I am her captor.Her keeper. And I don’t have a single intention of protecting her.This mouthy tomboy is the only daughter of the O’Sullivan mafia, and they’ve been screwing us over for months. All of that changes today. I don’t like surprises but I do enjoy a challenge and, by the time I’m done with the Irish brat, the uneasy truce between our Bratva and their family will be no more than … their family will be no more than bloodstains on the streets of Boston.
I’m going to abduct her. I’m going to toy with her. I’ll control her and teach her family a lesson they’ll never forget. I can’t wait.
The Russian Thug is book 1 in the Krasnov Brothers series. No cliffhangers. No cheating. Includes sizzling hot scenes. Can be read as a standalone!
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5 Steamy, will-steal-your-heart Stars
Kirill is the enforcer for the BratvaWhen he discovers the Irish are shorting them on their deliveries, he takes action. But the Irish lad making the deliveries turns out to be a Jo and not a Joe – as previously thought This changes the way in which he approaches the problem and Joanna soon finds herself “living” at the Bratva club with Kirill. This starts a domino effect of consequences but with a Russian sized melt-your-heart thug
Loved this story of Jo and Kirill with its unconventional start but also because of the action packed scenes along with the hot and steamy which accompanied it I’m looking forward to more stories in this series and getting to know the other brothers
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave my honest review
My First book by Rie Warren and im hooked! filled with steamy, dark, twists and turns, humor, romance, and more! did i mention the hot steamy scenes galore! gripped from the get go i couldn’t put this book down. well written with great developed characters. Cant wait for more from the Krasnov brothers!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Russian Thug: Abducted by the Bratva is book 1 in the Krasnov Brothers series by Rie Warren. The story focuses on Joanne ‘Jo’ O’ Sullivan and Kirill Krasnov. Jo is part of the O’ Sullivan family or more so the Irish mob, but not everything is what it seems with her. One day when she is making her usual delivery to the Russian Bratva (where Kirill is part of), she is stopped due to a screw up on her family’s part and her true identity coming to light. From here, Jo is abducted by Kirill, toyed with, but not everything goes to plan as games are played and relationships are built.
Jo and Karill are a force to be reckoned with. She is super sassy and has been through a lot of heart-breaking things in her life. When Kirill finds out the truth about what her father has put her through, he will go to the ends of the earth to protect her, even if it is from her remaining family. Kirill is the quintessential dominant male. He is Bratva and everything that that entails. Often cold, a killer and alpha, he puts his family first, so he is ultimately intrigued when he comes across Jo and what she could mean for his future.
This was a fast-paced book full of action, spicy romance and great characters. Jo and Kirill work so well together and she definitely puts him in his place when he needs it and it was really different and entertaining seeing the two different types of background that the two came from. I really liked that Kirill was an alpha male but didn’t intentionally go out of his way to hurt Jo, it was kind of a love at first sight but deny it type of thing for him which at times was quite amusing. Jo, was just one of those characters that you really like, after everything she has endured, she is still a nice person and strong enough not only to face Kirill but also his family and being in the mafia. If anyone should be a queen, it’s her. A must read book!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Rie Warren has provided us with yet another great starter to what appears to be another great series. I liked the characters for the most part and the story was good, if a little stilted at times. I was entertained from beginning to end with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been a fan of Rie Warren for a few years and when I heard she was writing a mafia series I couldn’t wait! She has definitely brought her ‘A’ game with The Russian Thug, the first book in the Krasnov Brothers series! This book is the perfect combination of good writing, interesting characters and a storyline that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
This story is dark and faced paced with many of the players in constant motion as the Russians, the Irish and the Japanese mafias battle one another for different reasons. When Kirill, the Russian enforcer, finds himself holding onto Jo the only daughter of the Irish mob family everything changes and an unlikely merger takes place! The Russians and the Irish mafia families have always been enemies but now there maybe a chance to put aside their differences and work together to defeat a common enemy or two!
This is the first book by Rie Warren that I have read but I will be reading more. Warren has many published books that I look forward to reading. The Russian Thug: Abducted by the Bratva is different and interesting and entertaining. I loved Kirill the main character and the Irish fighting spirit of Jo and the instant chemistry that the two had. This story had a few twists and turns and lots of action, I mean how could it not with it being about a Russian enforcer. There are several support characters that play very important roles throughout the story and are just as entertaining as Kirill and Jo, and since this is book one of the Krasnov Brothers series, I can’t wait to read their stories. 5 rubles, I mean stars for The Russian Thug: Abducted by the Bratva by Rie Warren.
Kirill Krasnov is the enforcer for the Zolotov Bratva and is loyal to a fault to his pakhan, the leader of the Bratva. When the Irish family the O’Sullivan’s make their weekly liquor delivery Kirill is ready to make them pay for shorting them on their order. Kirill is in for a big surprise but one that he can use against the O’Sullivan’s. Jo O’Sullivan is feisty and high spirited and knows how to fight, unfortunately the waif of a woman doesn’t stand a chance against Kirill. Jo becomes a “guest” of the Bratva to teach the Irish a lesson, but both families just might learn a thing or two when Jo and Kirill are done with each other.
The Russian Thug: Abducted by the Bratva (Krasnov Brothers #1) is the first book that I have read by this author.
This is Kirill Krasnov (the first brother to have his story told) and Jo “Joanna” O’Sullivan’s story. Kirill is the enforcer for the Russian Bratva and nightclub manager for The Sickle.
Kirill was meeting his shipment of liquor and he was going to make an example of the boy because they had been receiving watered down liquor. It turns out that Joe was actually Jo, short for Joanna and she is the daughter of the Irish Mafia leader.
Jo certainly isn’t a mouse and she proves to be resourceful. And things get pretty steamy between Kirill and Joanna! As things unfold it turns out her father isn’t a nice man fortunately she has brothers that care about her and try to protect her.
I enjoyed reading the first book in this series and my first time reading this author’s work. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
3.75 stars-THE RUSSIAN THUG: Abducted by the Bratva is the first instalment in Rie Warren’s contemporary, adult KRASNOV BROTHERS erotic, Russian Bratva, romance series. This is the Zolotov Bratva enforcer Kirill Krasnov, and O’Sullvan Irish mafia princess Joanna O’Sullivan.
WARNING: THE RUSSIAN THUG contains scenes of spanking, graphic violence and a history of rape and sexual assault that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: As young children, Kirill and his brothers Maksim and Arkady found themselves abandoned on the streets of Mother Russia. Fighting to stay alive, the brothers, led by eldest Arkady became a gang unto themselves until they tried to shake down a member of the Russian Bratva, a man who once ruled the notorious gulag. Seeing something in the boys, and without any male heirs of his own, Yury Zolotov adopted the young boys, and raised them as his own, preparing their way to rule the criminal underworld.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kirill and Joanna) THE RUSSIAN THUG follows the building romance and relationship between the Zolotove Bratva enforcer Kirill Krasnov, and O’Sullvan Irish mafia princess Joanna O’Sullivan. Imprisoned by the Zolotov Bratva, Joanna O’Sullivan found herself in lock down when the Bratva discovered her family had been cheating on a number of their shipments. Held as a source of collateral Joanna knew she would be nothing more than fodder for her father’s deals but her brothers are about to risk their lives for the sister they love. Kirill Krasnov had no idea the skinny truck driver was the Princess of the O’Sullivan mafia. Keeping her prisoner is the least of his worries when his attraction to Joanna finds Kirill guardian and protector of the woman with whom he would fall in love. As the O’Sullivan brothers come to terms with the Zolotov Bratva, the Japanese Yakuza seek revenge against Kirill Krasnov, as Joanna, once again, becomes the target of some very powerful and dangerous men.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Kirill’s brothers: Maxsim, Arkady and their sister Sasha, their ‘grandmother’ Svetlana, as well as the head of the Bratva and ‘father figure’ Yury Zolotov, and Joanna’s brothers Lucky, Kelly and Dex O’Sullivan.
THE RUSSIAN THUG is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and blood. A story of power and control; repercussions and restitution. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are dynamic ; the romance is erotic and intense but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word. Saying that, you will have to suspend reality as it pertains to the quick building relationship or at the very least ignore the heroine’s history of abuse -a Stockholm Syndrome type relationship manifests within hours of capture- but such is the nature of fictional storylines.
The Russian Thug: Abducted by the Bratva is the first book in the Krasnov Brothers series by Rie Warren. It promises darkness, violence, drama and sizzling heat. After reading the blurb, seeing the cover and knowing it was a mafia romance, I knew I had to read this book.
The theme is a sassy and strong heroine gets abducted by the stoic but secretly caring hero, peppered with heated encounters, swearing, dark violence, and feuding mafia families. The characters are intriguing, both main snd secondary, forcing the reader to listen to their stories and beg for more. The story engages the reader with its mix of action, heat, and intensity – leaving you aching for book two.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this title and am reviewing voluntarily and honestly my own thoughts, opinion and reactions based on that copy.
Jo was kidnapped by Kirill after her family was selling them diluted alcohol. Planning to make an example out of Jo, Kirill took her after a routine delivery unbeknownst to him that Jo was a woman not man. But not just any woman but the mysterious daughter to the Irish mafia’s leader. Kirill is used to blonde, docile women and this fiery redhead is giving him a run for his money. Jo is not afraid to get her hand dirty. Doing runs for her dad is the only reprieve she has from her home life. Being captured by the Russians was nothing how she expected it to be. Especially after meeting the enforcer, Kirill, who reputation she’s heard about. Jo and Kirill are like oil and water, they just don’t mix and yet they are drawn to each other. Will Jo be able to escape the Russians and make it back to her brothers? Or will Kirill make good on his promise and make the Irish pay by taking her life?
I gave this book 3.5 stars because I felt that it was way to long. It kept dragging on and on. While I truly enjoyed the chemistry between Jo and Kirill, it seemed like it was over exaggerated. Maybe if the book was shorter and not drawn out I would have liked it more. I would recommend this book with some caution. I will continue with this series and see how the next book is. Hopefully is it not drawn out like this one.
*First time reading author
Although this is my first time reading Rie and I am a huge fan of mafia romance stories I have to say I could not get into this story. That does not mean that Rie’s other books won’t do it for me. So I will give her another try.
When it comes to this particular book though. I couldn’t feel the connection with the characters. I loved the premise of the story but other than that the story fell flat for me.
really loved this book. i love a book that keeps me on edge and turning the pages so i can find out what happens next. pulls all the emotions which i love. all the happiness, sadness, anger, hope, love and excitement you would expect from a really wonderful story.
this is not a dark romance. bad things happen in it, killings, kidnapping, and abuse. physical and sexually to Jo (not by Kirill) but its not graphically portrayed, and its in her recent past. i would call this book a grey romance not dark, there was never anything graphic or explicit enough in this book to be considered dark. that being said it was a truly wonderful read. I cant wait to read the next book in this series.
Russians and Heat! More please! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
If you love mafia love stories then you are going to just love Kirill & Jo’s story. This new series is filled with all things Russian & a little Irish.
Kirill is used to women wanting a night in the sack while taking a walk on the wild side… just for a night. When Jo crosses paths with the Russian Enforcer Kirill… she is so feisty that he just doesn’t know what to expect from her. He never thought he would be turned in by it and crave it!
There is a murder, kidnapping and brutal confrontations in the story…. I was on the edge of me seat the entire time!
5 Russian Stars!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Kirill and his brothers we orphaned when they were young. When they tried to pull one over on Yury, part of the Russian mafia, Yury saw something in them that he could mold and grow them into his very own and they would be part of his crew. Now years later Kirill is the enforcer and he takes his job seriously. When he finds that the Irish mob has been watering down the alcohol he meets the delivery driver for a little talk. He is surprised to find that Joe is really Joanna. The daughter of the head of the Irish mob. He decided to hold her to get the O’Sullivan’s to take notice.
Jo/Joanna takes her delivery driving job seriously. It is the only freedom she has to get away from her father and his goons. When she goes to the bratva, she can’t believe that Kirill has found out that she is really a woman. And that he has taken her captive. But as long as the mafia doesn’t treat her the way that her father does, she is better off with the Russian thug.
Will Kirill learn the real reason she has been driving the delivery truck? And why no one has come after her? Will Joanna learn to trust Kirill and his brothers? Can these two live together without acting on the sizzling chemistry between them?
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Jo and Kirill. And I look forward to more in this series from the brothers. I have read others from this author and can’t wait to read more from her.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**