Cruel Submission: A Russian Mafia Romance

by Lisa Lovell

What destroys you faster?
The man who lies to protect you… or the truth he's hiding?

Six months ago, I flashed the Bratva boss at his own wedding.
Then I went to work under his roof.
It was supposed to be temporary.

It was not.

Now, I’m carrying the pakhan’s baby.
And falling deeper for a man I swore I’d never touch.

Yet there’s a feeling I can’t I’m not the only woman under this roof.
I tell myself I’m imagining it.
Pregnancy hormones. Paranoia. Nothing more.

Then I open the wrong door and everything changes.
Because I'm not staring at another woman.
I'm staring at myself.

But the truth behind that door is only the beginning.
Something darker is coming.
Something that threatens everything we’ve built.
Him. Me. Our baby.

And this time around…
Love won’t be enough to save us.


Welcome to Laurov Bratva!
Cruel Submission is a Russian dark mafia romance, and it is the second book in the Laurov Bratva duo.
For the best experience, read the books in order.
Enjoy! xoxo

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2026

About the author

Hopeless romantic.
Bestselling author (still can't get over this one).
Dark Mafia Romance enthusiast with a vivid fantasy and an urge to write and share her own stories. :-)
Sign up to her mailing list and get a free novella: https://BookHip.com/QANJJGW

Reviews

[Eva ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ‌ · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

1,5⭐️/5
At long last the end is finally here 😀😀

I didn’t thought that I could dislike the MCs more than I did in the first book. But oh how I was wrong about that 💀💀

The FMC was flat out stupid, here I said it ! She was stupid, ridiculous, a doormat, with NO self love whatsoever ! A love deprived girl accepting just about anything because the guy is hot and knows how to satisfy her in bed. The sheer number of time he treated her like shit but she came running back because “look at him, he’s mysterious and suffering, poor him boo fucking hoo “. For someone who was supposed to be strong, who keeps pushing back against unfair situations. She just kept taking everything with a big ass smile, because at least he’s giving her attention right 🥰? Her brain kept melting the farther I was getting in the book, until it was just an Arkady shaped blov. Oh and he just had to trauma dump on her about EVERYTHING he was hiding from her and I guess all is well and good again in the world 🥰. She even agreed to marry him after that dumb way he “proposed”

Don’t worry the MMC was just as bad, I’m not badmouthing on the FMC out of sheer misogyny!! “Look at me, I’m a billionaire who suffered trauma so now I’ll forever be a closed off asshole towards everyone who dare coming too close 😔. Oh and when I finally have a small connection with someone I’ll just keep brushing that girl off like some sort of sh.t stuck under my shoes 😀” He was extremely caricatural as a mafia boss, and the kind of person you hope no one you know will ever be in a relationship with. Because no one deserves this amount of sheer disrespect.

The writing was even worse than in the first book, an achievement in itself 😀

I really wasn’t convinced by the first book but was extremely unimpressed, annoyed by the time I lost whilst reading this one 💀

[Tbascoebuzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment so much more than the first. So much so that it has redeemed my previous negativity of the first installment. The author must’ve found her footing because the drama and the suspense here were well paced. Secrets and mystery added for perfect dramatic timing and effective tense moments. Should you try to predict plot twists you most likely will be wrong. But it was the second rescue scene that stole the show and seals the story. The author perfectly captures the scene, conveying Arkady’s professional and disciplined war plan with precision, combined with a heart stopping reaction from him as he immediately drops into battle mode. Mirabel’s rescue takes priority and within three minutes he not only knows her location and who has taken her, but has a special ops team ready and in place while racing to her rescue. It’s a real nail biter and had my adrenaline racing. That alone was worth the price of this book. Absolutely phenomenal storytelling. There’s a few confusing comments that made me pause and reflect how events played out earlier in the book. For instance; Mirabel is counting her blessings and all the things that Arkady has done for her. One of the things she lists is “he prevented her from being grabbed off the streets and protected her“. The truth is, she WAS grabbed, she WAS kidnapped and thrown into a van, he DID NOT prevent or protect her because he was unaware it was happening. She was within a few hours of being shipped to Dubai never to be heard from again. She escaped on her own saving herself. So adding that into Arkady’s many qualities didn’t add up to actual events in the story. But it didn’t derail my reading nor lessen any enjoyment. It all comes together well with Mirabel realizing she now has a family and Arkady finds a measure of happiness in his broken life. Well done!

[Rachel Dargatz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy Plot Inconsistencies, Batman!! Did FMC’s mom die when FMC was 8? 16? Or 13? Because ALL THREE AGES are mentioned in this duology! And when dad is hospitalized? Oncology magically moves from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor, but he also is still in room 312… And I get you’re apparently a British author who needed to write a story based in America (New York) to capitalize on our terrible healthcare system, so FMC has a reason to work for MMC to pay for her dad’s chemo, but then PLEASE hire an editor to use American English vernacular! (And as MMC has Russian accent, I would have even given—undue—grace if he/Bratva were the only ones… but FMC was the first one I noticed when her roommate “threw a crisp” at her—and there were many more! Lorries, nappies, lifts, etc.) I so wanted to like the story and characters, but these are examples of being YANKED out of the story world that made it impossible to love it. I feel like as an author, your characters’ backstories should feel almost like your own, but this is also the responsibility of your editor. If you used a one, you need someone better (and with the appropriate dialect) for future works. Because they should have caught these (and more) for you.

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that keeps you reading through all the turmoils

This book had so many twists and turns That you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit That you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit together just as they should That you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit together just as they That you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit together just as they should with their faults and That you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit together just as they should with their faults and all But the author wrote it so well that you just couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and they all fit together just as they should with their faults and all. I enjoyed this book to the very end.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the duet for the Laurov Bratva. Arkady and Mirabel certainly go through it all but work the addition of the romance between Yanis and Debra, Mirabel's sister.

Danger, drama and a whole lot of suspense make this a must read in my view. Mirabel had to go through so much to get to her HEA but she does and it is compelling reading.

Arkady is a grumpy teddy bear but shows up when needed. And Mirabel is sharp, smart and definitely curious. But they work so well together.

A fantastic read. Plot exceptional, characters amazing and a book I couldn't put down. So good!!

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book just as much as the first! The chemistry, tension, and emotional depth kept me completely hooked, and I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between the characters grow and become even more intense.

There were plenty of twists and surprises that kept me guessing, and I loved how the story balanced the darker mafia elements with romance and humor. The emotional moments really pulled me in, and I couldn’t put it down. Tissues recommended.

Such a great conclusion to the duet! I’m really glad I had both books ready to read back-to-back because this story definitely kept me invested until the very end. A fantastic duet that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We continue where the first book ended. We have a lot of drama and action throughout this one. The cliffhanger gets tied up and we see growth in both Mirabel and Arkady and their connection. There are new characters entered into the story and goodness is it an interesting connection. The action that occurs throughout the story will have you on the edge of your seat. I was glued to the story and unable to put it down. I absolutely had to find out what happened and how it was you to be concluded. The series was well written and developed as per everything I have read by Lisa Lovell. Absolutely loved this story and it is a a must read.

[Jayne limb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in the laurov bratva duet. I thought the fist book was amazing well this one is absolutely fantastic. Im not gonna spoil too much because it might ruin the ending of the first book. This one had be gripping my kindle so hard i though i was gonna break it. I couldn't put it down because i had to know what happens next its very addictive. I adored this story it was perfect in every way i love the revenge i love the love between the characters and best of all i love how mirabel changes arkady a little bit i loved everything about this story.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great conclusion to the story. Arkady and Mirabel relationship is totally
Put to the test. There’s so many secrets. He tries to protect her by keeping some of the secrets but when she finds out, what will happen. He’s hiding a few things that can change everything.
There’s a woman living in his house that she’s been torturing herself over…blaming herself….thinking she lost her forever. He’s hiding a child in the house as well. She’s hiding her pregnant. This is all a recipe for disaster…or maybe not.
Definitely loved reading this duet. Perfectly written.

[Donna Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed these two books. However one huge inconsistency. Gabriel, Arkady's father was at the wedding of Rosanna and Arkady that was disrupted when Arkady saw Mirabel. He mentioned her and referred to her as the upstart registra. So since he had her identical twin sister Deborah held hostage for six years- how did he not realize Debra had a twin when he saw Mirabel? I LOVED Arkady and how he changed and came to accept the tragedy in his life and move forward in his love for Mirabel and their children. Sorry for the spoilers but worth reading.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Laurov Bratva duet and wow, what an emotional ride it sends you on. Following straight on from the end of Book 1 there are so many twists and turns, danger, drama and suspense, be prepared to keep turning the pages..

The chemistry and steaminess remain strong, the characters grow, there are surprises at every turn and the action stays high.

I would recommend reading this straight after Cruel Obsession as you will find it difficult to put both books down.

[Maryjane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arkady and Mirabel's story is simply awesome! Arkady and Mirabel's story continues and Yanis and Debra's begins. But will they survive Gavriil's rage intact? I'm not giving anything away in this book folks. You simply have to read it for yourselves. You won't be disappointed. This story is wild, crazy, full of action and dangerous. It's also loving, hopeful, sad and full of heartache. What's not to love? It's a definite must read and I highly recommended it. I give it FIVE HUGE STARS.

[Lyssa's Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read this to know what happened after the cliffhanger of the first book. The writing needs a lot of work. Timelines are weird. Scenes end and then pick up days later without any traditional language to tell you what kind of time has passed or how the previous scene wrapped up. And as I stated in my review of the first book, Arkady is a jerk and there really isn’t any actual chemistry between the two MCs…. It’s a very convoluted story.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Laurov Bratva - Book Two.
It is NOT a standalone please read Book 1 first.
This book doesn't let you rest! It keeps you engaged the entire ride. I couldn't put it down.
The chemistry is only better in this book if that were possible. The steam is steamier. The action never let's up. The author has another winner on her hands with this one.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best conclusion to Cruel Obsession.

You would think that Mirabel and Arkady would never be able to reveal their secrets to each other and find happiness, but somehow, they do. And the way is fraught with twist and turns, suspense, truths revealed, and the traitor unveiled.

A tense experience from beginning to end and I was absolutely here for it.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arkady & Mirabel’s conclusion is satisfying. Cannot give too much away but the action continues with no cheating or angst only plenty of drama. There were some questions i feel were either unanswered or overlooked.
The epilogue brings you five years into their future and family updates. Beautiful! There needs to be an audiobook.

[Genoveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately ran to book 2 because that ending in book 1 had my jaw on the floor. As we got to know Mirabel and her family's story, you can help but want them to find peace finally. But this one was wow. When we learn who was involved in Mirabel twin's disappearance HOLY CRAP! Then on top of that we get the progress on the draw to Arkady, that man who at one point you want to punch in the face and in others you want to submit to him, lol.

[Jessica Whittington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Locked doors don’t have to stay that way.

I couldn’t put the book down! I loved how Lisa turned their trauma into something spectacular. Nothing is perfect, but they live their lives to the fullest.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Submission by Lisa Lovell

Whoa. What a brilliant conclusion to an amazing series. If you like mafia romances you are going to love this series. Please go to your local bookstore or library and pick up your copies of Cruel Obsession & Cruel Submission immediately!!

[Susan Mollohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it!!!!

I loved this story. Both books were super great. I loved the supercharged emotion. The pull back and forth. Keeping Mirabel at arms length then pulling her close. Just LOVED it.

[Lydia Gaona · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

This story continues from book 1 and is good! All the twists and turns are amazing and the characters development are fantastic. The storyline is great and I love the epilogue.

[Letti Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Submission

What a trip , from Arkady to Mirable , to Debra , Yansy , and all the characters that made this ending great. So much action, twists , heartache. It was so worth the cliffhanger in the first book. Loved it!

[Fanta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, good Lord did I try to finish this duology, but both MCs are insufferable. The plot had potential, but the execution was poor. I finally had to DNF around 38%.

[Mary Ellen Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Submission

This is better than the first book. Debra was found. Debra was stronger than all of them. She ended the cruelty of their father.

[Dana Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

mafia whirl wind

Good book! Made me laugh! Made me cry in one spot! Mad me mad in a couple other spots! But I enjoyed it all together! Keeps ya in your toes! Haha!