Because of the way I speak, everyone judges me the moment I open my mouth. Even though I'm 6'5 and two eighty, they see me as weak. They always have. Even my father who passed me over as his heir. Behind the mask with the automated voice, I'm not weak. Women desire me, and men fear me. As fortunes change within my family, I need to correct my impediment. That's why I seek out one of the best speech pathologists on the East Coast. On paper, Dr. Sarah Whitfield looks boring and rigid. But the good doctor is hiding a secret: she has a kink for Masked Men. She sheds her professional facade on weekends when she attends Masked Events. And I'm here to fulfill her fantasies of being kidnapped by a masked man. But this time, it's for real. Maksim by Katie Ashley was published on January 29th, 2026. This is the first book in the Korolova Bratva series.
I was given this book for my honest review by Katie Ashley and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved organized crime romances. Somehow they always make me feel good inside when I read them. Anyways, this is the first book that I have read by Katie Ashley and she did not disappoint me whatsoever. I think I highlighted so many good scenes and quotes in this book it is almost all highlighted. I absolutely loved that the big beefy Bratva guy had a disability. For me that was huge that you find out that both characters struggle with things and were not perfect. It made both of them seem so real to me. This book though made me feel the feels. I love how Sarah was not going to let Maksim by when he makes a mistake. Also how she was always trying to fix his disability through the book. Made me giggle so hard because I could totally see how it would cause him to set back some of his ego. I absolutely loved this book so much that I cannot wait to read more from Katie Ashley. Her writing is sweet and yet also makes you feel all tingly. I highly recommend it.
Quotes that I Loved
"Like your whore."
"Good girl."
"I have no fantasies that involve you."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely."
"You lie to me, and you lie to yourself."
"You're an egomaniac."
"When you were making yourself come in the shower, were you thinking about Maksim or me?"
"Fuck you."
"I would love you to."
"I wish it had been Maksim I was thinking of."
"Why? I'm the one who made you come last night."
"He's a better man than you.....I hate you."
"Oh, I know."
"No. I don't just hate you. I despise you."
"Surely you're aware that angry sex can be very, very hot."
Korolov Bratva Series
1. Maksim
Tropes
