The Soldier: A Russian Bratva Romance (dark mafia enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense novel)

"If anything I did ever hurt Kayla, I'd never forgive myself." I can’t believe I forgot to leave a review for this book, especially since Pavel is my favorite in the series. Shame on me! As always, I’m not going to summarize the book. There are plenty of those available. I’m just going to share a few thoughts and feelings of my own and hopefully convince you to read this wonderful story. To begin with, let me say, I loved this book. Period. I had assumed Pavel would be the last member of the family to find love and was pleasantly surprised when he met Kayla and despite everything, including his own resistance, he now has a life filled with happiness. He might not have wanted it to, but love found him and gave him exactly what he didn’t know he needed or think he deserved. Pavel & Kayla are just beyond adorable together. He’s definitely the most broken and stubborn of the bunch. I loved watching him slowly open up & accept he’s actually worth loving and capable of real love. Perfect

So this is the hardest review I think I have written when it comes to one of Renee's books. I gave this book 4 stars because of how much I love her books BUT I should probably go down to a 3 1/2 star for the actual story. I am a big fan of Renee's and have read I can't even tell you how many of her stories. The Chicago Bratva has become one of my favorites of hers and I was excited to see where she would go with Pavel's story. If you have been paying attention from the other books we all knew he had a long-distance relationship and I wanted to see how it would work out. I wasn't impressed. I love the dom/sub part of the story, Pavel and Kayla are a good couple in the aspect of when they are together, but there wasn't anything when they were apart. No communications at all between them. They are in love with their weekends and sex. They barely talked or got to know each other. Kayla knew most of what she knew about Pavel and what he does because of someone else. I understand every book and relationship is different, for me that is why I read these books. But I want to feel the connection between the characters when they are out of bed. I will of course keep reading this series. This one book not being to my liking doesn't change that. There can always be one. And I hope this book is to others' liking.

We briefly met Pavel at Black Light, when he attended with his pakhan Ravil. I am so glad we are finding out more about Pavel, because his Chicago Bratva story needed to be told! Pavel is in America for a limited time, so having a relationship isn’t in the plans—ever. His play partner, Kayla, lights up his world. I know it can be read as a standalone but I really love the interconnected characters, and how some of the guys support Pavel (in a Bratva way) when he has to deal with someone disrespectful to Kayla. Pavel thinks he should give Kayla up, but their chemistry & connection are far too strong. It’s fairly tame as a Bratva book goes, but Pavel is a sweet, attentive Dom to Kayla, his blossom. Kayla is enthralled by Pavel, and lives for their weekends together. It’s not a conventional relationship but it works. I loved Kayla’s happiness at becoming part of Pavel’s personal life-she’s pretty low maintenance & perfect for Pavel. Great story! I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.