Ruthless Mafia King

New York Bratva

by A.J. Summers

Life as a mafia princess is full of unexpected plot twists.
One day, I’m scouting for new bands in downtown clubs, living the life of the rich and the beautiful.
The next, I'm sold to a Russian mobster to pay for my brother's screw-up.

It's just another Tuesday with Mercury in retrograde.

Cue Nikolai Volkov. A devil in Armani with a body built for sin.

Protective. Ruthless. Magnetic.

Oh, and did I mention he's hot enough to melt Siberia?

I should despise him for stealing my freedom. Instead, I'm playing house with the beast and melting every time he growls 'mine’.

But as it turns out, this good girl has a knack for taming monsters.

Only that now, it looks like I'll be trading club-hopping for baby-shopping.

I'm pregnant.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2024

About the author

A J Summers is a bestselling Amazon author. She writes steamy contemporary romance filled with skyscrapers and billionaires. Her stories are about grumpilicious silver foxes, enemies turned lovers, and happily ever afters.

A J Summers lives in New York City. When she’s not working, she enjoys roaming the city in search of the next love story.

Follow A J on Goodreads (click that “Follow Author” button!) and get her free novella when you join her steamy newsletter: https://bit.ly/42OZBV4

Follow A J on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pzKT5R

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3½ 💫
Spice: 🌶🌶

Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Martina Ciccia
I usually avoid Audiobooks with only one narrator but surprisingly I didn't even realize there was only one narrator until I was finished listening! 🤯

Main Characters:
Nikolai (32), a Russian Pakhan
Katarina (21), a Mafia princess

Tropes:
Mafia
Arranged Marriage
Captor/Captive
Age Gap
Enemies to Lovers
Surprise Pregnancy


It all started as Nik wanting to claim Kata to get revenge on her family for murdering (in a drunken car accident) his mother and Fiancé. An arrangement was made for them to marry until Katarina's father double crossed Nik backing out.


There were a lot of betrayals and curveballs in this story but I felt it lacked consequences for the characters. It was as if the problems were thrown in then almost immediately forgiven.
I could see how Nik and Kata would "fit" together as a couple but I couldn't really feel the love between them.


Quotes:
“I didn’t realize my kidnapper could be so polite,” she bites out. Her tone might be waspish, but it’s jittery, almost a whisper. “When it comes to the woman I’ll marry, I can be anything you need me to be,” I assure her with a satisfied grin.


“Promise me,” I say, when I can finally formulate a coherent thought. He holds me tighter. “Always, moye serdtse. In this life and the next.” “I’m never letting you go,” I tell him.

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

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm… this was just an ok read. Nikolai Volkov (32) wants Kata Sokolov (21) as payback for a tragedy her brother, Igor, caused years ago. When Igor sleeps with the virgin daughter of a rival Bratva family, all hell breaks loose and the Sokolovs come to Nikolai for help. Of course, he demands Kata’s hand in marriage. Even though she finds Nikolai hot, she doesn’t want to give up her freedom and get married to a stranger. After her father gives his consent, he and his sons have plans to double cross Nikolai because everyone knows his “innocent” daughter is off limits. I found it odd that her father, a ruthless Bratva boss, allows her to do whatever she wants. Kata is a music promoter who spends most of her evenings at various clubs while searching for new talent. She’s often drunk, admittedly sleeps around, and very spoiled. Nikolai kidnaps Kata, and she hates him. After they have sex for the first time, she suddenly wants to stay with him and thinks she’s in love. Other than their obvious physical attraction, I just couldn’t buy into their relationship. The plot has so much backstabbing going on between rival families, and keeping track of all the back and forth action and characters (there’s quite a a lot) was tiresome. Nikolai doesn’t know who to trust, but in the end it all wraps up a little too nicely and unrealistically.

with keeping track the action.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai and Katarina are from two different family's, when Katarina's bratva father needs guns to wage a war he goes to Nikolai who demands Katarina marry him in exchange. Katarina's father agrees but then back out of the deal once he gets the first shipment, believing he has the upper hand because he made another deal with another family.
Nikolai is not the kind of man you cross so he kidnaps Katarina to give her the choice, stay with him and be protected and all costs or go back to the mess her father has made where there's a target on her back.
Spending time with Nik enables Kata to see the real him and boy do the sparks fly, it's like they were made for each other.

An interesting bratva story, with plot twists but a romance at the heart of it all where they didn't really have a choice but to fall in love.

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

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readable Bratva story with likable characters…

Solid story arc and strong main characters make this a good read. Solid 4.25. Toward the middle I considered not reading to the end as there was a bit too much repetition so some editing down might have been helpful. Strong MMC who didn’t lose his alpha, top dog swagger as he fell in love. FMC not as strongly drawn but no slouch. He has revenge on his mind as he kidnaps and then manipulates her to desire and eventually fall in love with him. While he implements his plan, he develops feelings for her. Story arc resolves the tensions between the various Bratva factions to avoid war between the families. Be aware of possible triggers including kidnapping and drugging a woman. On-page violence and fighting among male characters resulting in intentional paralysis of one character. Story wrapped up a bit too neatly at the end leaving everyone with a HEA. Sexy bits not over the top and with no kink.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai Volkov is a Russian Pakhan who controls the weapons trade. Katerina Sokolov a mafia princess working as a talent scout.
Katerina's brother Igor has done something against a rival family and she will have to be the one to pay for his mistake. In order to save her family, Katerina will have to marry Nikolai. As Nikolai and Katerina get to know each other things will heat up. This story is full of suspense, danger, secrets and is action-packed with passion and romance.

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

[Allthebooks (Lynette) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

I loved the cover of this book. Without the blurb I was all in based on the cover alone. I love a good mafia love story even with all the guns and violence, and this was a good story. There were twists ad turns, some angst, betrayal, spice and a HEA. But both the MMC and FMC at different times had me wanting to toss my kindle lol. If you like the kind of story that will make you talk to and argue with the characters while you read, you will enjoy this book. Ultimately though I couldn't connect deeply with the main characters. I also felt some of the twists and decisions made were unnecessary, but that's just me and how I process. I wanted more of a connection to the characters and story. There was some stuttering to the flow of the story from about 2/3 in, but overall, a good read.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK Review

The story kicks off with serious heat, a bit of danger, and a lot of mystery surrounding our main character, who is as deadly as he is captivating. If you like a brooding, protective antihero with a soft spot for the woman he can’t get out of his head, this is your next listen.

Martina Ciccia brought this story to life, balancing the intensity and danger of mafia life with moments of tenderness and passion. Her delivery of the different voices kept the tension high and made the characters feel like they were right in the room with me. Full 5 stars for this performance!

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely, especially for fans of intense, high-stakes romance with a dangerous edge. It’s got everything—a suspenseful storyline, a flawed but magnetic antihero, and a heroine who is caught between fear and attraction.

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

[Pat Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai and Katarina's love story

Nikolai Volkov is a powerful Russian mobster living in NY. He has experienced tragedy, with his fiancée and mother dying in a hit and run accident caused by the son of the Pakhan, Dimitri Solokov. To get revenge, he vows to marry the Pakhan's daughter.
That daughter is Katarina Solokov. She is 21, beautiful, independent.
Their story starts rough, compounded by all the competing mob families fighting to the death.
This is a fascinating story. Nikolai is strong and unflinching, except with Katarina. In spite of the violence, Nikolai is portayed sympathetically, reminiscent of Michael Corleone in The Godfather.
This is definitely one of the author's best books. I highly recommend it. It also successfully introduces various family members for subsequent books in the series.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Nikolai and Katarina
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Length- about 300 pages
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, discussion of human and drug trafficking, language, sex.
Tropes- Captor/Captive, Arranged Marriage, Surprise Pregnancy, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva
Mewsings
What I liked- the book was easy to read, fast paced, and well written. And the hero likes the heroine to finish first and more often.
What I didn’t- points deducted because Kata’s father went back on his word more than once and Nikolai STILL went all in with him. It seemed a foolish decision. I don’t care who he’s related to, once a person breaks their word like that….

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

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the narration of Martina Ciccia, who brings the drama, angst , action and heat all to your ears

To stop a guns war deal Katarina's bratva father agrees that Nikolai and Katarina marry him. But Katarina's father backs out of the deal once he gets the first shipment. He now thinks he has the upper hand and make another deal.
Nikolai is man you break a deal with and kidnaps Katarina. Nikolai tells her she can stay with him and be protected or go back to her father. Making her have a target.
The more these two are together heat and sparks fly. This book has suspense, danger, secrets, action, heat and romance.

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

[Alexis Skurdall · Rating 4 out of 5]

dark mafia fun

If you like dark mafia romances this is one heck of a ride!! I throughly enjoyed all the tropes in this one!! This is dark though so definitely check your trigger warnings! It wasn’t the darkest I’ve read but does have some darker tones! The narrator does a wonderful job going between the different voices for the characters and I enjoyed listening to her a lot! Ok now on to talking about the tropes so scroll away if you don’t want spoilers! I really enjoyed the kidnapping while also saving her! I’m not usually one for pregnancy or accidental pregnancy but I feel like it was done and talked about really well here! All in all I really enjoyed this book!.

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

[Shelly Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this one started good and then kept throwing curveballs that by the end, I couldn't tell who friend or foe was. There was really no payback or consequences for actions and double crosses. It felt to a point that everything was tossed in and hope it made sense. They two main characters were good together but not in love Imo. Her family was constantly walking up to the line and tip toe over but jumping back. It would have helped to streamline the drama. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cin Pell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic mafia story with lots of twists and turns, with more than enough villains doing their best to make our main characters as much problems, pain and anguish. Nikolai is ruthless in his pursuit and nothing will stop him. Katarina is young and blissfully living her best life trying to make her own path. They bring the heat when they finally crash with each other.

Hope this is the start of a series. There’s still a lot of characters which could use their own story!.

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

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai is a morally grey alpha individual with his heart set on revenge. What he doesn't expect is to develop real feelings for the woman he's kidnapped in order to force a marriage.

Katarina is a strong willed, determined woman who fights hard to keep her emotions her own against Nikolai's relentless pressure.

Add in a whole bunch of plot twists, bratva battles and betrayals, plenty of steamy passion and this is a fantastic, fast paced, gritty, page turner. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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

[YAZ3885]

Nikolai is a ruthless Alpha who wants revenge and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. Katarina is a strong willed and determined womato fight hard to keep her freedom. With all the betrayal, lies and plots against him from her father who broke the deal between them he saves and kidnanaps her to give her the choice to mary him with all the fights and banter what they didn't expect was for a surprise pregnancy and to fall in love.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Mafia King is both suspenseful and a definite page-turner. Ruthless Mafia King follows the amazing story of Nikolai and Katarina. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and in my honest opinion Ruthless Mafia King is a fantastic addition to the mafia romance genre. I couldn’t get enough of Nikolai and Katarina’s story which I thought to be beautifully written and executed by author AJ Summers. I most certainly would encourage anyone who enjoys reading mafia romances should checkout this book.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! AWESOME story!!!! It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was totally intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Nikolai knows that he might have to married Katarina's very soon. The chemistry and the physical physical attraction was sexual tension. This romance was unpredictable of and action packed of drama and their were many twists and turns in this tragic moment of emotions and scary and realistic.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolia and Katarina. Shes a mafia princess living the life. Then her brother screws up and the next thing she knows is that she's paying for it by being sold to a Russian mob boss. This one definitely keeps you on your toes. OMG she's sold to Nikolia and then her father plans to kill him and give her to another family's son and the brother of the girl her brother wronged wants to kidnap her for revenge, but Nikolia kidnaps her first. WOW. What a journey they have. Well written and great character building.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. What an interesting book that depicts a mafia man getting what he wants. Nikolai Volkov wants the beautiful mafia princess but has to fight for her and slowly makes her fall in love with him. Patience for what he wants comes at a price. Is the price worth it?.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The powerful mobsters have no mercy in this story. Not even their families can afford to rest easy. There is wheeling and dealing. There are racy scenes that seem to climax over and over. There are bullets flying. There are punches thrown. There is excitement and surprises around every corner. No one is safe. Gotta be on your guard at all times. Protection is crucial but who can you trust. A great read full of action.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really enjoy her writing. I didn't like the kidnapping, but was slowly convinced of the plot. I didn't connect with Katarina because she seemed liked she had everything handed to her. I felt like I missed the building of the connection they share. But after the main plots I felt more connected to the characters. I always enjoy the steamy parts. The smut is on point!.

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

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of the story, it started really well and i was gripped to the story, but about half way in it did loose some momentum for me, i didn't feel the love between the characters at all though, it felt more like lust. Overall it had some good elements it just wasn't executed in the right way at times and there was too much going on or nothing at all.

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

[Angel Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story!

Katerina is a mob princess whose brother screws up (literally), and she is forced to pay the price. She is given to their family's rivals as a gift bride. Enter Nikolai.

So much fire between these two characters - both good and bad.

Fantastic characters, incredible and engaging plot. Lots of danger, action, intrigue, heat and heart. All the feels.

Loved it.

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

[Brenda A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same old same old

Authors new dialogue please. The same old lines you wouldn't dare, you like what you see, come now, say my name, beg me you taste delicious. Stockholm Syndrome, found her G-spot which does not exist by the way. It's always the MMC trying to make the MFC crave him shouldn't it be the other way around make him work for it a little angst would be nice. Can't we have an MFC with a little self-control and dignity?

[Soleil · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF... I thought the fmc Katarina was a virgin. She is not a virgin hadn't had sex in three months. I don't like Katarina anyway. Her attitude sucks and she is mean. Once again, why do these authors write their heroine being cold and mean. Amazon has this book as the woman being a virgin.☹ That is why I decided to read this book. I also read the free sample chapters on Amazon before purchasing this book. Waste of mine money!!😠

[Megan Mclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love how well the character development is done,showing a fleshed out version of who she was before the arrangement...I really enjoyed that and feel like it is something that can be commonly overlooked or rushed through to get to the main plot points. I really enjoyed this writing style as it was so so captivating. You won't be able to put this one down! Pairs well with "alone time" 😜🫠 you are will not be disappointed!

[Jocelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this Mafia Romance. Nikolai and Katarina's story is entertaining, fast-paced and passionate, filled with danger, mystery, action and twists and turns. Nikolai is enigmatic, ruthless and powerful. Katarina is young and strong. The supporting characters are intriguing. The storyline is interesting. Martina Ciccia did a good job bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katarina's life is turned upside down when she is sold to pay for her brother's screwup to Nikolai. He may be a monster, but Katarina has him purring in the end of this enticing story. It is well written with an alpha male who I loved reading and connecting with.

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

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best mafia romance I have read this year, it has all the ingredients for an exciting read. Katarina’s life story is absolutely amazing, fascinating well you get my message. I highly recommended you to read it, you will love it, I promised, a great one in its genre. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it impossible not to love this story about Nikolai and Katarina and my heartbeat was seriously highly due to the suspense, heat and romance this book puts out for us. Get ready for your next book binge read that will keep you up very late reading all because you can't turn your kindle off. This book is well worth a 20/20 star read.