Born into Fire

Devils Will Rise: Melnikov Legacy #10

by Sonja Grey

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 29, 2026

Reviews

[˙⋆☆ Pameee ☆⋆˙]

Andaba de curiosa y YA HAY FECHA DE PUBLICACIÓN AAAAAHHHHHHHHH 🗣️🗣️🗣️

ESA SINOPSIS DIOS MÍO, QUÉ SASHA QUÉ??? 🤓

Yo sé que no será como un enemies to lovers (o quizá sí, quien sabe) pero me da mucho esas vibes así que me intriga saber cómo lo llevará Sonja, no sé pq presiento que puede llegar a ser un tanto distinto a sus libros anteriores ☝️

La autora también puso el árbol genealógico en su página de facebook y OMGGG es una locura, estoy fangirleando un montón *gritito*

Estoy en un debate entre la emoción y las ganas de llorar pq este será el último libro de la serie help 😭😭😭

[Amora]

I want Evgeny in my life as well. He's so sweet, loyal and protective. There's so many Sasha's appearances here and considering he's my favorite I really love it🫶

[Larisa O]

I went into Born into Fire with huge expectations, but the story left me completely cold.

The slow burn was painfully slow, without any real tension, and the supposed chemistry between the characters was basically nonexistent.

Harper didn’t help at all — instead of being a strong, compelling heroine, she turned out intrusive, irritating, and far too obsessed with her article.😤

It took over the entire plot to the point where the relationship between her and Ev felt secondary and underdeveloped. 😔😔

The only parts that truly stood out were the chapters from Sasha’s and Matvey’s perspectives: intense, emotional, and carrying that signature Sonja Grey depth I was hoping for. Unfortunately, the rest of the book just didn’t deliver.

[Emiii Libros]

I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye to the Melnikovs yet. 🥲❤️

From the very beginning, I could tell that Ev’s book had something different about it. He came across as much more mature, serious, and reserved, constantly carrying the weight of trying to be the best lawyer he could be for his family. You can really see how much his family means to him and how hard he tries to carry the responsibility of protecting them and living up to everything they expect from him.

At first, it took me a little longer to connect with the characters than it did in some of the other books in the series, especially because Ev was so removed from the Melnikovs, seeing them in secret and spending so little time with them. And honestly, that broke my heart a little.

But once I finally connected with Ev and Harper… I loved them so much. ❤️

I absolutely loved their dynamic and the way Harper slowly manages to reach that side of Ev that, at first, was so deeply hidden behind all that seriousness and responsibility. I loved watching her become part of his world and seeing how, despite everything that happens between them, their connection keeps growing.

And, of course, I loved the way Harper kept including her dog in her surveillance missions, constantly talking to him. 😂 And the fact that she put Scooby-Doo on TV for him… PLEASE! 🥹😂 I thought that was such an adorable and hilarious little detail that every time it happened, it made me smile.

I also loved seeing right from the beginning that Mia and Dario had adopted two children. It was like putting a little band-aid directly over my heart. 🥹❤️

Of course, there were also moments that absolutely broke me. 🥲

What happened with Sasha completely destroyed me. Seeing her being taken away and having to leave Cyn and the girls behind was heartbreaking. After getting to know all these characters throughout the series, moments like that carry so much more weight because I no longer feel like I’m simply reading about them. I genuinely care so much about what happens to them.

And when Harper discovers who Ev really is and ends up being kidnapped and taken to Ev’s house… UFFFF. 🫠 That whole part had me completely hooked.

And Sveta’s twins… PLEASE! 😂 One of them stealing a cookie to give to his grandfather Vitaly was absolutely adorable to me. It’s those little family moments that make this series so special and have made me grow so attached to all of them.

And then, so close to the end, when Yel showed up to go get Harper, I thought it was beautiful. 🥹❤️ After so many books, seeing them again and watching how they’re still there for one another was one of those moments that made me smile so much.

But then we reached the ending… and that’s where my heart just couldn’t take it anymore. 🥲❤️

Ending with Matvey’s POV was beautiful to me. Seeing them, the original group, together one last time made me cry because I knew the end was finally here, but at the same time, it made me so happy that I had been able to know all of their stories.

And I think that’s exactly why this ending hit me so hard. Because it didn’t feel like I was simply finishing Ev and Harper’s book. It felt like I was closing a chapter that began so many books ago, when they left Moscow and set out on that journey searching for Alina.

Thinking about how we went from that moment to now seeing their families grow, meeting their children, and getting to see them all together one last time… it makes me so incredibly sad. 🥲❤️

This series has made me feel so many things: I’ve laughed, I’ve suffered, I’ve fallen in love with its characters, and I’ve also experienced that very special feeling of being part of a family that started out as a group of characters and, after so many books, ended up feeling so much closer and more real.

I think that’s one of the things I’m going to miss most about the Melnikovs: not just their love stories, but that feeling of coming home every time one of them appeared.

It has been a true pleasure and an honor to get to know every single one of the Melnikovs. ❤️

And even though it breaks my heart to say goodbye to them, I’m also so happy knowing that we’ll still get more from Sonja. ❤️

The Melnikov series will always have the first place in my heart.

Thank you, Sonja, for creating such a wonderful series and for becoming the best author I could have ever discovered. I’m so happy I found your books and that I got to accompany this family throughout their entire journey.

Thank you for all those characters who came to feel so much more real and close to my heart than I ever expected, for all the stories, all the emotions, and for allowing me to be part of this family for so many books.

Congratulations on these wonderful books. ❤️

The Melnikovs will always have a little piece of my heart. 🥹❤️.

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

[Katie Murphy]

And just like that we have the final book in the Melnikov Legacy series😭. I honestly savoured this book as I didn’t want to say goodbye to this chaotic family but Sonja did certainly save the best for last with Evgeny. I think it was only fitting after Matvey and Alina being the conclude of the first generation that their son’s story be the conclusion of the second generation.

If you are up to date on the series you will know that Ev was studying to be a lawyer and because of this he had to keep his family at a distance as being connected to the Melnikov name could damage his chances of becoming a lawyer. But this didn’t mean he cut off his family, he still spent time with them but he had to do this in secret. Evgeny knew what his parents and uncles went through and sacrificed and now he wanted to do his part for the family.

Ev’s book has a time jump where he is now a successful lawyer. He may be ruthless in the courtroom and proving the innocence of those who may not be at times but he still has morals and he refuses a case because well the man on trial, his organisation is linked to an unsavoury aspect that years prior caused his mothers pain and also his father and uncles years of searching so she could be safely returned. Because of Ev’s refusal he certainly created an enemy and this has a ripple impact in which evidence comes to light to have his cousin Sasha arrested and stand trial. Now Ev is facing his most personal and biggest trial yet to prove Sasha’s innocence.

Our FMC, Harper, she is a reporter who is looking to have her big break and she starts off with targeting Ev, which he repeatedly shuts her down. Our FMC is relentless and she won’t give up which leads her to discover a vital piece of information that Ev is connected to the Melnikov bratva. Ev does the only rational thing he can think off and locks her away in his house in an attempt of damage control. Now Ev makes a deal with Harper that if she will keep quiet he will help her with her story on Sasha’s case. He will be her insider information so to speak so that her story will be a success as long as he keeps his family’s name and his connection out of it.

During this forced proximity our characters walls certainly start to come down and the pair open up to one another. On one hand Ev is falling for a woman who he believes would destroy his reputation while Harper is falling for a man linked to a criminal organisation but there is more to this. Harper learns of Ev’s family’s backstory and why he is doing this, he also gives his perspective in to the wider family and while they are organised crime oriented they protect those they love and also try to rid the world of those who would harm those like Ev’s mother Alina.

I loved Harper and Ev’s story. There was a lot of dept to their story and the connection while they both may deny it was impeccable. I loved how Sonja incorporated the time jump into this book as we got to see our previous couples of the legacy series happy with the significant others and families. I may have also shedded a tear in that final chapter. While I’m sad to be saying goodbye to this amazing family I know we will definitely see them again in cross overs.

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

[Trish Hayes]

I was excited to receive an ARC from the author to review. This is the last book in the “Devils Will Rise-Melnikov Legacy” series by the author. I have really enjoyed this series as well as the first generation. I highly recommend reading both series in order as it lends itself to a richer experience, but can be read as a standalone.
The MMC -Evgeny-is living a double life to protect his family, sacrificing his own wants and needs. The FMC-Harper-is an investigative reporter trying to get a big story to move up. And she’s desperate to get something out of the aloof Ev, who refuses to give her the time of day. When Ev’s cousin Sasha is arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, Harper is assigned the story from her boss. She gets a bit too nosy snooping and ends up with an extended stay at Ev’s secure residence. Will their attraction/love overcome her need to break an even bigger story of Ev’s belonging to the Melnikov Bratva?

Virgin MMC (FMC doesn’t know)
Non-virgin FMC

Pros: Evgeny’s selflessness for his family 😭 ❤️ He is such a marshmallow for his nieces and nephews. Getting to see him all grown up as a badass, highly sought after defense attorney. Love the author and this series. Great epilogues at the end to wrap up the series. Loved that it was from Matvey’s perspective as his and Alina’s story was the theme of the first generation and the series ended with their son’s story. And all the original guys having a retirement conversation 🤣 Other family members from the series are also a part of this book, great to see them make an appearance. Seeing Sasha as a girl dad was the best! Yelena being the best big sister and not letting Ev throw away happiness made me so happy.

Cons: I feel like Harper, the FMC, needed a little more back story, although maybe hard to add too much more to the book. I really did not like her at first but she kind of grew on me, especially her love of her dog Watson. Some loose ends left for me that could be developed into additional stories…which I would be happy about…but also ok to leave it where it is.

Overall: Loved this book from one of my favorite authors! Definitely going in my comfort read rotation.

[Luján Portillo]

Review of advance copy received from Author
We’ve reached the end of one of the best series from our beloved Sonja Grey, and words simply wouldn’t do justice to how beautiful this book was.

The maturity Ev gains as time goes by is truly beautiful to witness. His desire to love Harper is genuine, but what really touched me was seeing the deep love he has for his family and how he is capable of putting them before even his own happiness.

Harper’s unique and genuine personality, and the way she involves Watson in absolutely everything, were some of the most entertaining things to read.

I also loved seeing Sasha and Cyn’s love through Harper’s perspective, which added an extra layer of warmth to the story.

Vitaly, as always, brings the joy and humor that define him, and once again, Sonja manages to show us that whenever things get serious, he stops joking and stops eating. It’s such a small detail, but it reminds us that he is still the same Vitaly we’ve always known and loved.

One of the most emotional moments was the way Ev describes the love between Matvey and Alina, looking up to his father as an example to follow. It’s such a beautiful reminder that, despite all the suffering they went through, they managed to build a wonderful family — and, above all, that trauma and the past don’t have to define the present or the future.

A story that beautifully blends tenderness, humor, and personal growth. 💖

Thank you to our beloved Sonja for such a beautiful conclusion. I honestly wish she could continue with a third generation 😂 (I definitely can never get enough of my beloved Melnikov family).

[Jeshu]

This is one of those books you wish would never end. I tried to read it slowly, but it was impossible—I simply couldn't stop reading until I finished it, and honestly, it destroyed me in the best possible way. 😭

Evgeny was everything I had always imagined for him. I couldn't have asked for anything more for him. Harper was perfect for him; she was exactly what he had always needed. I'm so incredibly happy with how their story ended.

This series has been such a special journey for me, and saying goodbye to these characters feels so bittersweet. I still can't believe this is the tenth and final book in the series. I have so many mixed feelings. I'm going to miss the Melnikovs so, so much! 😭❤️‍🩹.

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

[Kellyythoralabatalla]

TENGO MIEDO, LA VERDAD 😮‍💨😭🫠😵‍💫 Quería llegar a este último libro pero no quiero dejar de leerlos. Espero que me guste como me han gustado casi todos los libros 🥹 estoy nerviosa

[Lucia]

Ev’s story has arrived, bringing with it the conclusion of the second generation a moment filled with a whirlwind of emotions but here we go, Ev has always had his life in order nothing has managed to disrupt the routine he built around his work, all while keeping his true identity hidden to protect his family and always being there for them even if it meant keeping a part of himself under wraps but everything changes when a reporter infiltrates his life, and from that moment on, nothing will ever be the same.

Harper has built her entire professional life on landing stories, following the instinct that tells her when she’s facing a scoop that could become the big break of her career and it is precisely that instinct that draws her deeper and deeper into Ev’s life.

The two of them were pure dynamite; the connection was there from their very first meeting and grew steadily over time, Ev wary of Harper’s profession, forced himself to keep her at a distance even though part of him wanted to let go and give in like never before while Harper sensed something was going on, her instincts telling her there was a much bigger story waiting to be told.

When complications arise, Ev and Harper find themselves forced together practically 24/7, inevitably leading to Ev’s secret coming to light, honestly I can’t blame him for spiraling; he was carrying a massive burden, not only did he have to protect his family and keep his identity under wraps, but he also had to help Sasha who this time around had been framed for a crime he didn’t commit. You know how it is , things between Ev and Harper were far from easy; when she discovered the whole truth, she was terrified, yet she sensed there was more to the story that things weren't simply black and white and that behind everything Ev had revealed lay a man she was slowly beginning to truly know.

Their feelings deepened until the boundaries they had tried so hard to maintain finally crumbled; the tension exploded and they both gave in to what they had long denied themselves even though they were still afraid of what those feelings might unleash and how they could jeopardize the structured life Ev had built over so many years.

It was painful to watch him retreat into himself again, putting up the walls that had always served as his defense mechanism yet with Harper he found moments of freedom. They managed to create a little bubble of fleeting happiness, though the reality of the situation was bound to catch up with them eventually and I have to admit, it hurt, because I could perfectly understand both of them.

Harper wanted to shine; she wanted to take the next step in her career and land the story that could change everything. Yet, she knew that telling it might mean sacrificing Ev, for the first time in her life, she had to choose between the man who had found his way into her heart and her professional future.

As for Ev that stubborn man he did what he knew best he shut down, rebuilt the walls that had protected him from the start and forced himself to keep his feelings in check. In the end however Harper realized that some things are meant to remain secret; she embraced everything Ev could offer, accepted every facet of who he was and allowed herself to trust him completely.

And Ev finally found his other half I won't deny it, it was so much fun watching that man slowly fall for his woman. Because, yes, when a Melnikov falls in love, his whole world turns upside down and no matter how hard our stubborn Ev tried to resist, Harper’s own stubbornness, her tenacity and her unique personality finally managed to completely break down his defenses.

They both managed to overcome every obstacle and reach a point of total mutual trust and wow this book was special it stirred up a real whirlwind of emotions in me. It wasn't easy to finish because, honestly, a part of me didn't want it to end, yet the story had me so hooked that I couldn't help but see it through to the finish.

I absolutely loved how their relationship unfolded the charged tension between them, the internal struggles they faced and all those moments where it seemed their own fears might tear them apart, but in the end, it was all worth it.

So, this is the end but this family has earned every moment of happiness they’ve found after everything they’ve been through; they truly deserve this ending.

Matvey, Danil, Roman, Lev, and Vitaly it all started with you and you’ll always hold a place in my heart. It was hard saying goodbye to you all in the first generation but your children made it all worthwhile. The kids have grown up and with them comes a third generation that promises to turn the world upside down.

I won't lie our five men have so many grandchildren that I sometimes got lost in the family tree. But even amidst all that family chaos it was beautiful to watch this story grow from generation to generation.

I know the Melnikov saga has come to an end but I also know Sonja has new books in store for us books I’ll undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

P.S.: You’ll understand when you read the book but I’ll just say this Sasha gave the police one last "FUCK YOU" with that scene one that, without a doubt, had me cracking up 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Roxana Bricioc]

★★★★★

Well… this is it. The end of an era. And I’m absolutely NOT ready. 😭

This series started with five broke boys in Moscow trying to locate Alina, but underneath that story, I think the real thread running through the entire series was always Matvey’s. And I absolutely loved that the epilogue was written from his POV. It felt like such a fitting way to bring everything full circle and close the door on this part of the story.

We started with five broke boys in Moscow, and now, after all these books, we’ve watched them build families of their own, become fathers, and eventually grandparents as the second generation grew up and found their own HEAs. There’s something incredibly special about having been there for that entire journey. And now we’re at the end of it, and I’m definitely feeling all the feelings.

Sasha may not have been the main character, but he has always been such an important part of this world, so seeing him as a father and back with his family was honestly so lovely. After everything his family went through when he was arrested, I’m just so glad we got to see him back where he belongs. And Reese wearing his hoodies just to feel a little closer to him while he was gone? That absolutely broke me. His whole arrest and everything his family went through during that time had me crying rivers. 😭

And then we have Ev and Harper. ❤️

Their story was beautifully written, and I absolutely loved them together. They just work. A defence attorney and an investigative reporter being a match made in heaven? Who knew?! 😂 They complement each other so well, and I’m genuinely happy they got their HEA.

I also loved Harper’s determination to get answers from Ev. The attraction between them was clearly there from the start, but Harper wasn’t about to let that distract her from what she was trying to uncover. Watching her keep pushing while Ev tried to keep his secrets had me thoroughly entertained. 😂 And honestly, Ev simply stood no chance against her.

There was also a little bit of Jolene’s energy in Harper, which I absolutely loved. Just enough of that “I’m going to get the answers I came for” attitude.

But Ev’s situation was heartbreaking. Not because he gives up his closeness with his family, because he doesn’t. He still has them and loves them deeply; he just has to hide that connection and keep his distance publicly for their protection. Knowing how close the Melnikovs are makes that sacrifice incredibly painful to read. 💔

This whole story was amazing, but it was also incredibly bittersweet. There were parts that genuinely made me cry, partly because of what was happening on the page and partly because I knew I was reading the end.

And I’m just… not ready to say goodbye.

Sonja Grey really did Ev and the entire Melnikov family justice. She gave us characters we could become ridiculously attached to, put them through hell, gave them their HEAs, and somehow made this entire journey feel like watching a family grow across generations.

From five broke boys in Moscow to the family we see now… what a journey. ❤️

I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Melinkovs just yet. I’ll simply be over here pretending they’re still somewhere causing chaos.

Thank you, Sonja Grey, for the heartbreak, the happy moments, the tears, and this whole beautiful, messy family. 😭❤️.

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

[Sophie]

Having discovered this series right after Luka's was published, I have been impatiently waiting for the next release of each book since.

To be honest, I still don't know how to feel about this addition. One of the main issues I had was that I just didn't love Harper. I had mixed feelings about her throughout, and even now I am not sure about her. I didn't hate her, but she was definitely my least favorite female lead in the series(although the standards were high, I absolutely loved all the others). I am trying to not let the fact that dual virgins is my absolute favorite trope impact how I feel towards her, but I think that definitely is playing a role. I also didn't love how conflicted she was about whether she should expose Ev to further her career, or keep his secret and be with him. I love a predictable, drama-free romance, and I didn't love that the main conflict was the idea that Harper might expose him for personal gain (especially when Ev was the obvious choice).

Going into this, I knew that Ev was a bit more distant from the rest of the family due to him keeping his identity hidden, but I still missed the family. I love seeing them all together.

I also didn't love the plot point of Sasha being arrested for a murder he didn't commit. I am not quite sure why, but something about law enforcement erasing evidence of the real murderer just to get Sasha arrested threw me off.

The last thing that I am unsure about is the time jump. The previous nine books happen in quick succession, whereas this one takes place years later. This one takes place eight years after Damien's. It feels like we missed way too much. Aside from the family tree and a quick mention, the fact that Mia and Dario have children is barely touched upon. Almost every couple from the previous books now has three children(Mia has two, Sasha has four). Aside from Veya, these children are barely featured; they just seem to be names on a family tree. We don't really get to meet any of them. For someone reading this as a standalone, I am sure that this is fine; twenty-seven children is a lot to keep track of. But, having been here from the beginning, I was missing the family dynamic that was so present in the previous books.

I think for the last book, I was expecting more of a conclusion. I know that this is technically a standalone, but for some reason I expected the family to play a bigger role in the story; out of all the books in the series, they seemed to be the least present in this one.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I felt it was the weakest of the series. I hope that there is more of a conclusion in the bonus content.

Safety:
Virgin MMC
Non-virgin FMC(but does not sleep around)
Mentions of murder
Mentions of sex trafficking.

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

[Ashlie Logue]

“People of the State of New York versus Sasha Melnikov. Court is now in session."

The perfect ending for this amazing series. Wow. I loved this arc and the entire Melnikov Bratva series so much that it's hard to put into words. This book - the FINAL BOOK of the series - had me feeling ALL the feels. It is so bittersweet to be saying goodbye to the Melnikov family, and I will probably be an emotional wreck for at least the next week.

Ev would do anything to protect his family, even at the expense of his own happiness.

Harper is a tenacious investigative journalist convinced that Ev will be her next big story. She notices things that other journalists miss, and her instincts are spot on.

Ev and Harper just... work. You believe them as a couple as you read this story. Their personalities fit, the chemistry is there, and you'll be rooting for their Happily Ever After from the moment they meet.

Unlike the rest of the series, this book doesn't actually have much to do with the Bratva at all. Rather, we explore Ev's life as a defense attorney hiding his identity as a member of the Melnikov Bratva.

It was really incredible to see the Melnikov family from the side of the law and reporters. Hearing them talk about the Melnikov's like they know they're criminals but can't get them on anything really rounded out the whole series for me.

Sasha being a girl dad is * E V E R Y T H I N G *

I loved getting more of Sasha in this book. Sasha being rude to the cops was SO GOOD.

But also Sasha and Cyn's heartbreak over being apart was so GUT WRENCHING I don't think I'll ever fully recover. And his daughters missing their daddy; all of this put so much pressure on Ev to fix everything, and I could feel the weight on his shoulders throughout the whole book.

Epilogue Two was the resolution I didn't know I needed. We end how we started - with the original Melnikov brothers. Brothers in blood, in life, and in death. Brothers by choice. The found family that started this whole business and did a damn good job at it.

If you haven't read the entire Melnikov series starting with Paved in Blood -- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? You have to meet this family and fall in love with the fierce, ruthless criminals who are big softies for their women and families. You won't regret it!

[Sienna Green]

Wow. I have been following this series since very early on in the Melnikov’s stories and every single one of Sonja’s books have been incredible. Ev’s story is unlike the other books that are in the series because he’s cemented himself as a defence attorney and distanced himself from the Bratva for their protection. So it was such an interesting way for us to see his world without it being in the way we are used to. I loved Harper. She is humorous, stands on her own two feet and curious. The fact that she’s an investigative journalist was honestly hilarious and pretty perfect. It was love at first sight but not in the way the previous Melnikov men have experienced it and seeing the dilemma in Ev’s head between family and the life he wants, but is not sure he can have, is written wonderfully. Sonja has an incredible talent at writing these characters and I really loved the fact that Harper was afraid but went after her heart. You can see the sacrifices both make to choose to be together. Of course seeing the rest of the Melnikov family was amazing too. The book is set in the future so you get to see ALL of the kids. It was really cool to see how many kids everyone had and what that had started to be like. Sasha’s family with 4 girls is beautiful and seeing a glimpse into his pov and being a dad is exactly what Sonja’s readers want. The book somehow managed to flesh out Ev and Harper’s story all at the same as telling readers where everyone is in their own lives. The forced proximity, the constant push and pull and of course the moments where they choose eachother. It’s a MUST READ especially to close off this series. I know we will get a few additional character stories and then we’ll see glimpses of the Melnikov’s in the Medvedev series but wow oh wow, was this special. I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say I loved the fact that the final chapter ends from Matvey’s pov. It felt like their whole family was now complete and perfect. I read this within 6 hours because I was so excited and now that it’s over, all I can say is, thank you to Sonja for creating these characters, this world, and telling these stories. I am forever in awe of her writing making me feel a whole spectrum of emotions. 5*’s all around!!!!!!!!

[Gabriela OM]

I cried so much starting with that first family gathering in the opening chapter—hahaha!

This book marks the end of an era—a saga that saw me through some personally very tough years, with the Melinkov family right there by my side. And what a way to wrap it all up: with Ev.

This story highlights how family comes first; the support they show one another is exactly why you fall in love with the characters and relate to them so deeply.

Ev is someone who sacrificed his place in the Bratva and feels a sense of indebtedness for not being part of it, even though no one actually demands anything of him. And I love Harper—hahaha—she’s someone who puts things first without hesitation, yet never loses sight of her own career and future.

It’s beautiful to close out this entire world with Ev—someone who fights for his family just as fiercely as Matevy does. Thank you, Sonja, for creating such a great mafia world (:
-----------------❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹
Como lloré desde la primera reunión familiar, que está en el primer capítulo jajajajajaja

Este libro es el fin de una era, de una saga que ha marcado, en lo personal unos años bastante duros y que toda la familia Melinkov estuvo conmigo y qué manera se cerrar esta saga que con Ev.

Esta historia marca el como la familia es primero, el soporte que hay entre ellos hace que por eso ames a los personajes y que te sientas identificado con ellos.

Ev, es una persona que ha sacrificado el no estar en la Bratva y siente que le debe a todos el no estar; sin embargo nadie le exige nada. Harper la amo jajaja es una persona que pone ante todo sin sentir pero son dejar de lado su carrera y su futuro.

Que bonito cerrar todo este mundo con Ev, con alguien que lucha por su familia igual que Matevy. Gracias Sonja por crear un mundo de mafiosos mejor (:

[Heather]

ARC Review:

I’m honestly so sad that the Melnikov series has come to an end. Both Melnikov series (Paved & Born) have been favorites of mine, and I truly think Ev’s story was the perfect way to bring it all to a close.

The 8 year time jump was perfect. It gave us the chance to see Ev become the absolute badass Defense Attorney I knew he would be, while still allowing Sonja to sprinkle in little pieces of what’s happened with the rest of the Melnikov family over the years since Damien’s book. It made the story feel like we were catching up with characters we already love rather than starting over.

I wasn’t completely sure how I was going to feel about Harper and Ev’s story, especially with Harper being a journalist, but as usual, Sonja’s storytelling pulled me in and kept me there. I loved watching their story unfold, and I definitely had some feelings along the way.

One of my favorite parts was getting to see more of Matvey and Alina. You can just feel how much they (and honestly the rest of the family) want Ev to be happy. And Matvey getting the final epilogue? 🥹 I honestly couldn’t have imagined a more perfect ending to the series.

I want to say SO much more because there are definitely things I’d love to gush about, but I refuse to spoil this for anyone. So instead, I’m just going to say: READ THE BOOK!

And Sonja… I’m still holding out hope that the Melnikovs might pop up again someday. Maybe another pairing with the Medvedev family???

And OMG… SASHA BEING A GIRL DAD. 🥹❤️ That is all.

Thank you Sonja for giving us these families and these stories. Saying goodbye to the Melnikovs is definitely bittersweet, but Born Into Fire was exactly the ending this series deserved. ❤️‍🔥

[Jess]

I can't believe this series has come to an end. I have fallen in love with the Melnikov family and this book was the perfect farewell. I love how we get to see the couples from the previous books in this series a few years down the track with established families.

Harper is an FMC I can really get behind, I loved her curiosity, humour, and candor. I can relate to how easily she gives in and spoils her pet. She tended to fly by the seat of her pants and throw caution to the wind when it came to getting the scoop on Evgeny, and her awkwardness when she would inevitably get caught made for some really cute interactions.

Up until the previous instalment to this series (Damien & Sitka's story), Evgeny had been a bit of an elusive character. It was really nice to get to properly know him and unlock the last piece of the Melnikov family puzzle. I enjoyed watching his walls slowly get broken down as he fell for Harper. We got to see more of a playful side to him through his flirtation and banter, but he has that loyalty to his family and the woman he loves that all Melnikov men do.

There was definitely a bit of angst surrounding Sasha's court case and the hurdles that both MC's professions posed to their relationship, but for me it was still an easy, comforting read.

It's bitter-sweet knowing this is the last book for this series, but I'm looking on the bright side and remembering that we're one step closer to hopefully getting Bran Medvedev's book.


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

[Maria]

Sonja girl you did it again !
I have read all of this amazing author’s books and she end this great journey the best way ! I went through so many emotions with this book being the last one. I love how you made Evs story line with Harper ! I love seeing the whole family included!
I love how you gave Ev a great happy ending. He worked so hard to not be connect to the bratva, hiding who he was and the way he’s future wifey was a journalist seeking the truth of him was icing on the cake ! I love how he came to realize the couldn’t live without her and couldn’t hide anymore. I love how she understood him and realized sometime exposing the truth isn’t all there is.
Sasha is one of my top favorites and seeing him and Cindy in this book was the best ! I always love how he talks and how he acts with his wife and four girls. I mostly lie the police room where he need 20 mins with this wife after being released !!!!
I especially like how you can visualize what you’re reading. You do a fantastic job writing and giving us just what we need.

I love how Matvey is how this ends with. I love reading the epilogue from his point of view.

Hopefully we see another generation of Melnikov books !
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your new book ! Can’t wait to see what you write next !.

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

[Sydney Heckart]

So ja has done it again! Such an amazing end of an era.

Being able to read and finish this book is so bittersweet. This book was so wonderful and such a great end to the series, but I’m so sad that the series has concluded 😭

Ev’s book was everything I had hoped for. I was so excited for him to finally get his happy ever after. His parents are so in love and all of his family love their partners so much. It was hard seeing him struggle with that and feeling so alone in his separate life. I understand why he had to live separately from his family, for their protection, but it didn’t make it any easier to read. But don’t fret because Ev finally meets his match. I’m relieved that Harper wasn’t a pushover and tried to make her independence very clear to him. She had goals that she stuck to and didn’t waver on them. I do wish we could have seen a bit more dialogue from her showing development of deeper feelings of love for Ev. But that is just me being a bit nit picky- it in no way makes me rate this book any less than 5 ⭐️

And having Matvey’s POV be the final chapter to the book was *chef’s kiss*. We came full circle and it was so heartwarming and satisfying.

And even though this is the end of the Melnikov Legacy series, Sonja has stated that she plans to release a Medvedev Legacy series next. I can’t freaking wait!!!😍 I’m so excited for the Medvedev kids to get their stories and especially my baby Bran to get his HEA ❤️

[Shawna]

I was given an ARC copy of Born Into Fire via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review!
That being said, thank you, Sonja Grey, for writing such amazing characters and stories! From the very beginning of this series to the end, I have absolutely loved every member of this family. ❤️
This book was such a great way to wrap up Chapters 1 and 2, but I’m really hoping we get a Chapter 3 with the next generation of this family! 🤞
By the end of this book, I felt like I was watching the finale of a TV show where all the memories start flashing across the screen…the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. It definitely gave me that bittersweet “I can’t believe it’s over” feeling.
I loved Ev and his entire story, especially watching him fall for the most unlikely person. And I LOVED getting to see things from Sasha’s point of view again! (He’s my favorite 🥰)
The only reason this was a 4⭐️ read for me instead of a 5⭐️ was because I wish something a little more dramatic had happened. Parts of the ending felt a little rushed, and I was left with a few unanswered questions. But maybe that was intentional and those loose ends are leaving the door open for another series? 👀 Because I definitely wouldn’t complain!
Overall, I loved every minute I got to spend in this world and with this family. I’m so sad to say goodbye to them, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this isn’t actually the end! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[Sam]

5 ⭐️/2 🌶️

WHAT. A. RIDE! 🙌🏼
I’ve been a die-hard Sonja fan since she released her very first book and this series is the perfect example of why I love her stories so much! As sad as I am that we’re officially done with the Melnikov family, this book made me SO incredibly happy 🥹

We have a funny, badass reporter FMC and a grumpy, badass lawyer MMC. The chemistry between Ev and Harper was EVERYTHING! 🔥 Their interactions had me smiling like an idiot, but Harper’s inner monologue?! GIRL. I was giggling throughout the book, especially during her interactions with Watson. She is such a freaking delight and I loved every second of her personality! 💕

What made this book so special was the perfect balance of romance, suspense and all those heart-throbbing moments. We got an amazing love story while still having a suspenseful plot that kept me invested. Because let’s be real… WE ALL LOVE SASHA 🔪

Every time the Melnikov family showed up, my heart was so full! We also got to meet all the new kiddos and spend more time with the Melnikov family, which made this such an emotional experience. There’s something so special about being part of a family’s journey from the very first book, watching their stories unfold and getting to see where they end up. I’m sad to close this chapter, but I’m also so, so happy that I got to experience this entire journey 🥹

I cannot WAIT to see what she writes next! 😅

Tropes: bratva romance, mafia lawyer x journalist

[Mags]

This one broke me a little. Our wee Ev the last Melnikov standing. I know we’ll still see them sometimes in the Medvedev and Alessi books but it won’t be the same.

As much as I love Ev & Harper oh and can’t forget Watson. I loved the way that Harper finds out Ev’s secret. I genuinely didn’t think it was going to be like that. I loved how Yelena stepped in to help especially with how close the 2 of them are. It was super sweet especially when she knew what could happen to her brother and the family.

I also loved that the side story was Sasha. It was fairly obvious if anyone was gonna need defended it was going to be him. The fact that they can’t use his real alibi was funny.

I really wanted Harper’s reaction to finding out that she married the Melnikov and get the Alessi mafia and Medvedev Bratva for free.

The only downside for me is I would have loved a little more with Mia and Dario and how the Nico and Dani thing came about. I love it for them but it doesn’t sound like something the Mia from 8 years ago would have done so what changed?

Then Matvey’s epilogue. The full circle of it started with the five of them it was fitting that it ends with them. As much as a 3rd generation series would be amazing the original guys would be 60’s / 70’s and I would be devastated if anything happened to them. Just leave them in their retirement with the families

[Lu]

Por dios no puedo creer que ya sea el último libro de esta saga tan hermosa.
Me acuerdo de cuando empecé a leer los primeros libros de paved in y quede completamente enamorada de esta familia. Poder leer uno a uno las historias de sus hijos fue realmente maravilloso. Reímos, sufrimos y lloramos con cada uno de ellos.
Born into fire fue también una montaña rusa de emociones. Siempre supe que Ev tenía un alma hermosa y lo demostró sacrificando toda su vida y su felicidad para poder proteger a su familia. Harper por otro lado me cayó un poco mal al principio, entiendo que ella estaba en una situación muy complicada, sin embargo considero que tardó mucho tiempo en dejar de lado los prejuicios y confiar en ev, lastimándolo en el proceso aunque ella ya lo amaba y él a ella. Pero el dicho dice si amas algo déjalo ir y si regresa a tí es tuyo, y es exactamente lo que ev hizo arriesgándolo todo. La dejó ir, y con la ayuda de yel, harper pudo entrar en razón y luchar contra todos su prejuicios y miedos para poder estar con ev.
El último epílogo me sacó un mar de lágrimas, los 5 hermanos reunidos luego de toda una vida de aventuras disfrutando de todo lo que lograron, sus esposas, sus hijos ,sus nietos y el amor de todas las lectoras.
Espero que esta no sea la última vez que escuchemos de esta familia, pero por el momento se merecían su final feliz.

[Julia Müller]

Born into Fire, the final installment in the Melnikov Legacy series, delivers a captivating romantic suspense story that seamlessly weaves together popular tropes like forced proximity, secret identity, and opposites attract.

​What it’s about:

Ambitious journalist Harper Reed smells the story of a lifetime when Sasha Melnikov is arrested for murder. In search of answers, she crosses paths with his brilliant but secretive attorney, Evgeny Nikitin. What she doesn't realize is that Evgeny is a Melnikov himself, guarding a dangerous truth that could ruin everything he has built. When Harper uncovers his secret, Evgeny can’t afford to let her walk away. Forced together, their rivalry quickly spirals into an explosive attraction—forcing Harper to choose between the story that could make her career and the man she’s falling for.

​The Verdict:

The book hits all the right notes with a balance of dark mafia intrigue, high-stakes suspense, and intense chemistry. Evgeny embodies the ultimate protective, "touch-her-and-die" hero, while Harper shines as a determined, sharp protagonist who holds her own.

​Even though this is the tenth and final book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone. If you love morally grey heroes, forbidden romance, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this is a must-read.

​Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

[$]

No words literally i have zero words.
These two were amazing, i loved everything it was just perfect everything was perfect. No complaints js my opinion i thought it could have been longer and see them more fall in love with each other but everything is good at the end we got to see them together but i would have loved to see more deeper parts and pieces of them and how they felt for each other, but all is good.
And the ending….
That was perfection literally what was that. It was like look where we started and look where we are now, how much they had achieved and how proud they were. Am soooo sad its come to an end i have been here from the start followed every book and had patience to wait for new books to come. Ev’s book has been on my mind for months i have been thinking when it would have come out and i was soo happy to finally see and read his book, it did not disappoint. This family’s books never disappoint once i loved all the books and i did not miss the end saying a new book was coming🤭. I have a feeling what family and books are gonna come next. They’re kinda making me positive rn or i would cry knowing this universe would end but hopefully the next books are what i think they are. To everyone and every character i have fallen in love with throughout this series.❤️

[Natalie Cole]

Evgeny's arc as a defense attorney was genuinely well done — the maturity and confidence he brings to a high-stakes case involving his own family gave the book real weight. Just as compelling was the internal conflict he carries throughout: torn between his growing feelings for FMC Harper and the need to protect his family by keeping a major part of his identity hidden. That selflessness made for some truly heartbreaking moments.

The title Born into Fire isn't spelled out directly, but it seems to reflect how the pain his parents carried became a burden Evgeny inherited — the sacrifices he's had to make over the years to keep his double life hidden clearly came at a steep personal cost. The author handled that emotional throughline really movingly.

My one disappointment was the plot itself felt like it could have gone deeper. There were threads from earlier in the series that felt ripe for a more developed tie-in or resolution, and I think there was a real opportunity here to weave in more of the broader ongoing storyline in a more substantial way. It felt like a missed chance for something more layered.

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

[K. Soleil]

I just finished Born into Fire, and I loved every minute of it! Sonja Grey gave the Melnikov series a finale that brought together everything I’ve loved about this family.

Adult Ev was such a compelling character! He's ruthless in the courtroom, yet loving with his family. I can't imagine how hard it is for him to change his last name in order to keep his connection to his family/ Bratva hidden so he could be the lawyer they needed. Then there's Harper, the ambitious young journalist chasing a story, that comes into his life and throws everything off balance. I loved watching them fall for each other, and the way Ev cared for her dog, Watson, made me love him even more! Watson is EVERYTHING!

Seeing all the Melnikovs again felt like a family reunion. Vitaly was as hilarious as ever, and seeing Sasha as a father to four little girls was soooo special. The way he parented them reminded me of how Lev raised him and understood his unique urges. I also laughed at Ev still calling Damian Pop-Tart!

Born into Fire was a wonderful ending to a series I’m already looking forward to rereading. The book and the entire series are a 10/10 for me!

[Lynnie]

It was very hard to put the book down once I started reading. The story is very captivating and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Evgeny is a very interresting MMC and him and Harper have a very nice alchemy. She is fun, stubborn and a very pleasant FMC with a personnality.

I really like the text exchanges that show the love they all have for each other and the familial interractions. I laughed at the Sasha's Chrismas prank, cry with Cyn in court. I really enjoy my time reading and all the side characters...... except maybe Reese, she scare the leaving crap of me (who am I kidding, I would love to see her story one day, I bet it would be one hell of a ride, for us readers, and for her father)


I loved to see all the characters years after their stories and I'm painfully curious about the children of Mia and Dario (I'm biased, they are my absolute favorites of the Melnikov Legacy series) and about Niki's deal with agent Jackson and I really hope to have the answer of this mystery.

It was the perfect goodbye for this serie and I'm very curious about what will follow.

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

[Silvia Cristina]

I’ve just finished reading this wonderful story about Ev and Harper. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Ev, who sacrificed so much for his family. Ev wears the mask of a successful lawyer and a jerk... letting no one get close to his true self. That is, until Harper comes along—a curious journalist with sarcastic remarks that make you laugh. It took effort for her to break through to Ev, but once she did, he couldn't help falling for her... even when it meant risking everything. Harper begins to see the man behind the mask—beyond the lawyer and the Bratva member—and falls in love with him; this creates a conflict between her sense of duty as a journalist and the love she feels for Ev. The twist in this beautiful story is Sasha, a character who had already won the hearts of us Melnikov fans. He is in prison, and witnessing his and Cyn’s suffering is heartbreaking. But then there’s Ev, who is determined to do the impossible to keep his cousin from going to trial. It is a story rich in nuance, where love, loyalty, and sacrifice combine to make it one of Sonja’s best books. I give it a 5/5.

[Anca]

​As a longtime fan of Sonja's work, this book is a prime example of why I adore her writing so much. It’s definitely bittersweet to say goodbye to the Melnikov family, but this final chapter left me so genuinely happy.

​The dynamic between the main characters is fantastic. We get a witty, badass reporter for our FMC and a total badass, grumpy lawyer for our MMC. The chemistry between Ev and Harper is off the charts! Harper’s inner monologue had me laughing out loud the entire time.

​What makes this conclusion so special is how seamlessly it balances heart-pounding suspense with deeply romantic, tender moments. You get a thrilling plot that keeps you hooked, alongside a love story that completely steals your heart (plus, who doesn't adore Sasha?).

​Seeing the entire Melnikov family back together, meeting the new kids, and following their complete journey from start to finish made this such a warm, emotional experience. It’s tough to wrap up a series you love, but seeing where everyone ended up was so satisfying.

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