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Hopeless Creatures
One bullet. One choice. One moment that damns them both.
I should have kept walking when I heard gunshots echoing through the hazy backstreets of Downtown NYC.
I should've run when I found him bleeding out in the alley, fingers wrapped around the silver frame of a gun.
Instead, I knelt in his blood and staunched his wound with my own hands.
I chose to save him, even if it made me an accomplice to a crime I don't understand.
That's the dangerous thing about this city. One wrong turn can wrap you up in a web you were never supposed to find, and men like him don't entertain loose strings.
But hopeless creatures have nothing left to lose.
And some love stories begin with a bullet buried in a chest.
For fans of dark mafia romance, morally grey men, and dangerous obsessions, this story will leave you breathless.
This is a dark Bratva standalone romance featuring a badass FMC who overcomes her own trauma, a yearning MMC who owes his life to her, and a vibrant criminal underbelly beneath it all. Guaranteed HEA. No cheating.
I should have kept walking when I heard gunshots echoing through the hazy backstreets of Downtown NYC.
I should've run when I found him bleeding out in the alley, fingers wrapped around the silver frame of a gun.
Instead, I knelt in his blood and staunched his wound with my own hands.
I chose to save him, even if it made me an accomplice to a crime I don't understand.
That's the dangerous thing about this city. One wrong turn can wrap you up in a web you were never supposed to find, and men like him don't entertain loose strings.
But hopeless creatures have nothing left to lose.
And some love stories begin with a bullet buried in a chest.
For fans of dark mafia romance, morally grey men, and dangerous obsessions, this story will leave you breathless.
This is a dark Bratva standalone romance featuring a badass FMC who overcomes her own trauma, a yearning MMC who owes his life to her, and a vibrant criminal underbelly beneath it all. Guaranteed HEA. No cheating.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
382 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Feighery
2 books21 followersEleanor is a longtime reader who believes that Kindle Unlimited is losing money from the sheer quantity of books she consumes each month.
She passionately believes that review spaces are FOR REVIEWERS, not authors, and encourages her readers to express themselves and their opinions freely on review sites like these.
When she's not writing, she's busy working nights as an EMT and chasing around her German Shepherd, Mazzy.
She passionately believes that review spaces are FOR REVIEWERS, not authors, and encourages her readers to express themselves and their opinions freely on review sites like these.
When she's not writing, she's busy working nights as an EMT and chasing around her German Shepherd, Mazzy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 27, 2026
so many interesting concepts fumbled 💔
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Cassandra “Cass” Donahue (22) | Mikhail Solokov (31)
FEATURES
∘ bratva romance
∘ she saves his life
∘ love at first sight
∘ he accuses her of betrayal
∘ much needed therapy
REVIEW
Spoilers for roughly first half of book!
Mikhail was a terrible lead. His insecurity about his position as Pakhan would’ve been sympathetic if he wasn’t so fickle. I love when the MMCs are simps for the FMC, but he just never stood ten toes down on ANYTHING!
He meets Cass when he’s dying after being shot in an alley, and despite her qualms, she goes out of her way to save his life. He seemingly had a suicide wish at this point, willing her to just let him die.
They incidentally meet again at his club where he protects her from being sexually assaulted after she is drugged. Note that while the man was interacting with Cass, Mikhail turns away because the intensity of his jealous feelings frighten him. SHE reached out to HIM in her inebriated state because she saw him as a beacon of safety.
He takes her to his home, has a doctor check her out, installs a tracker on her phone, dotes on her while she recovers, and then drives her to her apartment.
After a particularly rough day, Cass (horrible survival instincts, but she’s been through a lot!) goes to the gym in the middle of the night and Mikhail calls her freaking out about how unsafe she is. When she asks how he knows where she’s at, he admits to the location tracking and apologizes. She’s obviously freaked out.they’ve met twice at this point. He shows up at her place where she agrees to go on a date with him.
Now, at this point, Mikhail has moved from hot stalker to weirdo stalker (there’s a difference in romancelandia, OKAY!).
Mikhail takes Cass to one of his restaurants, knowing this will make her a target since he’s the leader of a CRIME ORGANIZATION. On their date, Cass shares some of her PTSD from her terrible past while Mikhail just sits there silently commiserating with her but not sharing anything about his own life.
They go to his home together, everything is great, he’s so in love with herthis is three meetings total btw, but then he learns someone has broken into his home office. He gets a call from the Italian mafia where he is falsely informed Cassandra is working with the mafia as a mole against the bratva.
I will not lie: yes, Cassandra’s timing with the betrayals under Mikhail’s leadership is suspect, but instead of, you know, remembering the fact that his self-admitted unstable organization has had rat problems since before her arrival, he goes berserk and drags her out of his bed. He then locks her in a room—TRIGGERING HER TRAUMA from when her step-father did the same thing.
Of course, Mikhail soon finds out that it wasn’t her. He feels oh-so sorry, but it’s too late.
His atonement would have been more meaningful if there was a basis for the depth of their relationship. They barely knew each other, and he just keeps infiltrating her life (and lowkey love-bombing her). It didn’t read as romance so much as a man being creepy and not taking a hint.
I loved a lot of the concepts (e.g. her saving him in an alley and her being accused of a betrayal she didn’t commit), but the way they were executed disappointed me. I needed to feel their romance before I believed his redemption. And unfortunately, I did not.
OW/OM DRAMA past OW — Mikhail mentions rare hookups; he is texted by a booty call but he “out of character”-ly rejects and blocks her
||
past OM — Cass mentions past hookup(s) in monologue but no explicit details
||
not really OM — Mikhail gets jealous seeing some guy flirt with Cass. this man drugs her drink (he is promptly killed, don’t worry)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP none — separation in first half
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Cassandra “Cass” Donahue (22) | Mikhail Solokov (31)
FEATURES
∘ bratva romance
∘ she saves his life
∘ love at first sight
∘ he accuses her of betrayal
∘ much needed therapy
REVIEW
Spoilers for roughly first half of book!
Mikhail was a terrible lead. His insecurity about his position as Pakhan would’ve been sympathetic if he wasn’t so fickle. I love when the MMCs are simps for the FMC, but he just never stood ten toes down on ANYTHING!
He meets Cass when he’s dying after being shot in an alley, and despite her qualms, she goes out of her way to save his life. He seemingly had a suicide wish at this point, willing her to just let him die.
They incidentally meet again at his club where he protects her from being sexually assaulted after she is drugged. Note that while the man was interacting with Cass, Mikhail turns away because the intensity of his jealous feelings frighten him. SHE reached out to HIM in her inebriated state because she saw him as a beacon of safety.
He takes her to his home, has a doctor check her out, installs a tracker on her phone, dotes on her while she recovers, and then drives her to her apartment.
After a particularly rough day, Cass (horrible survival instincts, but she’s been through a lot!) goes to the gym in the middle of the night and Mikhail calls her freaking out about how unsafe she is. When she asks how he knows where she’s at, he admits to the location tracking and apologizes. She’s obviously freaked out.
Now, at this point, Mikhail has moved from hot stalker to weirdo stalker (there’s a difference in romancelandia, OKAY!).
Mikhail takes Cass to one of his restaurants, knowing this will make her a target since he’s the leader of a CRIME ORGANIZATION. On their date, Cass shares some of her PTSD from her terrible past while Mikhail just sits there silently commiserating with her but not sharing anything about his own life.
They go to his home together, everything is great, he’s so in love with her
I will not lie: yes, Cassandra’s timing with the betrayals under Mikhail’s leadership is suspect, but instead of, you know, remembering the fact that his self-admitted unstable organization has had rat problems since before her arrival, he goes berserk and drags her out of his bed. He then locks her in a room—TRIGGERING HER TRAUMA from when her step-father did the same thing.
Of course, Mikhail soon finds out that it wasn’t her. He feels oh-so sorry, but it’s too late.
His atonement would have been more meaningful if there was a basis for the depth of their relationship. They barely knew each other, and he just keeps infiltrating her life (and lowkey love-bombing her). It didn’t read as romance so much as a man being creepy and not taking a hint.
I loved a lot of the concepts (e.g. her saving him in an alley and her being accused of a betrayal she didn’t commit), but the way they were executed disappointed me. I needed to feel their romance before I believed his redemption. And unfortunately, I did not.
OW/OM DRAMA past OW — Mikhail mentions rare hookups; he is texted by a booty call but he “out of character”-ly rejects and blocks her
||
past OM — Cass mentions past hookup(s) in monologue but no explicit details
||
not really OM — Mikhail gets jealous seeing some guy flirt with Cass. this man drugs her drink (he is promptly killed, don’t worry)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP none — separation in first half
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
November 25, 2025
4 stars for the first half
3 stars for the end because it felt very rushed.
Lets go with 3.75 overall
So the name of the book was very accurate. Our man Mikhail was obsessed with our FMC, Cassandra. She saves him one night after he’s shot and he spends months trying to find her. They meet again by coincidence and his obsession grows.
I loved Mikhail. He was the leader of the Bratva and yet he was such a cinnamon roll for his girl. This man begs and pleads with her. He’s not super heavy handed. He doesn’t demand things he literally begs for them because he wants her so much. He does mess up when he thinks she betrayed him but you can tell he’s devastated by it. The minute she tells him to go away and get some professional help the man literally goes to therapy and tells the therapist straight up I’m only here to get my girl back.
I’m not too sure about Cassandra though. I did like parts of her but other parts bugged me. Like she gave Mikhail so much shit for not opening up to her. She even pushed him away a few times because he didn’t want to tell her his whole life story but she was such a freaking hypocrite because she never told him anything either!! She has all this trauma he had no idea about because she never said anything. Why should he tell you everything if you weren’t willing to tell him anything as well? And for her to say he needed professional help was definitely pot meet kettle because the girl had a lot of issues that she definitely needed some help with so I didn’t like that. It really bugged me. Why can you have trauma and he can’t?
Also I did not like Sophia. She was a shitty friend in my opinion. She invited Cass out for a night out at a club, she can tell Cass isn’t too comfortable with it but she decides to spend all her time with the first guy who hits on her and then leave Cass to go home with the guy. Like what kind of friend does that? Knowing your friend isn’t quite comfortable at a place you brought her to. And then I felt like the author tried to make up for it by having the FMC talk about how much of a great friend Sophia is over and over again but by that point she can’t come back from that for me. I didn’t like her at all. Most of the secondary characters were trash to be honest with the exception of Ivan. Sophia is also just gone from the end of the book like she was never even there.
I didn’t like how fast the ending was. The conflict concludes at like 90%. We don’t even see them get engaged or married with was a huge waste in my opinion. At least the engagement would have been nice!! And then we don’t even hear about what happened with Cassandra’s mom. Like how is she doing?!!
This book was very low spice. It was a slow burn. His obsession starts early but they don’t kiss until after half way and then no sex scenes until after 80% and we only really get one and a half. Also I was confused by Mikhails sexual past. At the beginning he says he’s only had a few encounters but then a littler later he says he’s never gone this long without a good fuck. So which one is it? Him having touch aversion would make more sense if he’s only had a few encounters. He didn’t give manwhore vibes though. There’s no OW drama. His old hookup texts him to make plans but he says no and blocks her number which I appreciated.
SAFETY
No cheating
No op drama
No third act break up
No virgins
Age gap 22/31
FMC Drugged (not by FMC)
Murder
Past domestic violence of FMC (stepfather)
HEA
3 stars for the end because it felt very rushed.
Lets go with 3.75 overall
So the name of the book was very accurate. Our man Mikhail was obsessed with our FMC, Cassandra. She saves him one night after he’s shot and he spends months trying to find her. They meet again by coincidence and his obsession grows.
I loved Mikhail. He was the leader of the Bratva and yet he was such a cinnamon roll for his girl. This man begs and pleads with her. He’s not super heavy handed. He doesn’t demand things he literally begs for them because he wants her so much. He does mess up when he thinks she betrayed him but you can tell he’s devastated by it. The minute she tells him to go away and get some professional help the man literally goes to therapy and tells the therapist straight up I’m only here to get my girl back.
I’m not too sure about Cassandra though. I did like parts of her but other parts bugged me. Like she gave Mikhail so much shit for not opening up to her. She even pushed him away a few times because he didn’t want to tell her his whole life story but she was such a freaking hypocrite because she never told him anything either!! She has all this trauma he had no idea about because she never said anything. Why should he tell you everything if you weren’t willing to tell him anything as well? And for her to say he needed professional help was definitely pot meet kettle because the girl had a lot of issues that she definitely needed some help with so I didn’t like that. It really bugged me. Why can you have trauma and he can’t?
Also I did not like Sophia. She was a shitty friend in my opinion. She invited Cass out for a night out at a club, she can tell Cass isn’t too comfortable with it but she decides to spend all her time with the first guy who hits on her and then leave Cass to go home with the guy. Like what kind of friend does that? Knowing your friend isn’t quite comfortable at a place you brought her to. And then I felt like the author tried to make up for it by having the FMC talk about how much of a great friend Sophia is over and over again but by that point she can’t come back from that for me. I didn’t like her at all. Most of the secondary characters were trash to be honest with the exception of Ivan. Sophia is also just gone from the end of the book like she was never even there.
I didn’t like how fast the ending was. The conflict concludes at like 90%. We don’t even see them get engaged or married with was a huge waste in my opinion. At least the engagement would have been nice!! And then we don’t even hear about what happened with Cassandra’s mom. Like how is she doing?!!
This book was very low spice. It was a slow burn. His obsession starts early but they don’t kiss until after half way and then no sex scenes until after 80% and we only really get one and a half. Also I was confused by Mikhails sexual past. At the beginning he says he’s only had a few encounters but then a littler later he says he’s never gone this long without a good fuck. So which one is it? Him having touch aversion would make more sense if he’s only had a few encounters. He didn’t give manwhore vibes though. There’s no OW drama. His old hookup texts him to make plans but he says no and blocks her number which I appreciated.
SAFETY
No cheating
No op drama
No third act break up
No virgins
Age gap 22/31
FMC Drugged (not by FMC)
Murder
Past domestic violence of FMC (stepfather)
HEA
February 21, 2026
»Okay, Menace. We can be friends tonight. But I might want to submit my title for reevaluation if you ever allow me a better designation than friend.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I adored this woman! She‘s ambitious, funny and kind. Cass stood her ground against Mikhail and I loved her for it.
❥ 𝑴𝒊𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍 ⋆✮
He‘s an amazing man. The perfect book-boyfriend: potrective, passionate, obsessed and falling hard for his woman.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was such a good read! I loved it and really enjoyed the story. The book was entertaining, heart warming and with some action. The writing style is easy to understand and I can‘t believe this is a debut author? The story had a good pacing, great word flow and as a reader it was easy to dive into the world. This is not a unique mafia romance but it‘s a good one! I‘m a sucker for these cliché mafia romances were he‘s the big, bad guy and she‘s the only one who can touch him. So this is something good and I don‘t say this to be mean!
I liked Cassandra and Mikhail together. They communicate properly and there was no OW/OM drama (thank god). Their relationship develops throughout the book and I liked the fact it‘s not an insta love book.
Overall this was an enjoyable mafia romance read! I hope the author will write more books in this universe/setting. I‘m curious about Mikhails inner circle and would love to read more about them.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
protective and possessive hero, mafia romance, age gap, university student x bratva boss, found family, instant attraction, slow burn, from different world, touch her and die, he falls first and harder, she safes his life
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Cassandra (22) and Mikhail (31)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I adored this woman! She‘s ambitious, funny and kind. Cass stood her ground against Mikhail and I loved her for it.
❥ 𝑴𝒊𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍 ⋆✮
He‘s an amazing man. The perfect book-boyfriend: potrective, passionate, obsessed and falling hard for his woman.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was such a good read! I loved it and really enjoyed the story. The book was entertaining, heart warming and with some action. The writing style is easy to understand and I can‘t believe this is a debut author? The story had a good pacing, great word flow and as a reader it was easy to dive into the world. This is not a unique mafia romance but it‘s a good one! I‘m a sucker for these cliché mafia romances were he‘s the big, bad guy and she‘s the only one who can touch him. So this is something good and I don‘t say this to be mean!
I liked Cassandra and Mikhail together. They communicate properly and there was no OW/OM drama (thank god). Their relationship develops throughout the book and I liked the fact it‘s not an insta love book.
Overall this was an enjoyable mafia romance read! I hope the author will write more books in this universe/setting. I‘m curious about Mikhails inner circle and would love to read more about them.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
protective and possessive hero, mafia romance, age gap, university student x bratva boss, found family, instant attraction, slow burn, from different world, touch her and die, he falls first and harder, she safes his life
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Cassandra (22) and Mikhail (31)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no
October 2, 2025
4.5 stars. liked this one a lot. This isn't a super dark mafia romance. More like a cozy mafia romance if that makes any sense. The MMC is a cinnamon roll for our FMC and will burn the world down for her from day one. The FMC is a strong character who doesn't let the MMC push her around or bully her into being with him. It had all the elements I love in a book. A good build up to the romance (not Insta Jump Into Bed Because He's So Hot), betrayal, good grovel, found family, soft only for her. Looking forward to more from this author.
March 19, 2026
i still don’t know if she was able to take her final exam
March 23, 2026
Definition of a mid book.
December 5, 2025
Another where I am apparently the odd man out here—I loved this book.
‘Hopeless Creatures’ is only book 1 and I’m already hooked. Mikhial and Cassandra’s story is easy to become immersed into with all the interesting characters and well written storyline. Neither of the patriarchal figures from Mikhial and Cassandra’s youth provided anything close to the love and protection they deserved. Instead they were both left scarred from the mental and physical trauma. Somehow, in this huge world, they found each other. Perfect timing. Saving each other—in more ways than one.
I think the title of this book is perfect—together, they aren’t so hopeless after all.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Mikhial
FMC:
✨Cassandra
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1
Tropes:
👉dark mafia romance
👉billionaire romance
👉age gap - 9 years - 31/22
👉touch her and ☠️
👉dual POV
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence, torture, abuse
💥death, murder
💥kidnapping
💥immuring
Burn Speed:
✨medium - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
‘Hopeless Creatures’ is only book 1 and I’m already hooked. Mikhial and Cassandra’s story is easy to become immersed into with all the interesting characters and well written storyline. Neither of the patriarchal figures from Mikhial and Cassandra’s youth provided anything close to the love and protection they deserved. Instead they were both left scarred from the mental and physical trauma. Somehow, in this huge world, they found each other. Perfect timing. Saving each other—in more ways than one.
I think the title of this book is perfect—together, they aren’t so hopeless after all.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Mikhial
FMC:
✨Cassandra
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1
Tropes:
👉dark mafia romance
👉billionaire romance
👉age gap - 9 years - 31/22
👉touch her and ☠️
👉dual POV
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence, torture, abuse
💥death, murder
💥kidnapping
💥immuring
Burn Speed:
✨medium - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2026
She moved to me like I was her salvation. And I have never been anyone’s salvation.
Well, I absolutely loved this! I saw a video of this book on tktk and was so immediately intrigued that I ran to download it. A bratva mafia romance is one of my fav tropes, but having a FMC with a backbone made this book even better. Cass was mature and ready to face her new reality head on, she didn’t hide or got scared of Mikhail’s mafia life, she pondered and decided that he was worth it. Which was a first for him, he finally got someone that cared about him. After so many years of trauma and suffering from the life he was raised in, Mikhail was finally free and happy.
I loved reading this book. Sure it had some holes and left me with some questions but I was hooked the whole time and couldn’t stop reading. I hope there’ll be more books on this series, hoping for maybe Ivan’s story and Sophia’s too (maybe of them together, that would be interesting).
Tropes:
Dark Bratva mafia
Strong FMC
Touch averse MMC
Past trauma
Kidnapping
Touch her and 💀
Found family
She saves him
He falls first
Well, I absolutely loved this! I saw a video of this book on tktk and was so immediately intrigued that I ran to download it. A bratva mafia romance is one of my fav tropes, but having a FMC with a backbone made this book even better. Cass was mature and ready to face her new reality head on, she didn’t hide or got scared of Mikhail’s mafia life, she pondered and decided that he was worth it. Which was a first for him, he finally got someone that cared about him. After so many years of trauma and suffering from the life he was raised in, Mikhail was finally free and happy.
I loved reading this book. Sure it had some holes and left me with some questions but I was hooked the whole time and couldn’t stop reading. I hope there’ll be more books on this series, hoping for maybe Ivan’s story and Sophia’s too (maybe of them together, that would be interesting).
Tropes:
Dark Bratva mafia
Strong FMC
Touch averse MMC
Past trauma
Kidnapping
Touch her and 💀
Found family
She saves him
He falls first
March 28, 2026
Was slow to begin with and confusing, but quite enjoyed it at the end
Dark romance Mafia is just 🫣🤪
Dark romance Mafia is just 🫣🤪
November 5, 2025
So good, such a fun time to read! This book is way funnier than I expected it to be, but not in a way that took away from the darker elements in the story. Ivan is for SURE my favorite guy I love him so much. Also some genuinely beautifully written lines that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
This book seemed to get really mixed reviews, but I loved it! It is not as dark as some mafia romances, but it has a good mix of sweet & unhinged.
I really enjoyed that both the FMC & MMC had tragedy in their past, which allowed them to realize why they were perfect for each other. Cassandra never wants to go back home to deal with her evil stepfather and the mother who just deals with it. Mikhail feels guilty for his family's demise, even though it was not done by his hand, but he was powerless to stop it. A chance encounter sets these two off on a romantic journey. One that neither had expected.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book set to be released in April 2026!
I really enjoyed that both the FMC & MMC had tragedy in their past, which allowed them to realize why they were perfect for each other. Cassandra never wants to go back home to deal with her evil stepfather and the mother who just deals with it. Mikhail feels guilty for his family's demise, even though it was not done by his hand, but he was powerless to stop it. A chance encounter sets these two off on a romantic journey. One that neither had expected.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book set to be released in April 2026!
February 21, 2026
2.25 ⭐
March 3, 2026
It was good but it was a LONG SLOW burn.
December 6, 2025
I read this book in one sitting. As soon as I started I was hooked and couldnt put it down.
Cassandra & Mikhail had a connection from their first encounter even if that was a very unusual encounter.
I love how Mikhail chooses to work on himself for Cass and I love that he will do anything to be deserving of her and earn her trust back.
I hope Ivan gets his own book and Sophia too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassandra & Mikhail had a connection from their first encounter even if that was a very unusual encounter.
I love how Mikhail chooses to work on himself for Cass and I love that he will do anything to be deserving of her and earn her trust back.
I hope Ivan gets his own book and Sophia too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2026
Terapia, lo que necesitan estos personajes y la autora, quede 🧍🏻♀️así, no conecte con ninguno, no me atrapó la historia, just nope.
January 10, 2026
a great way to start the new year 🙏
January 15, 2026
I'm always ready to read new mafia romance and I'm happy to have read this one. The main characters are lovable, interesting and well depicted. The story keep me wanting to read the next page and I was sad that it finished that quickly.
Every challenges and difficulties they met, how they try to get better together and their fall out, all of this gave some rebonds giving more deep to the romance which was a sweet slow burn.
I like how Cassandra became stronger and won confidence in herself since meeting Mikhail, while on his side, he learn to open up.
I hope the author will continue with the secondary characters and create a séries with this interesting brutal but sweet family!
It was pretty good for a first book, even with some small incoherence sometimes and I recommand it for anyone looking for a safe mafia romance with slow burn (still spicy), "touch her and your are dead" trop and dual POV.
PS: I'm rooting for an IvanxSophia 😝.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every challenges and difficulties they met, how they try to get better together and their fall out, all of this gave some rebonds giving more deep to the romance which was a sweet slow burn.
I like how Cassandra became stronger and won confidence in herself since meeting Mikhail, while on his side, he learn to open up.
I hope the author will continue with the secondary characters and create a séries with this interesting brutal but sweet family!
It was pretty good for a first book, even with some small incoherence sometimes and I recommand it for anyone looking for a safe mafia romance with slow burn (still spicy), "touch her and your are dead" trop and dual POV.
PS: I'm rooting for an IvanxSophia 😝.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2025
This was such a brilliant book! It had me hooked and I read it in one sitting. The character development was visceral and detailed, the plot was superbly paced with a few twists and turns. Give this a go if you like mafia romances, well-shelled out characters and morally grey characters :)
January 19, 2026
I wanted to like this more
This book started off really strong for me. I liked the plot idea, I liked the characters. I was very impatient with them meeting up after the beginning and when they finally did it was slow.
That is probably my main complaint with this book, it is all very slow, there is a lot of filler and text talk but there is very little dialogue.
I struggle when we're told what's happening rather than feeling like we're reading/watching as the characters live and do.
I also felt like everything was left to the last 90%, felt rushed and a little random. I got bored to be honest. I wanted more of the together aspect after basically waiting all book for it to happen.
This book started off really strong for me. I liked the plot idea, I liked the characters. I was very impatient with them meeting up after the beginning and when they finally did it was slow.
That is probably my main complaint with this book, it is all very slow, there is a lot of filler and text talk but there is very little dialogue.
I struggle when we're told what's happening rather than feeling like we're reading/watching as the characters live and do.
I also felt like everything was left to the last 90%, felt rushed and a little random. I got bored to be honest. I wanted more of the together aspect after basically waiting all book for it to happen.
October 1, 2025
Cute Mafia romance. Slow burn for sure. The MMC is a total teddy bear for Cassandra. I definitely enjoyed this book!
February 28, 2026
The Vibe & Setting
* Russian mafia energy Bratva
* New York City atmosphere
* Dark romance tension
* Obsessed Mob Boss
* Smart gf saving the Pakhan
* Age gap
* Power, control, and emotional depth
* Child trauma and financial struggle
Review :
“What I want is her.
And God help us both, I always get what I want."
Lost and vulnerable in the labyrinthine streets of New York, Cassandra is a young finance student stumbles upon a man at death’s door, a stranger drenched in blood. By saving him, she unwittingly entangles herself in a world of shadows, power, and ruthless obsession. Mikhail is a mafia king whose empire thrives on fear and money and from the moment she crosses his path, she becomes his singular fixation. When fate brings them together again in the neon-lit chaos of his nightclub, past and present collide, igniting a dangerous game of desire, dominance, and survival. This story pulses with the dark allure of the city, where every corner holds secrets, every deal carries risk, and love is as perilous as it is irresistible.
The writing style is sophisticated and evocative ( good use of words and idioms ), heightening the emotional intensity of the story. Set against the perilous backdrop of the Russian mafia in New York City, the narrative creates a darkly captivating atmosphere. It is the delicate tension between power and vulnerability that renders the story utterly addictive.
However Sophia’s sudden absence in the final chapters felt out of place ( Sophia is Cassandra’s best friend ), she had been a constant presence for Cass throughout the story, so her sudden disappearance left a noticeable gap in the story. Meanwhile, Ivan also deserved a more satisfying ending that honored his unwavering loyalty, the sacrifices he made and his dedication to the empire.
* Russian mafia energy Bratva
* New York City atmosphere
* Dark romance tension
* Obsessed Mob Boss
* Smart gf saving the Pakhan
* Age gap
* Power, control, and emotional depth
* Child trauma and financial struggle
Review :
“What I want is her.
And God help us both, I always get what I want."
Lost and vulnerable in the labyrinthine streets of New York, Cassandra is a young finance student stumbles upon a man at death’s door, a stranger drenched in blood. By saving him, she unwittingly entangles herself in a world of shadows, power, and ruthless obsession. Mikhail is a mafia king whose empire thrives on fear and money and from the moment she crosses his path, she becomes his singular fixation. When fate brings them together again in the neon-lit chaos of his nightclub, past and present collide, igniting a dangerous game of desire, dominance, and survival. This story pulses with the dark allure of the city, where every corner holds secrets, every deal carries risk, and love is as perilous as it is irresistible.
The writing style is sophisticated and evocative ( good use of words and idioms ), heightening the emotional intensity of the story. Set against the perilous backdrop of the Russian mafia in New York City, the narrative creates a darkly captivating atmosphere. It is the delicate tension between power and vulnerability that renders the story utterly addictive.
However Sophia’s sudden absence in the final chapters felt out of place ( Sophia is Cassandra’s best friend ), she had been a constant presence for Cass throughout the story, so her sudden disappearance left a noticeable gap in the story. Meanwhile, Ivan also deserved a more satisfying ending that honored his unwavering loyalty, the sacrifices he made and his dedication to the empire.
January 31, 2026
This one was… okay. It’s still a mafia romance with some groveling—and you already know I love when women make men work for forgiveness—but here? It wasn’t enough. Not even close. Especially knowing how badly Mikhaïl messed everything up with Cassandra. She forgave him way too easily. Personally? That man would’ve been groveling for years.
Cassandra also didn’t fully work for me. She felt way too naive and far too easy to win over. I get that her childhood wasn’t great and that she’s craving attention and love, but I really didn’t like how quickly she fell for Mikhaïl. It made their relationship feel unbalanced and, honestly, less satisfying.
Overall, this is the kind of mafia romance you read when you want something light and low-commitment. There is some action, but Mikhaïl isn’t exactly a convincing mafia made man. Like… how did you not realize the person betraying you was literally right in front of you???? Be serious 😭
So yeah, I was a bit disappointed ☹️ The plot had potential but could’ve been much better, and the writing didn’t always work for me either. Some chapters felt like pure rambling—long inner monologues about the characters’ pasts or current thoughts. It was interesting at first, but after a while it felt more like filler than actual progression.
In the end, it wasn’t terrible, but it definitely didn’t live up to what it could’ve been.
Cassandra also didn’t fully work for me. She felt way too naive and far too easy to win over. I get that her childhood wasn’t great and that she’s craving attention and love, but I really didn’t like how quickly she fell for Mikhaïl. It made their relationship feel unbalanced and, honestly, less satisfying.
Overall, this is the kind of mafia romance you read when you want something light and low-commitment. There is some action, but Mikhaïl isn’t exactly a convincing mafia made man. Like… how did you not realize the person betraying you was literally right in front of you???? Be serious 😭
So yeah, I was a bit disappointed ☹️ The plot had potential but could’ve been much better, and the writing didn’t always work for me either. Some chapters felt like pure rambling—long inner monologues about the characters’ pasts or current thoughts. It was interesting at first, but after a while it felt more like filler than actual progression.
In the end, it wasn’t terrible, but it definitely didn’t live up to what it could’ve been.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
I simply loved this book. It had everything: brotherhood, betrayal, childhood trauma, abuse, a Bratva and mafia war, and so many intriguing tropes. The slow burn worked perfectly because the story didn’t focus on intimacy from the start, yet the chemistry, tension, and respect were always there.
I loved how Mikhail took care of Cassandra, how soft and gentle he was with her until everything changed. Cassandra’s story broke my heart. She escaped an abusive stepfather, is trying to help her mother leave him. One night she finds a bleeding man on the street and tells him to “fight a bit longer”... and he does. He never forgets her, and she never forgets him. When they meet again, he’s a Pakhan and she’s a student, worlds apart, but then she becomes the target of his enemies and his only instinct is to protect her at any cost.
A great book with a strong depiction of trauma, insecurity, care, commitment, and a love powerful enough to make someone do anything for the person they choose… even seek professional help. I enjoyed every moment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how Mikhail took care of Cassandra, how soft and gentle he was with her until everything changed. Cassandra’s story broke my heart. She escaped an abusive stepfather, is trying to help her mother leave him. One night she finds a bleeding man on the street and tells him to “fight a bit longer”... and he does. He never forgets her, and she never forgets him. When they meet again, he’s a Pakhan and she’s a student, worlds apart, but then she becomes the target of his enemies and his only instinct is to protect her at any cost.
A great book with a strong depiction of trauma, insecurity, care, commitment, and a love powerful enough to make someone do anything for the person they choose… even seek professional help. I enjoyed every moment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2026
Both surprising and unsurprising, in a good way
⚠️SPOILER⚠️
It didn’t follow the typical standard writing outline where the climax happens at 70% completion. So it kept me hooked and curious to see how it would play out. And although it has all those lovely little cliches that any other mafia book has, it still came out great because of how well written it was into the storyline. Love the start of the book, and I loved the end of it even more. It didn’t spiral into one of those endings where the FL is pregnant and relegated to some unimportant part of the house—no she’s standing ten toes down right next to her husband at the top of the Bravta family hierarchy….as she should. Again and again, she showed great strength and became her own hero. It wasn’t the typical story where she’s the damsel in distress, that title actually kinda belongs to the ML, and I loved the irony and role switch. It was interesting and I loved how the ML encouraged and nurtured her vicious side, opening his arms wide the moment he let her in. I loved the main characters, all of them were wonderful to read—even the bad guys.
⚠️SPOILER⚠️
It didn’t follow the typical standard writing outline where the climax happens at 70% completion. So it kept me hooked and curious to see how it would play out. And although it has all those lovely little cliches that any other mafia book has, it still came out great because of how well written it was into the storyline. Love the start of the book, and I loved the end of it even more. It didn’t spiral into one of those endings where the FL is pregnant and relegated to some unimportant part of the house—no she’s standing ten toes down right next to her husband at the top of the Bravta family hierarchy….as she should. Again and again, she showed great strength and became her own hero. It wasn’t the typical story where she’s the damsel in distress, that title actually kinda belongs to the ML, and I loved the irony and role switch. It was interesting and I loved how the ML encouraged and nurtured her vicious side, opening his arms wide the moment he let her in. I loved the main characters, all of them were wonderful to read—even the bad guys.
March 7, 2026
i am writing this review a day after I read it and some parts of the book is already blurry. I used around two weeks to read this book and that should say something when I can finish a 4 book series in as much time. The thought was there, but the execution didn't quite reach my expectations. I chose to read this book cause of tik tok where I read a good scene, so I might have come into it with a bit high expectations. I think this book could have been a bit more dragged out cause of some things. In my opinion I think Cassandra got over her traumas too quickly and trusting a random stanger. She was also fine with Mikhail running the Bratva right after finding out and as someone who's not involved in any mafia stuff I think that was weird. I also didn't like that Mikhail went to therapy, like in a dark romance we want our men to be unhinged and obsessed, not kind and weak. It wasn't a bad book, but taking everything into consideration I have to give this a 3⭐️, I was originally thinking 2.5 but with the good scenes and some good quotes I have to give it a 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
more of a 3.5 for me
immediately thought of Darkest Sin by Neva Altja based on how they meet but that’s where the similarities end. Cass and Mikhail have an interesting story - they meet when Cass is walking to her car and Mikhail is in the middle of a shoot out that results in him getting shot. Cass refuses to let him give up, takes his personal belongings so no one will know who he is and calls 911.
From there, Mikhail makes a full recovery and spends months trying to find the angel that saved him only for her to unexpectedly walk into his club one night where he’s able to return the favor.
-bratva boss x college student
-boy obsessed
-age gap, 10ish years
-touch adverse MMC
-he falls first
-slow burn
immediately thought of Darkest Sin by Neva Altja based on how they meet but that’s where the similarities end. Cass and Mikhail have an interesting story - they meet when Cass is walking to her car and Mikhail is in the middle of a shoot out that results in him getting shot. Cass refuses to let him give up, takes his personal belongings so no one will know who he is and calls 911.
From there, Mikhail makes a full recovery and spends months trying to find the angel that saved him only for her to unexpectedly walk into his club one night where he’s able to return the favor.
-bratva boss x college student
-boy obsessed
-age gap, 10ish years
-touch adverse MMC
-he falls first
-slow burn
January 20, 2026
This book had no business being SO GOOD! It had me hooked from the very beginning, and I genuinely could not put it down.
The way Mikhail was completely and utterly obsessed with Cassandra? Yeah, I’m not okay. This man was INFATUATED with her.
I love how he chose to work on himself to become deserving of her. It was also so lovely to see how they were both able to be so open and vulnerable with each other about their struggles, and how they both worked through those struggles, both independently and collectively.
I am also DESPERATE for Ivan to get his own book - I’d love to read more books in the world!
The way Mikhail was completely and utterly obsessed with Cassandra? Yeah, I’m not okay. This man was INFATUATED with her.
I love how he chose to work on himself to become deserving of her. It was also so lovely to see how they were both able to be so open and vulnerable with each other about their struggles, and how they both worked through those struggles, both independently and collectively.
I am also DESPERATE for Ivan to get his own book - I’d love to read more books in the world!
February 20, 2026
I couldn’t put this down. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and ended up flying through it in one sitting.
The spice level was perfect for me — intense and emotional without being over the top or overshadowing the story. The chemistry felt real, but what really stood out was the character development.
I especially loved Cass. Watching her go from broken and unsure to strong and absolutely badass was so satisfying. Her growth felt earned, not rushed, and it made every high-stakes moment hit even harder.
If you love dark romance with depth, tension, and a heroine who truly evolves, this one is worth the read. I’m already ready for the next book.
The spice level was perfect for me — intense and emotional without being over the top or overshadowing the story. The chemistry felt real, but what really stood out was the character development.
I especially loved Cass. Watching her go from broken and unsure to strong and absolutely badass was so satisfying. Her growth felt earned, not rushed, and it made every high-stakes moment hit even harder.
If you love dark romance with depth, tension, and a heroine who truly evolves, this one is worth the read. I’m already ready for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2026
You know what? This book was actually good. Finding the head of the brat a dying in an alley and she saves him and disappears not telling him who she is? Yes I’m here for it!
However, ‘menace’ as a nickname/pet name is just not it for me 😵💫 The actual Bratva side felt like a bit of a side plot for me too and the MMC lacked the usual traits that you’d find in a Pakhan. He’s was too soft and unfocused to feel like a mafia leader. The Fmc wasn’t annoying which is also a bonus! One spicy scene also wasn’t enough for me although I did like how it was a bit of a slow burn.
I would recommend this though if you want something short and sweet! 2.5⭐️
However, ‘menace’ as a nickname/pet name is just not it for me 😵💫 The actual Bratva side felt like a bit of a side plot for me too and the MMC lacked the usual traits that you’d find in a Pakhan. He’s was too soft and unfocused to feel like a mafia leader. The Fmc wasn’t annoying which is also a bonus! One spicy scene also wasn’t enough for me although I did like how it was a bit of a slow burn.
I would recommend this though if you want something short and sweet! 2.5⭐️
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