Heir for the Bratva King

Deadly Empire Duet #1

by Aria Ray

She helped them take my child – and signed herself a death warrant.
I am the crowned King of the NY Bratva. I take. Nobody dares take from me.
Avery Johnson should have minded her own secrets and left my family alone.
Instead, she helped to snatch my boy.
I’m getting Misha back and Avery will help me. Whether she wants to or not.
And then - I’ll make her pay.

As she remains my unwilling houseguest, I realize that this tiny beauty is nothing like I expected.
Spirited, fiery, and sensual.
Her worry for my son seems genuine, her defiance thrills me, her untouched body drives me insane.
She ignites something inside me that was dormant for years.

But once we are getting too close, Avery’s darkest secrets come to light and threaten to burn my mob Empire to the ground.

Will I let her live to ruin everything I’ve worked too damn hard building?

Or will I have to bury my heart along with her?

Heir for the Bratva King is Book One of the Deadly Empire duet. Denis and Avery’s story will conclude in Book Two, Queen for the Bratva King.

Genres: Dark Romance

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2022

About the author

Aria Ray writes suspenseful, hot, and intense romance stories featuring powerful alpha-men and witty heroines, full of sacrifice, love, and happily-ever-afters. Like the heroines of her novels, Aria has always had a crush on sinfully sexy bad boys - dark, controlling, irresistible, but tender and loving.

When she is not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she loves to spend time with her own gang of alpha males -
a husband and twin boys. But the real mob boss of the family is Don Corleone - the cat.

If you'd like to be notified of updates, teasers, and promotions, subscribe to Aria's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hqXjur

Reviews

[Coline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨

C’est sympa. Il se passe plein de trucs donc pas le temps de s’ennuyer. Il y a du suspense et des rebondissements.
Denis et Avery sont mims mais Denis m’a soûler avec sa femme on dirait il aime pas Avery et que c’est juste du désir. Et le retournement de situation à la fin avec la demande en mariage c’était un peu trop soudain.

Mais hâte que dans le tome 2 on apprend plus du passé d’Avery.

[Jo]

📌 General (Biology)
♥️ Denis Somov & Francesca/Avery Johnson (01-02)
+ Shelves: heroine-celibe, hero-celibe, both-faithful, hero-widower, hero-father-dad, hero-russian-bravta, bratva-pahkan, heroine-mafia-princess, heroine-fake-identity, hero-captured-tortured, pregnancy, heroine-sexual-assault (15 years old / 2 om´s / fingers)

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I'm a sucker for a good mafia read and this one is running in my top 20 list and I still have to read book 2. Denis Smonov is the Bratva Pahkan with a vendetta. The Italian mafia is trying to take everything from him he loves, but it's the green eyed beauty that has influenced child services to remove the one person he loves most from his care - his son. No one messes with family and gets away with it, even a simple nurses aide. Is she just a nurses aide? Why can't he control himself around her? What is it about this jasmine scented beauty that turns the head of the Bratva into a mindless teenager? I'm headed to read book 2 and crossing my fingers it's as "unputdownable" as this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠

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

[Camii · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es la primera vez que leo sobre un libro de Mafia donde la protagonista conoce al interés amoroso por denunciarlo a la policía ¡Y me gusto!.

El romance es rápido pero al conocer la historia de Avery se entiende el porque, ella creció rodeada de violencia y malos tratos y en Denis encontró seguridad, se enamoro de la manera en la que el cuidaba de su hijo y eso hizo que los sentimientos nacieran.

La relación de Avery y Denis empezó porque el la culpo de que le saquen a su hijo y la secuestra pensando que es su enemiga pero pronto descubre que lo hace porque se preocupa genuinamente por su hijo y que solo quería protegerlo y la libera después de tener una aventura con ella y una pensaría que todo terminaría allí pero ella regresa al no tener un lugar donde vivir y todo se convierte en una relación real, dónde se sentimientos son cosa seria y el esta pensando en formar una familia... Hasta que descubre la inseguridad de Avery.

Dolió mucho el trato de el hacía ella pero tenía razón al dudar y tratarla de traicionera aún así ella no mintió porque quería lastimarlo lo hizo por su propia seguridad y porque quería escapar de su antigua vida 💔

¡No puedo creer ese final! Ya mismo voy a leer el siguiente 👀

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery assumed a different identity and escaped her abusive mafia father to start a new life in hiding, as a nurses aid at a day care center. When she reports one of her students to DCFS for concerns she has about his family, this triggers a series of events that will propel her back into the crime world. Te boy she reported to DCFS was Misha, the son of Denis Smonov, the Bratva Pahkan with a vendetta against the Italian mafia. This book is full of twists, turns, betrayals, steam, lies, passion, and so much more. Well paced, steamy, and available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. Get ready for book 2.

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

[Sarah Leather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ends on a cliffhanger.

Denis is the nicest mafia king I have ever read about, he still gets his hands dirty and is scary enough to have the respect of all of his men but he comes across as a nice guy with a big heart. I kept waiting and waiting for Avery to tell Denis who she really was, she started at one point, sharing some of her past but then stopped which was frustrating. The clues were there and I guessed who the traitor was before it was revealed.

Straight onto the next book, I'm expecting Denis to go on a killing spree for revenge and I can't wait.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in this exciting duet!

Avery believes she did the right thing by getting Misha away from his father, Denis Somov. Since Denis is Pakhan to the Bratva he believes that his son was removed from his home by his enemies in order for them to kidnap him as leverage against Denis. So he has his men kidnap Avery since he is sure she must be working for one or his enemies and he needs answers. This is the first book in the Deadly Empire duet and ends on a cliffhanger, so be ready for it.

[Rebecca A. Bamford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery and Denis- Russian mob and Italian mafia

Great story! Exciting. I love a good mafia romance. Avery was trying to protect Denis’s son from what she believes he saw. Having had a ruthless mob boss for a father she wanted to protect the little boy Misha. Though she’s in hiding from her own father, she gets mixed up with Denis when he wants her to recant her story to get his son back. She hides who she really is. The daughter of his enemy. Until it was almost too late. The next book finishes the story. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russian Mob and Italian Mafia romance...4 Stars!

Denis, the Russian mob boss falls for an Italian beauty, the daughter of an Italian Mafia don who had been in hiding for five years under another identity by the name of Avery. Denis found out she is Francesca Russo, his enemy’s daughter but it’s too late as he and his son have fallen in love with her and are engaged. But she’s kidnapped from Denis’ home. Engaging read. Can’t wait for the conclusion of this duet.

[Elesha's book fun gossip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start you can tell this is going to be an incredible storyline. This was filled with, suspense, intrigue, drama, twists and turns, betrayals, lies, secrets, steam, chemistry and passion. Intriguing characters and a captivating read.

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

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

The story is good; it is just a big long and repetitive, but not bad. I'm usually really into mafia romance, but there was a bit there where I kind of wanted to stop reading. I'm glad I didn't. The last couple of chapters were way better than the first ones.

[Laurie hammarstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book ❤️

I really liked this book but didn’t expect a cliffhanger. I like Avery and Denis’s characters and Misha. They were well written and developed beautifully through out the book.

[Silver Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25
not interested in reading the next one I'm afraid

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Denis and Avery.
I loved reading this story.
She has secrets.
He thinks she is a liar.
A Cliffhanger!

Read it

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story helped me get through another dry spell from authors that I have read in the past only to find that their more recent releases are just mediocre. I have started several books in the last few months that I have started and returned because the story and characters didn't resonate with me. This story was well done and was original in it's content.

Denis and Avery's story is different from many of it's counterparts in this genre, unique with interesting and captivating characters. I really liked this book and was so glad to see an author that took a different path in writing a story that included a Bratva Don and a woman that was fleeing from a ruthless Mafia family that refuses to let her go.

This story involves Denis' son Misha that adds to this story greatly. His character is the reason that Avery appears on Denis' radar which leads to her being kidnapped and the subsequent relationship between Avery and Denis. It's a very entertaining read with a strong plot, well-developed characters and enough back story for each main character to make sense of what is going on in real time. The attraction between the two MC sizzles off the pages and the love that each character has for Misha is heartwarming. The sub-characters in this story are interesting as well, and help to round out this story.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with Denis Somov, the Bratva Pakhan, at a warehouse accepting drug deliveries while awaiting word from his younger brother, Andrei, about who has had his son taken. His son has been missing for two days now and he is getting impatient with the lack of information. He gets upstairs to his office where he finds his brother seated behind his desk with his feet on it and an open folder. It seems that the woman responsible for his son being taken from him is named Avery Johnson and she has no history going beyond five years plus she has no connection to any of his rivals, the Irish, Greeks, or Italians. She is nineteen, unmarried and no kids. He finds all of this strange. Fast forward and we meet Avery as she is in her boss's office getting a speech about what she's done wrong, according to her boss that is. It seems that she's reported a child to CPS (Child Protective Services) because he had a nightmare that woke him up from his nap.and when he described it to her it was as if he had witnessed his father kill a man in front of him. The details and description was such that there wasn't any doubt that it was real and not imagined. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving the child in the hands of such an individual that would allow this to occur in front of him. She had no idea that CPS would remove the child from the home and place him in foster care without a thorough investigation into this matter, but apparently that's exactly what they did. She leaves her boss's office and heads to her office, she's a nurse's aide at a day school. She gets there and is suddenly kidnapped by two rough looking individuals. Her first thought is that her father has found her because she's been hiding from him since she ran away about five years ago. A bag is placed over her head and she thrown in the trunk of a car. Later she comes to and is being carried from the trunk and placed in a chair located in a warehouse. The bag is removed from her head and as her eyes adjust to the lighting she finds herself face to face with Misha's father. Misha is the boy who she told CPS about. He's furious and wants to know who she's working for and where is his son. She explains that she only works for the Sunshine Road Day School and that's all. While this interrogation is going on about ten men break into the warehouse carrying weapons and shooting all over the place. Denis pulls her from the chair and places her behind a wall with instructions not to move and to stay low. He runs off shooting at the people who dare break into his warehouse. He learns that it's Russo's men that have broken in and he's a Chicago Italian mob boss. He instructions Andrei to take Avery to his house and put her in a cell until he can finish interrogating her. He can barely keep his eyes off of his stunning captive and he notices the stirrings of long dormant feelings. She's brought to Denis' house and placed in a small, nondescript sound proof room. He interrogates her some more but her answers never change. Denis continues with his Bratva duties and withholds food from Avery in hopes of getting her to break. In the meantime, everytime that Avery is around Denis she has trouble controlling the desire for him that his mere presence elicits from her. She eventually breaks and tells him that she will help him get his son back including recasting what she told CPS, but only because she sees how much he loves his son. Then after a breakfast together and her promise to help get his son back by recanting her story to CPS, they give into their passions for one another. Finally! The culmination of all that sexual tension between these to is fulfilled. For him it's a "one time deal" in order to get her out of his system. Nope, she just gets further into his blood. Anyway, this is where I'll leave you and you'll have to get the book to discover what happens next. Let's just say that heat level stays at sizzling and some secrets come to light. Whether the secrets tear them apart remains to be seen. There's betrayal tough choices to be made. This really is a very good mafia romance with an original storyline and strong, realistic, well-rounded characters. Just be aware that this is part one of a duet and therefore ends with a cliffhanger. You definitely can't go wrong with this one, especially if you're in mafia romances.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Aria Ray continues to impress me with her stories. I was so into this story, that I was able to read it in one sitting and wanted to get to this review so I could read the next book to see what happens! This is the story of Avery and Denis. Denis is the pakhan in New York and is a dark, dangerous man. He lost his wife when his sone was very young at the hands of his enemies. He is out to avenge the murder of his wife and will do just about anything to get his justice. Avery is a nurse at the daycare that Denis’ son Misha goes to. She is feisty, strong and independent. She only wants to do what is right for the children and has no qualms about reporting the actions of Misha, even though she knows who and what his father is capable of. Once Misha is taken, Denis is ready to kill whomever would go against him. Once Avery is brought to him, he gives her chance after chance to tell him who she is working for, as he knows that his enemies put her up to this.
Secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, passion, and chemistry are just a few things you will get from this story. Miscommunication plays a big part in the relationship between Denis and Avery. Denis can’t help but fall for Avery – he hasn’t felt like this since his wife and Avery is so mad at herself for falling for her captor. Great characters along with a great story. I cannot wait to see what happens next as this book ended on a cliffhanger!

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

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery has escaped from her family and started a new life as a nurse aide at a daycare. However she becomes involved with Denis, Pakhan of the Russian mafia in New York, after reporting that his son, Misha, may be growing up in a poor environment after he reveals to her that he saw his father killing someone. Denis kidnaps Avery and tries to learn her secrets, but as time passes, he learns how caring she is of Misha. Avery as well sees how Denis is protective of his son and wouldn’t let him see the things the mafia is involved with—which begs the question of how Misha knows about it. While I thought the build up of their relationship was a bit quick, overtime Avery and Denis become closer and their feelings stronger. Yet Denis’s enemies are drawing near and Avery has a big secret that could tear them apart. I really enjoyed how the author created these complex characters, especially when we learn about their pasts and how that drives their current actions. The story elicits a variety of emotions. There is also lots of action surrounding the mafia aspect to keep the excitement going as well as characters like Misha and Andrei to help flesh out the story. Overall, this was a good read, and I can’t wait for the next book!

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery's upbringing makes her feel the need to protect little Misha. When she sees the drawing he has made of his father killing someone she has no option but to contact CPS. Her boss calls her into the office and lets her know that because of her, CPS has removed the child from the home. She is not sorry, they must of the found more to warrant that. When she abducted from her apartment, she finds herself face to face with Denis Somov, Misha's father who is very angry.

How dare this woman get involved with his family, get his little boy taken from him? Avery Johnson has secrets of her own, not existing prior to coming to NY at nineteen. He will keep her there until she tells him who she is working for.

The chemistry between the two is off the charts, as much as they dislike each other in the beginning, they cannot stay away from each other. Avery has secrets that she is keeping from Denis, the more she falls for him the harder it is to come clean. This ends in a cliffhanger and concludes in Queen for the Bratva King.

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

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book One of the ‘Deadly Empire’ duet and tells the story of Denis, Pakhan of the New York Russian Bratva, and Avery (aka Francesca) who is on the run from her evil father who happens to be Don to the Italian Mafia in Chicago. She is living under a new identity in New York when she is kidnapped on the instructions of Denis after she gets involved in having Misha, Denis’ son, removed from his care by CPS.

A very good dark Mafia romance, a little gruesome in places but then that’s to be expected in this genre of books. The story seems to be ending on a lovely HEA then WHAM! an unexpected turn of events that sees the book ending on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the conclusion of this story!

A well deserved 4 Star read that I would recommend.

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

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a catchy writing style, exciting, steamy, good plots an turns, likeable main characters with plenty chemistry.
Avery works at a school and she has indicated to the child protection services that she thinks the father of the 4 year old Misja, the Pakhan Denis Somov cannot take good care of his son, and now the protection service has taken the boy. The angry Denis won’t let that happen and kidnaps Avery, to find out who she’s working for and to change her mind. As they get to know each other and grow closer they realize that they both want the best for the boy. Avery drops her charges, she finds a job with the family, and everything seems to end well... were it not for a rival mafia gang seeking war, Avery having a secret, and betrayal.
First part of a duet.

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

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir for the Bratva King: A Russian Mafia Romance (Deadly Empire Duet, Book 1) by Aria Ray. Avery feels as though she is doing the right thing and is helping this little boy, she has no idea she is walking into the very life she so desperately tried running from. Denis has no time for theatrics and wants one thing and that is to have his son back safe in his arms. You can feel the explosive chemistry between these two. There is tons of dark drama, heated passion, action and suspense in this story. It does end on a big cliff and I am really looking forward to the conclusion in Queen for the Brava King. I would recommend this book and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way Avery’s secret history added to the storyline in this Mafia Romance. She was a bit naïve and very innocent in nature, trying to protect her young student Misha from an unhealthy environment. Her actions led to a series of events that brought the attention of Misha’s mafia father, Denis.
Their attraction for each other and subsequent relationship build was the highlight of this storyline. I loved the addition of Misha and the way he absolutely adored Avery.
I liked the way the author handled Avery’s big secret and the way it was semi-resolved at the end. Looking forward to the conclusion of this story in the next book as this one ended with a cliffy.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the mafia genre and if you give me a good story I'm thrilled after reading this book I'm beyond thrilled. Denis Smonov is the Pakhan of the Bratva who has a vendetta some scores to settle for the murder of his wife when his son was very young. Avery is a nurse at the daycare that Misha attends she's concerned by something Misha draws so she calls CPS she's only trying to protect Misha. Too bad Denis doesn't see it the same way when they take Misha away from him he's ready to kill whoever did this. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this riveting story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

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

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. The first book in the Deadly Empire series is intense. It is full of drama, conflict, danger, courage, doubts, twists and turns. Denis is head of the Bratva, a widower and has a small son. He and Avery do not meet under the best of circumstances. She stands by what she believes and at first that is all about protecting his son, even from him. More things are brought to light the longer they are together. The characters have a lot of passion whether it is involving vengeance, protection or each other. It is part of a duet and ends with a cliffhanger. I thought it was a good story and look forward to the Queen next.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a new dark duet. I'm so glad I don't have to wait for the conclusion after that cliffhanger as both books release the same day!!!

Avery is kidnapped after turning Denis in to CPS. His son is immediately removed from the home. He wants her to retract her statement.
Loaded with tons of action, violence, hot sex, and more.

Style: Dark Romance, Russian Bravta
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 4/5
Sexual Level: steamy
Triggers: Yes
Violence: yes
Pacing: fast
Series: Book 1
Cliffhanger: yes
KU: Yes

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Aria Ray is back with another great book. I really enjoyed Denis and Avery together. The connection and chemistry between these two was awesome. I really liked the tension between Denis and Avery when they first met but they can't deny the both sides of said tension for long. I really enjoyed the drama, steam, love, suspense, and secrets that this book had to offer. The cliffhanger was awesome and I am so glad that we don't have to wait for book 2. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend Ms. Aria as a great author.

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

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline and characters make an interesting and entertaining book. I did feel maybe some of it was dragged out a bit and repeated, but that's just my opinion. Avery is an intriguing and strong female protagonist and of course what would a Bratva story be without Denis being the over the top alpha male. Throw in Misha, a four year old with the part time attitude of an adult, and you have the heart and soul of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion of this duet in Queen for the Bratva King.

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

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery Johnson gets herself into all kinds of trouble when she calls CPS on the head of the local Russian mafia and he is now out for revenge. She looks at what Misha tells her through her own experiences with her family. She is only out to protect him.

Even though Denis kidnaps her and threatens her, she still falls for him. Denis doesn't want to have feelings for her. He has already lost a wife and doesn't want to be that vulnerable again. No matter what he does, she is still in danger.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The storyline grabbed and maintained my interest. I found myself genuinely caring about these characters and because I did, my emotions were all over the place. I could feel for and understand were each of them was coming from. There is a lot of tension and simmering and sparking emotions as the story unfolds and this couple's relationship evolves. This is only book one of the duet, so do not be surprised by the cliffy looming ahead. I look forward to book two. This is my frank, freely posted review.