Untamed Beast

Heirs of Obsession #3

by Madison Juno

I dodged a string of arranged marriages…until a brutal villain gave me no choice.

I’m a good girl, a Bratva princess, with one problem. I don’t want to marry.
I spend years avoiding my fate — until him. Aleksandr Zhukov.
The madman who murdered my brothers.


A scarred giant with muscles of iron and years of Bratva secrets.

Hell-bent on payback for ten years of Siberian torture on my father’s orders.

He turns my wedding day into vengeance and takes me as his bride.



I say "I do," like the good girl I am.

Not because he would have dragged me down the aisle kicking and screaming.

But because Aleksandr has the one thing I want more than anything: the truth.

In exchange, this killer steals my innocence.

Our marriage was supposed to be about revenge, but now I crave his touch more than his downfall.

And he can’t bear to let me go. Not even when my father’s lies threaten everything…

Untamed Beast is a standalone dark mafia romance with arranged marriage, a feisty but innocent heroine, enemies to lovers, and a morally grey hero who burned down his asylum to claim her. Ends with a HEA and no cliffhangers. 

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark, Suspense, Spicy

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2026

About the author

Bratva romance with equal parts angst and spice.

Currently writing the Heirs of Obsession series:
Ruinous Need - August 2025
Sweet Carnage - December 2025
Untamed Beast - June 2026
...and more to come 👀

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooooooo, I feel like the characters really lacked consistency in this book. They also lacked character development that would cause them to make the major changes that they underwent to make them so different from how they started out the story.

I really liked how Natalia started out the book. With how she kept usurping her marriages. I liked how fiesty she seemed. Yet I think her character really fell apart when it came to looking logically at almost ANYONE else in her life.

I was intruiged by the premise, but everything else about this story kinda fell apart after that.

Maybe coming in on book 3 was the problem. I don't know.

3 Stars
3 on the spice scale

*I received an eARC from Netgalley.*

[Iman’s Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC review

2.75⭐️

I've never wanted to hand a fictional character a backbone more than I did to this FMC while reading this book.

I finished it feeling genuinely irritated, which is unfortunate because there were actually a lot of things it did well.

The suspense was easily the strongest part of the story. The secrets, deception, family drama, and mystery surrounding the artwork kept me invested from beginning to end. Every time I considered putting the book down, the plot would pull me back in.

The romance, however, was another story entirely.

At first, I was into it. The slow burn was working, the tension was there, and I thought we were building toward something worth rooting for. Then somewhere around the last 20% of the book, everything went completely off the rails.

What really bothered me was how quickly Leks crossed the line from possessive love interest to someone I couldn't root for at all.

The moment that officially lost me was when Leks convinced himself Natalia had betrayed him, and treated her with a level of contempt that was difficult to overlook. His solution was divorce her while still expecting access to her whenever it suited him. Where he managed to find the audacity is beyond me. The way he spoke to her was degrading, disrespectful, and so disgusting.

The feeling I got in that scene was exactly how I felt about Josh Chen is Twisted Hate.

What frustrated me even more was the lack of pushback on her part…

I kept waiting for her to reach her limit. I wanted her to call him out, walk away, demand better…anything! Instead, she seemed far more concerned with whether he still wanted her than with how horribly he was treating her. Where is the self respect?! I lost all respect for her in that moment.

Then came the ending, which somehow made things worse.

Where was the groveling?

After everything Leks said and did, I needed a full-scale apology tour. I needed him miserable. I needed remorse. I needed him working overtime to earn forgiveness. Instead, he barely had to do anything, and Natalia accepted crumbs like they were a grand romantic gesture.
I felt robbed.

Also, can we talk about the child for a second? Because what do you mean he left his son behind for MONTHS? Sure, maybe bringing him immediately wasn't safe, but he never went back for him? Never made it happen? And we're supposed to believe he would've just left him there indefinitely if Natalia hadn't wanted him?

Absolutely not.

For me, that's not a small detail, it's a massive character issue that the book seemed determined to gloss over.

In the end, this book had all the ingredients for a great read. The mystery was compelling, the stakes were high, and there were moments when I genuinely thought it was heading somewhere special.

Unfortunately, the romance lost me completely. Between Natalia repeatedly accepting treatment I found unacceptable and Leks never truly earning redemption, I closed the book feeling more annoyed than satisfied.

🌸Trope🌸
Mafia Romance
Arranged/Forced marriage
Revenge plot
Scarred & Tattooed MMC
Sheltered Mafia Princess
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract

[Alva Schwung · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨ARC review✨✨ more criticism towards goodreads because I’m giving this a 3.5!!!! and that half matters!!!!!! so we’re rounding up because I’m generous 🫡

but let’s get into the actual book!

when it comes to lyrical prose… this was not that. and that’s okay. because not every book has to be some beautifully crafted literary masterpiece sometimes it can just be a short fun time and honestly? that’s exactly what this was. a short spicy fun time 🌶️

super easy to read and went by really fast, which I appreciated a lot. perfect little palette cleanser between heavier books.

and ngl I loved that Leks was… well… whatever the hell was wrong with him 😭 keep those issues FAR away from me because I do not possess either the patience or the innocence required to deal with a man like that in real life. but she did and honestly? good for her. you go girl. get that D 🫡

plot-wise, for a mafia romance, it was actually pretty interesting. at least the main storyline was. maybe I didn’t fully love the whole “glorified sex worker best friend” situation, but that probably has more to do with my own thoughts regarding the ethical side of it than the actual character herself. because honestly? loved her confidence.

so yeah. slightly incoherent thoughts about this book 😭 but for someone looking for a spicy good time, I’d definitely recommend it! for revolutionary literature that will make you feel, think, and fundamentally alter your brain chemistry… maybe not.

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Bratva
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Arranged Marriage
🔥Good Girl/ Bad Boy
🔥Class Divide
🔥Innocent FMC
🔥Both Want Revenge
🔥10 year Age Gap
🔥Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Dual First Person POV

There isn’t much better than an enemies to lovers arranged marriage mafia romance. Between the instant chemistry and secrets, the tension was palpable from the start. Leks is back in the city after escaping a living hell in Siberia and he has a vendetta against Natalia’s father. Natalia has been sheltered and barely left her family home ever since her older brothers were unalived over a decade ago. She’s never wanted to get married and has thwarted every match her parents forced on her. She has developed a reputation for jilting her fiancés at the altar by making a spectacle of revealing their darkest secrets in front of everyone. She’d reveal the secrets then just walk away from the aftermath. Just when Natalia thought she’d gotten away from another marriage, Leks walks in. He’s forced her father’s hand, giving her no chance of escape. Life with Leks living in an apartment at the docks is not exactly what she’s used to. They both assume the worst about each other. He sees her as the spoiled brat and she only sees him as the brute and the one responsible for her brothers. As the tension builds they also learn more about each other, so when it’s finally too much to ignore, neither can deny how they feel. That moment is so hot, Leks’s mouth should come with a warning label. When Leks believes Natalia had been lying to him and has betrayed him to her father, he does the unthinkable. I expected Natalia to stand up for herself instead of taking what I thought was pretty cruel behavior from Leks. She had been so strong up until that point. When things get cleared up, I also wanted more groveling from Leks. Then he reveals a huge secret from his time in Siberia, but they find their way together. The combination of secrets and twists made Leks and Natalia’s story very engaging.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 4

Thank you Madison Juno for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“You might not want to be anywhere else, but I want to make sure that you can’t go anywhere else. You are my everything, zolotse. My treasure, my precious one, and I want to lock you up so that you’re only mine.”

“I’m not scared of much, but my wife’s anger? That’s terrifying.”

[c.kingreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️.

I dislike the “plot twist”. I HATE HOW THE MMC HAD A SON WITH ANOTHER WOMEN. SORRY BUT I HATE THAT TROPE SO MUCH. 💀💀💀

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mama, this was a mess. I love mafia romances and slurp them through a straw, especially when they're marriage of conveniences. Untamed Beast was exposition heavy and the groom didn't come to collect until 60% into the book. I kept waiting for some action, but his bride was a dumb bunny. You would think with such a rich family they could afford a personal tutor. Our girl was mad dim. She walked onto construction sites in designer boots, professed to be an art expert with no formal training, and gave off major bimbo vibes. Her dynamic with her husband was a bit toxic and I hated when he threatened divorce over a perceived betrayal. I understand mafia romances are darker and play by different rules, but this didn't feel like the usual fare. It bummed me out and I wasn't here for it. It was pretty hot in certain scenes, but it took way too long to get there. I don't believe I'll continue with this series, but thanks for the opportunity. I'll make sure to double check the marriage certificate twice if I manage to get ensnared like our mafia princess here. I'm not even sure if our girl could even read it!

[Hayley Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY 4 ⭐️ about a 2 🌶️ level

First I want to thank the author for allowing me the chance to arc read this book. I’m hooked into mafia books and this was no exception.

I was hooked from the start. Natalie may look like your innocent soft girl but she’s so much more than just the bratva princess and as Leks calls her “ spoiled brat”After getting out of five arranged marriages by digging up dirt on her fiancés past( you go girl) I thought that was funny, she ends up in another arranged marriage on the same day of her fifth wedding to Aleksandr Zhukov, after being told by her father and mother that he was bad news that he was the one who murdered her brothers after thinking they died in an accident and that he was back from Siberia. Before knowing it was him, she was flirting with him and attracted to this tall blue eyed man with tattoos. Once finding out who he was, she tried to get away from him until her father comes in to walk her down the aisle for the second time that day. With lies and secrets Aleksandr ( leks) falls obsessively in love with her that he can’t think straight and she him. Being married to him isn’t all that bad as it seems. He’s respectful of her and even pushes her to follow in her dreams and paint her own art! He’s literally the only person that believed in her. And the tension between them when it was supposed to just be a business transaction 🥵. I love their relationship I’m not usually a big age gap person but I was able to look past that. Enemies to lovers also yes please. I also love the secrets that come out finally and twists of the end. The spice in this book also 🤭🥵

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me.
Bratva princess Natalia avoided lots of potential grooms,but Aleksandr Zhukov is not a random man,he came for revenge and Natalia is his new wife now.Thankfully in name only,or so she's trying to convince herself.The last thing she needs is to fall for someone responsible for her brothers death.
Both want revenge,but what is the truth exacly?

It was a great enemies to lovers mafia read.Natalia was little bit naive but she stood up for herself in the most important moments,that did make her likable and perfect for Leks.Leks on the other hand was not to be played with,he really wants his revenge and don't trust Natalia even one inch.Still his thoughts and confusion amused me,it was actually funny how he fight his attraction to Natalia.Both characters were perfect for each other,their chemistry was sizzling and hot.I liked secondary characters(Leks friend) and hope he gets his own story.I can't say I was surprised at Natalia family,but the truth still shocked me,I was not expecting someone so cold that they sacrifice so much for power and money.Mafia romance with suspense and spice,my first by this author and hope to read more.

Please read warnings first.

Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book knocked the air from my lungs with how good it was 😮‍💨🔥

I want a Leks for myself 🤭 I mean eating me until I’m spend because I’m an addiction, yes please!!! 🥵

I loved how Natalia sabotaged all her weddings 🤣 nobody getting this Bratva Heiress until Leks who provided her with every dirty little secret of her husband to be so she could make a spectacle the moment the ceremony started 😏

Leks didn’t expect to fall for “the spoiled brat” but once she was part of his world involving the men that work at the port. Once Yuri notice the changes within Leks he questions him. And much to Leks dismay, he knows he can’t be without her.

Natalia was so shielded and grew so much since she met Leks, she found her world in art and Leks let her make it because he was the first to believe in her talent 🥹

The ending was a twist that I absolutely adore and love and I do hope to read more from this world because all the characters are lovable 💕

Recommend this to all dark mafia romance lovers and don’t forget to check the content warnings ❤️‍🔥

[b_reads27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Heirs Of Obsession series: Leks and Natalia. This is an arranged/forced marriage, age gap (10 years), enemies to lovers, size difference, opposites attract, morally grey scarred MMC, innocent and sheltered FMC, dark bratva romance.
What a wild ride! So much going on and I was sucked in from page one and I didn’t want it to end. Leks and Natalia had a slower burn but this man was head over heels for her and the obsession was real. I loved Natalia’s character development, sure she was spoiled but she was so very likable and I really enjoyed reading her growth. I loved this read and I can’t wait to continue this series when book four comes out!

[Plot Twists And Cups Of Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely loved Untamed Beast! Natalia was such a fantastic heroine, and I was hooked on her story from the very first chapter. The chemistry between Natalia and Leks was intense, and their relationship kept me completely invested throughout the book.

The mix of Bratva drama, secrets, revenge, and romance made this such an addictive read. I finished this book in a single day because I couldn't put it down.

If you enjoy dark mafia romances with a possessive, morally grey hero and plenty of tension, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

[Nicole Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – Untamed Beast
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5) | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

If you’re a fan of dark mafia romance packed with revenge, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers tension, and found family, Untamed Beast has plenty to offer.

The story follows Natalia, a sheltered Bratva princess, and Leks, a Russian bad boy who was framed for the deaths of Natalia’s twin brothers. After escaping the prison that was supposed to contain him, Leks is determined to get revenge on everyone involved—and Natalia ends up caught in the middle of his plans.

The book starts strong and immediately pulled me into the story. Leks is exactly the kind of dangerous, morally gray MMC dark romance readers love. His drive for revenge and refusal to back down made him an intriguing character, and the chemistry between him and Natalia definitely delivered on the tension and spice front (🌶️🌶️🌶️).

For me, the pacing slowed quite a bit through the middle before picking back up around the two-thirds mark when the stakes finally started rising again. Once the action returned, I found myself much more invested in where the story was headed.

My biggest struggle was with Natalia’s character arc. Early on, we’re shown that she’s capable of outsmarting her powerful parents and avoiding multiple arranged marriages, so I was really hoping to see her grow into a strong Bratva heroine as the story progressed. Instead, I felt like she forgave Leks too easily and often gave in when I wanted to see her push back harder. After everything that happened, I personally wanted more groveling and more effort on his part to earn her forgiveness.

Despite those frustrations, I still enjoyed the story overall and found the premise entertaining. The revenge plot, mafia politics, and chemistry between the leads kept me turning pages, and I think readers who enjoy darker romance with possessive MMCs and high-stakes family drama will have a good time with this one.

Tropes:
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Forced Marriage
🔥 Revenge Plot
👑 Bratva Princess
⚔️ Morally Gray MMC
🏠 Found Family
❤️ Touch Her and Die Energy
🌶️ Spice

[Javiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

No sé por donde iniciar, porque pensé que había reseñado esta historia y nunca lo hice, so vamos a ir con lo que me acuerdo jajaj 🙇🏻‍♀️

Madison nos presenta una historia llena de tensión, romance, mafia, age gap, venganza y demás de una manera muy suya.

Por una parte tenemos a Leks, un hombre que ha sido privado de su libertad en una cárcel de Bratva en Siberia, por lo que cuando escapa de ese lugar decide llevar a cabo su plan de venganza contra el responsable de esa situación. Por otra parte, tenemos a Natalia, una joven que siempre ha sido protegida por sus padres luego de que sus hermanos fueron desvividos hace algunos años.

Sin embargo, a pesar de que ella ha logrado esquivar múltiples propuestas de boda, cuando llega Leks con la presión de un matrimonio nadie logrará "salvarla" de ese trato, pero estarán preparados para lo que aquello hará en su vida? 🫢

Con-cha-la-lo-ra JAJA. Ya estoy recordando más sobre esta lectura, la cual me duró la nada misma y creo que por eso se me fue hacer la reseña, ya que avancé con otro libro para aprovechar el tiempo JAJAJ (upsi).

Es un clásico para las que somos amantes del mafia/dark romance, en donde la relación de los protagonistas es todito que ver en este libro, ya que por una parte Leks es todo gris con un plan y ella es todo lo opuesto a lo que aparenta ser, por lo que la dinámica entre ellos siempre va de menos a más ❤️‍🔥

Aún así, el punto de mayor interés en esta historia es todo el drama y el vínculo que tiene el padre de Natalia en la situación que llevó a presionar para que Leks estuviera en la prisión, en donde las revelaciones familiares son un tema que siempre tiene mi atención JAJAJ 👀

Mi única "queja" es que me hubiera gustado tener más empoderamiento de Natalia, ya que es una protagonista femenina que tiene tremendo potencial, especialmente considerando todo el respaldo que le brindaba su hombre 🛐

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark mafia romance, forced marriage tension, and morally grey obsession. Untamed Beast is a high-intensity mafia romance built on revenge, power, and a dangerously magnetic connection that grows out of violence and secrets.

Aleksandr Zhukov is introduced as a brutal, scarred enforcer driven by vengeance and years of buried rage. His presence dominates every scene, making him feel both terrifying and compelling in equal measure. When he forces an arranged marriage on the heroine, the story immediately locks into a high-stakes emotional battlefield.

The heroine’s struggle is just as gripping—caught between fear, truth, and an unexpected pull toward the very man she was taught to hate. What starts as coercion slowly shifts into a complicated emotional dynamic where trust, desire, and survival become tangled together.

The romance leans heavily into dark themes, but it balances them with emotional intensity and gradual vulnerability, especially as Aleksandr’s obsession turns into something more protective and consuming.

✨ What stood out:

* Dark mafia romance
* Arranged marriage trope
* Enemies-to-lovers tension
* Morally grey hero
* Revenge-driven plot
* Forced proximity / captivity themes
* High emotional intensity
* Obsession + protection dynamic
* Slow shift from hate to desire

A dark, addictive romance about vengeance, truth, and the dangerous line between fear and love.

⚠️ Content Warnings

* Kidnapping / forced marriage
* Mafia violence and criminal activity
* Murder and revenge themes
* Sexual coercion dynamics (dark romance tone)
* Emotional manipulation
* Trauma references (including past torture)
* Power imbalance relationship
* Graphic violence
* Psychological distress

[Enricim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book delivers what readers of the genre would expect: a familiar plot, plenty of spice, and a fast-paced romance. While the storyline follows many of the genre's common tropes, it remains engaging and enjoyable for the most part.

Personally, I felt that the romance developed a little too quickly. I tend to prefer slow-burn relationships with a stronger emotional and psychological connection between the characters before the romance takes center stage. That said, the couple had good chemistry, and I especially enjoyed the nickname the male lead gave the female lead Their interactions were charming, although I would have liked to see more flirting and tension to make their relationship development feel more natural.

The book also includes action elements, though not as much as I initially expected. The first half kept me thoroughly engaged, but my interest began to fade somewhat as the story progressed. However, one aspect that genuinely surprised me was the male lead's secret, which I did not see coming. That, really, was quite shocking.

Overall, this is an entertaining and easy read. It offers well-written spicy scenes, an engaging premise, and enough twists to keep readers invested. While it wasn't a perfect match for my personal preferences, it is a solid choice for fans of the genre.✨️

[Esmeralda Reyes (Em’s New Chapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno completely took me on an emotional rollercoaster.

If you love dark mafia romance with high stakes, obsession, and a marriage neither character truly wanted, this one delivers.

Leks and his heroine had me feeling everything—anger, frustration, heartbreak, tenderness, and eventually hope. Their journey from enemies to lovers wasn’t easy, and that’s exactly what made it so compelling. Watching two people driven by revenge slowly become each other’s weakness was addictive.

The arranged marriage dynamic, the kidnapping plot, the tension between an innocent heroine and a ruthless mafia hero, and the constant emotional push and pull kept me turning the pages. Leks is possessive, dangerous, and morally gray, while the heroine’s strength surprised me throughout the story.

Tropes:

🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Kidnapping
🖤 Innocent Heroine
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Touch Her and Die
🖤 Revenge Plot

This book made me experience a thousand emotions alongside the characters, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them despite all the chaos surrounding their relationship.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

🖤🔗

@emsnewchapter

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love a man so whipped he cannot think straight and Leks was the perfect example of that. And to think at the start he was all “remember this is just business” when he was gone for her the second he forced her to the altar. I lvoe a forced marriage plot and an mmc so unhinged he will do absolutely anything for the fmc. The plot was amazing, I loved the twists and the tension between Leks and Natalia as they were living together and desperately trying to hold in their attraction. They both so badly wanted to screw each other it was honestly hilarious and made that moment where they both give in even more satisfying. One thing that did confuse me was adding that particular “twist” at the last 30 pages of the book that really had no correlation to anything at all and was just oddly out of place. However I did love everything else about this book. The fmc was extremely funny to me because she’s this badass mafia princess who ruined all her arranged marriages at the altar by exposing a big secret yet she’s also the most innocent girl ever and took him back with minimal grovelling. But honestly Leks was so down bad for her and would not hesitate to beg on his knees so I’m not blaming him. He may have been this crazy ruthless mafia boss but he’s a softy for her. I enjoyed this book and give it a 4/5

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has barely started and we’ve had a big boom and someone is already lying(in my opinion). Natalia’s family keeps trying to marry her off but girlie is smart and gets out of it every time. Now Leks has shown up and he has her right where he wants her. Natalia is a pampered princess but she’s smart and resourceful. Leks is harden man who believes(knows) he’s been wronged and wants revenge. Natalia tries hard to resist Leks and vice versa but we know it doesn’t work. Once they finally got their hands on each other it was over. My favorite part(slight spoiler) is when Natalia low key tricked Leks into kissing her. Miss mama is pure as pure can be and we did have to wait for them to get it on but once you read it you will understand why. This book had me giggling. Leks has a dirty mouth, it got the dirtiest when rope was involved and that’s all I’m saying. 🤭 Natalia formed a friendship with Vera and I loved it. There was a moment of miscommunication/ betrayal and I was thrown about what really happened. I was like damn when I found out what happened. I’m glad they got there happily ever after, there were some surprises in this one for sure. I definitely enjoyed it. This was a fast paced read and I love that!

[Holly_Mac_Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno. Mafia Romance at its finest. There is plot twists, violence and just plan mean men. It’s what we would expect. This one has some good twist in the story line and if it wasn’t for the story line I might not have finished it. The MFC drove me nuts. I was just not feeling her at all. The MMC eh he was ok. There is definitely some spice I would definitely read all trigger warnings if you like mafia romance and want a good background story definitely read this one.

[Daphnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entre un 2.5 et 3 étoiles

[Shelby Doss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it so much to ask for a mafia romance than doesn’t feel like middle school me wrote it

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untamed Beast didn’t just pull me in — it consumed me completely. This book is like velvet wrapped around a blade: seductive, dangerous, and sharp enough to leave scars long after the final page. Madison Juno crafted a dark mafia romance so intense, so emotionally charged, that it feels less like reading a story and more like willingly stepping into the jaws of something beautiful and lethal. From the very first chapter, it grabs you by the throat and whispers, *you’re not escaping this unscathed.* 🖤

Natalia was such a standout FMC. Beneath her polished “good girl” exterior is a woman who’s exhausted — exhausted from being traded, controlled, and paraded around like a pawn in someone else’s game. What made her journey so gripping was watching that quiet desperation slowly transform into defiance. She’s survived five engagements, each one another attempt to chain her to men who only saw her as leverage. And every single time, she fought back by digging up enough dirt to destroy the arrangement before it could trap her for good.

But this time was different.

When Natalia couldn’t uncover anything on her newest Bratva fiancé, an anonymous envelope suddenly appeared with everything she needed to ruin him. And that wedding scene? ICONIC. The tension was suffocating. She walks down the aisle knowing she’s about to detonate another carefully arranged marriage, calmly delivers her objection before the priest can even begin, exposes her fiancé in front of everyone, and walks out of the chapel with her head held high. Then she locks eyes with Leks Zhukov.

And that single moment changes everything.

Because the terrifying man watching her walk away? He’s about to become her next husband.

Leks Zhukov is the kind of MMC dark romance readers live for. A walking red flag wrapped in tattoos, violence, trauma, and terrifying obsession. Ruthless to everyone else, yet completely undone by Natalia in ways he doesn’t even understand himself. Every scene with him felt electric — like standing too close to a live wire. The possessiveness, the control, the barely restrained rage simmering beneath every interaction? Absolutely feral. This man radiates “touch her and perish” energy so intensely it could power an entire city grid.

But what made him unforgettable wasn’t just the brutality — it was the cracks beneath it. The moments where his devotion became almost painful to witness. The way he looked at Natalia like she was both his salvation and the one thing capable of destroying him. I was kicking my feet one second and emotionally spiraling the next.

And the chemistry between them? God. It burned slow and deadly, like a fuse inching toward dynamite. Every conversation felt loaded with unspoken tension, every touch carried a threat of losing control, and every emotional wall between them made the payoff even more devastating. The arranged marriage trope was executed flawlessly here. The power struggles, the hatred tangled with attraction, the longing neither of them wanted to admit to — it was pure agony in the best possible way.

And when those walls finally shattered?

I was DONE FOR.

The intimacy in this book wasn’t there just for shock value or spice. Every scene carried emotional weight. Vulnerability. Obsession. Hunger. It felt raw and consuming, like two damaged people trying to claw their way toward each other while pretending they weren’t already hopelessly ruined.

I genuinely could not put this book down. Leks and Natalia completely owned me heart and soul, and by the end I was emotionally wrecked in the most satisfying way possible.

If you love:
🖤 Dark mafia romance
🖤 Arranged marriage tension
🖤 Morally gray villains
🖤 Possessive, obsessive MMCs
🖤 “I hate everyone but her” energy
🖤 Dangerous men falling disastrously hard
🖤 Explosive chemistry and emotional angst

…then Untamed Beast will absolutely destroy you in the best way.

[Marwas.bookss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno

Author: Madison Juno
Rate 5/5
spice: 4/5

Thank you Madison Juno for letting me be part of your ARC. I really enjoyed reading Untamed Beast! After reading the tropes and the blurb, I knew I was gonna be hooked from the very beginning. I plan on going back and reading the first 2 books in the series.

tropes:
class divide
arranged marriage
touch her and die
good girl x bad boy
enemies to lovers
both want revenge
innocent FMC
10 year age gap

Natalia was such a standout FMC! She's the daughter of a powerful Bratva family but she is far from the sheltered mafia princess everyone assumes she is, She spent years trying to escape the future everyone is expecting of you. What made her journey so gripping was watching that quiet desperation slowly transform into defiance. I'm obsessed with her! She's intelligent, stubborn, and far stronger than people give her credit for.

She’s survived five engagements, each one another attempt to chain her to men who only saw her as leverage. And every single time, she fought back by digging up enough dirt to destroy the arrangement before it could trap her for good. This time is different though! When she had trouble uncovering dirt on her newest Bratva fiancé, she gets an anonymous envelope with everything she needed to break it off.

and then there's Leks Zhukov...

He's everything a dark mafia hero should be, scarred, ruthless, dangerous and completely consumed by revenge. He's determined to make the people who wronged him pay, yet beneath all that rage is a man carrying so much pain that you can't help but understand him, even when he's making questionable decisions. He walked into Natalia's life like a storm. He spends so much of the book fighting his feelings, he tells himself he doesn't care and even convinces himself she's just a means to an end yet every action proves otherwise.

The wedding scene had to have been my favourite scene. ICONIC. The tension was suffocating. She walks down the aisle knowing she’s about to detonate another carefully arranged marriage, calmly delivers her objection before the priest can even begin, exposes her fiancé in front of everyone, and walks out of the chapel with her head held high. Then she locks eyes with Leks Zhukov.

Neither character is perfect. They're stubborn, damaged, and constantly making mistakes. Yet somehow those flaws make them fit together perfectly. By the end, they become each other's safe place in a world full of danger, betrayal, and violence.

What I loved most was how their relationship evolved. At first, they're enemies trapped in marriage that neither of them want which built nothing but distrust, resentment, and so many secrets but as the story unfolds, so do their feelings. Watching Leks slowly becoming protective of Natalia while she starts seeing the man behind the monster was my favourite part of the whole book!

🖤 Do you prefer your romance with instant chemistry or a slow burn that keeps you screaming at the pages? 🖤

#MafiaRomance #UntamedBeast #MadisonJuno #EnemiesToLovers #ArrangedMarriage

[Faiza BEGUM]

Huge thank you to Madison for trusting me with both the beta read and ARC experience for Untamed Beast 🖤✨ And let me just say… this book completely consumed me.

Untamed Beast is the kind of dark mafia romance that wraps itself around your throat and refuses to loosen its grip 😮‍💨🔪 Every chapter felt layered with danger, obsession, emotional destruction, and tension so thick it practically bled off the page. Madison Juno created a story that feels both brutal and deeply intimate at the same time.

Natalia was such an incredible FMC ❤️ Beneath her polished Bratva princess image is a woman who has spent her entire life being controlled, protected, and used as leverage in a world run by powerful men. Watching her slowly stop shrinking herself and begin fighting for her own choices was honestly one of my favorite parts of the story. She has this softness and innocence to her, especially through her love for art and beauty, but underneath that is a fiery stubborn streak that makes her impossible not to root for.

And then there’s Leks Zhukov 🥵🚩 This man is absolutely feral. Dangerous, possessive, emotionally damaged, and terrifyingly devoted once Natalia becomes his. Every scene with him carried this underlying intensity like he was constantly one step away from violence. He says the filthiest things with complete confidence while simultaneously acting like breathing near Natalia without permission is a punishable offense 😩 The protective obsession radiating off this man was INSANE.

The arranged marriage storyline was executed so well 👏 The resentment, forced proximity, manipulation, hidden truths, and growing emotional dependence between them made every interaction feel explosive. Neither of them fully trusts the other at first, especially with the lies and secrets tangled around their marriage, but the connection building between them becomes impossible to ignore.

I especially loved how emotionally charged the romance felt ❤️‍🔥 The intimacy wasn’t there just for shock value — every vulnerable moment carried meaning, tension, and emotional weight. As Natalia and Leks slowly let their walls crack, the relationship became even more addictive to watch unfold.

Leks escaping captivity and setting events into motion added such a strong layer of suspense to the story too ⚔️ The deeper the truths unraveled, the more emotionally intense everything became. Some revelations genuinely hurt, especially seeing how much pain both characters were carrying beneath the surface.

And the chemistry between Natalia and Leks??? Absolutely lethal 🔥 Their dynamic balances softness and brutality so perfectly. She challenges him in ways nobody else can, while he makes her feel protected, desired, and seen despite the darkness surrounding them.

Untamed Beast delivers everything dark mafia romance readers crave: obsessive devotion, arranged marriage tension, morally grey characters, emotional vulnerability, explosive chemistry, dangerous loyalty, and a possessive MMC who would burn the world down for one woman 🖤

[AussieBookAddict (Mel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★★

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno is a gripping dark mafia romance that expertly blends danger, obsession, and emotional vulnerability into a story that feels impossible to put down. Set within the brutal world of the Bratva, the novel combines an arranged marriage, revenge-fuelled motivations, and a possessive morally grey hero to create a romance filled with tension, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry.

What makes this story particularly compelling is the relationship between Leks and the heroine. Their connection begins with distrust, resentment, and conflicting agendas, yet gradually evolves into something far deeper and far more consuming. Leks is the kind of character who commands attention whenever he appears on the page; intimidating, ruthless, and driven by years of pain and secrets. Beneath that hardened exterior, however, lies a complexity that makes his emotional journey just as captivating as the romance itself.

The chemistry between the characters is exceptional. The balance between passion, vulnerability, and danger creates a relationship that feels intense without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. Every interaction carries weight, whether it is charged with tension, conflict, or genuine tenderness. The romance develops in a way that makes the emotional payoff feel incredibly satisfying by the time the final pages arrive.

The pacing is another standout feature. The story moves with purpose, constantly layering revelations, conflict, and emotional development in a way that keeps the reader fully invested. The combination of Bratva politics, family secrets, and personal vendettas creates a cinematic quality throughout the narrative. More than once, it felt as though I was watching a movie unfold in my head rather than reading words on a page.

Beyond the romance, the novel delivers a strong sense of atmosphere and danger. The looming threat of betrayal, the weight of family expectations, and the consequences of long-buried lies all contribute to a world that feels immersive and emotionally charged. Readers should take note of the trigger warnings, as the story explores several dark themes and contains content that may be confronting for some.

I would strongly recommend Untamed Beast to readers who enjoy dark mafia romance, arranged marriage dynamics, possessive morally grey heroes, revenge-driven storylines, and high-stakes emotional tension. Those who love stories that balance spice, romance, and danger while delivering a deeply engaging character journey will likely find themselves completely absorbed.

Overall, this is an addictive, emotionally charged, and intensely satisfying dark romance that delivers the perfect blend of passion, suspense, and heart. With unforgettable characters, compelling tension, and a story that refuses to let go, Untamed Beast is a standout read that earns every one of its five stars.

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untamed Beast by Madison Juno completely hooked me from the very first chapter. This is the kind of dark bratva romance that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Filled with tension, obsession, family secrets, and explosive chemistry, I found myself unable to put it down.

Natalia was such a standout heroine. On the surface, she appears to be the perfect bratva princess, but beneath that polished exterior is a woman who is tired of being treated like a pawn in someone else's game. After sabotaging multiple arranged marriages to protect her freedom, she's determined to keep fighting for control of her own life. I loved her strength, stubbornness, and quiet determination. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she never stopped pushing back.

Then there's Leks Zhukov.

Leks is exactly the kind of morally gray hero dark romance readers dream about. Ruthless, scarred, dangerous, and completely unhinged when it comes to Natalia. He starts off insisting their marriage is only business, but it quickly becomes obvious that he never stood a chance where she was concerned. Watching this intimidating bratva enforcer slowly unravel because of one woman was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Beneath all the violence and power was a man who would do absolutely anything for her.

The chemistry between Natalia and Leks was incredible. The arranged marriage setup created so much tension as they were forced together while desperately trying to ignore their attraction. Every conversation felt loaded, every touch felt dangerous, and every moment of resistance only made the payoff sweeter. Their dynamic was filled with power struggles, longing, frustration, and undeniable desire.

I also really enjoyed the overall storyline. The family drama, secrets, betrayals, and twists kept me engaged from beginning to end. There was one late twist that felt a little disconnected from the main story for me, but it wasn't enough to take away from how much I enjoyed the book as a whole.

What truly made this story memorable was the emotional side of Leks and Natalia's relationship. For all the darkness, obsession, and danger surrounding them, there was also vulnerability and devotion underneath it all. Watching two damaged people slowly lower their walls and become each other's weakness made their journey incredibly satisfying.

Overall, Untamed Beast is an addictive dark bratva romance packed with arranged marriage tension, explosive chemistry, family secrets, and a hero who falls so hard he can barely think straight. If you are looking for morally gray MMCs, possessive heroes, emotional angst, and dangerous men who become completely devoted to their women, this is one to pick up. 🖤🔥📚

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

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

“My purity is everything to my family.”

Untamed Beast was such a fun, addictive mafia romance that completely hooked me from the beginning.

Natalia is a Bratva princess who has spent years escaping arranged marriages by uncovering the dark secrets of her potential husbands. She’s sheltered, underestimated, and treated like a possession by her family, but she’s also clever, artistic, and far more capable than people give her credit for.

“If you fell in love, princess, that would be too bad, because I can’t let anyone else touch what’s mine. I might not love you, but I’ll be damned if anyone else does.”

Then comes Aleksandr Zhukov—scarred, dangerous, and back for revenge against the people who destroyed his life. The same man Natalia’s family claims murdered her brothers. What starts as a marriage built on revenge quickly becomes something neither of them expected.

“At first, I thought it was just about having you to spite them, but now I know it’s something more.”

And Leks? This man was EVERYTHING. Dark, possessive, morally grey, and completely obsessed with Natalia.

“I thought she was a spoiled brat. She’s my spoiled brat.”

What I loved most was that beneath all his anger and vengeance, he treated Natalia with respect and became the one person who truly believed in her. The way he encouraged her art, pushed her to believe in herself, and noticed the smallest things about her was absolutely swoon-worthy.

“You are my everything, Zolette, my treasure, my precious one.”

Their chemistry was intense, and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, arranged marriage trope, and slow shift from revenge to love worked really well. Watching Leks go from someone who wanted to destroy everything connected to Natalia’s family to someone who would burn the world down for her was one of my favourite parts.

That being said, I wish Natalia’s character development had been explored more. She had so much potential, especially with her intelligence and skills, but at times it felt like her identity revolved too much around being a Bratva princess or Leks’ wife.

I also struggled with some of Leks’ doubts and the final twists. They added drama and suspense, but they didn’t completely work for me.

Overall, Untamed Beast was an entertaining mafia romance filled with revenge, obsession, spice, and a morally grey hero who falls hard. It was a great palate cleanser, and I’m definitely curious about Vera’s story next.

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book. 💕

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Untamed Beast, Natalie has been using her detective skills and dig into her fiancés. She has managed to avail getting married until now. On her wedding day after she has avoided yet another marriage, she goes back to her dressing room without a care in the world. She is getting ready to change when Leks, a man with a dark presence walks in. He tells her they are getting married right now. He tells her to let him talk. When he tells her who he is, she freaks out and makes a run for it. She was told he killed her brothers and he says he didn’t. When she wants her parents they walk in explaining the situation. She will marry Leks and there is nothing she can do about it. He promises her if she goes without a fight he will tell her the real truth about her brothers. She does not understand but needs to hear the truth so she marries him and leaves her privileged life behind to settle in a simpler way of living. She slowly starts to get to know Leks and thinks maybe she is misjudging him but until she knows what happens she wont submit to him.

Leks is back for revenge against Natalia’s father. He knows many secrets. The best way to get back at him is marry his daughter. He thinks she is a spoiled brat and that doesn’t care about anything. He finds out she is really good at deciphering forgeries and is really friendly. He does not want to like her, she is just a means to an end. However, there is no denying how much he wants her. They have chemistry and anyone can see it even when they stare each other down. He needs to keep up his image so he tells her she needs to act like a loving wife. The more time they spend together, the more they get to know about each other. The moment they give in to their feelings, they have a ha[pier life. Sadly all that can be destroyed when he tells her the truth. Will that push her away or will it bring them closer together.

Madison Juno kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept wondering, when was Leks gonna tell her the truth? I felt bad for Natalia after she heard the truth. Also, people just saw her as a spoiled princess when she was more. She’s actually really smart and kind. All she wants to do is have friends. She’s never been out of her castle. Lek’s treated her bad at first so she is very defensive. I also felt bad for Leks. He really wanted to be with her but he thought she hated him and doesn’t want him touching her. I loved when they were together how nice he treated her and how special he made her feel. This was definitely an emotional roller coaster. It is filled with drama, humor, danger, heat, action, surprises, secrets, and shocking twists. I really enjoyed this story.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need someone to medically explain the chokehold this book put me in because I have NOT recovered 🥵🖤 Untamed Beast was dark, addictive, intense, and absolutely dripping with tension from the very first page. Madison Juno really looked at the arranged marriage mafia trope and said “what if we made it feral?” and honestly? She succeeded.

Leks Zhukov is not your average morally grey man. That man is morally charcoal. A whole thunderstorm wrapped in scars and Bratva secrets with the emotional range of a loaded weapon. And yet somehow I was obsessed with him immediately. The silent rage, the possessiveness, the way he takes control of every room he walks into… terrifying and ridiculously hot at the same time.

And the chemistry between him and the heroine??? VOLCANIC. The push and pull had me losing my mind. She spends so much of the story trying to resist him, trying to hold onto herself after being forced into this brutal marriage, and every interaction between them crackled with tension. The fact that their marriage stays unconsummated for a while somehow made everything even hotter because the anticipation was INSANE. Every touch felt loaded. Every look felt dangerous.

But what really hooked me was that underneath all the darkness and revenge, there’s this raw emotional thread running through the story. Leks isn’t just cruel for the sake of it. He’s carrying years of pain, betrayal, and buried truths, and watching those walls crack around her had me completely invested. The moments where his obsession starts turning into something softer and more protective? I was DONE FOR.

The atmosphere in this book deserves praise too. It felt cold and sharp and dangerous in the best way, like standing outside during a snowstorm while someone points a knife at your throat and somehow you’re into it 😭 The Bratva world felt gritty and intense without losing the romance at the center.

And the spice??? OPEN DOOR means OPEN DOOR. Madison Juno fed us WELL. Every scene was packed with tension and emotion instead of just being there for shock value.

If you love dark mafia romance with obsessive men, arranged marriage chaos, revenge, secrets, possessive energy, and a heroine who slowly learns how dangerous it is to crave the villain who ruined her life… read this immediately.

Leks Zhukov, respectfully, I would make terrible decisions for you.
★★★★★

[Brooke Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalia and Leks

Enemies to lovers✅
Touch her and die ✅
Forced proximity✅

Natalia and Leks aren’t supposed to fall in love, they’re not even supposed to know about each other. But when Natalia ends ANOTHER engagement at the alter Leks is waiting to scoop her up and force her father to marry her to him instead.

**** SPOILERS AHEAD****

I read the TWs and almost didn’t read this ARC but I loved other books I’ve read by Madison Juno so I decided to jump in with the knowledge that I could DNF if needed. One of the trigger warnings is ‘psychiatric hospital’ which isn’t a setting I go for. It is truly only mentioned as a setting with minimal mention of what occurred there as far as psychiatric treatment. Leks, our MMC, is escaping said location at the very beginning of the book. At the end it’s mentioned again as he goes back to rescue the child he fathered while there.

Natalia, FMC, starts as a cunning young woman who isn’t as naive about the world as she should be. She may not have any experience with men, but she is adept at research and manages to humiliate all 5 men her parents arrange for her. She successfully ends wedding #5 when Leks introduces himself to her. They are wed immediately due Leks blackmailing Natalia’s father, who blames Leks for the death of his sons. Natalia has no reason to doubt her father, but Leks promises to tell Natalia what happened that day. Natalia and her beloved cat, Dasha, move in with Leks right away, with Natalia’s parents insist she avoid consummating the marriage so that they can still arrange a suitable marriage after they get her out of this one. Natalia is willing to consummate right away but Leks refuses to have her that way. This is a slow burn scenario and they fall for each other before they finally consummate the marriage.

We’re seemingly in the HEA when an issue arises 😱 Leks discovers that Natalia has set up listening devices for her father. She takes them all down under his watch. But that’s too easily resolved. So there’s still a leak and Leks can’t figure out any option than Natalia is betraying him. After removing her from the premise and looking into it he starts to doubt Natalia is the problem. While digging into this we discover who the true leak is….but you’re going to have to read the book for that particularly delightful tidbit!