Brutal Games - Lila Sharp

The start of this book is intense, but it was absolutely necessary to set the tone for everything that follows. Dmitri, Alisa, and the others are thrown into a brutal game orchestrated by the pakhan to determine who will become his heir. The story follows their tasks and challenges, and the way their worlds begin to shift as the stakes rise. This is Bratva through and through, filled with danger, violence, power, and an intensity that never lets up.

Dmitri embodies the Bratva life completely. There’s no question about who he is or what he’s capable of. He’s ruthless when needed, decisive, and unflinching in the face of violence. Alisa, though, is just as formidable in her own way. The things she endures, physically and mentally, often without choice, and still continues to push forward are incredibly impressive. She refuses to be seen as weak or lesser simply because she’s a woman, and I loved that about her.

Together, their chemistry is unexpected and undeniable. Alisa tries to ignore it, while Dmitri fights it just as hard, knowing how dangerous those feelings could be for him. But it’s inevitable. Once they finally give in, watching Dmitri’s walls slowly crumble and his entire world narrow down to Alisa was incredibly satisfying. His care for her runs through the entire book, possessive, protective, and completely consuming in the way only a mafia romance can deliver.

This was such a great read for me. It flew by, and I barely realized how quickly I was turning the pages. I love a good mafia story, and this one absolutely hit the mark. Beyond that, the dialogue is sharp and witty, the spice is hot, and the book is packed with nonstop action that makes it impossible to put down. I received this book as an ARC and I’m leaving this honest review voluntarily.

and when you smile at me... I'm tempted to upend the world just so I can see a hint of it again.