grey is that author for me. Her Melnikov and Medvedev universe has completely consumed my reading life, and at this point these families feel less like fictional characters and more like chaotic relatives I check in with every few months. 😂❤️

So naturally, Born Into Ruin was one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

And while I genuinely enjoyed it, this ended up being one of the most unexpected books in the series for me.

First things first: if you're looking for nonstop mafia warfare, deadly power plays, shocking betrayals, and the kind of emotional devastation that leaves you staring at the wall questioning your existence, this book may surprise you. Born Into Ruin takes a much softer approach than many of the previous books in the series. Instead of focusing heavily on Bratva politics and danger, the story centers almost entirely on Damien and Sitka and their journey toward finally admitting what has been right in front of them all along. 🖤

And honestly? There were moments where that really worked.

Damien is probably one of the sweetest heroes Sonja has ever written. He's thoughtful, patient, protective without being overwhelming, and completely devoted once his heart is involved. Watching him navigate his insecurities while trying to build a future with Sitka made him incredibly easy to root for. There was something refreshing about a hero who wasn't constantly burning the world down around him.

Then there's Sitka. 📚✨

I absolutely loved that she wasn't exactly what I expected. She's intelligent, independent, warm, and has a quiet strength that becomes more apparent as the story unfolds. I especially enjoyed seeing her stand firm in what she wanted despite the mountain of family interference standing between her and Damien.

And let's talk about that family interference for a second. 😂

If there is one thing these families excel at, it's turning a simple relationship into an international security threat.

The overprotective brothers? Check.

The intimidating fathers? Check.

The endless surveillance disguised as "concern"? Double check.

The secrecy surrounding Damien and Sitka's relationship created plenty of entertaining moments, even if I occasionally found myself wanting everyone to just sit down and have a normal conversation for five minutes. 🤣

One of the biggest strengths of this book is still the family dynamic. Sonja Grey writes family bonds better than almost anyone in the genre. Whether they're threatening each other, teasing each other, protecting each other, or showing up in force when it matters most, these relationships continue to be the emotional backbone of the series.

And of course...

Vitaly Melnikov remains an absolute icon. 👑😂

I don't care how many new characters are introduced. I don't care what dramatic situation is unfolding. The second Vitaly appears on page, my attention belongs entirely to him. The man could read a grocery list and somehow become the most entertaining character in the room.

Every appearance from him felt like a gift.

The cameos from familiar faces were another highlight. Seeing characters from previous books never gets old, and honestly, sometimes I found myself just as excited about the side character interactions as I was about the main storyline. That's one of the biggest advantages of a long-running interconnected series, you become deeply invested in everyone.

That being said, I do think this book lacked some of the intensity I've come to expect from Sonja Grey.

The romance is sweet. The relationship is solid. The emotional connection is there.

But I kept waiting for that moment.

You know the one.

That scene that completely wrecks you.

That twist that leaves your jaw on the floor.

That emotional gut punch that forces you to put the book down and stare dramatically into the distance.

For me, it never quite arrived.

The pacing occasionally felt slower than previous installments, and because the story is so relationship-focused, readers who love the darker mafia elements may find themselves wishing for more action, tension, or external conflict.

The storyline involving Damien's dyslexia added an interesting layer to his character, though I personally would have liked to see it explored a little more deeply. It had the potential to create an even stronger emotional arc, and I found myself wanting more insight into how those experiences shaped him.

Still, despite some of my frustrations, I never stopped enjoying myself.

The writing remains incredibly smooth and addictive. The romance is heartfelt. The family moments are fantastic. The world Sonja has built remains one of my favorites in dark romance, even when this particular installment leans more toward cozy romance than dark mafia suspense.

And perhaps that's the best way to describe Born Into Ruin:

It's comfort food. ❤️

It's spending time with characters you've loved for years.

It's watching two people finally get their chance at happiness.

It's a quieter story tucked inside a world that's usually filled with chaos.

Was it my favorite Melnikov or Medvedev book?

No.

Did it completely consume my life the way some of the earlier books did?

Not quite.

Will I continue reading absolutely everything Sonja Grey writes?

Without hesitation. 😂

Because even when a Sonja Grey book isn't my personal favorite, it's still better than most books I pick up.

And let's be honest... after finishing this one, I'm already counting down the seconds until the next book. 👀🔥

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A softer, sweeter, family-focused installment that trades some of the series' trademark darkness for heart, devotion, and emotional comfort. Not my favorite of the series, but still a worthwhile visit with some of my favorite fictional families. ❤️📚🖤

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

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien is a man who has always had the support of his family, he has parents who love and support him. But he still carries deep insecurities and feelings he has kept hidden for some time, or rather feelings for Sitka a woman who has always been forbidden to him.
When the opportunity arises to travel to the city where Sitka lives, Damien finds the perfect excuse to get closer to her and try to win her heart, Sitka for her part is a self-assured woman, a little devil who loves adrenaline something that clearly runs in her veins. However, she has also been in love with Damien for some time although she doubts she's the type of woman he could like that's why she devises a plan to get closer to him and discover if her feelings have any chance of being reciprocated.
I swear, these two were a real delight, they were both in love, but each was convinced the other didn't feel the same way their relationship was built little by little, with patience and a lot of tenderness. Damien began to see beyond the young woman he knew and discovered the incredible woman within, the attraction between them was undeniable their hearts had already made a decision long before they themselves realized it.
Between meaningful glances, stolen moments, and constant flirting, the tension grew until they finally crossed the line and allowed themselves to feel everything they had been hiding for so long. Damien was prepared to fight for his love and prove to his family that Sitka was the woman he had chosen, however there was a secret he had kept hidden for too long and he knew that if he wanted to build a future with her, he would have to open his heart completely.
Sitka was also prepared to fight for this relationship, once she discovered that her feelings were reciprocated, she didn't hesitate to show Damien that their love was real and sincere. When he finally confessed what he had been so afraid to reveal, she accepted and understood further strengthening the bond between them.
From then on, there was no turning back they decided to keep their relationship a secret and I must say it was hilarious watching them sneak off to meet as their feelings grew stronger and stronger. Damien opened up completely to Sitka, allowing her to set the pace of the relationship and making her his queen, the only woman for whom he was willing to do anything to see her happy, Sitka with her mischievous and charming personality, finally had the man who had caught her eye from the start and felt free to love and be loved.
But, as always, secrets don't last forever, when they are finally discovered in a rather peculiar way the whole bubble they had built bursts and they both have to face the consequences. Consequences that even put Damien's life in danger It was then that he proved his love for Sitka was real, that she wasn't a game or a passing fancy, things weren't easy but in the end they managed to be together, build the family they dreamed of and live their love without having to hide.
I absolutely loved the development of this story It had me completely captivated from beginning to end. My sweet Damien deserved all the happiness in the world and Sitka was the perfect partner for him they both accepted each other as they were, supported each other through difficult times and proved that true love can overcome any obstacle.
I must admit that Sitka's brothers stressed me out a little, although they're exactly like their father, so I can't say too much. You'll understand when you meet them I also found it hilarious to discover that Sitka's family has a very strong connection to the forests once again it's clear that Volodya's genes are incredibly powerful.
I loved this book from beginning to end, and being the ninth in the series means we're getting closer and closer to the end of this second generation. I won't lie I have mixed feelings because I've thoroughly enjoyed following all these characters.
And now I need to talk about Ev listen carefully, young man I'm going to see you fall. All that order and control you like to maintain so much will crumble when you meet your destined one. You're a Melnikov; you can't escape the destiny that Cupid also known as Sonja has in store for you and yes I'm going to enjoy every second of that fall.
Dima and Allie, I'm watching you too, stop playing cat and mouse because that dynamic between you two is charged with fire, chemistry and a tension that practically leaps off the page.
Finally, thank you, Sonja for giving us another man from this second generation who is a true Melnikov through and through. I won't lie, we've reached the point where choosing a favorite is practically impossible each one has a piece of my heart and if I were forced to choose just one, my answer would be very simple I'd take them all, for lunch and for dinner. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

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

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born Into Ruin felt like settling into something familiar and comforting while still being completely swept away by the story. Sonja Grey once again delivered a romance packed with emotion, family loyalty, tension, and that signature Melnikov devotion that never fails to make me smile.

Damien quickly became one of my favorite heroes from this generation. Unlike many of the possessive, morally questionable men we've met before, Damien approaches love with patience, respect, and genuine care. He's spent years carrying feelings for Sitka, believing she was always just out of reach, while quietly battling insecurities he rarely allows anyone else to see. Despite growing up surrounded by love and support, there are parts of himself he's kept hidden for far too long, and watching him work through those fears was one of the strongest aspects of the book.

And then there's Sitka.

She is confident, fearless, and impossible not to love. Beneath her adventurous spirit and playful attitude is a woman who has secretly wanted Damien for just as long, but never truly believed she could be the person he would choose. Their entire romance is built on years of longing, misunderstandings, and mutual feelings neither of them are brave enough to voice at first. It created the most satisfying slow-burn tension. Every glance, every conversation, every stolen moment felt loaded with emotion. ❤️

What I loved most was how naturally their relationship unfolded. There wasn't unnecessary drama between them. Instead, we get two people slowly realizing that the person they've wanted all along has been standing right in front of them. Once they finally stop fighting their feelings, their connection becomes incredibly sweet and genuine.

Their secret relationship was one of my favorite parts. Watching them attempt to hide something so obvious while sneaking around behind everyone's backs was both entertaining and surprisingly adorable. 😂 Every interaction had me waiting for the inevitable moment everything would come crashing down around them.

And of course, this wouldn't be a Melnikov story without complications.

The secrets Damien has been carrying eventually demand to be confronted, and I appreciated how that conflict was handled. His vulnerability added another layer to his character, and Sitka's response only reinforced why they work so well together. Neither of them tries to change the other. They accept each other completely, flaws and all, and continue choosing each other through every challenge that comes their way.

When the truth finally surfaces and the consequences begin piling up, the story shifts into higher gear. Stakes become real, emotions run high, and there are moments where everything they built feels genuinely at risk. Seeing Damien fight for their future left no doubt about how deeply he loves Sitka. 🖤

As always, the supporting cast elevated the entire experience.

Bran immediately caught my attention. From the beginning, he seemed to understand more than everyone else and offered support when it mattered most. Every appearance made me more curious about him, and now I'm desperately hoping he gets a much larger story in the future.

Evgeny was another standout. We finally get a clearer look at who he is beneath the mystery, and his interactions throughout the book only made me more excited for what's coming next. The anticipation for his story is officially through the roof. 👀

And then there's the legend himself—Vitaly Melnikov.

It doesn't matter how many characters are in a scene; when Vitaly appears, he instantly becomes the center of attention. Every single one of his moments had me laughing, and somehow he manages to steal the spotlight with minimal page time. At this point, a Melnikov book doesn't feel complete without a little Vitaly chaos. 😂

I also loved seeing more of Sitka's family and the continued connection to the forests. The deeper we get into this world, the more obvious it becomes that certain family traits continue to survive through every generation. Some things truly run in the blood.

One thing this book does exceptionally well is remind readers why the Melnikov family remains so beloved. Their loyalty, protectiveness, and unwavering support for one another create the emotional backbone of the entire series. No matter what dangers arise, that sense of family never wavers.

As we get closer to the end of this second generation, I'm finding it harder and harder to choose favorites. Every character has earned their place, and following their journeys has been such a rewarding experience. Damien and Sitka's story was tender, emotional, and deeply satisfying, proving once again that when a Melnikov falls in love, they fall completely.

Now all that's left is waiting for Evgeny's turn... and I have a feeling watching that carefully controlled man lose every ounce of composure is going to be absolutely glorious. 🔥❤️

[Севдалина · Rating 5 out of 5]

Деймиън Мелников (20) и Ситка Медведев (18)

⚜️Получих ранно копие от тази книга, на профила на авторката в Booksprout и това е моето ревю⚜️

📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ, СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣



Деймиън е синът на Роман и Емили Мелников. През целия си живот Деймиън се чувства засрамен, тъй като има дислексия. И макар никой от семейството му да не гледа по различен начин на него заради състоянието му, той винаги изпитва неудобство и крие това в тайна.

И точно по тази причина Деймиън вярва, че никога не би могъл да има шанс с момичето, по което си пада от доста време.

Ситка Медведев, която постоянно е забила нос в някоя книга.



Ситка е дъщеря на Володия и Мади Медведев. Израснала със закрилнически настроени братя и братовчеди, Ситка никога не е имала свободата да се влюби и да има връзка. Но за сметка на това авантюристичната ѝ природа бива задоволена с това да кара сърф с братята и братовчедите си или да кара кросов мотор из горите в земите на семейството ѝ в Орегон.



Когато братовчедка ѝ Талия се омъжва за Макс Мелников, Ситка се запознава с братовчед му Деймиън. Красив, чаровен и напълно недосегаем за нея, Ситка живее за миговете, в които Деймиън посещава братовчед си, за да може да е в неговата компания.



Деймиън идва на гости на братовчед си с тайната надежда да се срещне и да прекара повече време със Ситка. Още със стъпването на територията на Медведев Братва той и братовчед му Евгени са запознати с трите златни правила:

1. Не трябва да се месят в делата на Братвата.
2. Не могат да излизат от територията на Медведев без с тях да има някой от хората им.
3. Дори не бива да се замислят да се забъркат с някое от момичетата Медведев.

Когато обаче Деймиън научава, че Ситка споделя чувствата му, той не просто ще погази правило номер 3, той ще го заличи напълно, дори това да означава началото на война между Мелников Братва и Медведев Братва.



Книгата беше абсолютно сладурска. Ще започна с това, че когато става въпрос за втора генерация герои, светият граал са именно кросоувър книгите. Където всеки от двойката е дете на главни герои от книги в различни поредици. Имаме Деймиън, втора генерация Мелников, който се влюбва в Ситка, втора генерация Медведев. И обожавам това.



Деймиън беше абсолютен бонбон. Забавен, грижовен, остроумен и порочен – какво повече може да иска човек? Израснал в огромно сплотено семейство, той обича децата и е посветен изцяло на семейството си. Беше готов на всичко за тях.



Ситка беше тотална сладурка и шматка. Като се започне от сцената с изгорялото дупе, премине се през това, че обича адреналина, кара сърф, кара мотор и участва в състезания. Но не е някоя мъжкарана, просто дъщеря на баща си🤭



Като двойка Ситка и Деймиън бяха абсолютни сладури. И двамата не са имали предишни връзки и откриваха магията на любовта за пръв път заедно, което е супер сладко.

За разлика от другите книги на авторката, тук нямаме тежки теми, нямаме сцени с опасност и съспенс.

Тази книга е една от онези сладки, комфортни четива, в които просто се наслаждаваш на историята без излишна драма.



Книгата изобилства от забавни и романтични моменти. Спайси сцените са доста на ниво, все пак това е Соня Грей🥰, а историята е динамична. Случват се много неща и читателят няма как да изпита скука и досада. Четейки, ти се пренасяш на плажовете на Орегон, а приключенията на героите ни следват едно след друго.



Водещото тук беше тайната връзка между Ситка и Деймиън и какво ще се случи, когато семейството ѝ разбере. Сблъсъкът на двете фамилии беше феноменален и единствено съжалявам, че нямах възможност да наблъскам в една снимка всички присъстващи на тази сцена. Срещнахме се с много от любимите ни Мелникови, а любимият ми Виталий винаги правеше нещата толкова по-забавни.



Бъдейки на територията на Медведев Братва, беше нормално да се срещнем с много от героите от поредицата Медведев Братва. За мен беше много забавно да направя изображения на героите в по-зряла възраст. Обожавам динамиката в семействата – хем са като Мелников, хем не са като тях. Всяка поредица си има своите отличителни черти и фактът, че станахме свидетели на динамиката в тази друга поредица, ме кара да чакам с нетърпение историите на втората генерация Медведев, особено след напрежението между Дима и Али. Ще е супер интересно🥰 И както много други фенове, нямам търпение за книгата на Бран.

От тази поредица чакаме само книгата на Евгени и този факт е горчиво-сладък, защото няма да имаме повече истории за Мелников, но се надявам Соня да продължи да ни среща с тях, пък било то и между другото.

📹 Виж TikTok видеото тук:

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💫Обобщение: 💫

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🔢 Част от поредица ли е?

Книга девета от поредицата "Devils Will Rise: Melnicov Legacy"

📚 Сюжетни линии:

⚜️ Руската Братва
💘 Привличане от пръв поглед
💖 От приятели до любовници
❤️‍🔥 Тайна връзка

💪 Главният герой: Деймиън

Част от Мелников Братва. Умен. Забавен. Защитнически настроен. Сладък. Грижовен. Порочен. Влюбва се в Ситка от пръв поглед и щом разбира, че тя споделя чувствата му, всички залози падат. Тя ще е негова на всяка цена.

🎀 Главната героиня: Ситка

Част от Медведев Братва. Сладка. Остроумна. Забавна. Адреналинът ѝ е в кръвта. Обича да кара сърф, да чете книги и да кара кросов мотор наравно с мъжете от семейството си. Копнее скришом по Деймиън.

🫣 Има ли проблем с друг мъж или жена?

Не

🤬 Има ли изневяра?

Не

😏 Колко опит имат героите?

Никакъв, и двамата са девствени и всеки първи път им е заедно.

🥵 Колко горещи са секси сцените?

🌶🌶🌶🌶 Доста горещи 👅 орално 👁 полу-анално 🥵 мръсни приказки 🏃‍♀️🏃 primal kink

💔 Разделят ли се героите за определен период от време?

Не

😍 Има ли щастлив край?

О да🥰

⚠️ Списък с предупреждения:

🫆 Герой с дислексия
☠️ Насилие и смърт на трети лица

⬅️ Предишна книга? ⬅️

"Born into Obsession"

➡️ Следваща книга? ➡️

Книгата за Евгени

[Kim Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Sitka have been dancing around each other for a while now. The feelings have always been there, but neither of them wants to risk rocking the delicate relationship between their two families. But one summer vacation together and all those carefully buried feelings come rushing to the surface and they have to face their families and fight for each other.

Can we just talk about the Medvedevs for a second? They really feel like the same family in a different font compared to the Melnikovs, just a little rougher around the edges and maybe a touch darker (probably because the testosterone levels are OFF THE CHARTS over there with all the crazy boys in the family). And honestly, one thing I appreciate so much about Sonja’s second-gen books is that despite growing up in the bratva world, these kids are just so wholesome and GOOD. We get so many second-generation stories where the children grow up jaded and full of issues despite being raised with love, but the Melnikovs? Nah. They are loving to their cores, and it shows.

“You ruin me, sweetheart, in the best way possible.”

Speaking of which, I really appreciated how Damien’s dyslexia was handled. It was done with so much care and compassion, and I loved seeing the support from his family. It never defined him, nor did he let it hold him back. Typical Melnikov man honestly…gentle, loving, kind, and completely gone once he's in love. What else do we expect?

And Sitka! My girl was such a vibe. Strong, capable, not afraid to get tough with her adrenaline sports, but still unapologetically feminine. And honestly, everyone assuming she's some intellectual because she's constantly reading only for it to be smut was so relatable haha. What I loved most about her though was how emotionally intelligent she was. She wasn't afraid to pursue what she wanted and had the courage to trust her feelings.

One of my favorite things about this book was how mutual everything felt. There was never really any question about whether Damien and Sitka loved each other. They knew. The real conflict came from how everyone around them would react, and I actually loved that. We had two people who were completely ready to commit and never doubted their feelings, and honestly that's one of my favorite things about Sonja Grey's books. Her couples are emotionally mature, communicate, and don't spend half the book wondering if they're in love.

“She’s the other half I never knew I needed, and the one I now can’t live without.”

The Melnikov solidarity, their love for each other, just everything is so precious. Vitaly will forever make my day, but the real question is if he supplied the sweets for the wedding or not…these are the things that keep me up at night. And now we officially have our second Melnikov-Medvedev couple which makes me giggle cause at this rate, the Melnikov boys are just out here collecting Medvedev girls.

As always, Sonja delivered the sweetest, sappiest happy ending and to be honest, that's exactly what I signed up for. I trust this woman with my happiness at this point. I'm so excited for our beloved lawyer Ev to finally get his book, but I'm also really excited to spend more time in the Medvedev world because Bran stole my heart almost immediately and I just know there's so much more goodness coming.

[Macarena]

Sonja Grey vuelve a demostrar por qué es una de esas autoras que siempre tienen un hueco asegurado en mi lista de lecturas. Cada vez que vuelvo al mundo de los Melnikov y los Medvedev siento que regreso a una familia que ya conozco: caótica, intensa, sobreprotectora y completamente imposible de no querer. Esta saga tiene algo especial, y *Born Into Ruin* es otra prueba de ello.

La historia de Damien y Sitka era una de las que más ganas tenía de conocer, y no me ha decepcionado. Su relación es una mezcla preciosa de amor, amistad, confianza y lealtad. Aunque su romance tiene sus complicaciones por todo lo que les rodea, lo que más destaca es la conexión tan fuerte que existe entre ellos y la forma en la que se eligen una y otra vez.

Damien ha sido un protagonista maravilloso. Es dulce, paciente, protector y tiene un corazón enorme. Me encantó conocer más de él y ver la parte más vulnerable de su personaje, especialmente sus inseguridades relacionadas con la dislexia y las experiencias que marcaron su infancia. La autora consigue mostrar que incluso alguien fuerte puede tener heridas que lleva consigo, y eso hace que Damien se sienta mucho más real y cercano.

Y Sitka… simplemente maravillosa. Fuerte, inteligente, leal y con una personalidad que hace que sea imposible no admirarla. Además, siendo una amante de los libros, tenía ese toque especial que hace que sea todavía más fácil conectar con ella. Lo que más me gustó de su relación con Damien es cómo lo acepta exactamente como es. Ella no intenta cambiarlo, solo está a su lado, lo apoya y le demuestra que merece ser amado tal y como es. Su amor por él es una de las partes más bonitas de la historia.

La química entre ellos funciona a la perfección. Es un romance que se siente sincero, construido desde la confianza y el cariño, pero sin perder la intensidad y la pasión que esperamos de Sonja Grey. Cada momento entre ellos tiene significado y es muy fácil enamorarse de su historia.

Como siempre, uno de los grandes puntos fuertes del libro es la familia. Sonja Grey tiene una habilidad increíble para escribir dinámicas familiares llenas de amor, protección y caos. Los Melnikov y los Medvedev pueden ser exagerados, intensos y un poco imposibles a veces, pero precisamente eso es parte de su encanto. Sus escenas aportan humor, emoción y hacen que esta saga sea tan especial.

Además, cada aparición de Vitaly Melnikov sigue siendo un auténtico regalo. Tiene esa capacidad de robarse cualquier escena y aportar ese toque divertido que hace que disfrutes todavía más de cada página.

*Born Into Ruin* es una historia sobre encontrar a la persona que te entiende, que te acepta y que decide quedarse a tu lado. Es un libro lleno de amor, familia y momentos que hacen recordar por qué estos personajes se han ganado un lugar tan especial.

Me ha encantado volver a este universo y reencontrarme con los Melnikov y los Medvedev. Son de esos personajes que siempre consiguen que quieras más, y después de esta historia solo puedo decir que necesito ya el libro de Evgeny. Estoy segura de que nos va a traer caos, humor y momentos inolvidables.

Otro acierto más de Sonja Grey. ❤️
Recibí una copia gratuita de este libro a través de Booksprout y dejo esta reseña de forma voluntaria.

[Missy Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estaba muy emocionada por leer este libro y, precisamente por eso, me da un poco de tristeza decir que no fue lo que esperaba.

No puedo decir que no me gustó, porque no sería cierto, pero tampoco lo disfruté tanto como imaginaba.

Creo que la principal razón fue que, en mi cabeza, había construido una historia completamente distinta para Damien. Lo que terminé leyendo se sintió a un mundo de distancia de lo que esperaba.

El libro no es malo en absoluto, pero sí sentí un quiebre bastante notorio con respecto a los anteriores libros de Sonja Grey sobre los Melnikov.

Damien fue, quizá, lo que más me descolocó. Me lo imaginaba muy diferente. Esperaba un protagonista más directo y seguro de lo que sentía.

En cambio, gran parte del conflicto gira en torno a un embrollo que, desde mi perspectiva, pudo haberse evitado si simplemente hubiera sido claro con la familia de Sitka sobre sus intenciones y sobre el hecho de que estaba enamorado de ella.

Y hablando del romance, creo que ahí estuvo mi mayor problema. Sentí que la relación entre Damien y Sitka fue un slow burn que, para mí, nunca terminó de encender.

Me faltaron momentos entre ellos que me hicieran creer en ese amor. Conversaciones, recuerdos, pequeños flashbacks o escenas que mostraran cuándo empezó todo y por qué Damien se enamoró de Sitka, así como sucedió en el libro de Valentin y Yelena.

Al terminar el libro, me di cuenta de que nunca terminé de entender qué era exactamente lo que lo hacía verla de esa manera.

Por eso, cuando llegó el primer beso, mi reacción fue más de sorpresa que de emoción. Sentí como si hubiera pasado de un punto A a un punto C sin haber vivido el punto B.

Apenas unos capítulos antes casi no había habido interacciones significativas entre ellos, y de repente ya estaban besándose. Me costó mucho conectar con ese desarrollo porque, como lectora, sentía que me había perdido parte del camino.

Aun así, le doy cuatro estrellas. Amo la pluma de Sonja Grey y amo a los Melnikov, y creo que eso hizo que siguiera disfrutando muchos momentos del libro.

Simplemente siento que, si el romance entre Damien y Sitka se hubiera desarrollado desde otro enfoque, con más tiempo para construir sus sentimientos y su conexión, la historia habría funcionado mucho mejor para mí.

Y quiero dejar claro que esto no pretende ser una crítica a la forma en que Sonja decidió escribir a sus personajes.

Al final, cada autor tiene su propia visión de sus historias, y esa siempre será la correcta porque son sus personajes.

Esta es simplemente mi experiencia como lectora. En esta ocasión, la historia tomó un camino distinto al que yo esperaba, y eso hizo que no conectara con ella tanto como me habría gustado.

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

[Joy Hintz · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a particular kind of loyalty that comes with loving this long-running, dark mafia romance series revolving around both the Melnikov and Medvedev families. With Sonja Grey, you don’t just return for the plot; you return for the dark mafia world, the danger, the most amazing characters, and the emotional intensity that made you fall in love with these books in the first place. That’s why this latest book was such a somewhat disappointing read for me. I still admire the author, and I still believe this series has delivered some unforgettable moments, but this book did not quite reach the same level of excellence as the other books in this series. This is the first time in 15+ books that I'm not giving one of her books a 5-star rating.

What continues to work is Sonja’s signature ability to create humor (i.e. Pop Tarts or Vitaly’s making love speech), obsessed over the top characters, and the dark mafia romance I’ve come to love. There are flashes of sharp dialogue, moments of vulnerability, and enough emotional pull to remind me why this author became one of my favorites in the genre. Something that I missed the most was the actual dark mafia part of what drew me to these series in the first place. It was almost non-existent.

At the same time, the book felt more reserved than earlier books. The stakes did not hit as hard, the pacing occasionally dragged, and the romance lacked some of the addictive intensity that made the previous couples so memorable. Instead of feeling swept up in a dangerous love story, I often felt as though I was waiting for the story to catch fire. The ingredients were there, but the execution felt uneven.

My biggest disappointment was that this book was merely mediocre from an author I usually expect to devastate or gut me in the best way. Earlier books in the series balanced the romance along with the dark mafia danger we know and love. This one had moments that worked beautifully, but part of the story (chasing & sex in the woods) seemed recycled from the Medvedev book in the initial series which felt familiar rather than fresh. The whole relationship secrecy seemed a bit over the top and unnecessary.

This book & series has plenty to enjoy, especially if you are willing to accept a quieter installment with this one. Overall, this was a very solid read, but a somewhat underwhelming addition to a series I still love. It also doesn’t erase the strength of the series as a whole or the love I have for the author. I will absolutely keep reading whatever book Sonja Grey writes; I just hope the next book brings back the dark mafia, emotional chaos, and unforgettable chemistry that made me obsessed in the first place.

[A Far · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I don't even know how Sonja Grey keeps doing it, but somehow every new release becomes my new favorite. Born into Ruin completely stole my heart🥹❤️

🔥Damien... where do I even begin? He is everything I love in a hero. Quiet, protective, patient, and so completely gone for Sitka that it was impossible not to fall in love with him. The way he saw her, supported her, and never made her feel like she was too much was absolutely beautiful. His dyslexia added another layer to his character, and seeing Sitka love every part of him made my heart ache in the best way🫠

💕Sitka was such a refreshing heroine. She's intelligent, confident, unapologetically herself, and the biggest bookworm—which made me love her even more. I adored that she wasn't afraid to love Damien wholeheartedly despite everything standing in their way. Their connection felt so natural, and together they were equal parts sweet, emotional, and ridiculously hot🤭❤️‍🔥
The family moments were honestly one of my favorite parts. Getting more Ev, Luka, Roma, Max, Talia, and everyone else reminded me why I love this world so much. Every interaction felt like coming home, and those little sibling and cousin moments had me smiling the entire time🩶
🥵And can we talk about Damien's dirty talk for a second?

😮‍💨 Sonja Grey absolutely outdid herself. The chemistry between Damien and Sitka was off the charts, but what made it even better was how much trust, tenderness, and devotion existed between them. Every romantic scene felt earned because of how deeply they loved each other.

This book definitely has a different feel compared to some of the earlier Melkinov Legacy books. There's less action and danger, but the emotional tension never lets up. I was constantly waiting for something to go wrong, and that anticipation kept me completely invested from beginning to end✨️🤌🏽

🥹By the time I reached the epilogue, I wasn't ready to let Damien and Sitka go. They became such a comfort couple, and their love story reminded me exactly why Sonja Grey is one of my favorite authors. She writes characters that stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

⭐️Overall, Born into Ruin delivered everything I wanted: emotional angst, unforgettable romance, incredible family dynamics, swoony moments, and two characters who were absolutely perfect for each other. Sonja Grey knocked it out of the park once again, and Damien and Sitka will forever have a special place in my heart. If you love protective heroes, confident heroines, forbidden Bratva romance, and stories overflowing with heart, this one is an absolute must-read. ❤️📚

Can't wait for BRAN's boooook anddd Dima & Allie's 💖💖💖

#ArcReview

[Nunu Essad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how Sonja Grey keeps doing it, but somehow every new release becomes my new favorite. Born into Ruin completely stole my heart🥹❤️

🔥Damien... where do I even begin? He is everything I love in a hero. Quiet, protective, patient, and so completely gone for Sitka that it was impossible not to fall in love with him. The way he saw her, supported her, and never made her feel like she was too much was absolutely beautiful. His dyslexia added another layer to his character, and seeing Sitka love every part of him made my heart ache in the best way🫠

💕Sitka was such a refreshing heroine. She's intelligent, confident, unapologetically herself, and the biggest bookworm—which made me love her even more. I adored that she wasn't afraid to love Damien wholeheartedly despite everything standing in their way. Their connection felt so natural, and together they were equal parts sweet, emotional, and ridiculously hot🤭❤️‍🔥
The family moments were honestly one of my favorite parts. Getting more Ev, Luka, Roma, Max, Talia, and everyone else reminded me why I love this world so much. Every interaction felt like coming home, and those little sibling and cousin moments had me smiling the entire time🩶
🥵And can we talk about Damien's dirty talk for a second?

😮‍💨 Sonja Grey absolutely outdid herself. The chemistry between Damien and Sitka was off the charts, but what made it even better was how much trust, tenderness, and devotion existed between them. Every romantic scene felt earned because of how deeply they loved each other.

This book definitely has a different feel compared to some of the earlier Melkinov Legacy books. There's less action and danger, but the emotional tension never lets up. I was constantly waiting for something to go wrong, and that anticipation kept me completely invested from beginning to end✨️🤌🏽

🥹By the time I reached the epilogue, I wasn't ready to let Damien and Sitka go. They became such a comfort couple, and their love story reminded me exactly why Sonja Grey is one of my favorite authors. She writes characters that stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

⭐️Overall, Born into Ruin delivered everything I wanted: emotional angst, unforgettable romance, incredible family dynamics, swoony moments, and two characters who were absolutely perfect for each other. Sonja Grey knocked it out of the park once again, and Damien and Sitka will forever have a special place in my heart. If you love protective heroes, confident heroines, forbidden Bratva romance, and stories overflowing with heart, this one is an absolute must-read. ❤️📚

[Megan Carbajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Secret Relationship
Touch Her & Die
Possessive/Obsessed MMC
He Falls First & Harder
Dyslexic MMC
V-Card MMC & FMC
Marriage-Minded MMC
Protective Brothers

Born into Ruin is Book 9 in the Devils will Rise: Melnikov Legacy Series. This is Damien and Sitka's story.

I have been waiting for Damien and Sitka's story and i can honestly say it didn't disappoint! I loved everything about it.

You have Sitka who is an adrenaline junkie. Having two older brother and many cousins she is used to doing everything they do including surfing, Riding motorcycles, etc. She loves the thrill of it all but she also likes to be in her cozy little reading bubble reading all her dark romance novels.

Damien is the complete opposite when it comes to Sitka. Where she is down to try anything he is more of the observer. When he was a child he was bullied relentless for being "dumb" because he couldn't read and later finding out he actually had dyslexia. Because of his dyslexia other than his family no one else knows because it is his secret shame and insecurity that he doesn't want anyone to know about especially not Sitka.

Damien and Sitka since the moment they met have always had this intense connection between them yet stayed away from one another. Yearning from afar. Sitka thinking Damien wants nothing to do with her and Damien believing that he isn't good enough or smart enough for her.

We get to see their cute flirty moments, their secret glances to one another, and all you can do is root for them. The more they hang out with one another they know the connection they have is real and they decide they want to be together. But with Sitka having an over protective Father and brothers she asks Damien to keep it a secret a least for a little while. Obviously he agrees.

With every kiss, every touch, every glance, every moment shared between them you get to see them falling more and more in love with one another. Their attraction and connection to each other is electric. Their love is so pure and rare. I absolutely love how Damien and Sitka are able to share their fears, hopes, dreams with one another and how supportive they are towards each another.

But when their secret relationship comes out will their love be torn apart or will they fight for the love they both deserve? Will their families accept their relationship? Well you will just have to read it to find out!!

If you love a book that has drama, secret love, yearning, obsessed MMC, over protective families then this is the book for you!!