Scarlet Vows

Yegorov Bratva #3

by Kira Cole

ILYA

When I discover my late grandfather left me his bratva empire,
I’m excited for a chance to finally prove myself.
But there’s a I need to get married.
Alina, my best friend’s little sister, offers to help me out.
But I immediately turn her down.
The problem is, she won’t take no for an answer.
This marriage will benefit us both.
I get my inheritance.
She gets the creep who’s been bothering her off her back.
Her friendship means everything to me.
If I agree to marry her, I’m putting our entire friendship at risk,
because I haven’t been completely honest with her.
Eventually, she’s going to figure out the truth.
That I’m in love with her.
If she doesn’t feel the same way, I could lose everything.

ALINA

Ilya is so much more than just my brother’s best friend.
He was my rock after my fiancé died.
He’s the person I turn to when I’m feeling sad.
He’s one of my closest friends.
Naturally, I jump at the chance to help him out.
It’s just a fake marriage, right?
I didn’t consider is how triggering getting married would be for me.
Or that getting closer to Ilya would lead to unexpected feelings.
I want to open my heart up to love again,
but how can I when I feel so guilty letting go of the past?


Scarlet Vows is Book 3 in the Yegorov Bratva series. IIya and Alina’s story begins here and concludes in Scarlet Promise .
You don’t need to read Scarlet Secrets and Scarlet Sins to enjoy this duet—but for the richest experience and a deeper understanding of the world, it's recommended to start with Scarlet Secrets.

Genres: Friends To Lovers

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

Reviews

[Maria Itliong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series, great storyline. Kira is a great author for mafia books. Ilya and Alina's book is amazing. Loved the Koslov Bratva on audiobook. I can't wait for this series to be available on audiobook

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows is Book 3 in the Yegorov Bratva series. IIya and Alina’s story begins here and concludes in Scarlet Promise. There's no cheating and story ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger. You don’t need to read Scarlet Secrets and Scarlet Sins to enjoy this duet. But for the richest experience and a deeper understanding of the world, it's recommended to start with Scarlet Secrets. The stories are interconnected with characters from the previous books stopping by and contributing to the story. A great addition to this series. A beautiful written story with extraordinary characters and a fascinating and complex storyline that captures the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. An unputdownable and addictive read. A fast paced, dark, and twisted read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride with best friends turn husband and wife and follow along as they navigate through treachery, attacks, hatred and follow along as these they go from fake to real and fall in love.
A fake marriage romance, brother's-best-friend romance, organize crime story, crime thriller story, protective alpha hero romance, surprise pregnancy story, romantic suspense story, billionaires & millionaires romance, touch-her-and-die romance, friends-to-lovers romance, off-limits romance, marriage-of-convenience story, forbidden romance, Russian mafia romance, Bratva romance, contemporary romance, action & adventure romance, with friendship, passion, healing, acceptance, trust, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, lies, betrayals, deception, love, drama, threats, loss, tension, emotions, hatred, darkness, madness, violence, danger, enemies, secrets, revelations, power struggle, internal conflicts, steam, possessiveness, grief, guilt, trauma, sadness, twists and turns, kidnapped, rival,
bloodshed, alliance, attacks, obsession, and so much more.
Ilya and Bratva princess Alina knew each other since they were children and as had beautiful, loyal and loving friendship. He's her brother Demyan best friend whose the pakhan and also his second in command in his Bratva. Ilya recently learnt that his late grandfather who he have never met before died and left him his Bratva empire in his will. He's excited for a chance to finally prove himself. He discussed it with Demyan who was happy for him to be a pakhan of his own Bratva. However, there's a catch a stipulation that was included in the will that he must follow in order to secure his position as the new pakhan. He must get married to a Russian woman and remain married for at least twelve months in order to fulfill the will and secure his position in the Bratva. His best-friend's little sister, Alina offers to help him out. But he immediately turn her down. The problem is, she won't take no for an answer. You see this marriage would be beneficial for the both of them. He gets to get his inheritance and she gets the creep off her back who as been pestering her. She's been constantly being pursue by this Don that she has no interest in. Therefore, she also finds herself in need of a husband.
He values their friendship and doesn't want to jeopardize their relationship. He feels that if he agrees to marry her that he would be putting their friendship at risk and he couldn't deal with losing that. Additionally, he have crush on her for years and haven't told her about how he felt. He knows that if they get married she would eventually figure out the truth that he's in love with her because he will not be able to hide it being married to her. And if the feelings isn't reciprocated he fears that he could lose everything. Alina has had it rough for the last couple of years after the death of her fiance Max, who was gunned down and murder on their wedding day before the ceremony right before her eyes. And it has left her damaged, emotionally scarred and disinterested in ever loving again.
Ilya and Alina had became very close after the death of her fiance, he had been her rock and solace. He's the person that she turns to whenever she's feeling sad and she considered him to be one of her closest friends.
So she didn't have a problem helping him out, after all it's only going to be a fake marriage between two friends strictly business in her eyes right? But what she didn't count on was how triggering getting married would be for her. Or resurfaced memories of losing her fiance. She always wasn't counting on the unexpected feelings that she would feel by getting closer with Ilya in a husband and wife setting. She's crippled with fear of opening up her heart again to love and how guilty she would feel of letting go of Max the closer they became. They both thought everything would be easy but wasn't expecting the enemies that they would incur and the uphill battle that they would face in his Bratva as Ilya Vory revolt against him. It wasn't love when fake became something real, and as he fights to get command of his Bratva she returned the favor becoming his sounding board, his rock, his support system, his strength and his anchor. Their marriage and love only strengthen a bond that was already solid. And when is second in command abducted her Ilya will scorch the earth to get his wife back. I can't wait for the next book.

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and the story follows Ilya, Demyan's right-hand man, and his sister Alina.

Alina has always had a soft spot for Ilya; she had a crush on him when she was younger. He has been a constant by her side, a confidant while she grieved the loss of Max on their wedding day.

Ilya is running the businesses for Demyan while he and his family are in Russia for a few months, when he receives unexpected and surprising news. What he finds out shocks him, but there are stipulations in the will regarding his taking over as head of the Belov Bratva. His obvious choice is Alina, whom he has always had feelings for, but he can't ask her because it could be too much for her. But who could he get?

Alina will not take no for an answer; she is willing to do this for her friend.

Ilya has to hide his feelings for Alina; he has always loved her, but she is his friend and boss's sister, a no-go area. He knows Demyan would disapprove, so they have to keep things quiet.

Alina needs this as it offers her protection from men trying to date her. But what starts as good intentions soon spirals, past feelings are rising to the surface, something she doesn't want ot face as she feels as though she is cheating on Max. Guilt and confusion weigh heavily on her shoulders.

Ilya is under pressure; the men from the Belov bratva do not trust him. They don't know him and are wary of him, especially being linked to Demyan and the Yegorov Bratva. Does he make a play against one of the other families? A show of strength, leadership to show his loyalty to them. But whom does Ilya put his trust in? Has he put his faith in the wrong person? And what will happen when Demyan returns? Through it all, Ilya's feelings for Alina deepen. Can the marriage stay platonic, or will the attraction eventually ignite and that line be crossed?

The book leaves us on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next in the series to be released. I need to know what happens...NOW!.

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

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Yegorov Bratva Series and they just keep getting better! This book we concentrate on Ilya, who is Damyan’s best friend and second in charge and Alina, who is Damyan’s younger sister and has been very close friends with Ilya since her fiancé was shot and killed at their wedding ceremony. Ilya has been left in charge of Yegorov Bratva for several months while Damyan and his young family spend a few months in Russia, he is, despite being tired, really enjoying his time in charge, he gets a call one day from a lawyer to say he had been mentioned in his grandfather’s will. A grandfather he didn’t know existed, his immediate reaction was, no I’m not interested! He does agree to go to see the lawyer to find that to immense surprise that his grandfather has left him the Bratva, there is a stipulation, however he must be married and she must be a Bratva woman. When he tells Alina about it she offers herself, it will help him get his inheritance and will stop men hitting on her, especially dangerous men who think she is fair game since her fiancé Max was killed. Ilya says no, initially because Damyan will kill him and he doesn’t want to brings back memories of her wedding day and the death of Max.
Together they face challenges, dramas, danger, betrayal, lies and in growing their relationship the guilt that Alina carries for any feeling she has or could have since losing Max runs so deep, chemistry between Ilya and Alina is explosive, there are twist and turns in the storyline that will keep you turning those pages until you hit the cliffhanger!
Can’t wait for Book 4
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of friendship, unknown love, and loyalty.

Alina is the sister of Demyan, the pakhan of the Yegorov Bratva. When her fiancé is shot down at their wedding, Alina finds comfort and solace in her brothers right hand man, Ilya. When an unexpected encounter leads to Alina needing to find a fiancé, she runs to Ilya. Unknown to her, Ilya is in love with her. When he agrees to be her pretend fiancé, all his restraint and control towards Alina begins to fade. When Alina moves in with Ilya, their connection becomes too intense and sparks begin to fly.

Ilya, right hand man to the Yegorov Bratva has been in love with his Pakhan’s sister, Alina. After Alina’s husband is killed, their bond begins to strengthen and they become closer than ever before. When Ilya finds himself in a predicament that in order to take over after his grandfather, he must marry he knows that Alina is the best choice. Soon after they agree on faking a marriage, friendship begins to turn into something much more. Ilya shows his soft side only to Alina making a genuine and loving connection between them.

As Ilya struggles to find a balance between two mafia worlds, Alina becomes an anchor for him. She’s always there to calm him down, support him, and listen to him. I really enjoyed their relationship together as they strengthened an already well established bond.

I think we’ll see exactly what Ilya is capable of in Book 2.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilya is second in charge of his best friend Damyan's Bratva. Ilya is also best friends with Damyan's little sister Alina, and her protector when her brother is not around. Ilya gets news that his grandfather, whom he didn't know, has died. He is mentioned in his grandfather's will, so he goes to see the lawyer to hear the contents of the will. Ilya is surprised to hear his Grandfather has left him in charge of the Bratva. There is one stipulation: Ilya must marry within the month and stay married for twelve months. He can't just marry any woman; he has to marry a Bratva woman. Alina springs to mind, but he knows that he can't; she's Damyan's sister. When he tells Alina of his grandfather's wishes, Alina makes the suggestion herself. He reluctantly agrees to marry her, promising it will be in name only and that he will leave her alone. Alina has doubts since it brings back memories of her wedding day and the death of her previous love Max, on their wedding day. Kira keeps you turning the pages with all the twists and turns that you dont see coming.
I received an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a Bratva romance with mystery and intrigue, you will love this book. Be warned, this does end on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next. This is Book Three in the Yegorov Bratva series, and you will need to read the previous two books in the series if you want to know Ilya's story with Max.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows delivers an emotional and gripping start to Ilya and Alina’s story, blending the intensity of mafia romance with the quiet ache of healing love. With a fake marriage, a brother’s best friend twist, this story is as layered as it is addictive.

What truly sets this book apart is the way the author handles Alina’s grief. Her struggle to reconcile her painful past with the possibility of a future is portrayed with honesty, heartache, and hope. Her emotional journey is raw, tender, and incredibly moving, especially as she begins to fall for the man who’s always been in her corner.

Ilya is a standout hero—compassionate, patient, and grounded in quiet strength. He’s not your typical alpha, and that’s what makes him unforgettable. The author masterfully shows us his two sides: the kind, reflective man devoted to Alina, and the ruthless heir to a powerful Bratva empire. The duality adds tension and depth, making every interaction between Ilya and Alina charged with emotion and quiet yearning.

The friends-to-lovers dynamic simmers beautifully, full of unspoken love, internal conflict, and just the right amount of angst. Add in a fake marriage and a mafia backdrop, and you have a slow-burn romance that’s both emotionally rich and thrillingly dangerous.

Scarlet Vows ends on a cliffhanger, but by the time you turn that last page, you’ll be desperate for more. A beautifully written, heartfelt, and suspenseful read that proves love can bloom even in the most unlikely places.

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

[Carina Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Scarlet Vows by Kira Cole

Kira Cole delivers another gripping addition to the Yegorov Bratva series with Scarlet Vows, this time focusing on Alina and Ilya. In a perfect blend of fake marriage and friends-to-lovers tropes, this story wastes no time pulling you into the emotional and high-stakes world of the Bratva.

Alina, a woman who’s already experienced love and devastating loss, enters into a bold proposition with Ilya—who has just inherited leadership of the Bratva under strict conditions. With nothing left to lose, Alina offers Ilya a solution he can’t refuse. What begins as a calculated arrangement quickly becomes complicated by long-buried feelings and undeniable chemistry.

Ilya’s struggle to protect their friendship while harboring deep love for Alina adds emotional depth and tension that keeps you hooked. The slow unraveling of their relationship is both heartwarming and intense, and the danger that surrounds their world only raises the stakes.

With Scarlet Vows, Cole proves once again why the Yegorov Bratva series is a must-read for dark romance fans. It’s passionate, emotional, and packed with just the right amount of danger and heart. A wild ride from beginning to end—and one you won’t want to get off.

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

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I was just not in the mood for this book, or what, but I couldn't really get into it for the first 80% or so. It started out so slowly (even having read the first 2 books in the series), and I had issues with the connection with Ilya and Alina.

Their story makes sense, but I still didn't feel anything between them. I want some more emotions, here. I felt more emotion from her when she thought about Max than I ever did with Ilya. It just doesn't feel like enough chemistry for there to be the depth of feeling that they do/will be needing, based on that cliffhanger.

This started so slow, for me. Practically nothing was happening, and she was still getting over Max and then suddenly she was with Ilya, not just married but sleeping with him. I want more.

We finally started getting some action at the end of the book. There was so little going on, that it felt more like a corporate inheritance than bratva. It was so bland that I got bored with it. I will stick it out and move to the next book because finally some things are happening.
I don't think I would recommend this to others, so far, though.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the Yegorov Bratva Series when Ilya discovers a grandfather he never meet leaves him the Bravta Empire becoming Pakhan. In order to take over Illya must be married for 12 months or forfeit the position. While covering as Pakhan for his best friend Demyan’s Bratva his younger sister Alina finds herself being pursued by a dangerous man and finds herself needing a fiancé. These two became friends after Alina losses her groom from an attack on the family and agree to a secret fake marriage helping one another. Ilya has an uphill battle to win over the men and when offered help by one he takes it. Deals, alliances and enemies are made and Alina and Ilya turn their marriage into something more on their own terms. It’s beautiful to see how their feelings create some steaminess as lovers into something special. Those enemies show their evilness and Ilya and Alina are forced with a situation neither saw coming leaving all wanting more! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Alina and Ilya. They have been friends since she was younger when Ilya first started working with her brother. They grew closer after her fiancé was killed at their wedding before her vows. Ilya has had a crush on her for years but has never made a move on Alina.
She comes to his rescue when he finds out he has been named the heir of the Belov Bratva when his grandfather whom he thought was dead. He must be married to a Bratva women for 12 months for his inheritance. Alina suggests they marry, for her to avoid the advances of an Italian Don and for him to gain his inheritance.
Their relation slowly evolves, but she is kidnapped by Ilya's right-hand man in the Belov Bratva in revenge.
There is no HEA ending here, but the continuation promises to be full of revenge.
I can't wait for the next story.
This is a great read with a great emotion on Alina's part as she deals with the stages of grief. I loved the addition of Albert the rescue dog.

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

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star rating

Arc Review

I willing throw out names here -

The Belov Bratva: Ilya
Santo Barone
The Yegorov Bratva : Demyan & Alina

* Points to consider -
* ? on temporary vowels
* ? Can they succeed and what is the catch of a deceased Pakhan - Iilya’s estranged grandfather!
* Love, leaving people vulnerable
* destroyed

Climatic ending. I’ll leave it there. This took some time to reach the escalation of Ilya and Alina. BFF but…..

Alina is still in a state of losing Max ( husband all of the ceremony). Time and Albert are what she needs. Who is Albert? Upon reading you will become acquainted with him.

Life for Ilya too takes a turn. All the questions will be answered within the read. I do recommend reading in order to understand the characters.

Awaiting book 4 in the series.

?’s
Solutions
Expectations
Friendship is ?ed
Friends to Lovers

Bratva

🫢 😋😋



** original post on Booksprout

[Mimbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I realised this was book 3 in a series I decided to read Demyan and Erin's duet first and I'm so glad I did as the MC's in both stories are interconnected. The MC's in this second duet are Ilya, who is Demyans bratva second and inherits his own Bratva. Alina is Demyans sweet sister and to start with is Ilya's best friend until they begin to realise much deeper feelings. There is so much happening in these stories that I couldn't put them down and pulled at least one all-nighter! twists, turns, suspense, hot spice..wow.
Scarlet Vows is the first in this second duet and be warned.. it ends in a cliffhanger.. I'll be ordering the final book, Scarlet Promise the day it lands! Kira Cole has written a must read-fabulous mafia series!! ..btw, Ilya just might be one of our fav book boyfriends of all time!.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. Ilya is given an opportunity to be the head of his grandfather's Bratva but he is required to marry in a month and be married for 12 months. He was taken aback as his understanding was his grandfather was dead. Isla has loved Alina for a long time, but he refuses to act on it as Alina is his boss's sister. This story is full of non-stop action, Ilya has a spy in his organization, and it is causing him problems. The chemistry between Ilya and Alina is hot, and as they get to know one another as a married couple and not just friends it starts putting things into a different light. I love how the things developed between these two. Just be aware this does end on a cliff hanger and you will have to wait for the second one to come out in order to find out what happens. I can't wait to see how the rest of this story develops. This is. must read!!

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful bratva story. We follow Alina and Ilya. She's struggling on the day she was supposed to marry her fiancé, but he died on that day. She wants to get away from everything and everyone, and she just wants to be left alone. When she makes a deal with Ilya, her brother's right-hand man, it's a deal that suits him, because if he wants to take over his grandfather's company, he needs a wife. He's never acted out of respect for her deceased fiancé, Max, or her brother, but his feelings can't be stopped, and their budding relationship takes off. A great story that does end on a cliffhanger. If that's not for you, then this book isn't for you, but it's definitely worth reading. On to the next installment.









I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

We saw Alina in previous book her fiancée died on their wedding day and I'm so happy she's getting her own happy ending. Ilya gets some unexpected news that turns his life upside down. He discovers my late grandfather left me his bratva empire. He an Alina have been BFF's since she was young and especially after her husband died. She can talk to him about anything, which sometimes make thing uncomfortable since Ilya is her brother's best friend too. A captivating story of mafia intrigue, getting they respect he deserves and the love they both want and dream of. A fast-paced story with twist and turns with secrets, lies and betrayals. The book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the conclusion of the duet. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie the first 2 books of the series were good! Definitely dark mafia romance. I was interested to see how the story progresses with Alina and her heartache. Let me tell you! I cried! The description of her pain and how she moves through her trauma and pain was, *chefs kiss*! Ilya is so patient and loving with her.
I did get a little annoyed at the end of the book with Alina’s decision making. She’s a bratva princess. It’s not like she doesn’t know the rules to keep herself safe but I will give her that she was emotionally a wreck and she acknowledges that she knew better but brain stopped working lol. I’m excited to see how the second book plays out!!.

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

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the Yegorov Bratva series, Scarlet Vows follows Ilya, who has just found out he needs to get married to get his inheritance. Alina is his best friend’s little sister, he’s been the one she has leaned on since her fiancé died. Naturally she feels she should be the one to marry him to help him out. Fake marriage will help them both, but the feelings they’ve been harboring for each other soon surface. Emotions run high as well as the heat. Bratva drama and danger of course, it wouldn’t be a Cole book if it didn’t have all these elements weaved so well throughout. But then we enter the danger zone of a cliffhanger, so now we wait!.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one kept me riveted. It was a combination of Ilya’s sexy intellect and Alina’s kind heart. I enjoyed watching Alina’s feelings change from friendship to much more. And Ilya- the way the author describes how he dresses makes me sigh and remember my days working in theatre costuming. Albert the dog totally steals the show, and I’m a cat person.
Here are
CAT’S STATS:
MMC/FMC- Ilya and Alina
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Heat- slow burn, open door
Series? Duet
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, past loss of partner, grief, sad stories about homeless animals, language.
Tropes- Russian Dressing, Friends to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, It’s Pakhan not Pakhan’t, Fake Relationship, Marriage of Convenience, He Ain’t Heavy— He’s My Bratva, Where There’s a Will.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ilya needs a wide to inherit his Bratva, he at first rejects Alina, his best friend's sisters offer but she is persistent.

Just an amazing story About a familiar subject, but done in a way that was a pleasure to read.

Ilya was dominant, possessive and very much falling for Alina before they even got together. But Alina knew they couldn't be together for real. Her motivation was she wanted him but also needed protection from some unwanted attention.

Such a great book. I really enjoyed the read and Kira Cole knows how to bring the excitement. Fantastic read!.

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

[Cindy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows is another amazing story from this talented author. I enjoyed the characters and the story.

Alina has already experienced love and loss. A dangerous man is now pursuing her and she needs a fake fiance'. Ilya needs to get married in order to take over for a grandfather he never knew. Alina and Ilya agree to a fake marriage in order to help each other out. They become friends and much more as they get to know each other. This story ends on a cliffhanger so be aware. I'm looking forward to more from their story.

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

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows, book three in the Yegorov Bratva series begins the story of Ilya Belov, and Alina Yegorov. When Ilya discovers that grandfather he never even knew existed leaves him the Belov Bratva empire, he’s shocked, especially when he discovers that the only way for him to inherit the position is that he needs to be married for at least one full year, In a rush to settle the matter, he turns to his best friend, and his boss’ little sister, Alina, who is struggling with the loss of her fiancé Max. But as the pair agree to the marriage, and old feelings begin to surface, will they keep their feelings platonic? Or will they give in to the attraction between them?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Vows by Kira Cole was a fantastic, edge of your seat book I could not put down. If you like steamy mafia romance you will love Ilya and Alina's story. Alina hasn't been the same since her fiancé Max was killed but somehow her bond with Ilya, her brother's best friend has only gotten stronger. So when an enemy of her family threatens her, Alina goes to the only person that can help and that's Ilya. And as it happens Ilya needs her help too to get his grandfather's inheritance. Just as their friendship turns to something deeper, Alina is taken. Can't wait for the next book!.

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

[Nessa]

Well I really wanted to like this, but this has 'beginners for mafia romance readers' stamped all over the pages. The MMC was a teddy bear and the heroine too wishy washy. The way they dance around each other makes me want to lock them in the room and just say 'DO IT! GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM!'

I realize that the heroine's been grieving for her dead lover (2 years in fact), but this is fiction, and I'm here for a little romancing...so I found her pinball reaction marginally annoying.

THIS WAS TOO SWEET. My personal reading taste leans into angst, dark and maybe some taboo...especially a ruthless, even obsessive male lead. Obviously I didn't get it here, and that's why I got bored.

[bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend’s little sister, mafia politics, fake marriage… you already know nothing is staying fake here. Ilya’s grumpy, guarded, and way too patient for his own good, while Alina’s still carrying grief like a second skin. Their chemistry simmers, then punches you in the chest when it boils over. I loved the mix of danger, emotional gut punches, and soft moments that made me want to hug them both. Albert the dog deserves his own novella, by the way. There’s betrayal, violence, and just enough spice to keep things tense without drowning the story. And yes, the cliffhanger is rude, but now I’m counting down for the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I'd been hanging for Ilya and Alina's story! Scarlet Vows was a good start.

Ilya was perfect for Alina in every way. I loved that he always stepped up to defend her and 'tried' to do what he thought was best for her in the beginning despite his feelings.

I loved the Demyan/Ilya relationship in Demyan and Erin's story so I really felt for the situation he was in here: respect his best friend, or follow his heart?

He was in such a tough position in his relationships and his work. He faced some really tough challenges with knowing who to trust and how to gain the respect of the men in his new bratva while also balancing running Demyan's bratva while he was away in Italy.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina and Ilya have been friends since he came to work for her brother. Her brother is the Pakhan and he is his right hand man. Ilya has had a crush on Alina, they grow closer after her fiancé is taken out on their wedding day.

When Ilya finds out that his grandfather left him a Bratva empire to rule, only if he marries, there is no other choice for other than Alina. It is supposed to be a marriage in name only but they grow closer and develop feelings.

This does end on a cliffhanger and cannot wait for how the author wraps things up.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kira writes the most AMAZING mafia romance books ever and in my honest opinion I think she is one heck of an amazing author. Once you start to read her books you just can’t seem to put to want to stop reading them.
This book right here is seriously one you are going to absolutely love once you turn to chapter one page one. WOW the characters Ilya and Alina as well as the storyline are going to keep you from doing anything except reading until you hit the ending. I am really excited and ready to see what Kira writes next.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other's in this series I knew that Kira would have written a great story and boy was I in for one heck of a story.
One fake marriage, wife gets kidnapped, trusting in the wrong person, the one who wants to be the Pakhan instead.
All of the characters come through really well and when everything goes wrong at the worse time possible, how to tell her brother everything before he hits you first.
Was not expecting a cliff hanger at all but it was a brilliant read from start to the end.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good read. I love the new "situations" that are brought up between characters mentioned in the previous books. I like that they have their own story to tell. There was a small time where I felt that it was repetitive. Same issues and thoughts by both the FMC and MMC over and over again. I understand why just thought it could've been cut back some. There was action, steaminess, lies, and betrayal. Can't wait for the next book so I can tell the brother to suck it! LOL!.

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