The House of Matvei Series by Elaina Loughty

One risky game was all it took to change Reuben Hoyt's life forever. Now he's the personal poker player for the notorious Matvei crime syndicate, using his extraordinary talent for reading people to help them outmaneuver their rivals. The only problem? He's falling hard for his dangerous employer, Nikon Matvei.Nikon has spent years building his gambling empire through calculated violence and iron control. He never expected a brilliant young poker player to breach his carefully constructed walls... moreOne risky game was all it took to change Reuben Hoyt's life forever. Now he's the personal poker player for the notorious Matvei crime syndicate, using his extraordinary talent for reading people to help them outmaneuver their rivals. The only problem? He's falling hard for his dangerous employer, Nikon Matvei.Nikon has spent years building his gambling empire through calculated violence and iron control. He never expected a brilliant young poker player to breach his carefully constructed walls. But as Reuben proves himself essential to the organization, Nikon finds himself breaking his own rules to claim what's his.When enemies within and without threaten everything they've built, Reuben and Nikon must decide if their dangerous romance is worth risking it all. In a world where love is the deadliest game in town, sometimes the only winning move is to go all in. Authors “Deadly Hands” is a dark MM mafia romance that explores what happens when a brilliant poker player catches the eye of a powerful Russian crime boss. This high-stakes romance combines the dangerous allure of underground poker rooms with a forbidden love story between two men from very different worlds.Inside “Deadly Hands” I wanted to write about characters who felt real despite their extraordinary circumstances. Whether you enjoy slow-burn romance, morally gray characters, or dark MM crime romance, you'll find yourself drawn into a world where love becomes the biggest gamble of all.Please note that "Deadly Hands" contains mature themes. This is Book 1 of The House of Matvei series. less

Trust is a luxury they can't afford... but living without it might cost them everything. Reuben has found his footing in Nikon Matvei's criminal empire, but his growing confidence puts him on the radar of Dmitrii Miroslav—a rival boss determined to steal everything Nikon values.As Dmitrii's manipulation and an internal betrayal threaten to tear the Matvei family apart, Reuben finds himself caught between his desire for independence and his deepening feelings for Nikon... moreTrust is a luxury they can't afford... but living without it might cost them everything. Reuben has found his footing in Nikon Matvei's criminal empire, but his growing confidence puts him on the radar of Dmitrii Miroslav—a rival boss determined to steal everything Nikon values.As Dmitrii's manipulation and an internal betrayal threaten to tear the Matvei family apart, Reuben finds himself caught between his desire for independence and his deepening feelings for Nikon.The possessive protection that once saved Reuben now feels like a gilded cage. And for Nikon, loosening his grip means risking the only person who makes him feel human.With enemies circling and allies turning traitor, Reuben and Nikon must navigate the ultimate Can their relationship survive in a world where trust is a dangerous liability?Book 2 in the House of Matvei series is a dark MM mafia romance with high-stakes tension, possessive behavior, and a battle for trust that will leave you breathless! less

Some inheritances are written in blood.Reuben Hoyt never expected to find belonging within the dangerous embrace of the Matvei crime family. Once a desperate poker player working off a debt, he’s now running a successful venture capital firm, training in combat with the family’s security chief, and sharing his life with the powerful and protective Nikon Matvei... moreSome inheritances are written in blood.Reuben Hoyt never expected to find belonging within the dangerous embrace of the Matvei crime family. Once a desperate poker player working off a debt, he’s now running a successful venture capital firm, training in combat with the family’s security chief, and sharing his life with the powerful and protective Nikon Matvei.When a cutting-edge surveillance company becomes available for acquisition, Reuben sees the perfect opportunity to cement his business reputation. But the appearance of an unexpected competitor, Reuben’s father who disowned him years ago, reveals a sinister plot orchestrated by rival crime lord Dmitrii Miroslav.As family tensions escalate into outright danger, Reuben and Nikon must navigate their evolving relationship while fighting enemies on all fronts. The line between business and personal vendettas blurs when Dmitrii targets not just their operations, but their deepest vulnerabilities.With the Matvei brothers rallying for an all-out war and unexpected allies emerging from darkness, Reuben and Nikon discover that their most powerful weapon isn’t firepower but the unbreakable bond they’ve forged together.The heart-pounding conclusion to the House of Matvei trilogy delivers intense action, passionate romance, and the ultimate showdown between rival crime families. less