Crown

by Michelle St. James

Kira Baranov always wanted to be leader of the bratva. But not like this.

Marrying Lyonya Antonov was a business decision — until she fell in love. Now Lyon’s been taken prisoner by a shadowy enemy, and Kira must orchestrate a rescue to save the man she loves.

Lyon Antonov swore he’d do anything to protect Kira and their unborn child.

Then an army of deadly Russian criminals took him prisoner. Beaten and bloodied, he thinks only of escape — and revenge against those who dared to separate him from the beautiful, maddening woman who has become his world.

But escaping his Russian captors is just the beginning. Leaving a trail of bodies in his wake, Lyon discovers someone else has been pulling the strings all along.

Now he and Kira have to choose: the empire they’ve sacrificed to control — or the love of a lifetime?

Genres: Dark, Suspense

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Michelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.

She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.

Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.

Reviews

[NewRomantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest plot hole I have EVER read in a book is here in this book! They killed Ivan in the 3rd book and then in this last book he is back as if that thing never happened!!! No explanation or whatsoever about if or how he escaped!!! Wtf dude!!??? The whole plot of the 3rd book came to the point of Ivan's death and then he isn't dead anymore in this book!!??????????? Are u mad or what????

PS if I have nothing good to say I don't say it but this time I just couldn't.

[Milane Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just have one question: Wasn’t Ivan supposed to assassinated in the book before or was that a different Ivan??? Because if it wasn’t more than blatant he was traitor he literally came forward in the book before and showed himself

[The Mythical Bookshelf]

Rating and review coming soon!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 books in series Conquer, Captive, Claim, Crown. H Lyonya Antonov, & h Kira Baronov. Marriage of Convenience. Kira daughter of Victor Baronov Paskin of Chicago Bravia ( American Russian Mafia). Lyonya Antanov new Paskin after marrying Kira. Rival Briggadier Musa Sheviak challenges Lyon wanting to be Paskin. Ivan a Spie who governs the Bravia working under the Paskin has been secretly guiding Lyon and Musa playing them against each other. He plays chess with the long game that he becomes Paskin of the Chicago Bravta. Lyons mother comes over from Russia and Lyon finds out she owns all these properties in various countries. He meets with the Syndicate Nicola Vitali, and Ronan Murphy syndicate Chicago boss and they give him access to information from their super computers ( hackers ) that find out a very powerful Russian former FSB agent close to the Russian President really owns these properties. They find out through another Russian spy that Russia is planning to take over the American Bravta’s starting with Chicago. Lyon has to eliminate Musa and Ivan his two enemies. He asks the New York Bravta’s son Roman to help him get Ivan. They fail in killing him. Ivan recovers. He asks Murphy to help with Musa and they succeed. Kira and Lyon renew their vows after he finds out she is expecting their daughter Katerina. After they renewed their vows they were attacked by the Russian Mafia at their new home. Lyon was kidnapped and tortured for info on their operations. They broke him but he didn’t give out the info. Kira with Alex, Rurik and Malik were running the show and trying to find Lyon. After five weeks they found him and rescued him. They found and eliminated the father and son Russian Mafia. Everything was fine for two weeks and then all their businesses were targeted one by one. Ivan was behind it. They finally figured out his long game. Takeover and eliminate all the threats. Lyon shot him in the head. Finally there will be some Peace.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite MSJ series ever (yet)!!
Kira and The Lion, poised to take over the world.... almost. Until other enemies crash their wedding renewal and kidnap Lyon. What more can go wrong for these two?!?! Just when you think they're in the clear - Bam! the next set of enemies, betrayals, and attacks come crashing their way!
Kira is an amazing leader in Lyon's unfortunate absence. She mobilizes their bratva family to get Lyon home as soon and as safe as possible. Even though it seems impossible.
These are two together are one of the strongest, most intelligent and strategic power couples ever! But damn, how much more can they take? What started as an arranged marriage turned to a fierce partnership and an epic love story. They kill it all! And really will run the world one day - starting with the Chicago bratva.

This is a lot to say but out of all of the mafia series Michelle St. James has written, this one is truly my favorite!

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending to an epic series! Through the past three books we have seen Kira and Lyon go from tolerating each other to entertaining a relationship based off the instant chemistry they had, to absolutely hating each other, and finally falling in love. All this comes to a head when Lyon is kidnapped at the end of the last book, leaving behind a pregnant Kira. This installment focuses on Kira’s recovery of Lyon, him gaining retribution for the kidnapping along with finding out and eliminating the person behind everything that’s happened to Lyon, and lastly Kira’s pregnancy and the relationship between her and Lyon. It was a great ending to the series, where we get all the answers to every question, and we see these two characters get the HEA we’ve been rooting for the entire duration of the books. Can’t wait to see what comes next for Michelle, especially after getting a little background on Roman!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jacqueline Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series and the last book is at great as the last 3. The love story between Kira and Lyon went from barely tolerating each other to a strong love and respect for each other. Crown brings out the strength that Kira has along with the deep love she has for Lyon. Unfortunately, the problems Lyon is having gettin a hand on the Chicago Bratva seem to be continuing. As soon as one problem is taken care of another pop’s up. Lyon is having a hard time figuring out where this trouble is coming from. Lyon gets some help from the Syndicate, Roman Kalashnik ( New York Bratva) and was able to set up his own cyberlab. Nothing seems to help until Kira remembers something his mother said. The ending is just beautiful.

[Carole Hancock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre

Lyon has been abducted and Kira is trying to find out where he is and rescue him. Book does.not detail what Kira does to accomplish the rescue but Lyon seems to time his escape with the invasion of where he is being held. Akel and some of the Brava come to his rescue.
Book is long due to repetitive sex scenes and trips back to New York. There is also a chapter about Roman visiting a coffee cafe to see a woman and about his underground fighting.
Lyon has limited cognitive skills as a pakhan. He should have known that Ivan was behind the attacks on his businesses. He failed to kill the man so this fact was evident after he killed Vadim. At least he had a strong woman to challenge and support him. Book is conclusion to series.

[Sally C · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final instalment of the Savage Empire series, we come to know the real Kira Baranov Antonov. She is strong, knows what she wants, loves her husband, and will do everything in her power to save him and protect her loved ones. Lyon and Kira have formed a strong bond and with the betrayal of someone close, they stand together with the Bratva to fight this unexpected enemy. This book takes the reader on a roller- coaster ride of emotions that includes nail-biting suspense, action, betrayal, and passion. Best book in the series!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for Crown by Michelle St. James - what a great series ! Definitely one of my favorites.

Hold on for a wild ride because Crown is an epic end to this series! A page turner I read pretty much in one sitting - fast paced - with a great storyline !

What else could go wrong for The Lion and his off again on again wife Kira.
They definitely are quite the dynamic duo together and apart.

The much anticipated happily ever after - was everything a reader hopes for in a great love story !

Great read and conclusion to the series - highly recommend this book , series and author !

[Sandy Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle St James has done it again. What a powerful book, so many emotions, I was holding my breath when Lyon was taken prisoner. I found myself hating his captors as much as Kira did. But when he was rescued, I was still on edge waiting to see what would happen next. This is a fantastic book and I hated to see it end. All I can say is that this series was one of my favorites so far. Definitely a 5-star book!

[Geneva Perilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to say it! I think Lyon might be my new favorite! But sshh don’t tell Farrell! There’s nothing I love more than a man who is strong, bad a**, and loves his women fiercely. Whew and Kira she’s one kick a** women herself! Pregnant and Running the Bravata while Lyon was gone, not giving up till he’s found him.
Michelle, your books just keep getting better and better! I’m so glad their story needed a fourth book!

[Susana Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book, wow! The second book of the Lyon and Kira story is here, and I can't express how much I loved it. Despite how difficult it was to witness Kira and Lyon's struggles, everything turned out to be worthwhile. With their child, Lyon and Kira experience HEA. I enjoyed Epilogue, and I'm eager to read Romans book. I thoroughly recommend this book. While Michelle St. James did a fantastic job with it, be sure to read the first book first.

[Nicole Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great finish to Lyon and Kira! Such power and emotion with the read! This was also such a dynamic of power shift in Kira, she became the Queen when it was time to rise. Not only that but her nurturing side blossomed as well.
I really would love to get updates from this couple in the future. And please let Annie get her man! Preferably Alek, haha!


*I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review*

[Sharon Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is the final book in the arranged Mafia marriage,. Lyon as been kidnapped from his second wedding to Kira. Kira has taken over & is trying to find out who has taken him & get him back!!
Loved the story & Michelle has away of making it feel real & you are a part of it!

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle St James does it again! The conclusion to a wonderful series was well worth the cliffhanger in book 3! I couldn't put it down! "I married the Lion but fell in love with the man." sums these characters up perfectly.

This is a MUST READ series! You'll love every minute as you get to know these characters and how life and love changes you as you lose yourself in this saga.

[Andrea Gugliotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown is the 4th and final book in the Savage Empire Series. Started as a business marriage between Lyonya Antonio & Kira Baranov for the Bratva power turning into a hot and steamy marriage . Kira has become Lions world but when he is taken all that could change for them & their unborn child. This book had the perfect ending for Lion & Kira.

[Susan Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!

Michelle St James has created another fantastic Bratva (Syndicate) series. I read the entire 4 book series in two days. Plots, sub plots, betrayal, spicy romance, and an HEA kept me reading wanting to see what happened next. If you get this series, you won't regret it!!!

[Sarah Kirkby · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - “ivan was dead” - book 3

Miss girl Michelle are you sure?! Put the book down as soon as Ivan was apparently alive and still a traitor who had very much not been killed. Lyon literally got kidnapped due to the after events of the goddamn assassination.

Enjoyed the series up to this point. Book could’ve been wrapped up in book 3 by making it a little longer.

[Ariadna Brons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very well written, not as dark as i am used too. I have read some books whonwere scary dark. I couldnt finish them. As for this one it is dark, but also has some lightness and a very strong female MC. I absolutely enjoyed it!!!! Keep up the good work!!

[Dawn Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown is the fourth and final book in the Savage Empire Series. With the conclusion, we follow along with Lyon and Kira as they fight for control of Chicago and their future. As always, Michelle gives us just enough suspense, and steamy romance to keep us turning the page.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown is the final book of Michelle St. James’ Savage Empire Series.
After reading the books before, I was hoping to have a wonderful ending, well Michelle did an incredible job! I don’t want to put any spoilers so just know, to find a quiet spot and bunk down for the ride!

[Christine C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great end to the series. I loved how Lyon and Kira came full circle and got their HEA! It also gives us a preview into MSJ’s new series due out next year which looks to be equally exciting. Can’t wait.

[Marti Jentis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing ending to Lyon and Kara’s story. As their arranged marriages turned to love they were able to overcome all obstacles that they faced. This final book brings them full circle. A home run for Michelle St James.

[D Sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book following the saga of Kira and Lyon.
Another fantastic finale. From their business arranged marriage into a Bratva power couple. Loved Kira, strong determined and totally badass!!
Michelle's mafia series just get better and better!!

[Jill Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to this particular trilogy with a teaser for the next, which I am super excited about. Kira and Lyons’s chemistry are off the charts and the plot twists and turns always keep me guessing what will happen next. Another triumph in my opinion.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an epic conclusion to a fab series. I’ve loved being on this journey. Lyon is a great main character and I’ve enjoyed see the change in him. There’s lots going on in this last book. Roman is brought into this book a bit more and I really can’t wait for his book. Definitely recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

ummm I have a few questions. what happened to Ivan? I thought he was killed in a previous book. also I didn't enjoy the lack of spice. apart from the Ivan thing, also there were random scenes from Romans point of view. I get having to get us invested in him but the random scenes were kinda odd.

[LORRIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense, exciting and action packed read. I love 8t

[Sheena Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome ending to great series looking forward roman books