Baby for My Ex's Brother: An Age Gap, Bratva Romance

by Laylah Snow

Genres: Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2026

Reviews

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ivan & Luna's story!! It was fast paced... I was hooked from the beginning & I had a hard time putting it down!!

One of my favorite lines from the book: "Your gentleman caller is at four weeks and climbing, with car service. Do the math. All I'm saying is, a man sends a car, that's not a situationship anymore. That's a situation. The ship sailed." 🤩😂 Love it!!

The book is full of humor & I really liked the characters (including the supporting characters... specifically her friend group & his housekeeper) and how their story played out.

While her ex did cheat on her and the stepbrothers didn't get along well... I did appreciate that they showed some work towards reconciliation & them trying to get along better... which is really nice!!

I also liked how Ivan kept on taking care of things for her... like upgrading the security in her building... and making it seem like a grant or something, so she didn't know it was him. LOL

The book is told in a dual 1st person POV.

Spice level: 3/5

*Mafia/Bratva romance
*rom com
*he's her ex's stepbrother
*fake dating
*her ex fiancé cheated on her
*age gap
*silver fox
*surprise baby

Thank you to the author (Laylah Snow) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby for my Ex’s Brother by Laylah Snow was such a fun read! The combination of the age-gap and ex’s-brother tropes made this romance deliciously forbidden from the start. Add in the Bratva element, family drama, secrets, and a possessive, protective hero, and I was hooked. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the tension that came with their complicated situation. The hero has that intense alpha energy that works so well for a dark romance, while the heroine brings plenty of personality to the story. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and there was enough drama and emotional tension to keep things interesting without losing the romance at the heart of the story. Overall, Baby for my Ex’s Brother a steamy, dramatic, entertaining read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter! The chemistry between the main characters was impossible to ignore, and the forbidden relationship with the ex’s brother made the tension even more addictive. There were plenty of emotional moments mixed with sweet romance, steamy scenes, and just enough family drama to keep the pages turning.

I really enjoyed watching both characters grow as they dealt with their complicated feelings and the fallout from their choices. The pregnancy storyline added another layer of emotion without taking away from the romance. The author did a great job balancing heartfelt moments with plenty of heat.

If you enjoy forbidden romance, secret pregnancies, protective heroes, family drama, and satisfying happily-ever-afters, this is definitely one to add to your reading list. I couldn’t put it down and will be looking for more from this author!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unexpected couple in Luna and Ivan

This book surprised me. It is the second book that I have read in this Forbidden Kings series and I enjoyed reading them both. These are meet cute, easy to read, and entertaining books.this story pulled on my heartstrings more with the characters.

This book starts with a beautiful woman named Luna who owns a candle shop. She has two interesting employees in Cherry, John, and an important fish named Hairy. The driver of the storyline Luna finding out that her boyfriend Hugo was cheating.

Luna has decided to attend the wedding of her ex Hugo to Olga to share a short but poignant speech. Upon her arrival Luna is stopped by an attractive, very tall, and muscular man named Ivan. At first Luna thinks he is security, but he is more than that. There is a happy ending. Read On!

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of "Forbidden Kings". The plan was simple - crash her ex's wedding reception and publicly tell him exactly what she thinks about him. Then Luna is grabbed and pulled into the coat closet by a huge, growly beast of a man and the plan is no longer the plan. It turns out that huge, growly beast is her ex's older stepbrother and he has an even better plan. Ivan Federov wants Luna to pose as his date - that way, they both get revenge. It works - kinda. They get the reaction they wanted from Hugo and end up having what was supposed to be a one night stand, that keeps repeating itself. Good book!

[Shannon Thetford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Baby for My Ex’s Brother! The whole ex’s brother trope had me hooked from the beginning. There was plenty of chemistry, drama, and that forbidden attraction that made it hard to put down.
I loved watching their relationship develop and seeing all the emotions that came with it.

The pregnancy/baby storyline added another layer to everything, and I liked how protective and possessive he could be. There were definitely some spicy moments too!

Overall, it was a fun, steamy read with enough drama to keep me turning the pages. Definitely recommend if you enjoy ex’s brother romances, surprise babies, and lots of chemistry.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby for My Ex’s Brother by Laylah Snow was such a fun, deliciously forbidden read! The age gap, ex’s-brother, fake dating, and Bratva tropes made this one impossible to put down. I loved the chemistry between Luna and Ivan, especially his intense, possessive alpha energy and her fiery personality. Add family drama, secrets, revenge, and an unexpected pregnancy, and you have plenty of drama to keep the pages turning. Steamy, entertaining, and packed with tension, this delivered exactly what I wanted from a dark Bratva romance!

[Kathie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

You definitely want to read this…..

I found myself connecting with these characters more than I really ever have and I couldn’t quite figure out why until she mentioned being most likely neurodivergent. Then it became obvious why I connected. I also love that this characteristic was presented as just how it was, and there was no fanfare about it. I really liked the honesty of the characters as to owning who they were and reconciling that with who the other person is, I definitely recommend this book. While we know where the story is headed, the ride there was a surprise.

[Jessica M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratva light accidental pregnancy romance. Ivan and Luna were the perfect match. Luna is neurodivergent often called weird but Ivan just embraces all of it and lights up his life by it. The was they were together had me itching to keep turning the page. The side characters were also on point. Especially Hairy. 10/10 would recommend!.

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

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

Upset at her ex about their breakup Luna sneaks into his wedding to tell him off only to be captured by his stepbrother who offers her a proposition that starts their path. This heartwarming story had me connection with Ivan and Luna both are misunderstood but well matched for each other. It is a compelling read filled with twists and turns that kept me caught up in their drama.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If revenge wasn’t sweet enough?
Now I’m pregnant with my ex’s brother’s baby too…'

The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet Mafia story

Usually Mafia and sweet are not the same Or used in the same sentence. But in this case it's very appropriate. The characters well diversified are interesting and keep you riveted to the story. The storyline has a little bit of everything humor, violence, Romance And of course the most the Mafia. I like this book it was an easier age for 1 hot afternoon. I enjoyed it like I was reading Or talking to my neighbor next door Harriet

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan saw her walk into that hotel and he made a plan, however he didn't know how sidewise that plan would go. She is nothing like his brother described she is so much more. He finds that everything is changing and she is at the center of it. When trouble comes he doesn't stop until he is the one standing in front. I would love to read more.

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

[Celia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

Luna and Ivan are sooooo good together. They have amazing chemistry and true respect for each other. Their one night stand surprises each of them and sets the stage for the entire book. There is so much going on in the story, that you won’t want to put it down. You’ll stay up late or get up early to read where you left off. And you won’t be disappointed. A real winner!!!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began to read this romance book by Laylah a tornado siren could go off and I would still not want to put my kindle down it's that addictive of a romance book.
HOT, HOT, HOT characters, romance, sex scenes that will have your heart pounding in your ears. :)
This romance book is on FIRE, and I LOVED sitting and reading it.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her plan was simple crash her ex's wedding and tell him off in front of his new bride. She is stopped by a large man that takes her to a closet and explains that he is her ex's brother and wants to embarrass him. What happens when it stops bein fake and becomes real.

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

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna plans to crash her ex's wedding reception. Ivan, the older estranged stepbrother and Pakhan intercepts her into a closet and proposes a plan, Luna goes as his date. Loved the characters interaction and Lunas' fish Hairy!

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

[Joanne Kublik · Rating 5 out of 5]

so heartwarming

Laylah Snow has outdone herself. This is the probably the most heartwarming Bratva story I’ve ever read. The characters of Claire and Ivan were well developed and brought a clear understanding of who they are. Claire was unapologetically herself. Ivan soft underneath the hardness of a boss that he did not discover until after his encounter with Claire. It’s a lovely story and I’ll be reading it again as well as others by Ms Snow. Her writing is poetic.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in right from the beginning. Luna and Ivan had wonderful chemistry and you just can't get enough of their journey and needing to see how it will end. I wasn't let down and highly recommend.

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

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words do not do this book justice. Baby For My Ex's Brother is a book that will have your emotions all over the place. When a major event happen, you will be surprised who is involved.

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

[Joy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good one! I think Luna is one of my very favorite FMC...no whining, very assured, speaks her mind, etc
but never does it mention if they got married..... thought a mention in the epilogue would have been good.

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bratva Pakhan and the unexpected treasure.

Great writing which will keep you wanting more. The was a candle maker; his stepbrother’s ex. He wanted to use her to stoke at his idiot brother only to become attached. Unexpected to say the least, he wanted more of her…

[Janice Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I absolutely loved Luna and Ivan’s story. The characters were so lovable and the storyline was unpredictable. I enjoyed reading every single page. There is nothing I love more than a happily ever after and this book didn’t disappoint. The bonus chapter was also great!

[N M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, had me laughing in parts. Very well written and good storyline. Characters are fantastic and fit together well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommend recommended.

[Lori Walsh, Guaresimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series

Not to much going on as far as action very like it, what there was of it wasn't bad just needed more. The man didn't act like a head of the Bratva It was to slow moving but still a good romance book.

[IMELDA SMULLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

A wonderful unexpected read. Wonderfully written. Great storyline. A good balance of mafia action, romance and family dynamic. Some humour and intrigue to keep the reader interested to the end.

[Kimberley A Waybright · Rating 5 out of 5]

ooolala, very different bratva story!!!

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were different. Ivan was a very different type Pakhan than usual. I loved the candle store family too.

[sheryl blaszczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

Loved this story so much. They were so good together. Loved Darya. Luna was too funny. It was also hot and sexy too

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, a cast of wonderful characters and a compelling plot... Who could ask for anything more?!

[Robin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. The story was so good.