Savage Savior

Fedorov Bratva #2

by Sonja Grey

To everyone else he’s a killer, the man they run from in fear,
but to me, he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel safe.

Riley:
They call him Death.
He’s a scarred, tatted-up wall of muscle,
a highly trained killer that I should be running from,
but I’m lost to Artyom from the first moment I walk into his club and meet his sexy, grey eyes.
Everything about him is dangerous, raw, primal—a barely contained savage.
And now all his focus is on me.
He knows I’m in trouble, and he promises to protect me, to free me from my brother’s quick fists and his vicious friend.
To everyone else, he’s a monster.
To me, he’s my fierce protector, the one who would do anything to keep me safe.

Artyom:
People call me Death.
It’s a nickname earned in blood and one I fully deserve.
Everything I touch turns red, but I can’t stay away from her.
She’s a pawn in her brother’s game against the Fedorov Bratva.
Too innocent to be working in my club,
too innocent for me,
but I can’t let her go.
She was mine the second I laid eyes on her.
And I’ll happily kill anyone who tries to take her from me.
Because no one touches what’s mine and lives.

WARNING: This is a very steamy, dark, Bratva romance, and it does contain triggering content. Please read responsibly.

This is the second book in the Fedorov Bratva series, an interconnected series that can be read as standalones, but it’s more enjoyable if you read them in order. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and an HEA is always guaranteed!

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Dark, M F Romance

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2023

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars ☆☆☆☆

"He consumes my every waking thought, and when I'm near him, nothing else matters."

This book was a lovely surprise! It's not very dark, there's spice, and there's a big Russian man who will do anything to protect his girl.

Riley (the h) is being forced by her stepbrother to apply for a job as a stripper in his enemy's strip club. Artyom (the H) hired her on the spot- but as a waitress, and soon they fall for each other.

Their relationship is sweet for a mafia book. I love how devoted Artyom was.

safety:
virgin heroine
age gap (24h, 36H)
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡

[Vashti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russian Bratva mafia lite.
Age gap.
Killer hero/innocent heroine.
What to say,loved it! Insta luv and heavy on the sex ,not overly graphic,but once they start,they are rabbits!
Enjoyed their epilogue.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start you won’t put it down so buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, so 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!!!!! Artyom sexy as all get out trained killer working with the Fedorov Bratva, keeping his family safe is his number priority and he won’t hesitate to stop a threat, but he never expected that threat to be so beautiful. Riley so sweet hasn’t had an easy life living with an abusive, extremely controlling, just downright cruel on a good day and he has ordered her to get in good with the Fedorov organization being forced to work in their club she doesn’t want to, but it is better than the alternative. Her interview she is so attracted to the man who will be her boss, but her innocence is throwing him off not to mention how beautiful she is so allowing her to waitress is the best he can do but she also brought out the protectives and his possessive nature wakes up wanting to keep her safe. The more she gets to know him the worse she feels about deceiving him, the attraction is intense, and the magnetic pull is too strong since there is no love lost between her and her brother will she tell him the truth, will he still want to protect her, will he live up to his reputation, will her brother get what he should, and will she let him be her safety net can they find happiness together?.

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

[Selo ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ꫂ ၴႅၴ ₊ ⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

الثلاث نجوم لعيون البطل بس اما البطلة تاخد مني طلقة بنص راسها عسى تموت ونرتاح

[BookishAnya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid mafia read, nothing I haven’t read before but that just made it an easy read. I really liked the begging aspect but I just wish we had more tension. I am glad the big secret wasn’t super drawn out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Mafia
Age gap
V fmc

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a Mafia/Bratva story that will pull you in and not let go, this book is for you. From the first page to the end this book had my full attention and the rest of the world faded away. Grey manages to ride the line of several common tropes while putting her own twist on them. First, this book appears to be a grumpy/sunshine book, but Riley doesn't fully embody the sunshine characteristics which is a nice change of pace. The realism placed on this character with her insecurities while still giving Artyom a run for his money makes her an extremely likeable heroine. The book also skirts the lines of somehow being both an insta-love and a slow burn. The author's ability to express the connection between the characters while still managing to pull back and allow the bond to develop before a traditional physical relationship begins sets this book apart from others like it. Lastly, the author takes an interesting approach to connecting two characters from opposing criminal empire without an arranged marriage or revenge trope by building the relationship mostly independent of the criminal activity. While this book connects to the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone and the reader will not feel confused or lost when dynamics from the previous book appear.

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

[Diana Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another insta love story! Loved everything about this couple and omg this series is so good! Fast paced and no third break ups! Can’t wait to continue this series!

[wika ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The murder is okay, I just don't like strip clubs 🤨

[Aurora Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💀

Okay, listen, I went into Savage Savior thinking, “Cool, another Bratva book, probably some brooding Russian dude and a damsel in distress.” 😅
BUT OH NO. I was not ready for Artyom.

This man. This mountain of a man. This lethal teddy bear. 🐻🔪

They call him Death, and let’s be real, if Death looked like that, I’d stop running and just say, “Take me now.” 💀❤️

Riley, poor baby, is stuck in a nightmare thanks to her absolute trash fire of a stepbrother (seriously, worst sibling ever 🙄). He forces her to apply as a stripper in Artyom’s club, you know, to spy on his enemy. Because apparently, when you’re evil AND stupid, that’s the plan you come up with.

Anyway, Riley shows up to the interview all nerves and bruises, and Artyom takes one look at her and is like:
“Yeah, no, you’re not stripping for anyone. You’re mine..... mean, you’re hired as a waitress.” 😉

From there… things escalate. FAST. Like, blink-and-you ’re-living-with-a-Bratva-hitman fast. 🏠💋

Their chemistry? 🔥🔥🔥
Their emotional connection? 😭❤️
Their ability to get it on every few chapters? 🥵 Let’s just say I had to hydrate and maybe skip a few pages because, girl, I was tired.

Also, let’s talk about Artyom’s protective streak. The man goes from stone-cold assassin to “let me buckle your helmet for you, sunshine ☀️” in about 0.2 seconds. The little moments, him giving her rides, watching over her, losing his mind when she gets hurt, made my heart do Olympic-level gymnastics. 🥹

And the side characters! The uncle competition between Artyom and Yuri? GOLD. I was giggling like a maniac. The Bratva may kill people, but they’re also out here fighting for the title of Best Uncle 2025. 👶🏆

Now, I will say if you’re not into lots (and I mean LOTS) of smut, brace yourself. There were times I felt like I needed a spreadsheet just to track how many times these two found new ways to “bond.” 🗓️😳 But hey, if you’re here for the spice, Sonja Grey delivers enough heat to power a small city. 🌶️🔥

All in all, Savage Savior is the perfect mix of danger, devotion, and downright delicious chaos. It’s sweet, violent, and unapologetically horny, and I loved every ridiculous second of it.

💋 Mafia madness? Check.
💋 Big scary man turns into a puddle of mush? Check.

I laughed, I swooned, I maybe questioned my taste in men a little bit.
Artyom is the definition of “I can fix him” energy… except he doesn’t need fixing, he just needs a girl to give him a helmet and a reason to smile. 🖤

So yeah, 4 spicy, protective, slightly unhinged stars from me.
Would 100% let Death protect me next. 😏💀

[Diana Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy

I knew this story was going to be a big different than the first one. I just love this story so much and can’t wait to see what Yuri had to offer.

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I loved reading Artyom’s story! He and Riley were so cute together and I loved their dynamic. It was a really great follow up to the first book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Mel Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. Periodt. Super grumpy Bratva boss turns to absolute mush over sweet, clumsy, dorky girl and then proceeds to set the world on fire for her. I’ll take it in every flavor and size.

Sexy possessive alpha on a bike doesn’t like other men looking at his cute lil boo thang and overnight wants to throw out his bachelor ways to breed himself a white picket fence. Need I say more…

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't read this book fast enough! I fell in love with Artyom and Riley. The development of their relationship was well written and I loved the spice level. Artyom is second command in the Bravata who's nickname is "Death" and he rides a sexy motorcycle!This bad boy falls in love with Riley who is this insecure barely making it woman whose family is rival mafia. This mafia series has been on point and I'm looking forward to the 3rd book!.

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

[Mads | MadLeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
🔫 Bratva romance
🤭 he's her boss at the strip club
🏃‍♀️ sexy chasing
🥺 cute found family vibes
🐕 Beau the German shepherd

This was cute. We meet Artyom in the previous book. He's known as Death cause he's super good as killing and he's like one of the top trusted men of Mikhail, the pakhan. I was intrigued about him since he seemed pretty funny and I love it when they're like "Nah, I'm a bachelor for life." Then they meet the love of their life and they eat their words.

Artyom was like that for Riley of course. Obsessed since the beginning! I found their love cuter than Charlie and Mikhail. It started with drives home and subtle touches when Artyom fastens Riley's helmet for her to BJs in the car, skinny dipping, and sexy chasing through the house. 🤭🥵

Artyom's this intimidating man who's got so much blood on his hands, but he's super gentle with Riley and assures her she's safe with him without over the top forcing her or himself into her space which was surprising for a bratva man. But don't be fooled with his gentle act with Riley, he would paint the town red with the blood of their enemies for her. He was protective of her from the very start yet respected her no's if she didn't want him busting down the door guns blazing.

I adored their mutual devotion, protectiveness and sweet possessiveness for each other. Even timid Riley was possessive of Artyom haha.

Riley was technically supposed to spy on Artyom for her asshole step-brother who's the bratva's enemy. But she wanted nothing to do with his cause since there was no love lost between them 🤣 and she's ready to rat him out.

I love the little found family action going. Mikhail and Charlie from the previous book are growing their family. Yuri and Artyom are vying over being favorite uncle which was a hilarious running joke.

And Beau! Bonus points for Beau. I love a cute doggo but especially a German shepherd 🤭 biased cause I have one.

Can't wait to see what's in store for Yuri. These books are so addicting cause it's easy to read with low angst and great spice. I love seeing these cold hard Bratva men go mushy for their loves.

TWs: gun violence, murder, dismemberment in a torture scene of a minor character, SA themes inflicted on h by a minor character, h is beaten by minor character,

[julia❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆🏠🐕🦴🛍️🔪

omgggg this was so freaking cute i can’t. i loved both the mcs so so much!!
artyom was so sweet and sexc and one of my fav book bfs now like he was actually perfect the entire time. riley was so cute as well.
no third act breakup which i loved but the book was a tiny bit too long for the plot.
the epilogue was so sweet too🥹



‘She lets out another soft whimper in her sleep. Her fingers dig into my arm while her small body shakes against mine. I bring my face to hers and whisper to her in Russian again, comforting her on some level because her body instantly calms at the sound of my voice.’



‘I laugh when Beau suddenly appears at the backdoor when I open a package of lunchmeat. Letting him in, I give him a good pet and then snap a couple of photos because he’s just so damn cute. I quickly make him my lock screen photo and then kiss the top of his head.’ like so cute🥰🥰



‘Once the strap is buckled, he lifts the visor long enough to give me a quick kiss on the nose before slapping it shut and helping me to scoot back behind him.’



‘“Mine,” I say, kissing my way to his lips. “I won’t share you, Artyom, not ever. If you can’t promise me that, then we need to stop right now, because I can’t do this and then have you toss me aside.” I don’t add that I wouldn’t survive it, but that’s the truth of it. I’ve already fallen dangerously in love with him, and my heart aches at the thought that he might not be willing or wanting to give me all of himself like I need him to.
“I’m yours, milaya, and only yours. There will never be anyone else for me, baby.”’



‘“I meant what I said, sweetheart. I’m not rushing this. I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for you, and now that I have you, I’m going to savor every damn second of it.”’



‘When she looks like she’s about to say something, I cut her off, knowing what’s coming. “Don’t you dare offer to pay or tell me I didn’t need to do this. I wanted to do this for you, so please let me. I’ve never had anyone to spoil, and it’s a lot more fun than I was expecting. It makes me happy to do this for you, milaya.”’



‘“I love you, I love you, I love you,” I murmur against her skin, kissing her and hoping some part of her can sense my presence and how much I love her.’🥺🥺🥰

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Mafia
*over 18 readers only*

Trigger warning
Violence
Roofie usage
DV/ family violence
Night terrors
SA

Riley (24, MFC, )
Artyom (36, MMC, bratva hitman)

They call him Death in Russian, and he earned that name. It's both his name and his job for the Russian Bratva. Riley is the stepsister of the man he is hunting. She is forced to interview for a job at the strip club Artyom manages by her stepbrother, and if she doesn't, he will beat her again. Artyom knows something is different about her, and the bruises are bugging him. She has secrets. He wants to know them. But her secrets could get them all killed...
That's just the first half. After he finds her beaten and bloodied, he still has to deal with the threat to her. Not everyone survives their encounter with Death... (spoiler. The dog lives)

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. It's always a great thing when an author you haven't read before gives you a reason to keep coming back and this author has done just that! Savage Savior is fantastic! Artyom Morozov works with the Fedorov Bratva,  Riley is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her abusive brother Alex Douglas, and his friend Matt, forces her to get a job at The Sweet Peach, a club owned by the Fedorov Bratva. Of course she's supposed to feed them information on Arytom. My heart hurt so much for Riley! She's put in an impossible situation thanks to her brother and either way she goes someone's going to get hurt.

[Bego · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge man*h*r* (36yo) and virgin girl (24yo).
I would have enjoyed it a lot more if not for the scene in the previous book where he has sex with an escort. It wasn’t explicit or in his POV but still I didn’t like it. In this book there are some remainders about his past but in the previous one his bed hopping is there.
Still, he was really sweet and reassuring with his girl, so I guess he redeemed himself.

[Севдалина · Rating 5 out of 5]

Артьом Морозов (Смърт) (36) и Райли Клеър (24)

📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣

Когато майката на Райли се омъжва повторно, тя се радва, че ще има баща и брат. Но скоро научава, че новият й баща е пияница, а новият й брат Алекс е жесток насилник. След смъртта на майка й и пастрока й, Райли е оставена на грижите на доведения си брат, и тя няма избор, освен да му се подчинява, ако не иска да понесе поредният побой. Останала без работа и чудейки се как ще плати наема на апартамента си Райли няма никакъв избор освен да направи това, което й нарежда доведеният й брат. Да започне работа като танцьорка в стриптийз клуб държан от Федоров Братва и да шпионира за него. Когато обаче Райли се запознава с Артьом Морозов, мъжа, който управлява клуба, тя знае, че не може да го предаде. Той й дава работа като сервитьорка и е първият мъж в живота й, който й предлага закрила и защита. Когато трябва да избира между злият си доведен брат и опасният мафиот носещ прозвището "Смърт" за Райли няма никакво съмнение, кой да избере.

Артьом носи прозвището "Смърт" защото е безпощаден към всеки провинил се, и ръцете ми са изцапани с прекалено много кръв, която е пролял през годините. Като млад, той прави грешката да изпита съжаление, към мъж, за който е изпратен да убие, и пощадява живота му, само за да може един ден същият мъж, чийто живот е пощадил, да се върне за Артьом и едва не го убива, оставяйки огромен белег на половината му гърло, където почти го е обезглавил. Срещайки Райли той е привлечен от невинността и сладостта й. И определено не му харесва идеята тя да танцува на пилон пред мъжете в клуба му. Той я наема като сетвитьорка и опитва да устои на привличането си към нея, но тя е нежна и така ранима, че той просто иска да я защитава. Научавайки кой е доведеният й брат, мъж, който изпитва търпението на неговата Братва, Артьом се заклева да защити Райли на всяка цена.

Артьом и Райли са тооолкова сладка двойка. Харесаха се от пръв поглед и женкарят Артьом се влюби от раз. Райли не свикнала мъжете да се отнасят добре с нея, хлътна от първата секунда по Артьом и ми беше много интересно как се тревожеше де му каже кой е брат й. Е пребита и окървавена тя определено нямаше нужда да казва нищо, защото защитническите инстинкти на Артьом се задействаха в мига в който видя, че тя е пострадала и е в беда. Радвам се, че нямаше излишна драма с разкриването на самоличността й. Обожавам, когато проблемите се решават бързо и героите ни си комуникират и не се лъжат и не премълчават нищо.
Също така обожавам, че в книгите си, Соня вкарва и кучета. Тук Артьом има Немска овачрка, пенсионирано полицейско куче, и аз самата като собственик на Немска овчарка, много се радвам, като присъстват в книгите. Но също така Немска овчарка имаха Матвей и Алина. Василий пък имаше тибетски мастив, а Володя имаше 3 кане корсота. Винаги е яко, когато героите имат кучета. И котки също.

💫Обобщение: 💫

🔢 Част от поредица ли е?
Втора книга от поредицата "Федоров Братва"

📚 Колко завладяваща е историята?
Супер интересна и супер сладка история.

💪 Главният герой:Артьом
Носи прозвището "Смърт" един от двамата приближени на главата на Федоров Братва. Забавен. Остроумен. Защитнически настроен. Безпощаден. Мил. Сладък. "Докосни я й си мъртъв". Нежен. Съревновава се с Юри, кой ще е любимият чичо на бебето Лев.

🎀 Главната героиня:Райли
Сервитьорка в клуба на братството. Мила. Нежна. Срамежлива. Притеснителна. Работлива. Преживяла малтретиране и в лицето на Артьом вижда за пръв път мъж решен да я закриля и пази.

🫣 Има ли проблем с друг мъж или жена?
Не, няма.

🤬 Има ли изневяра?
Абсолютно не.

😏 Колко опит имат героите?
Артьом е женкар с голям опит. Райли е девствена.

😔/😁 Настроение по време на книгата?
🤗🥰😍💖💗❤️‍🔥

🥵 Колко горещи са секси сцените?
🌶🌶🌶🌶 🌶Горещи са, но по-скромни в сравнение с други книги на авторката. + 👅 Орално.

💔 Разделят ли се героите за определен период от време?
Не, не се разделят.

😍 Има ли щастлив край?
Разбира се, със Соня Грей е гарантирано.

⚠️ Списък с предупреждения:

💢 Малтретиране и нападение над главната героиня.
💀 Насилие и осакатяване на трети лица
☠️ Смърт на трети лица

⬅️ Предишна книга? ⬅️
"Caught by the Bratva Boss"

➡️ Следваща книга? ➡️
"Arrogant Bratva Bastard"

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She could never be invisible, not even if she wanted to be." pg. 45

Another great book by Sonja Grey. I really liked the love story between Rylie and Artyom. The way they met may not have been led by the greatest intentions, but as their relationship progressed the love and comfort they gave each other was absolutely beautiful. Artyom is extremely protective of Rylie and is willing to do what it takes to earn her trust so that she will let him take care of her. Meanwhile Rylie is willing to do whatever it takes to prove her loyalty to Artyom.

One thing I did notice about Sonja's writing is sometimes the ending just seems drawn out with sex scenes. I admit that skimmed most of the book after like 80% because it was mostly sex scenes and at point the conflict was resolved. Still worth 5 stars though because the rest of it was well balanced and kept me at the edge of my seat with the amount of conflict that progressed throughout their love story.

***Spoilers Ahead***

When Rylie was 14 she thought getting a brother would be the best thing to happen to her. Instead, having her stepbrother Alex come into her life was the worst thing that could happen. 10 years later, he is still tormenting her. The local bratva are not happy with Alex selling drugs in their city, and they continue to take out his guys to show that they are serious. Alex plans on using his stepsister to get information on the bratva so that he can take them out.

To avoid her stepbrother's harsh words and fists she has no choice but to agree to try to get a job at a strip club and spy on the bratva. When she goes for the interview she meets the owner, Artyom, and with no real experience, manages to put on quite the show at the interview. Artyom is already having feelings toward this incredible woman that has now come on his lap. Literally. He can't stand the thought of her dancing for other men, so instead he hires her as a waitress.

After her first shift Artyom finds out that she plans on taking the bus home from work and decides to give her a ride. He's seen bruises on her and already knows that something is going on. So when he goes to drop her off a few nights later and she panics when seeing the lights on he takes her to his house instead.

Artyom is determined to find out what is going on with sweet Riley and protect her. Meanwhile, Rylie is doing everything she can to protect her unlikely ally from her brother. But Artyom can't protect Rylie when he doesn't know exactly what he is protecting her from. And when he finds out that the person that she needs protecting from just happens to be the drug dealer that his bratva has been desperate to find and take out, he doesn't know what to believe at first.

Actions speak louder than words. So finding Rylie badly beaten by Alex and his men make it obvious that she is telling the truth when she tells Artyom and bratva boss Mikhail that she didn't know they were trying to kill him, and that she hasn't told her stepbrother anything of importance.

She is willing to give up her abusive stepbrother and help put an end to his terror as well as his dealings. In return she manages to get the protection of the entire bratva, as well as the continued love and devotion of Artyom.

Their love doesn't come without it's challenges, but they are both willing to do whatever it takes to protect each other.

[Jacinda Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I'm going to keep in my Library. There is just something different about this book even though it's part of a trilogy.
The story of Artyom & Riley; the feared and fearful is a beautiful story to read. It's different in the sense that Artyom's name is 'Death' and yet he means 'Safety' to Riley.

When I read that she was trying to be a dancer for the club; I thought it would be a normal stripper/saviour story but it is 100% NOT.

The storyline is great and Sonja steered the plot in the right directions in not making the obvious storyline that is in millions of other books.
In making Artyom her saviour and also her his in the same but also different ways was refreshing and a very nice surprise. I was wondering in the previous book how Artyom's story would play out and this book expands on his gentle side (like with Charlie in the previous book) and also his other side in the name of 'Death'. I didn't much like some of the things that Artyom said or did in the previous book; although they were obvious playboy behaviour. So to see the growth in him by seeing the in Michail then building on that I really enjoyed.

The scenes were steamy, sexy and great variety. I preferred the scenes in this one over Michail's book. The 'first's' conversation then scene was very very well written and then from then on nothing was rushed and Sonja gave us all the detail and time to put ourselves in the characters place.
For me a good Adult Erotica book is when you can replace yourself with the character and let your imagination fly and this book is 1 of the best that I have read with it noy being sleazy or overly crass. The respect that was given to Riley to grow in her confidence even with a guy that had ALOT of experience.

We'll done Sonja and please keep writing your scene's like these (even if they do get any more k**kier). I will be reading any future books and your other series.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artyom Morozov is a highly trained killer that works for the Fedorov Bratva. Riley Douglas is a beautiful young woman that struggles to survive under the same roof as her abusive and controlling step-brother. Riley’s brother orders her to infiltrate the Fedorov organization by landing a job at their gentleman’s club. She accepts her fate as any attempt to convince him otherwise is futile. During her interview, Artyom is drawn to Riley’s innocence and beauty. He realizes she must be in trouble and offers her a waitressing gig.

Artyom was immediately protective, possessive, and gentle with Riley. He was hesitant to move forward quickly but any doubts he had were quickly erased when he listened to his heart. Riley was such a wonderful heroine that was relatable, kind, selfless, and sweet. She hated deceiving Artyom and wanted to protect him. His nickname may be Death but he was her safe haven. I was extremely relieved when Artyom didn’t punish Riley for her role as a pawn in an enemy war. He knew she had no other choice.

The romance was phenomenal. The steam was *chefs kiss* SO GOOD. I am seriously obsessed with all of SG’s work. I have read every single book she has written and am always blown away. I cannot wait for Yuri’s story!

Tropes: Mafia romance, dark romance, age gap, bad boy, virgin heroine, happily-ever-after
Heat: 4/5.

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

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! I enjoyed Mikhail and Charlie’s story, BUT I LOVED Artyom and Riley’s story! Book 2, Savage Savior was absolutely fantastic! I loved everything about it. I enjoyed watching Artyom, who was the playboy who loved leggy blondes in book 1, fall to his knees in love with Riley.
Riley hasn’t had it easy, her stepbrother is abusive and uses her for his own advantage. He forces her to get a job working for Artyom at his club to gain information. But when Artyom and Riley meet there’s a huge electric spark between them and Artyom suddenly feels things for her he’s never felt before. And when he realizes she’s being abused, all he wants to do is protect her. When he finds out who she is he feels betrayed at first, but it’s nothing compared to how he feels when he finds her beaten. He’s enraged and wants revenge against her stepbrother and his friend for what they did to her.
I loved these 2 together, they were beyond perfect together and both deserved to have their happily ever after. And that they did! The ending was perfect. And can I just say how much I loved and adored Beau and his protectiveness over Riley! That dog was too cute.
Onto book 3, Yuri’s story!

[Gabri B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Bratva hitman Artyom and Riley, the step sister of their enemy, meeting when she is forced to apply as a stripper at the club Artyom manages. Riley is immediately in awe of Artyom's handsome features and stony expressionless face. Artyom is blown away by Riley's innocence and beauty and his curiosity has him breaking all his rules to conduct her interview himself, alone, in a closed room, allowing her to straddle him and accidentally use his body to pleasure herself in a moment of lust-filled disorientation. Riley is the inexperienced damsel, and Artyom is the savage avenging demon for her. Artyom tries to erect boundaries but within a chapter he is already inserting himself into Riley's life to protect her at all costs, and even brings her home with him for safe keeping. This was instant action, and instant intrigue, and the evolution from attraction to full on claiming. Team Artyom all the way!

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that finding Sonja Grey's books has been the highlight of my bookish time in 2024! I love every thing I have read by her and I can not wait to see what she has in store for 2025.
There were so many funny and heartwarming scenes in this book. I absolutely adore Riley! She is so cute and funny while also being a badass when needed. You could feel the love and admiration with these two characters. I also always love the side characters which makes for an amazing series when interconnected. It makes me want to pick up the next book right away. As always the MMC Artyom is just as yummy as all Sonja's other male characters. The perfect mix of softie for his love ones and death to others. Also reading about how Artyom and Yuri love baby Lev was the sweetest thing I could have imagined. I just love this author and everything she brings to her books. 10/10 yet again. 😍

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Valox Keltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley, forced by her abusive stepbrother, is forced to apply as a stripper to spy at his competitors club. Artyom, nicknamed “Death” by his Bratva , hires her as a waitress instead. He knows she’s in trouble with someone, and immediately wants to protect her and her innocence.

This book was really sweet and I loved Artyom’s protectiveness over Riley. For a Bratva fic there wasn’t actually a *lot* of graphic violence in the fic, more focused on their love story and problems with Riley’s stepbrother than the business. I honestly wished it was a bit darker, but the idea and execution of the story was pleasant enough. Lots of spicy scenes! This was an instant love story between the two main characters. Also I love the dog, personally I think he stole the show :)! Ratings:

✨ Overall: 4/5

🔥Spice: 5/5

Tags:
🤤 He falls first
😈Mafia 🏍️Biker
❤️HEA
🔥Touch her and die.
🥵 Age Gap🌹Virgin FMC
❤️‍🔥Boss/Employee Strip Club

[Beast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

Artyom was first introduced in Vadim’s story. It’s a quick introduction, but we get to know him a little more in Makhail’s story.
Artyom is known as Death. He has a scar that runs across half his neck and a tattoo on the other side. He is Makhail’s right hand and one of his best friends.
Reilly is just trying to make it from underneath her stepbrother and his best friend. He makes her apply for a job at Artyom’s club. The sparks that happen between these two! 🧨. We watch Artyom fall fast and Reilly is right there with him. This was a great read and I enjoyed the interactions with the other characters. This book has plenty of action, spice, romance and great humor!
I was disappointed that there wasn’t much from Makhail but the interactions with Yuri and adorable Lev? Love it 🥰

[Sammie Bow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Not amazing and had some issues. I mean, a random small time drug dealer was taking on the bratva…and they were dumbasses but managed to find the MMCs house, and the MMC didn’t have any time of security at this home. Annoyed me but I flew through reading this so there were some good parts.

POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 2nd in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, mafia, work colleagues romance.
SIZE: 232 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Artyom (36) & Riley (24)

PLOT: 3.5 📚
ROMANCE: 4 ❤️
SPICE/STEAM: 3 🌶
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 2 😈 (abuse, SA, violence, murder)

⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.

[⭑ jess (taylor’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

artyom and riley🌞💐

- 3.5⭐️

i really enjoyed both the characters & storyline of this book! i liked how it was more of a slow burn than the first one. artyom was so sweet and considerate towards riley - he truly cares for her!🥹 also, i enjoyed the mafia side with her family and some violence. the only thing i kinda disliked was at times, riley - though she was an absolute angel i wish she had more confidence in herself! it annoyed me when she kept saying “sorry” and putting herself down all the time! however, i am an introvert so i get it! (us introvert rise🫡)

excited to finish this series off with the last book, ‘arrogant bratva b*stard’🫶🏻

- jess :)

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artyom and Riley were so stinking cute. I absolutely adored the little bits, before Riley moves in with him, when he gives her a ride home from the club. The little details of him putting on and taking off Riley's helmet just made my heart melt for some reason. Who knew big bad Death would be such a puppy for her!! I loved how protective of her he was and how he was beside himself when she gets shot saving him. I love helpless alphahole MMC.

The competition between Yuri and Artyom for the title of Lev's favorite uncle was so good!! I cant wait to see Yuri more in uncle mode in his book with 3 kids running around!