Born into Ruin: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Sonja Grey

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 26, 2026

Reviews

[ᯓ☆ Cherryyy ᯓ☆]

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 ☝️

[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.

[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.

[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.

💫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"

➡️ Сл��дваща книга? ➡️

Книгата за Евгени

[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. 🔥❤️

[Kim Cass · 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.

[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.

[Emiii Libros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stika and Damien are so adorable. At first, I thought Stika would be just as wild as Mia, considering who his father is and what his brothers are like. However, while he loves adrenaline and racing, he also has a much sweeter and more sensitive side. His love for Damien completely won me over.



My heart broke for him as he struggled with feeling inferior because of his dyslexia. It was painful to see him carry that insecurity for so long. Little moments, like him calling her “little demon” or giving her the shell that she turned into a necklace so she could always keep it close to her heart, were simply beautiful. I also loved seeing how they enjoyed running through the forest, just like Stika’s parents (and apparently his siblings too, haha).



One of the moments that moved me the most was when Stika gave Damien the book as a way of telling her that loved him, and he pretended to read it. It was heartbreaking, but it also made the moment when he finally opened up about his dyslexia even more meaningful. Seeing that none of it changed how she felt about him, and that she loved him exactly the same, was absolutely beautiful.



I nearly had a heart attack when they came out of the forest and found their siblings there, but the appearance of the Melnikovs made up for everything. I had missed them throughout the entire book, so seeing them again was amazing. As always, Vitaly stole every scene he was in with his comments, and he remains one of my favorite characters. I also loved getting to see the Medvedevs again and meeting more of the new generation.



I had already loved Bran in Max and Talia’s book, but this story made me adore him even more. The way he helped Damien and Stika get some time alone together was so sweet. Now I can’t wait to read his book and see him find someone who will love him as much as he deserves.



The epilogue, with its glimpse two years into the future, was the perfect ending. Seeing Stika and Damien with their son, Rowan, was beautiful and confirmed that this is a love story from beginning to end. Their relationship was sweet, intense, and deeply emotional, and I enjoyed every single moment of it.



Finally, I just want to thank Sonja once again for allowing me to be part of the ARC team and congratulate her on being such an incredible writer. Without a doubt, she continues to be my favorite author.

[Emely Tavarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

5 ⭐️ | 3.4 🌶️

Absolutely enamored with Damien and Sitka. She was so perfect and lively, bold yet sweet. And Damien’s dyslexia ❤️‍🩹 Luka is the best big brother in the whole world since his own book. I just loved all the family dynamics.

I think it’s a stretch to compare Misha and Yuri to Sasha because they don’t hold his level of detachment (but then again, we don’t have enough insight on Medvedev next gen that isn’t rooted in this series) but I might be forgetting some context so I should probably glimpse at Max’s book once again to rehash the interactions from that rescue mission.

Seriously, the word “filthy” might have become my favorite after reading this book: “All you need to do is use me. Grind that beautiful pussy against my face, besyonok, and make yourself come. Make me dirty, Sitka. I better be fucking filthy by the time you finish” fucking hell!!!!

Sonja did an amazing job writing these two. I was speechless at Damien’s dirty talk and Sitka’s confidence and aghh she just had this air about her of being wild and dauntless, and expressing herself sensually so beautifully:
“You smell like me, Damien. And you taste like me. I didn’t realize how much I’d like that until now… The sexiest man I’ve ever seen is going to be walking around covered in me. And he’s all mine.”

There were times when Damien reminded me of Dominic and I couldn’t be more proud of pinpointing certain similarities.

Not me crying when starting the epilogue because it was such a comforting read with these beautiful characters and it’s almost coming to an end and I’m not ready🥺
“You still make me feel like I’m drowning, besyonok. There’s never going to be a time when I’m not lost to you, when a single look or word from you won’t steal the breath from my lungs and make me feel like I’ve lost my footing. You ruin me, sweetheart, in the best way possible.”

Also, that Alina and Roman moment 🩶 I was STARVED for that glimpse at brother/sister bond, and even Matvey ugh. Ev and Damien being so close as they’re actual blood-related cousins—adored!

I keep mulling over this in my head: makes me sad that as the books have progressed there’s less and less farmhouse.

Sasha’s nod at Luka’s lactation kink was hilarious😂

I love how similar the kids names to Roman are: Roma and Rowan!

Can’t wait for Dima and Allie!!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting so impatiently for this book and it did not disappoint!

When Damien mentioned him and Ev going to Oregon in the last book, I had assumed that Damien's book would take place during this trip.

I will say that I did not see this pairing coming. If I am recalling correctly, there was nothing in any of the previous books in the series that hints at the two of them being together. I wish that we had seen them meeting or interacting at Talia and Max's wedding.

I did love them together, and I appreciate when there is no conflict between the couple.

Instead, the conflict in this book is her family, mainly her brothers(think Sasha but without boundaries).

The one aspect of the book that I wasn't the biggest fan of is that they were keeping their relationship a secret. The entire time I was so anxious that they would get caught. Personally, I hate the feeling when I am reading a book or watching a movie and someone is trying not to get caught, and I had this feeling the majority of the book.

I did love seeing her side of the family, we only got to see a small introduction to them in Max's book, so I did like how this book took place in Oregon.

Personally, dual virgins is my absolute favorite trope(nearly every book I read comes from a dual-virgin list, filter, or I read reviews regarding safety), so I absolutely love how this book, and nearly all others in the series, follow this.

Safety:
Dual virgins
Neither has ever even kissed anyone else
Primal play
Blood
Murder

We didn't see much of Sitka in previous books, but I really enjoyed her character. Damien has been present throughout the series, so before going into this book, I already adored him.

Although I liked seeing her family, I did miss the Melnikovs(mainly Cyn and Sasha + Niki and Van)

As a girl obsessed with her dogs, I absolutely loved how present Nyx was. A lot of times books mention a dog once of twice, but pets seem to be a constant in this series and I absolutly love that.

This book was a great addition to the series, I cannot wait to see how Ev's story finishes it off!

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

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book went down as smooth as a dram of top shelf whiskey. This was such an easy read and the writing flowed really well. This is, in my opinion, one of Sonja Grey's lighter stories, and I think it would be great for people looking to get into the dark romance genre.

I enjoyed watching Damien and Sitka's relationship blossom from secret mutual pining to that inevitable all-consuming love that befalls every Melnikov man when he least expects it.

Damien was quite the gentleman for the most part and exhibited very healthy courting methods. This was very different from Sonja Grey's other MMCs who typically have little to no boundaries and hold the delusion that unbeknownst surveillance and shadowing of the FMC isn't really stalking. Unfortunately, I love an MMC who is slightly unhinged in his obsession, so Damien's respectful romancing techniques just didn't hit the spot for me.

We do in fact have to acknowledge the side characters who played a big part in ensuring this love story didn't end in tragedy. Bran was the only Medvedev who knew what was up and was supportive from the start. Tbh I'm really intrigued by Bran as a character and I NEED to see more of him... lowkey need a full length book for him on my desk like yesterday. On the other hand Evgeny has been a bit of an elusive member of the family until now, and we really get to see a bit of his personality shine in this book, through his banter with Damien, and I'm super excited for his book.

However, when it comes to the MVP side character NO ONE can outdo the one and only Vitaly Melnikov. I am so glad he got a scene or two toward the end, and you best believe he had me cackling. A Vitaly cameo in your book is the Sonja Grey dark romance equivalent of getting Nicki Minaj to feature on your track in the early 2010s. He always steals the show and every sentence that comes out of his mouth is a straight banger, if Vitaly has no fans I am dead.

Overall, the ride-or-die support from the Melnikov family is always a hit in this series, and Born Into Ruin was no different. Can't wait to see what's in store for Evgeny in the next release!.

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

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGHHHH I LOVED THIS. IT ATE AS ALWAYS. I adored Damien and Sitka and their whole relationship. Loved how she supported him and accepted him even when he didn't believe in himself. I liked how Sitka genuinely had a personality. She felt relatable, she was really funny and you could feel how much she cared for her family and friends (like she was really authentic). Also, the whole secret relationship/don't get caught?? chefs kiss. He literally left his home and family and decided to spend the summer in Oregon JUST TO BE IN HER PRESENCE. He was DESPERATE. Down bad, I tell you. If he thought he fucked up in any way, shape or form, he was literally begging on his knees to make it right.

"Please tell me," he says again. "I swear I can fix it. I just need you to tell me what I did wrong."
Genuinely Damien the whole book;


And he wasn't scared of her dad and brothers even after they threaten him and tortured a man in front of him. Look, I like a man who's not a little bitch. Sue me. It was hot.

Also, I adored the friendship between Damien and Bran. How they bonded because they were both different. HE LEARNED SIGN LANGUAGE JUST TO SPEAK TO HIM?? And Bran was the first one to support Sitka and Damien's relationship. THATS A REAL FRIEND RIGHT THERE. Plus, Luka and Damien are my favorite brothers of this whole series. You're telling me, Luka heard Damien may be in trouble, and he was on the first flight over. He dropped everything to be there. I love it. And how the whole Melnikov clan showed up like the avengers at the end? lmaoo love it. This is my favorite part about this series as a whole, how you get to know every characters and they keep showing up in every book and they play a substantial role in the story.

Can't wait for the next one. Sadly, the last one. BUTT ON THE PLUS SIDE, there will be a Medvedev second gen. I need Dima & Allie's book ASAP. They were teased so bad in this book, I can't wait.

I received an advance copy of this book through Booksprout, and these thoughts are entirely my own.

--------------------
Pre-read:
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!
ps: this cover is actually crazy who the fuck is that

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Born into Ruin

This was okay. There's not a whole lot of plot going on, but it's still an alright read, I guess. The MCs are fine, but I just feel like I didn't really get to know them after finishing the book. I think they could use a bit more depth because what we got feels pretty surface-level. I’m not really sure what to expect from this book. There were definitely a few moments where it felt like the storyline was dragged out since not much was happening in the plot.

But one thing's for sure: Sitka's brothers annoyed me to no end. I get that they were just being protective of her, but it got to a point it became ridiculous and was getting on my nerves. She's young, sure, but she's also her own person who can think and make her own decisions. Idk, I just feel like her life was restricted, and there's only so much she can do without the interference of her brothers or dad. Can't imagine living a life like that.

Anyway, that said, I didn't hate or love it; it was so-so for me. But I'm sure the book will find its intended audience. This is honestly a 3⭐️ read, but I'm rounding it up because it's dual V. 🤭


Safe. No cheating, separation, OM/OW. Dual V. Violence (a bit). HEA


Side note: I love SG's books as long as they're safe by my standards, and I got the feeling she would write a story for the Medvedev second generation. But seeing as these men are hoes (except for Bran) just like their fathers before they met their wives, I think I'm going to pass on them. We got a glimpse already with Dima x Allie, and it's another hoe x virgin pairing. We even found out that he's a one-and-done guy, and one of his hookups appeared here, as she was a server in one of their strip clubs. Allie, on the other hand, was hellbent on making the effort for Dima to finally acknowledge his attraction to her and act on it. I can't with the secondhand embarrassment I got from some of her scenes. I was like, "Girl, please don't be like that." The only one I'd probably read here is Bran’s.


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

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Sitka’s story his here and yes it is a cross over between my two favourite families the Melnikov’s and Medvedev’s.

Now these two were briefly introduced in the first family cross over which was Max and Talia’s book and to say these two were smitten would be an understatement. If you read Max and Talia’s book you will remember that they spend six months of the year with each family and by extension the Melnikov and Medvedev family members are also welcome, so when Damien and his cousin Ev decide to go to spend some time with the Medvedev family for a small break there’s no questions asked. But of course the main reason Damien is going on this trip is so he can be in Sitka’s presence.

Now Sitka is the daughter of Volodya’s and Maddie and to get the point Volodya is intense when it comes to his wife so when it comes to his daughter he is even more protective and also has his sons just as protective of their sister and yes this does make Damien’s life a little bit more difficult but when Sitka realises her feelings are reciprocated the pair decide to sneak about. Of course they are certainly not discreet about it🤣.

If you have read any of Sonja’s books you will know that when her men fall they fall hard and there is no other woman that will ever compare, and Damien is no exception to this rule. From the moment he met Sitka he knew she would be his endgame. He was a bit nervous to disclose to Sitka that he had dyslexia and it was mainly why the pair communicated via voice notes but bless my heart Sitka did not care whatsoever and mostly reminded him that this did not define him as a person😭.

Overall I loved Damien and Sitka’s story. This universe is so dear to me and I love the world that Sonja has created. I fell head over heels for the first generation and how obsessed these men are of their women and now we are experiencing this with the second generation 🥰

I certainly cannot wait for Ev’s story as it most certainly will be an interesting one

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

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you S.Grey for providing me an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I have to damit the first 30% of the book I just couldn’t get into it properly because all of the uncles cousins siblings the author introduced us.
I get that for all the readers who have read the previous books and loved them are thrilled to meet the old characters but it confused the hell out of me.
I was always wondering who’s Cousin, sibling , aunt or uncle now?
There were to much names and at first I even confused Damien with Dima.

The author should have cut the family tree shorter for readers who didn’t read the other books.

As for the love story between Damien and Sitka I wished S.Grey focused more on how they first met instead of introducing us to the whole family tree.I wanted a throwback when they first laid eyes on each other you know the sparks flying first moment.

Because this two had a lot chemistry and connection towards each other.Loved them together so sweet and cute in love and yearning.

Still I enjoyed their growing relationship with each other.
Both characters were great and likeable they didn’t let come anyone between them both knew what they wanted even so young as they are.
Damien is super protective of Sitka and he wants only her and goes for what is his, loved that about him without being an ass about it.Sitka is a lucky and intelligent girl when Damien serves him self on a platter to her she grabs, devours and never lets him go.
The love affection and devotion of both is amazing written you just can feel it with every single word.
Then there are the sex scenes …..WOW !
Hot 🔥 and amazing so well executed.
This two are just so cute together without unnecessary drama.

I liked how S.Gray portrayed both Families loyalty , trust and having the backs of others.
They stick together and helped Damien and Stika get their HEA.
The writing was very skilled and fluent.

For the safety gang : no cheating no sharing.

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

[Nicolereviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet 😍

Once again, Sonja has surprised me with how different the Melnikov and Medvedev families are.

This couple melted my heart—such a pure love, with sweet moments, understanding, the way they supported each other, how Sitka brought out the best in Damien and his insecurity about dyslexia. And the theme of forbidden love made it even more exciting.

I can't wait to see the second generation of the Medvedev. Those guys are crazy, but not as crazy as Sasha. I want to read Allie and Dima's story.

I'm eagerly awaiting Bran's book. That boy has been through so much, and I want to see him in love and happy 🥰

Sitka is a cheerful girl who loves nature and books. She's an adrenaline junkie and a great motorcyclist.

Damien is an intelligent boy, but he has always been ashamed of his dyslexia and avoids talking about it with anyone outside his family.

Damien invites his cousin Ev to spend the holidays at his cousin Max's house. It's the perfect excuse to see Sitka 🫢, but upon arrival, Vasya imposes three rules:

1. If you leave the property, notify someone first, and do so with a Medvedev.

2. Don't interfere in the Medvedevs' affairs.

3. Don't mess with the nieces, and that includes Allie. 😂

Damien has low self-esteem; he believes it's impossible for her to be interested in him, and on the other hand, Sitka thinks Damien doesn't even look at her 🤭

Meanwhile, Ev helps Damien hide his crush on Sitka, but the glances they exchange arouse suspicion among Sitka's brothers. He even uses a code word to give him some alone time. 😂

I really love the bond both families share for their people. The Melnikov always present a united front and support their romances. The Medveded, on the other hand, are overprotective of their women and practically block any kind of approach from men to their nieces. 😂😂😂

I highly recommend reading this incredible book. You'll find a romance that begins with glances, secrets, a forbidden romance, lovers who love each other in secret, and a crazy and dangerous family.

Thanks Sonja for the ARC 😘

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Ruin by Sonja Gray is book nine in the Devils Arise Legacy series, and it might just be my favorite yet.

What made this book stand out for me was its softness. While the series has delivered plenty of drama and high-stakes moments, Damien and Sitka’s story felt different in the best possible way. There were no major traumatic events, no kidnappings, and no over-the-top angst. Instead, this was a beautifully sweet romance built around two quieter, more introspective characters finding their way to each other.

Damien and Sitka’s relationship was adorable. Watching them secretly admire each other, hide their feelings, and navigate those first crush-like emotions brought back all the butterflies and anxiety of young love. Their first kiss, the uncertainty of “does he like me?”, and the excitement of finally coming together made this story feel nostalgic and heartwarming.

I also loved the family dynamics. Seeing more of Dominic’s relationships with Luca and with his nieces and nephews added so much warmth and depth to the story. Sonja Gray has always excelled at creating families that feel real, and this book showcased that beautifully.

Although Sitka has her adventurous, adrenaline-seeking side, both she and Damien are quieter souls at heart. Their shared introspection gave this romance a unique feel compared to other books in the series and made their connection all the more special.

The ending was absolutely perfect, and I loved getting a glimpse into their future. This was the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished.

I read the ARC over a weekend and have already reread it four times. I’ve even preordered my copy because Sonja Gray is firmly on my must-buy author list.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s sweet, easy to sink into, and full of tenderness, Born to Ruin is one I highly recommend. It reminded me why I love romance in the first place.

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

[Meg Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to receive this ARC copy because Sonja is one of my favorite authors and I was so ready for Damien’s story. What I loved about it: getting to see more glimpses into the second gen Medvedevs (omg Dima and Bran!! The wait for those is gonna k*ll me). I loved Sitka’s personality and how she was true to herself and that her family never coddled/stifled her or held her back from who she was. Her parents’ book is one of my favorites and she definitely had some of their traits; I liked that it was kind of lowkey but definitely there and seemed to come out more through the book. Damien was protective but not stifling, somewhat introverted but also easygoing, and could definitely handle himself when needed. I loved reading about his friendships with the Medvedevs and getting little snippets of what’s going to come in future books! One other thing I liked about their story was that both MCs were secure in themselves. A lot of FMCs in the other books in this series and first gen series were really insecure about their looks and made a lot of comments about how the men could do better and could have anyone they wanted. I have so badly hoped for one of the female leads to feel comfortable enough in themselves and not need the MMC to reassure her so many times and this book delivered! I’m happy that this one didn’t have any of that and that both Sitka and Damien (even with Damien’s dyslexia). Also his nickname for her is so cute!! I felt like it was so fitting based on her family 😂. This was an easy read, I didn’t really feel like it had a lot of Bratva things in it- it didn’t seem like Damien was super involved in that side of the family business so this was more on the mafia lite side with insta love and mild-light medium spice. Definitely different than her other books that have more action in it but still enjoyable!!.

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

[Poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien and Sitka were worth the wait!

The long-awaited 9th book in Sonja Grey's second generation series Born into Ruin is finally here, and I couldn't wait to dive into Damien and Sitka's story!

As a fan of both the Melnikov and Medvedev families, I loved seeing another crossover between these two Bratva series. Getting to spend more time with the Medvedev family in Oregon and seeing how all the siblings interact was one of my favorite parts of the book. The three Medvedev brothers do not take the protection of their younger daughters lightly. Even though all the family homes are located on the same gated property, the girls aren't allowed to visit each other without an older brother tagging along.

Damien and Sitka have noticed each other during previous visits but are completely unaware that their feelings are mutual. When they finally get the chance to spend more time together, sparks fly. Of course, nothing is ever easy when overprotective brothers and a protective father are involved!
This book is lighter on the mafia action and focuses much more on the romance, family dynamics, and all the emotions that come with a forbidden relationship. There is plenty of banter, humor, and family interference, which made me smile more than once. Bran was definitely a standout for me—I am officially Team Bran 100%! The interactions involving Ev, Uncle Vitaly, and Lev were absolutely priceless.

I loved watching Damien and Sitka's relationship develop and seeing how they navigated the obstacles standing in their way. I was rooting for them from beginning to end, and I was rewarded with the HEA that every romance reader hopes for. The epilogue was the perfect finishing touch and left me with a huge smile on my face.

If you've been following Sonja Grey's Melnikov Bratva series and the second-generation books, this one is absolutely a must-read!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do feel a little bad for the lack of 5 stars. Sonja has been a 5 star read for me for a while but this one for me was just missing a little something and the annoying thing is I don't know what. Part of me things it's as simple as it felt more like a Medvedev book than a Melnikov book and the Melnikovs have a specially place in my heart after 14 books.

I loved Damien and Sitka but part of me didn't think I would.

Damien with his struggles has always been one of my favourite Melnikov and I love the trip down memory lane at the start when he's 7 and they all tried to prove to him that he wasn't stupid when they were doing everything they could to help him.

Sitka I wasn't sure about with her being the bookworm I wasn't sure what if anything they would have in common but she did surprise me a lot, she wasn't anything like what I thought she would be.

I did feel that the showdown between the Melnikov's and the Medvedev was a little anti-climatic. I loved that the Melnikov's all flew into support their own but at the same time after a few I love her and want to marry her it was over seemed like a little waste of jet fuel to me. One minute they want to ripe Damien's head off the next he's coming over and staying the night.
I did feel a little sorry for Volodya when he said he hasn't been asked for his blessing but was giving it anyway or that he would fly and get her for visits if needed.

I have to say I did like getting to know the Medvedev a little more / again especially with their book being just around the corner.

I also really like the little moment between Roman and Alina at the end. It's not that I actually forget that those 2 are siblings but when it goes on about Roman, Danil, Lev, Vitaly and Matvey being brothers by choose it does sometimes take away from their relationship and actually why it all started in the first place.

[Wera Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨ ARC Review ✨✨✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"You'll be my first, and I want you to be my last."

Sonja, thank you so much again for this opportunity. I love your books, but this one, wow, I absolutely loved from beginning to end. This change of scenery was fantastic, I loved it…

I loved Damien; he's such a sweet boy, sure, with his dark side, but I feel like he's the sweetest in his whole family. I think he's the one who's shown his vulnerability and fears the most, and I liked that part. As always, I love reading about his family again, seeing them continue to appear, the support they give each other, how they're always there for everyone—it's lovely to read about it.

Sitka, wow, I loved that girl's personality, I wish I were her 🙈 Showing her reader side was incredible, she's not rebellious, she's determined, someone who knows what she wants and fights for it. I feel like she has a lot of both Volodya and Maddie in her. Seeing her support and defense of Damien, they complement each other perfectly. She was exactly what he needed, someone like her. I loved this couple, and I also enjoyed reading about the Medvedev family.

Ok, now I'm more than ready for what's to come. No, I'm not ready to say goodbye, but I know good things are coming. I know there's still one more family to come, so I'll be here. I'm ready for Evgeny; I'm so curious about him, to know who his partner will be and how his story will unfold. I'm also very curious about Allie and Dima, as well as Bran 🙈. That boy stole my heart from the moment he appeared in Max and Talia's book. I can say that Bran is already my favorite of the Medvedev's, I can't wait for more. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Sonja. Thank you for your books that always brighten my day. You're one of my favorites; I'll always carry your stories in my heart. Thank you so much for everything.

[liz ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book
This might just be one of my favorite couples from the second gen yet. The book starts with Damien convincing Ev to visit Max and Talia in Oregon, aka visiting Sitka, whom he has a crush on. If you’re already confused by the names, so was I lol, I quickly went back to the last book for a refresher. Once they get to Oregon, Sitka and Damien’s attraction to one another doesn’t go unnoticed by much of the family, and they pretty much have a bunch of people rooting for them and covering for them as they experience dating for the first time, whilst hiding it from Sitka’s crazy, overprotective brothers and father.
​
➳ Sitka Medvedev
fmc, 18 years old, “besyonok”
Sitka knows what she wants; she’s an adrenaline junkie (loves dirt bike riding), and happens to be a fellow romance girlie. I loved how she was confident with Damien, took the lead when he got nervous, but also matched his awkwardness. She also has a huge support system, and even though she doesn’t have the most freedom as a bratva daughter, she’s certainly got a personality that truly shines when she's with her friends. I really enjoyed reading the scenes with the cousin/sibling/Allie friend group.
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➳ Damien Melnikov
mmc, 20 years old
Damien is obsessed from the start. I mean, he basically made up an entire visit with his family just to visit Sitka, and he was not afraid of her father and brothers in the least. I really felt for him and how nervous he was about sharing that he had dyslexia (the flashback made me so sad). I also liked how Sitka immediately accommodated him, even when she didn’t know, with the adorable voice messages. His relationship with the babies in the family was also super cute!!
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Tropes
Insta-love/lust, first love, forbidden, bratva

ARC reader, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Born into Ruin was everything I hoped it would be and more. As a longtime fan of the Medvedev Bratva series, I was so excited to finally get Damien and Sitka's story, and Sonja delivered a beautiful, emotional, and heartwarming romance.

Damien, Roman and Emily's son, completely stole my heart. Watching him navigate life with dyslexia while being surrounded by a family that never allowed him to feel less than was incredibly touching. The support from his brother and cousins throughout his life was one of my favorite aspects of the story and showcased the strong family bonds that make this series so special.

Sitka, Volodya and Maddie's daughter, was equally compelling. As the only girl in a family filled with overprotective men, her struggle between independence and family expectations felt authentic and relatable. I loved seeing her find her own voice while still cherishing the people who love her.

The secret relationship aspect was so much fun, especially knowing the rules Vasya laid down when Damien and Ev came to visit Max in Oregon. Watching Damien and Sitka navigate their feelings while trying to keep everything under wraps made for some wonderful tension and plenty of memorable moments. I especially loved that Bran, Max, Allie, Talia, and Ev were all firmly in their corner and more than willing to play wingman whenever needed.

And then there was Vitaly. As soon as he appeared, I was laughing out loud. His spectacular lack of a filter was absolute perfection, and I sincerely hope his inappropriate commentary continues in Ev's book because I am not ready for less Vitaly in my life.

The epilogue left me smiling and already eager for whatever Sonja has planned next. I cannot wait for Ev's story, and I'm also crossing my fingers that Dima and Allie's book is on the horizon because I need that story as soon as possible!

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien and Sitka have been into each other for a while. When they finally decide to get together, they keep it a secret as they know that her family will make a big deal out of it. They're very sweet together and make a good couple. The steam is hot and detailed.

I didn't find too much going on plot-wise, and there were a few times that it felt slow; I was waiting for something to happen. I loved seeing the characters from the other books and how family always has their backs, no matter what. It makes sense that Sitka's brothers did what they did; they're in a criminal underworld, and they protect their sister at all costs.

Damien had some confidence issues because he was dyslexic, but otherwise, he was confident and didn't back down from Sitka's brothers. She was protective of Damien towards her family and was head over heels in love.
 
Overall: 3.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Damien and Sitka
Nickname: Besyonok
Darkness: 1 out of 5 🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Devils Will Rise: Melnikov Legacy Series - Born into Ruin: Book 9
Audiobook: n/a as of June 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, fiercely loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Mafia
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born into Ruin takes place in the Medvedev universe and I'm so glad it did! It was so refreshing to get out of the city and learn a new place. Learning all the characters for what I hope is a whole new spin off was so fun and I feel like the character development wouldn't have been this detailed if Sonja wasn't going to give them to us. I absolutely fell in love with Dima and each one of the Medvedev characters supported Sitka and Damien so perfectly.
Damien..sweet sweet Damien.. he was a sleeper character for me in past novels. He supported where he needed to be for story development but I never truly felt a connection to him. Going into this book I just expected it to be a good novel because I love Sonja Grey, but what I got was so so much more. The instant connection and love Sitka and Damien shared was so perfect. For some reason the love didn't feel rushed with them, there was enough story support that made it seem like they must have seen each other and instantly knew when they were both supporting Talia and Max, and that's all it took.
I loved that Damien and Sitka both supported each other, him with her adrenaline junkie need and her with his dyslexia. They both were the perfect maturity for each other and just loved whole heartedly. It was a nice to surprise to see they both got each others firsts.
And Ev.. we got the chance to see him away from his studying and see his personality for a change and it was so exciting and hilarious (Poptart). I can't wait to see what Sonja has in store for him.
All in all this was such a refreshing book to get me re-excited for the Melnikov and Medvedev universes to continue. Thanks Sonja!!

[Caichu · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 📚✨

I really liked the book. It was well written, and I do enjoy the characters a LOOOTT. However, I do think (and hope) that in the next book, the story gets deeper and more developed. In my opinion, some parts felt rushed and we didn’t get enough depth into Damien and Sitka.

I liked that the story took place in another state so we could enjoy some new characters. I’m waiting for Dima and Allie. LIKE PLEAASSEEEE 😩🔥, there’s so much chemistry between them... I’m so excited!!

Returning to our couple, I loved that she was a bookworm 📖💗. Also, I found it really sweet the way she told Damien that being dyslexic was nothing bad and that it didn’t mean he was dumb 🥺❤️.

Honestly, I did enjoy and like the story, but I feel like there wasn’t much depth to it, so I’m kind of disappointed about that.

Now, let’s talk about Vitaly and Sasha because those parts had me laughing so hard 😂💀. As always, Vitaly never disappoints. I once said he was THE vibe, and in this book I can totally reaffirm that statement. The way he pulled out the gummies and started eating them as if he didn’t have two guys thinking about killing them all was CRAZY AND FUNNY 🤣🍬.

Annnddd, let’s not forget how Sitka’s brothers were afraid and flinched when Sasha stepped up toward Vitaly. Let me say, that was SOMETHING 😳🔥.

Overall, a good book with solid writing and plot 👍✨.

I cannot wait to read Ev’s book. I’m definitely counting down the days until we get it ⏳💖. I already know I’m going to enjoy and love that one!.

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

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Born into Ruin absolutely stole my heart. Sonja Grey has done it again with another incredible addition to the Devil's Will Rise world, and honestly, this may be one of my favorite books in the series.

I completely fell in love with Sitka and Damien. Sitka's gentle heart and unwavering love for Damien were beautiful to watch unfold. She never saw him as his scars, his struggles, or the weight he carried. She saw him for the man he truly was, and that kind of love hit me right in the feels.

And Damien... whew. This man had me completely wrapped around his finger. He is everything I love in a Bratva hero. Powerful, protective, possessive, and undeniably sexy, but beneath all of that was a sweetness and vulnerability that made him impossible not to adore. Watching him fall for Sitka and open himself up to a future he never thought he could have was incredibly emotional.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts. The tension, the longing, the secret relationship, and the way they loved each other had me turning pages nonstop. And Sonja... the spice in this book was next level. I was not prepared.

What I loved most was that beneath the mafia drama, protective brothers, and touch-her-and-die energy was a deeply emotional love story about acceptance, healing, and finding someone who loves every part of you.

Book 9 did not disappoint in the slightest. I laughed, swooned, got emotional, and fell even deeper in love with this series. If you've been following the Melnikov Legacy, this is an absolute must-read. And if you're new to Sonja Grey, prepare to become obsessed.

An easy 5 stars from me.

[Vania - My Little Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Getting Damien and Sitka's story felt like such a treat and it completely lived up to everything I was hoping for. I have such a soft spot for the Medvedev family and since Volodya is my main man, I was so excited to spend more time in this world. Damien's struggles were written so well and felt incredibly real, which made it easy to connect with him and root for his happiness.

Damien and Sitka were such a fantastic match. They balanced each other perfectly and brought out the best in one another. Sitka was the total package, incredibly sweet, fiercely loyal, and an absolute badass when she needed to be. Their chemistry was undeniable and every scene between them had me completely invested in where their relationship was heading. Their spicy scenes were incredibly hot too.

And can we talk about all the little extras? As always, Bran is a sweetheart and I can't wait for more of him. I am absolutely living for the teasers of Dima and Allie. The tension between those two is completely off the charts and I am counting down the days until Dima falls flat on his face, head over heels for Allie. Also, Ev completely stole so many scenes for me. We've had little glimpses of him before, but I was not prepared for how funny he is. His humour had me laughing more than once and now I need even more of him. Volodya remains king in my eyes, but I am starting to get very concerned about my future because Misha and Yuri seem to be following right in their father's footsteps. If that's the case, boy am I in freaking trouble. 😂

This book had everything I love from Sonja Grey and is another reminder of why I adore this world she's created. Heart, emotion, family, romance, and characters you cannot help but become attached to. Another easy five star read for me.