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Beauty & the Bratva #2
Brutal Ruin
I have whacked the hornet’s nest.
I thought I could outsmart two rival bratva factions. What a fool I was.
And now I have to pay the price. A very high price.
I’m bound for auction, dragged deep into a world of immoral, twisted, obsessed men.
Again.
And this time there’s no escaping.
No outsmarting the dangerous, evil men who plan to make money off me, even if it destroys me.
I’m surrounded by killers and psychopaths.
And just when I think I have one, tiny, desperate hope…
My dream spins out of control and is snatched away by something worse than I ever imagined.
It’s brutal, and in spite of those who might be trying to help me,
May be my ruin.
The three Alekseev brothers may smile to my face, but they do other things when my eyes are closed.
This hot, over-the-top Russian Mafia romance is about sexy, dangerous men who'll stop at nothing to pursue and protect the women they want. If you love outrageously naughty stories as a way to indulge your not-so-secret bad girl side, this is for you.
1) Cruel Promise
2) Brutal Ruin
3) Vicious Revenge
I thought I could outsmart two rival bratva factions. What a fool I was.
And now I have to pay the price. A very high price.
I’m bound for auction, dragged deep into a world of immoral, twisted, obsessed men.
Again.
And this time there’s no escaping.
No outsmarting the dangerous, evil men who plan to make money off me, even if it destroys me.
I’m surrounded by killers and psychopaths.
And just when I think I have one, tiny, desperate hope…
My dream spins out of control and is snatched away by something worse than I ever imagined.
It’s brutal, and in spite of those who might be trying to help me,
May be my ruin.
The three Alekseev brothers may smile to my face, but they do other things when my eyes are closed.
This hot, over-the-top Russian Mafia romance is about sexy, dangerous men who'll stop at nothing to pursue and protect the women they want. If you love outrageously naughty stories as a way to indulge your not-so-secret bad girl side, this is for you.
1) Cruel Promise
2) Brutal Ruin
3) Vicious Revenge
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
153 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Mika Lane
182 books1,979 followersDear Reader:
I’m USA TODAY bestselling contemporary romance author Mika Lane, and am all about bringing you sexy, sassy stories with imperfect heroines and the bad-a*s dudes they bring to their knees. And I have a special love for romance with multiple guys because why should we have to settle for just one hunky man?
Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and most importantly, a free sexy short story: http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list/.
Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was The Day I Ate the Milkyway, a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and two devilish cats named Chuck and Murray. These three males also defy my imagination from time to time.
A lover of shiny things, I've been known to try new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.
I'll always promise you a hot, sexy romp and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.
I LOVE to hear from readers when I'm not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list, or contact me here: https://mikalane.com/contact.
xoxo
Love,
Mika
I’m USA TODAY bestselling contemporary romance author Mika Lane, and am all about bringing you sexy, sassy stories with imperfect heroines and the bad-a*s dudes they bring to their knees. And I have a special love for romance with multiple guys because why should we have to settle for just one hunky man?
Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and most importantly, a free sexy short story: http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list/.
Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was The Day I Ate the Milkyway, a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and two devilish cats named Chuck and Murray. These three males also defy my imagination from time to time.
A lover of shiny things, I've been known to try new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.
I'll always promise you a hot, sexy romp and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.
I LOVE to hear from readers when I'm not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list, or contact me here: https://mikalane.com/contact.
xoxo
Love,
Mika
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 8, 2023
This book picks up right where book 1 left off with Charleigh on the run from the brothers.
After a bit she decides to go back to them. Feelings have begun to develop from the brothers. We see a little more into the minds of Kir and Niko. The brothers are planning on going to war with Dimitri but a few events take place and we are left with a HUGE cliffhanger regarding Evie, Charleigh’s sister. I can’t wait for book 3 to find out what happens next!
After a bit she decides to go back to them. Feelings have begun to develop from the brothers. We see a little more into the minds of Kir and Niko. The brothers are planning on going to war with Dimitri but a few events take place and we are left with a HUGE cliffhanger regarding Evie, Charleigh’s sister. I can’t wait for book 3 to find out what happens next!
Currently reading
January 20, 2023Brutal Ruin is the second book in my Beauty & the Bratva series.
You can buy Brutal Ruin here: https://geni.us/BrutalRuin
Or visit my site for more information about my books: https://mikalane.com/
You can buy Brutal Ruin here: https://geni.us/BrutalRuin
Or visit my site for more information about my books: https://mikalane.com/
September 26, 2023
I think it’s a more than generous rating.
The writing & story really takes a nosedive after book 1 (which actually, I re-read & downgraded my score)
My major issue is with the editing. There are almost a billion chapters so it feels really fragmented. Also the sentences are so abrupt. Everything is staccato. It makes it feel very aggressive. Everyone talks/thinks like that. Gah!! Surely each character should have their own style but it’s all so interwoven you can’t tell them apart.
The brothers have become super cliché; Nico has become a floppy haired man-child with all his sad eyes & wistful longing. Vadik has become the standard grump hiding a heart of gold. Kir is… I don’t think anyone knows; a mashup of all characteristics not covered off by the other two.
The story is nothing really, I’ve been skimming & skipping pages because I can’t take the round in circles writing.
Charleigh has had a total personality transplant & I generally struggle with her “of course I don’t want to be here/ I hate them/ quick 3-way bj” rinse & repeat. The storyline with her sister is too slow to get started, her forgiveness of her dad (excuse me?!) was too fast.
I’ve dragged myself to 58% through & now I realise that I’m only really punishing myself it’s going on the DNF pile. At this point it’s just seeds of future drama with family & the Bratva. A lot of oral & too much “pretty girl” that feels mega cringe.
The writing & story really takes a nosedive after book 1 (which actually, I re-read & downgraded my score)
My major issue is with the editing. There are almost a billion chapters so it feels really fragmented. Also the sentences are so abrupt. Everything is staccato. It makes it feel very aggressive. Everyone talks/thinks like that. Gah!! Surely each character should have their own style but it’s all so interwoven you can’t tell them apart.
The brothers have become super cliché; Nico has become a floppy haired man-child with all his sad eyes & wistful longing. Vadik has become the standard grump hiding a heart of gold. Kir is… I don’t think anyone knows; a mashup of all characteristics not covered off by the other two.
The story is nothing really, I’ve been skimming & skipping pages because I can’t take the round in circles writing.
Charleigh has had a total personality transplant & I generally struggle with her “of course I don’t want to be here/ I hate them/ quick 3-way bj” rinse & repeat. The storyline with her sister is too slow to get started, her forgiveness of her dad (excuse me?!) was too fast.
I’ve dragged myself to 58% through & now I realise that I’m only really punishing myself it’s going on the DNF pile. At this point it’s just seeds of future drama with family & the Bratva. A lot of oral & too much “pretty girl” that feels mega cringe.
July 18, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Very much enjoying this dark steamy Mafia Romance, some great characters, watch out for triggers.
💋💋💋
Very much enjoying this dark steamy Mafia Romance, some great characters, watch out for triggers.
April 20, 2024
Brace yourselves, folks, because 'Brutal Ruin', the second installment of Mika Lane's 'Beauty and the Bratva' trilogy, is one wild rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget!
We pick up right where we left off in book one, with Charleigh ensnared in the treacherous web woven around the Alekseev brothers. And let me tell you, she's paying the price for survival in this brutal, unforgiving world of the bratva. Charleigh finds herself way out of her depth, surrounded by cruelty, rudeness, and violence at every turn. But does she back down? Oh, hell no! She fights tooth and nail against everything and everyone that threatens to bring her down.
Now, let's talk about the audiobook narration by Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott. These two absolutely slay it once again, bringing Lane's story to life in vivid technicolor. Lane herself proves once more that she's a master of her craft, delivering thrills, chills, and heart-pounding suspense from beginning to end.
I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sold on the genre at first, but Lane's storytelling prowess has me hooked and hungry for more. So you bet your bottom dollar I'll be diving headfirst into book three, because at this point, I'm dying to know if my suspicions about a certain female character are confirmed.
In short, 'Brutal Ruin' is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that'll leave you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Don't miss out on this heart-stopping adventure!
We pick up right where we left off in book one, with Charleigh ensnared in the treacherous web woven around the Alekseev brothers. And let me tell you, she's paying the price for survival in this brutal, unforgiving world of the bratva. Charleigh finds herself way out of her depth, surrounded by cruelty, rudeness, and violence at every turn. But does she back down? Oh, hell no! She fights tooth and nail against everything and everyone that threatens to bring her down.
Now, let's talk about the audiobook narration by Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott. These two absolutely slay it once again, bringing Lane's story to life in vivid technicolor. Lane herself proves once more that she's a master of her craft, delivering thrills, chills, and heart-pounding suspense from beginning to end.
I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sold on the genre at first, but Lane's storytelling prowess has me hooked and hungry for more. So you bet your bottom dollar I'll be diving headfirst into book three, because at this point, I'm dying to know if my suspicions about a certain female character are confirmed.
In short, 'Brutal Ruin' is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that'll leave you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Don't miss out on this heart-stopping adventure!
March 30, 2023
This book 2 in the Beauty and the Bratva series. These books need to be read in order as the second book picks up where the first left off. This is following Charleigh who in book one was sold to three brothers to pay off her father's debt. The first book was very dark as it was building the story of Charleigh being sold, her treatment once it happened, and why she was sold to the Bratva. However, the first book ends with a cliffhanger that picks up in book 2 which is still dark and dangerous, but not as dark as the first book. Charleigh is on the run after successfully escaping the auction for her virginity. However, the brother's had decided they were not going to go through with the auction and failed to tell her before she took off. Feelings are starting to grow amongst the four and the danger is increasing as there are dangerous men that are upset that the auction was cancelled. This book also ends in a cliffhanger!
March 19, 2023
I feel like a ping pong ball with all the action and hit you in the guts moments this story has in it!
Charleigh is a lot tougher then she even realizes and finds out things she may have never wanted to know. Being a part of the Alekseeve brothers world is not for the faint of heart! Not that being in it was her choice. She is a quick learner but still fights the shackles of the place she is in!
The brothers are fighting their hearts hard and fighting a battle they don’t always keep Charleigh in the loop of. However they also have lots to learn about the women they are keeping!
Lots of action, steamy times, heart wrenching moments and lots of times you want to smack some people around!
100% enjoyed this second part of the Beauty & the Bratva series!
Charleigh is a lot tougher then she even realizes and finds out things she may have never wanted to know. Being a part of the Alekseeve brothers world is not for the faint of heart! Not that being in it was her choice. She is a quick learner but still fights the shackles of the place she is in!
The brothers are fighting their hearts hard and fighting a battle they don’t always keep Charleigh in the loop of. However they also have lots to learn about the women they are keeping!
Lots of action, steamy times, heart wrenching moments and lots of times you want to smack some people around!
100% enjoyed this second part of the Beauty & the Bratva series!
March 23, 2023
This is the 2nd book with Charliegh and the Alekseev Brothers. And the heat has increased. In the last book Charleigh is told she is being auctioned off and that her virginity will bring a huge price but when the brothers decide they want to keep her they forget to tell her. So she runs. In this book she returns because she knows that the price will be paid by her little sister if she goes.
But the others in the Bratva are angry that they can't get their hands on Charleigh so things really get rough. They have given her more freedom now that she knows they won't sell her and that alone has pitfalls. The cliffhanger in this one has me at the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. Thanks Mika for taking us into the Bratva this way. 5 stars all the way.
But the others in the Bratva are angry that they can't get their hands on Charleigh so things really get rough. They have given her more freedom now that she knows they won't sell her and that alone has pitfalls. The cliffhanger in this one has me at the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. Thanks Mika for taking us into the Bratva this way. 5 stars all the way.
March 27, 2023
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BOOK 1.
Book two leaves off with Charliegh running away and trying to figure out how to escape the debt that she is being forced to pay. The Alekseev Brothers are doing whatever they can to protect themselves and run their business. There are outside people trying to bring them down and well Charliegh is the one woman that tests their resolve. This second book is about the 4 of them finding out truths that didn't know that there would. The past is about to come back and these 4 will have to fight to stay on top and stay sane. It does end with another cliffhanger, but it's so good. And you find out more about the past and present of Charliegh and her men.
Book two leaves off with Charliegh running away and trying to figure out how to escape the debt that she is being forced to pay. The Alekseev Brothers are doing whatever they can to protect themselves and run their business. There are outside people trying to bring them down and well Charliegh is the one woman that tests their resolve. This second book is about the 4 of them finding out truths that didn't know that there would. The past is about to come back and these 4 will have to fight to stay on top and stay sane. It does end with another cliffhanger, but it's so good. And you find out more about the past and present of Charliegh and her men.
April 1, 2023
Wow!
This book is awesome! Things are heating up for Charleigh and the Alekseev brothers. There continues to be trouble with some old foes, more problems with Dominika, a secret revealed, issues with Charleigh’s sister, Evie and danger for them all. It’s an excellent next chapter in this amazing saga and I can’t wait to read what happens to Charleigh and the brothers next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is awesome! Things are heating up for Charleigh and the Alekseev brothers. There continues to be trouble with some old foes, more problems with Dominika, a secret revealed, issues with Charleigh’s sister, Evie and danger for them all. It’s an excellent next chapter in this amazing saga and I can’t wait to read what happens to Charleigh and the brothers next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 26, 2023
Subterfuge, beatings and revenge
Dimitri wants Charleigh, but the brothers have changed their minds and want to keep her around.... but in what capacity???
Charleigh doesn't know either... all she knows is that her life isn't her own anymore.
Power plays and tricks serve only to get her badly hurt, and now a friend has died. Will she and the brothers get their revenge and will she save her sister???
What a cliffhanger!!!!!!!!
Dimitri wants Charleigh, but the brothers have changed their minds and want to keep her around.... but in what capacity???
Charleigh doesn't know either... all she knows is that her life isn't her own anymore.
Power plays and tricks serve only to get her badly hurt, and now a friend has died. Will she and the brothers get their revenge and will she save her sister???
What a cliffhanger!!!!!!!!
March 27, 2024
So I didn’t like this one as much as the last one, but it keeps you reading because you have to figure out what is going to happen.
Charleigh is destructive and annoying, and keeps finding herself in awful situations. I actually started to like the brothers and can see how she is attracted to each of them. Her little sister is unruly and immature. Will definitely read the next one because again, I have to see what happens.
Charleigh is destructive and annoying, and keeps finding herself in awful situations. I actually started to like the brothers and can see how she is attracted to each of them. Her little sister is unruly and immature. Will definitely read the next one because again, I have to see what happens.
April 20, 2024
Changing perceptions and pigheadedness
Book 2 of this trilogy had quite a bit happening.
The relationship between the characters has progressed and seemed to be one of changing perceptions and pigheadedness.
I'm looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy.
I read on Kindle and read along on Audible. I enjoyed the voice actors/narrators interpretation of some of the emotions felt by the characters.
Book 2 of this trilogy had quite a bit happening.
The relationship between the characters has progressed and seemed to be one of changing perceptions and pigheadedness.
I'm looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy.
I read on Kindle and read along on Audible. I enjoyed the voice actors/narrators interpretation of some of the emotions felt by the characters.
March 19, 2023
Brutal Ruin is the second in the Beauty & the Bratva series. Mika did it again! There’s non-stop action, violence, danger and a lot of HEAT. This story has you hooked from the beginning. Very hard to put down. Can’t wait for the next part.
March 23, 2023
The second book in this trilogy is great and the story just keeps getting better. Charleigh has one tough cookie and the guys are starting to realize that. It was so good and now I need the last book to complete their journey! Well done!
April 8, 2023
Loved this story and already excited for more. The first book in this series got me totally hooked and this next installment definitely did not disappoint. Still so much action and drama but all the dirty naughty spice I needed!!
January 13, 2024
This book is brutal! There’s definitely no holds barred when I comes to this leading lady and her 3 lovers. I can’t believe Mika can be so tough and brutal to these characters. An amazing performance.
January 15, 2025
DNF- one of the absolute worst books I have started reading in awhile. There is nothing worse than a weak FMC. I would give 0 * if I could. MMC X 3 did not and refused to redeem themselves. Absolutely horrible books.
August 26, 2025
Escape!
This second book of the series begins with suspense and lots of angst, fear and uncertainty. Charleigh's twisted, intense relationship with Vadik, Kir and Niko is evolving with passion as violent, dangerous forces are waiting to strike. Ends with an explosive cliffhanger.
This second book of the series begins with suspense and lots of angst, fear and uncertainty. Charleigh's twisted, intense relationship with Vadik, Kir and Niko is evolving with passion as violent, dangerous forces are waiting to strike. Ends with an explosive cliffhanger.
April 2, 2023
Loved it I can't wait for book 3
September 21, 2023
Love this series just keeps getting better. 💕🔥🔥📚🌟🔥💕📚💕🔥🔥📚🌟🔥📚🌟🔥💕🌟
Read
February 18, 2024I give up! I can’t read this anymore…it is awful. Made it to 30%.
April 11, 2024
I loved it so much. Excellently written
May 11, 2025
(it keeps getting worse)
March 3, 2025
(Wen Ross & Kai Kennicot are the readers for the audiobook version) I absolutely loved the readers for this series. The story was good.
March 28, 2023
Brutal Ruin by Mika Lane
5 stars! I have to say this series is only getting better and more enthralling! The men’s are in a whirlwind, trying to get a hold on their feelings. With out giving it away there is betrayal, kidnapping, assault, murder, and an explosive ending that makes us anticipate what will happen next and who will die?! I’m in such agony over the cliffhanger. I just hope there’s a miracle.
5 stars! I have to say this series is only getting better and more enthralling! The men’s are in a whirlwind, trying to get a hold on their feelings. With out giving it away there is betrayal, kidnapping, assault, murder, and an explosive ending that makes us anticipate what will happen next and who will die?! I’m in such agony over the cliffhanger. I just hope there’s a miracle.
February 11, 2025
2⭐️: hard to finish.
3 🌶️: lots of scenes, vanilla
meh. the story is just blah. and some of the details seem forced in described the world. the whole plot of the book is in the last bit.
first book: dad owes money to mafia, dad sells daughter ( and her V) to recover his debts.
mafia brothers are going to auction her off.
she runs away at the last minute before going back, to save her sister. ( unbeknownst to her, sister not really in danger, and the mafia brothers are keeping her for themselves)
second book: big scary bad guy that didnt win the auction, makes a scene through out the book, and finally kidnaps her, tortures her, and drops her at the brothers door.
mafia brothers are plotting how to separate this person permanently but doing so in a way that doesnt have backlash.
3 🌶️: lots of scenes, vanilla
meh. the story is just blah. and some of the details seem forced in described the world. the whole plot of the book is in the last bit.
first book: dad owes money to mafia, dad sells daughter ( and her V) to recover his debts.
mafia brothers are going to auction her off.
she runs away at the last minute before going back, to save her sister. ( unbeknownst to her, sister not really in danger, and the mafia brothers are keeping her for themselves)
second book: big scary bad guy that didnt win the auction, makes a scene through out the book, and finally kidnaps her, tortures her, and drops her at the brothers door.
mafia brothers are plotting how to separate this person permanently but doing so in a way that doesnt have backlash.
March 29, 2023
Part of the Beauty and the Bratva series picking up where book one left off each can’t be read as a standalone but one constant for me is I HATE CLIFFHANGERS (just had to get that out of my system). Hang on and buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!. To recap Charleigh is being forced to pay a debt that wasn’t her own she also realizes that she is a lot tougher than she ever gave herself credit and having learned so much about a world that she really didn’t need to know existed and know that she does she knows she has to get away as their plan is to auction off her virginity. The Alekseev brothers are as brutal as they come, ruthless without question, without hesitation and we find all three have heart and their little captive has woken it up the heart they thought didn’t exist now we can add intensive protectors not that they would tell her that but they learn just how much they are willing risk, who they are willing to kill when she run and they need to find her although, she doesn’t go to far because she doesn’t their eyes on her sister. Will her men protect her when the rest of the Bratva come after her especially after evading their capture but when she realizes they brother’s are going to sell her will she settle down with her freedom or will it drive her even crazier, will the brothers finally admit to her how they feel about her, and where are they headed -as I stated from the beginning whoever invented cliffhangers need to have a sit down talk whyyyyyyy must they exist ☹!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews