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Chicago Bratva #8
The Player
Players will play.
Flynn Taylor, rock ‘n roll heartthrob, plays fast and loose.
He’s with different girls every night. Yes, girls plural.
On the brink of becoming not just a Chicago sensation, but an American icon,
he’s everything I should avoid.
Then again, maybe it doesn’t matter.
I’m so damaged, I’m not even capable of a relationship.
He might be the perfect antidote.
The temptation I need to lure me back to the side of the living.
He could help me get over my trauma. Attempt physical intimacy.
If it goes wrong–no harm, no foul, right?
If only I can keep my overprotective bratva brother from threatening
to kill him if he even touches me�
Flynn Taylor, rock ‘n roll heartthrob, plays fast and loose.
He’s with different girls every night. Yes, girls plural.
On the brink of becoming not just a Chicago sensation, but an American icon,
he’s everything I should avoid.
Then again, maybe it doesn’t matter.
I’m so damaged, I’m not even capable of a relationship.
He might be the perfect antidote.
The temptation I need to lure me back to the side of the living.
He could help me get over my trauma. Attempt physical intimacy.
If it goes wrong–no harm, no foul, right?
If only I can keep my overprotective bratva brother from threatening
to kill him if he even touches me�
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
74 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Renee Rose
302books4,709followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over two million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list eleven times with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.
For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page:
**Visit her blog at
**Follow Renee at - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
**Follow her on Instagram at
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:
"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright
"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley
"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews
"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews
"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol
"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith
"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight
"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]
"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers
"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews
For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page:
**Visit her blog at
**Follow Renee at - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
**Follow her on Instagram at
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:
"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright
"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley
"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews
"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews
"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol
"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith
"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight
"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]
"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers
"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 27, 2022
This one was suppose to me more emotional then the others and it was I just couldn't stand Flynn and his "Bro" talk it was to annoying and his long line of one night stands who kept popping in. Yes I already knew he was a player but lord I was skimming when they came into the picture.
Nadia is getting over what happened to her and the best way is to have sex she wants to reclaim what the men stole from her. What better way then a player but they start changing the rules and feelings are growing.
They are also some pull away from Nadia who thinks Flynn only wants her because he loves to take care of lost ppls.
Then ow drama striing the pot. And the bad guy.
Low angst, Ow drama, slight secondary character,drama, sexy times, no virgins and manwhore
Recommend-maybe
DZ-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburn
Push away from both
Mentions of rape
Mentions of human trafficking
Safe sex
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
Nadia is getting over what happened to her and the best way is to have sex she wants to reclaim what the men stole from her. What better way then a player but they start changing the rules and feelings are growing.
They are also some pull away from Nadia who thinks Flynn only wants her because he loves to take care of lost ppls.
Then ow drama striing the pot. And the bad guy.
Low angst, Ow drama, slight secondary character,drama, sexy times, no virgins and manwhore
Recommend-maybe
DZ-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburn
Push away from both
Mentions of rape
Mentions of human trafficking
Safe sex
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
May 25, 2024
Telling Their Story
It's quickly obvious that this is part of a connected series, but that didn't impede my enjoyment. This is a mafia-adjacent book, but not directly involving mafia activity except for one incident.
Flynn Taylor is sweet and empathic when it comes to Nadia "Peaches" Turgenev and her fears. I love how once he sees or senses any unease in her, he immediately tries to change the mood. He may be a player, but it's easy to see his appeal.
The things Nadia has endured are absolutely horrible. She's so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Stronger than even her brother, Adrian, gives her credit. I love that Flynn sees it and nurtures it. The setbacks are hard, but I like that she keeps pushing herself to be a better version of herself.
I'm rarely phased by a person's prior sexual history. In this case, I find that I appreciate that Flynn doesn't hide from his past, even when it tries to bite him in the butt. I also like that Nadia is real about not having a right to be upset about what happened before they became more.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators are Kingsley Rose and Benjamin Sands. Both are new to me, and I enjoyed listening to them so much. The accents and voices are wonderfully done.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
It's quickly obvious that this is part of a connected series, but that didn't impede my enjoyment. This is a mafia-adjacent book, but not directly involving mafia activity except for one incident.
Flynn Taylor is sweet and empathic when it comes to Nadia "Peaches" Turgenev and her fears. I love how once he sees or senses any unease in her, he immediately tries to change the mood. He may be a player, but it's easy to see his appeal.
Mental note, I need to buy her peaches so she knows what the hell I'm talking about.
-- Flynn Taylor
The things Nadia has endured are absolutely horrible. She's so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Stronger than even her brother, Adrian, gives her credit. I love that Flynn sees it and nurtures it. The setbacks are hard, but I like that she keeps pushing herself to be a better version of herself.
I'm rarely phased by a person's prior sexual history. In this case, I find that I appreciate that Flynn doesn't hide from his past, even when it tries to bite him in the butt. I also like that Nadia is real about not having a right to be upset about what happened before they became more.
I listened to the audio book. The narrators are Kingsley Rose and Benjamin Sands. Both are new to me, and I enjoyed listening to them so much. The accents and voices are wonderfully done.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
July 20, 2024
I enjoyed Flynn and Nadia's book. They are perfect for each other. Nadia regains her strength and life force with the assistance from Flynn. I like the characters from the Bravta.
I enjoyed this audiobook. The Chicago Bratva series is great. I love the characters. The narrators did a great job with the Russian accents.
I enjoyed this audiobook. The Chicago Bratva series is great. I love the characters. The narrators did a great job with the Russian accents.
May 27, 2022
Wonderful Bratva Romance
Yeah I think this Bratva book is a wonderful romance and I am sure you all will agree with me. We have Nadia who was trafficed and then rescued by her brother and Flynn who is a member of a Rock Band 🎸 and they each make the other feel empowered and strong and more their true self, I really loved this aspect of the story. There is quite a bit of🔥 🔥 🔥 and there is a awesome HEA.
Yeah I think this Bratva book is a wonderful romance and I am sure you all will agree with me. We have Nadia who was trafficed and then rescued by her brother and Flynn who is a member of a Rock Band 🎸 and they each make the other feel empowered and strong and more their true self, I really loved this aspect of the story. There is quite a bit of🔥 🔥 🔥 and there is a awesome HEA.
May 21, 2022
A surprisingly sweet love story as Nadia finally finds the strength and courage to move on from the horrific abuse she has suffered at the hands of sex traffickers with the help of Flynn. I loved how Nadia’s character developed throughout this book from a timid mouse to a strong and confident young woman as she gradually overcame her fears and became more independent to the extent that she asked Flynn to be her ‘friend with benefits�. I loved that it wasn’t portrayed as being an instant transformation. She had setbacks and certain things would trigger panic attacks but with Flynn’s help she fought through the bad times. Flynn didn’t try to be overprotective like her brother was. He encouraged Nadia to fly and live her life on her terms. It wasn’t a one-sided relationship though, Nadia encouraged Flynn to strive for more with his band. There was fantastic chemistry between them but more importantly there was trust and ultimately love. This book is probably my favourite one in the Chicago Bratva series so far.
June 8, 2022
The Player is less about the Russian mafia and more about the collateral damage from Russian mafia. And the previous book we learned about Nadia and how her brother had done everything he could to save her, and he does. Nadia is the collateral damage I spoke of in the sense that she was captured and put through human trafficking ring, or shall we say what it really is. It was sexual slavery. I'm not sure why we as a society want to whitewash slavery into human trafficking, but let's call a spade, a spade. Nadia's experiences as a sex slave is just as horrible as you can imagine.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website
May 19, 2022
Because I've read all the other books in this series, I knew Nadia and Flynn's romance was sure to be super emotional, intense and heartbreaking and I warn you that I was 100% right. So be prepared for the avalanche of raw emotions, mountains of feels and massive amount of heart tugging aimed right at your heart. Of course, along with those you get a well-written, engaging story filled with tension, drama, intensity, steam, sweetness and heart. Trust me, the damage to your heart is totally worth the swoon. I am independently posting an impartial review.
May 17, 2022
I liked how two broken people with baggage helped each other heal together. It was a road of hard knocks, but worth it in the end. A real heart stopper!!! The twist with Nadia made me want to wretch. It was gutwrenching and intense! I liked that Nadia and Flynn each found their purpose and passion separately from each other.
May 25, 2022
Very Well Done
A highly sympathetic and well written story, covering human trafficking and the effects on a survivor, and her journey back to feeling like a woman.
Flynn is an incredible mixture of gentle dominance and overall nice guy.
A highly sympathetic and well written story, covering human trafficking and the effects on a survivor, and her journey back to feeling like a woman.
Flynn is an incredible mixture of gentle dominance and overall nice guy.
August 8, 2024
C'était le plus inintéressant de la série. J'ai pas grand chose à dire mis à part le fait que TikTok soit mentionné plusieurs fois . pourquoi ?
May 26, 2022
This was a great story about Nadia who has been traumatized by a horrible situation in her past and Flynn, the guitar player with the Storytellers band that Nadia is attracted to. They finally connect when Flynn notices when Nadia has a panic attack and he knows just what to do to help her through it. Nadia then proposes that Flynn be her "friend with benefits" to help her through her trauma and help her trust and have a good sexual relationship without her past interferring. Nadia's past experiences are heart breaking but Flynn knows how to work with a damaged soul and he's so understanding and sweet. I also loved when Nadia was able to get a little of her form of justice to one of the vile people who harmed her and others.
May 24, 2022
Flynn and Nadia’s story is intensely emotional. If you’ve been following this series, then you know who Nadia is (Adrian’s sister) and the horrible things that happened to her. Flynn is like a balm to her tortured thoughts. Flynn’s responses to her are amazing and I loved the progression of their relationship � from her initial crush to how well they relate to each other. Layered throughout their romance and relationship development, we get to mingle with the other residents of the Kremlin and we get more of Nadia’s backstory. This story has its tragic elements mixed in with a great love story between two broken characters who are much better people together.
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May 23, 2022
So good! Everything after chapter 8 was brilliant. I was so emotional! 5 stars
May 20, 2022
Okay, this is my favorite book in this series so far. Flynn is a Rock star in the making and Nadia was rescued from a sex traffic operation. Both are broken but Nadia wants to be free from the torment of her past. She thinks Flynn will do. Flynn is a "player" but is intensely attracted to Nadia. Can these two overcome all the horrible things in their past and be together? Another question is will Nadia's Bratva family let this happen? I love how protective they all are of her but seeing Flynn step up was so sweet. But when her past comes back to visit, will Flynn be able to save her? That little twist completely took me by surprise and while it was heart wrenching, it was the only way Nadia would be at peace. Loved everything about this book!!!
June 2, 2022
Story wise - this is my favorite book in the whole series! Pavel and Kayla will always be my favorite couple, but there's something about Nadia and Flynn that just gives you all the feels. They're adorable with each other. It makes you want to gather them to your chest and protect them from the outside world.
Adrian's little sister. Trafficking Survivor. These titles don't define Nadia. Bad things happen to good people, but it's how you process that trauma that stands out. In Nadia's case, she's not willing to let life pass her. She realizes that she still has issues, but she's constantly working to put the past behind her. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but she's trying. Nadia's strive to win against the shadows is what makes this whole book worth it.
Oh, Flynn! It takes him a hot minute, but he realizes that the friendship he has with Nadia isn't enough. However, everyone tells him to leave her alone. By everyone, I mean several big, tall, scary Russian dudes. She's not one of his one nights, where he can hit it and quit it. Yet, he realizes her worth and strives to be a better man, but it might be too late when the past comes back to haunt him.
Adrian's little sister. Trafficking Survivor. These titles don't define Nadia. Bad things happen to good people, but it's how you process that trauma that stands out. In Nadia's case, she's not willing to let life pass her. She realizes that she still has issues, but she's constantly working to put the past behind her. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but she's trying. Nadia's strive to win against the shadows is what makes this whole book worth it.
Oh, Flynn! It takes him a hot minute, but he realizes that the friendship he has with Nadia isn't enough. However, everyone tells him to leave her alone. By everyone, I mean several big, tall, scary Russian dudes. She's not one of his one nights, where he can hit it and quit it. Yet, he realizes her worth and strives to be a better man, but it might be too late when the past comes back to haunt him.
July 2, 2022
This was intense, emotional, hard and sweet and sexy at the same time. I couldn't put it down. Nadia and Finn needed each other and I loved seeing how Nadia grew and came into her own.
June 29, 2022
My rating is actually 2.5 stars. I really liked Flynn, and there were some good parts in this love story between him and Nadia, Adrian's sister, who had been forced to be a sex slave several months prior to the beginning of this book. However, the multiple inconsistencies tried my patience. These were all things that should have been caught by a good proofreader before the book was published. For instance, Flynn was referred to as Kat's brother rather than Story's. He's described as having a beard, but the author refers to the stubble on his face because he hadn't shaved. What Flynn and Nadia were drinking changed in the space of a few sentences. It's late afternoon at the beginning of Chapter 13, but then Nadia is looking at Flynn in the morning light.
This book, like the others in the series, is told from first person point of view, alternating mostly between the H and h. In many cases where Nadia is the narrator, the word choice is inappropriate. Someone who, a year ago, didn't speak any English wouldn't use words like culpable, fantastical, and precipice.
In addition, the problems in this story were resolved much too easily. Nadia had little trouble getting over her fear of sex after her ordeal as a sex slave. Besides that, there were two other major obstacles to her and Flynn's HEA, but in both cases, the problem was resolved in only a few pages.
Secondary characters like Cadence and Lake were one-dimensional as well, although the character development of Flynn and Nadia was for the most part good.
This book, like the others in the series, is told from first person point of view, alternating mostly between the H and h. In many cases where Nadia is the narrator, the word choice is inappropriate. Someone who, a year ago, didn't speak any English wouldn't use words like culpable, fantastical, and precipice.
In addition, the problems in this story were resolved much too easily. Nadia had little trouble getting over her fear of sex after her ordeal as a sex slave. Besides that, there were two other major obstacles to her and Flynn's HEA, but in both cases, the problem was resolved in only a few pages.
Secondary characters like Cadence and Lake were one-dimensional as well, although the character development of Flynn and Nadia was for the most part good.
May 25, 2022
I have been waiting for Nadia and Flynn's story after reading Adrian's book. And safe to say, I loved how their story went. I loved how they get into an FWB arrangement to help with Nadia's trauma and because Flynn is enjoying life. Only for Flynn to develop feelings for Nadia and want to help and support her. I always loved seeing guys who said they don't want more but eventually fall in love. And it's what happened between the two of them. But I loved even more what Flynn is to Nadia, how he always puts her at ease, calms her and doesn't trigger any trauma. And Flynn never really treats her like she's fragile. Their story is a pretty sweet one.
October 29, 2023
This one really should have been a novella, add on, to the previous book The Cleaner, where Adrian takes payback for his sister Naida's enslavement by Bratva human traffickers.
In The Player we have Nadia's recovery from her trauma helped by Story(the Enforcer) brother Flynn - The Player of the title.
While it was fantastic that Nadia was able to recover and find peace, the book was overlong and repetitive and I was bored.
The content could have be covered just as well in a novella.
-
In The Player we have Nadia's recovery from her trauma helped by Story(the Enforcer) brother Flynn - The Player of the title.
While it was fantastic that Nadia was able to recover and find peace, the book was overlong and repetitive and I was bored.
The content could have be covered just as well in a novella.
-
May 24, 2022
LET’S DO THIS, PEACHES
The story is the eighth in the Chicago Bratva series and could read as a stand-alone. The story is an excellent addition to the series and has Nadia, Adrian's sister, and rocker Flynn Taylor from the Storytellers. Nadia has lived in a nightmare ever since she was kidnapped, drugged, and forced into a sex slave ring until Adrain rescued her and several other victims.
“I wish to never be afraid again.�
The story’s plot will have Nadia finally trying to leave her apartment and going to listen to the Storytellers play their set each week. She has heard them practicing, and she has a crush on Flynn. Nadia wants to be free from the prison in her mind that has kept her trapped, living in fear, avoiding going out and being around people. She knows that Flynn is a player, a known man-whore who is with a different girl weekly. Could she be brave enough to have sex on her terms? Since Flynn isn’t into relationships, would he be willing to accept a casual fling to help her? Friends with benefits? But what happens if she has a panic attack?
Nadia: Flynn, I’m sorry. I thought I was going to panic again, and I didn’t want to both or embarrass you.
Flynn: Bother? No, Nadia, no. It wouldn’t be a bother. Or an embarrassment. What is a bother is not having your phone number. I wasn’t trying to get into your pants.
Nadia: Wh-why not?
Flynn: Because I like you, Nadia.
Nadia: You don’t screw girls you like?
Flynn: I don’t do relationships. And I want to know you for longer.
Nadia: Something bad happened to me, Flynn, but being around you makes me feel—better. And everyone’s telling me to stay away from you because of what you just said—because you’re a player. You don’t stick around. But I feel like you might be exactly what I need to get over my—thing.
Flynn: You want to have sex with me to get over your trauma?
Nadia: Yes. Just sex, okay? I know you don’t want a girlfriend. We could be friends, you know. What do they say here? Friends with benefits?
“I drink Flynn in. He represents everything I want—the embodiment of carefree youth, of possibility, of living moment-to-moment. Sucking the juice out of life.�
I love the chemistry between Flynn and Nadia. He understands her better than she understands herself. He doesn’t see her as broken, and his gentle way of handling her when she has an attack is calming. He doesn’t tell her she is damaged, snap out of it, or that she can’t do anything. He is the best cheerleading squad for her—having faith in her and understanding that she will have good days and bad moments. He gets her to do things no one else has been able to. Leave the building, get coffee, walk to the beach, watch the band, and even a burlesque show—which she wants to join.
Flynn: You’re not broken. You’re definitely not broken. Far from it. Nadia, you’re brave and bright and full of life. You’re just coming out of your chrysalis. I already see your wings.
Nadia: Thank you. I like that. You make me forget what I am. Or maybe you make me remember who I used to be. Except we can never go back, can we? So it’s not who I used to be, but who I will be.
I will admit the story is highly emotional. What Nadia endured, the nightmares that are still holding her prisoner. But, Flynn’s way of handling Nadia during an episode gives her the power to overcome the horror she lived through. He never makes it about him but always places her as the priority. For that, this story quickly became my favorite in this series. I love Flynn and Nadia together.
The story is the eighth in the Chicago Bratva series and could read as a stand-alone. The story is an excellent addition to the series and has Nadia, Adrian's sister, and rocker Flynn Taylor from the Storytellers. Nadia has lived in a nightmare ever since she was kidnapped, drugged, and forced into a sex slave ring until Adrain rescued her and several other victims.
“I wish to never be afraid again.�
The story’s plot will have Nadia finally trying to leave her apartment and going to listen to the Storytellers play their set each week. She has heard them practicing, and she has a crush on Flynn. Nadia wants to be free from the prison in her mind that has kept her trapped, living in fear, avoiding going out and being around people. She knows that Flynn is a player, a known man-whore who is with a different girl weekly. Could she be brave enough to have sex on her terms? Since Flynn isn’t into relationships, would he be willing to accept a casual fling to help her? Friends with benefits? But what happens if she has a panic attack?
Nadia: Flynn, I’m sorry. I thought I was going to panic again, and I didn’t want to both or embarrass you.
Flynn: Bother? No, Nadia, no. It wouldn’t be a bother. Or an embarrassment. What is a bother is not having your phone number. I wasn’t trying to get into your pants.
Nadia: Wh-why not?
Flynn: Because I like you, Nadia.
Nadia: You don’t screw girls you like?
Flynn: I don’t do relationships. And I want to know you for longer.
Nadia: Something bad happened to me, Flynn, but being around you makes me feel—better. And everyone’s telling me to stay away from you because of what you just said—because you’re a player. You don’t stick around. But I feel like you might be exactly what I need to get over my—thing.
Flynn: You want to have sex with me to get over your trauma?
Nadia: Yes. Just sex, okay? I know you don’t want a girlfriend. We could be friends, you know. What do they say here? Friends with benefits?
“I drink Flynn in. He represents everything I want—the embodiment of carefree youth, of possibility, of living moment-to-moment. Sucking the juice out of life.�
I love the chemistry between Flynn and Nadia. He understands her better than she understands herself. He doesn’t see her as broken, and his gentle way of handling her when she has an attack is calming. He doesn’t tell her she is damaged, snap out of it, or that she can’t do anything. He is the best cheerleading squad for her—having faith in her and understanding that she will have good days and bad moments. He gets her to do things no one else has been able to. Leave the building, get coffee, walk to the beach, watch the band, and even a burlesque show—which she wants to join.
Flynn: You’re not broken. You’re definitely not broken. Far from it. Nadia, you’re brave and bright and full of life. You’re just coming out of your chrysalis. I already see your wings.
Nadia: Thank you. I like that. You make me forget what I am. Or maybe you make me remember who I used to be. Except we can never go back, can we? So it’s not who I used to be, but who I will be.
I will admit the story is highly emotional. What Nadia endured, the nightmares that are still holding her prisoner. But, Flynn’s way of handling Nadia during an episode gives her the power to overcome the horror she lived through. He never makes it about him but always places her as the priority. For that, this story quickly became my favorite in this series. I love Flynn and Nadia together.
May 24, 2022
Oh I loved this one!!! Flynn and Nadia's story is just awesome..... full of some intense emotions, heartbreaking but so full of courage and some hot passionate scenes!
Nadia is the sister of Adrian (The Cleaner), who got kidnapped, raped and tortured before Adrian set her free. She suffers terribly from nightmares and triggers and has been a recluse in her flat.... until she starts for fall for Flynn, the guitar player and brother of Story (The Enforcer), and she finds she can sit, watch and listen to him in the club and not have a panic attack.
Flynn is known for being a player, always with a different girl, but he likes Nadia and but does not realise how affected she is when he first sees her watching him. But Flynn is drawn to her in a way like no one else and can't stay away, even though the rest of the Bratva are threatening him to keep away from her!!
These two are just awesome together, how Flynn sets her at ease and cares for her, he is the calm she needs and manages to quieten her triggers when they start. Flynn's mum has panic attacks so he has an idea of how to be around her. They fall hard for each other, but their ride is not an easy one with lots of hurdles for them to both struggle against. Nadia doesn't want to be the broken girl anymore and is determined to overcome her triggers, if Flynn will just carry on and help her, but she knows its just friends with benefits and he is not looking for a relationship, and she is too damaged. But Flynn develops some deep feelings for Nadia is wants more with her, but is unsure how to proceed without pressuring her.
Nadia has had some horrible things done to her, but her grit and determination to overcome this shine through, she is an absolute trooper in this, battling on!! Flynn is the calm, he always seems to know just what to do and how to act, so that she feels normal and empowered, he was so good with her, they make the perfect couple! This was a brilliant addition to this fantastic Chicago Bratva series, highly recommended reading!
Nadia is the sister of Adrian (The Cleaner), who got kidnapped, raped and tortured before Adrian set her free. She suffers terribly from nightmares and triggers and has been a recluse in her flat.... until she starts for fall for Flynn, the guitar player and brother of Story (The Enforcer), and she finds she can sit, watch and listen to him in the club and not have a panic attack.
Flynn is known for being a player, always with a different girl, but he likes Nadia and but does not realise how affected she is when he first sees her watching him. But Flynn is drawn to her in a way like no one else and can't stay away, even though the rest of the Bratva are threatening him to keep away from her!!
These two are just awesome together, how Flynn sets her at ease and cares for her, he is the calm she needs and manages to quieten her triggers when they start. Flynn's mum has panic attacks so he has an idea of how to be around her. They fall hard for each other, but their ride is not an easy one with lots of hurdles for them to both struggle against. Nadia doesn't want to be the broken girl anymore and is determined to overcome her triggers, if Flynn will just carry on and help her, but she knows its just friends with benefits and he is not looking for a relationship, and she is too damaged. But Flynn develops some deep feelings for Nadia is wants more with her, but is unsure how to proceed without pressuring her.
Nadia has had some horrible things done to her, but her grit and determination to overcome this shine through, she is an absolute trooper in this, battling on!! Flynn is the calm, he always seems to know just what to do and how to act, so that she feels normal and empowered, he was so good with her, they make the perfect couple! This was a brilliant addition to this fantastic Chicago Bratva series, highly recommended reading!
May 22, 2022
I adore this world of the Kremlin and all its characters within. I knew the story of Nadia and Flynn was going to be a good one. I adored the shy crush she had on him in her brother's story (The Cleaner) and how crushing on him gave her a purpose to leave the building and extend her boundaries a little. Nadia's story is known if you have read The Cleaner as her brother went to extreme lengths to rescue her from the human traffickers she had been captured by. Nadia suffers the effects of the trauma and torture both her mind and body were put through. It was always going to take someone incredibly patient and understanding to help her overcome.
Along comes Flynn with his player reputation and his lack of commitment to anything, but experience in dealing with mental health with patience and sensitivity. He is drawn to Nadia and he feels a need to protect her and help her with her challenges. From this stems a friends with benefits type situation in which Nadia takes ownership of herself and her body. Flynn is incredibly kind and loving and fits perfectly with the needs that Nadia has. He is quietly confident and willing to take on her Bratva brother (and the numerous other Bratva members looking out for her too).
I adored Flynn's cluelessness and enjoyed the ride of him realising he was falling for her. I am sucker for a male lead wanting to improve himself and finding his muse. Nadia was his perfect match.
Incredibly sweet and romantic story dealing with recovery from trauma and the impact of mental health on recovery. And while this is a romantic tale, these two are also incredibly heated and passionate. Made more powerful by Nadia learning that physical intimacy doesnt have to be associated with her traumatic past.
Oh and fear not if you thought Flynn and Nadia would be the last of the Kremlin. There is a little sneak of Maykl the doormans story at the end!!
Along comes Flynn with his player reputation and his lack of commitment to anything, but experience in dealing with mental health with patience and sensitivity. He is drawn to Nadia and he feels a need to protect her and help her with her challenges. From this stems a friends with benefits type situation in which Nadia takes ownership of herself and her body. Flynn is incredibly kind and loving and fits perfectly with the needs that Nadia has. He is quietly confident and willing to take on her Bratva brother (and the numerous other Bratva members looking out for her too).
I adored Flynn's cluelessness and enjoyed the ride of him realising he was falling for her. I am sucker for a male lead wanting to improve himself and finding his muse. Nadia was his perfect match.
Incredibly sweet and romantic story dealing with recovery from trauma and the impact of mental health on recovery. And while this is a romantic tale, these two are also incredibly heated and passionate. Made more powerful by Nadia learning that physical intimacy doesnt have to be associated with her traumatic past.
Oh and fear not if you thought Flynn and Nadia would be the last of the Kremlin. There is a little sneak of Maykl the doormans story at the end!!
May 19, 2022
Loved, loved, loved Nadia and Flynn's story. You probably remember that Nadia is Adrian's sister who was grabbed in Russia by a sex-trafficking ring and brought to Chicago. Adrian managed to find her and save her and he is now the cleaner for the Chicago Bratva. Flynn is the brother of Story who is Oleg's woman. Flynn and Story are part of a band called The Storytellers.
Nadia has not gone out much since Adrian rescued her. She feels safe at the apartment house where the Bratva members live. The Storytellers hold their band practices in the building and Nadia discovers that she really likes Flynn. She likes him enough to actually leave the building and go to the bar where the band plays on Saturday nights. She can't usually stay long before one of her panic attacks comes on, but one night she agrees to go to an after-party with Flynn. Things don't end up exactly as she'd hoped, but she is sure that Flynn is the one who is going to give her back her life.
Flynn, basically, just drifts through life. He plays his music, smokes his weed, and sleeps with girls. He is known as a player, but he always makes sure the girls know that he doesn't do serious. He rarely sleeps with a girl more than once. He has no desire to have any kind of relationship, until he meets Nadia. She wants him to sleep with her, but only as a friend-with-benefits. He agrees because she is, well, Nadia. He can't stop himself. But when she has a panic attack in his bed, he realizes that something bad has happened to her. Now, he is determined to show her that she is strong enough to overcome it. Little does he know that she will be the one to save him.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Nadia has not gone out much since Adrian rescued her. She feels safe at the apartment house where the Bratva members live. The Storytellers hold their band practices in the building and Nadia discovers that she really likes Flynn. She likes him enough to actually leave the building and go to the bar where the band plays on Saturday nights. She can't usually stay long before one of her panic attacks comes on, but one night she agrees to go to an after-party with Flynn. Things don't end up exactly as she'd hoped, but she is sure that Flynn is the one who is going to give her back her life.
Flynn, basically, just drifts through life. He plays his music, smokes his weed, and sleeps with girls. He is known as a player, but he always makes sure the girls know that he doesn't do serious. He rarely sleeps with a girl more than once. He has no desire to have any kind of relationship, until he meets Nadia. She wants him to sleep with her, but only as a friend-with-benefits. He agrees because she is, well, Nadia. He can't stop himself. But when she has a panic attack in his bed, he realizes that something bad has happened to her. Now, he is determined to show her that she is strong enough to overcome it. Little does he know that she will be the one to save him.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
May 24, 2022
After Adrian’s book I have been waiting, not so patiently for Nadia’s turn at love. In all honesty, I wasn’t sure where Renee was going to go with her interest in Flynn. Now, I cannot imagine a world where these two have to live apart. The connection and relationship these two had from the start was beautiful. It was clear that they just fit and understood what the other needed without having to fill space with words. Nadia has had a lot of struggles, and her brother works very hard to protect her. But she lives in a sheltered world. Flynn unbeknownst to him encouraged Nadia to get out into the world. He supports her in anxiety and fears in a quiet way. But most of all, he provides her with safety. This man is completely unexpected in the best ways possible. While so many see him as a partying ladies man, he is also very introspective and mature when he needs to be. The chemistry they have between the sheets is also intense, and perfect, especially after what Nadia experienced. These two struggle to keep their hands off each other. Nadia works so hard to get back to a life that she wants to lead and takes back her sexuality in a way that had me standing up and cheering for her. Rose has done an amazing job of creating a support system for her characters, this crew of men and their women are a force.
If you are a fan of mafia romance or darker romances, then I recommend this book and series to you. As always please check trigger warnings. I have adored this series, and the little family that Ravil has created. I can't wait for what is in store for the next book in this series.
If you are a fan of mafia romance or darker romances, then I recommend this book and series to you. As always please check trigger warnings. I have adored this series, and the little family that Ravil has created. I can't wait for what is in store for the next book in this series.
May 24, 2022
Think this was well put together storyline about Flynn and Nadia’s story because it is very intense & emotional throughout, but as well as that is it gripping in the fact that two people that are total opposites can be brought together and fit like two equal halves making them a perfect whole. This is a perfect addition to a great series, if you have been following this series Nadia is the little sister of Adrian and he is part of the Chicago Bravata, earlier on in the series she was saved after being kidnapped and went through so very harsh & horrible traumas that her traumatized to leave home or go out.
Flynn is a person she is drawn to and who maybe her saving grace or her downfall in the beginning, he is what brings her out into the world again after going out with her Bravata family to see him perform. We get a glimpse of how her initial crush turned into much more and how well he worked to uncover the layers of what she had gone through, kind of like peeling back the many layers of an onion. Flynn is considered a big player due to how many women her goes through therefore it puts her brother on guard and feel his sister will be crushed if things fall through.
The author gives us so many different emotions in this book such as love, loss, hate, hurt, and lots of twists and turns, but so happy she included more of Nadia’s backstory and what happened to her while she was kidnapped. There are some tragic moments mixed with some goodness and tells the story of how these two broken characters can try to mend what is broken between two fragile beings, who were so different yet the same. You will not be disappointed with this one.
Flynn is a person she is drawn to and who maybe her saving grace or her downfall in the beginning, he is what brings her out into the world again after going out with her Bravata family to see him perform. We get a glimpse of how her initial crush turned into much more and how well he worked to uncover the layers of what she had gone through, kind of like peeling back the many layers of an onion. Flynn is considered a big player due to how many women her goes through therefore it puts her brother on guard and feel his sister will be crushed if things fall through.
The author gives us so many different emotions in this book such as love, loss, hate, hurt, and lots of twists and turns, but so happy she included more of Nadia’s backstory and what happened to her while she was kidnapped. There are some tragic moments mixed with some goodness and tells the story of how these two broken characters can try to mend what is broken between two fragile beings, who were so different yet the same. You will not be disappointed with this one.
June 5, 2022
The Player is book eight in Renee Rose’s Chicago Bratva series, and it’s so sweet. Rather than focusing on one of the Bratva brothers this time, Rose focuses on Nadia, sister to the Bratva cleaner and Flynn Taylor, guitarist and up-and-coming rock star.
Flynn has known Nadia for a while now. His sister’s boyfriend is the Bratva enforcer, and their band practices at the Bratva’s building. Nadia has agoraphobia because she suffered the trauma of being sex trafficked and living through horror, but Flynn awakens something in her. Nadia decides she wants Flynn to be the one to help her regain some normalcy and control by having sec with her. She doesn’t want a relationship which is fine with Flynn because he doesn’t do relationships. They agree to be friends with benefits. Which works for about five minutes until they each catch feelings for the other. Whether or not they can have a relationship while Nadia is still haunted by her past and Flynn is preyed on by groupies and threatened by Nadia’s brother remains to be seen.
This is another great book by Rose. Since the first book in the series, we have known what happened to Nadia and the trauma she lives with. Flynn is a player, and everyone assumes he will hurt Nadia, but his sweet and caring nature makes him perfect for her. I love that Nadia is able to reclaim control of her life and gain back her independence. It’s amazing how Flynn is able to see how much Nadia helped him change and become a better person.
You can read The Player as a stand-alone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the wholes series. Either way, be sure to let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Flynn has known Nadia for a while now. His sister’s boyfriend is the Bratva enforcer, and their band practices at the Bratva’s building. Nadia has agoraphobia because she suffered the trauma of being sex trafficked and living through horror, but Flynn awakens something in her. Nadia decides she wants Flynn to be the one to help her regain some normalcy and control by having sec with her. She doesn’t want a relationship which is fine with Flynn because he doesn’t do relationships. They agree to be friends with benefits. Which works for about five minutes until they each catch feelings for the other. Whether or not they can have a relationship while Nadia is still haunted by her past and Flynn is preyed on by groupies and threatened by Nadia’s brother remains to be seen.
This is another great book by Rose. Since the first book in the series, we have known what happened to Nadia and the trauma she lives with. Flynn is a player, and everyone assumes he will hurt Nadia, but his sweet and caring nature makes him perfect for her. I love that Nadia is able to reclaim control of her life and gain back her independence. It’s amazing how Flynn is able to see how much Nadia helped him change and become a better person.
You can read The Player as a stand-alone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the wholes series. Either way, be sure to let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
May 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. A classic rescue romance, that brings an emotionally damaged woman back to life by the playboy Hero.
Flynn is a player, a different girl after every gig, but in his book we find this player has a secret heart of gold who knows just how to handle a tortured soul.
Nadia who we’ve read about in past books from the series was abducted in Russia, shipped to America then kept drugged and chained while her body was sold repeatedly.
For a year Nadia has been fighting the demons in her head since she was rescued from hell, constant nightmares and acrophobia sees her struggling for any normality.
The only glimpses she gets in when she sees Flynn. He makes her want to try, makes her want to be normal again.
Flynn has plenty of walls up, but he sees something in Nadia that he wants to explore. He needs to help her, wants to be with her, and before long can’t stay away from his beautiful Peach.
What i liked about this book is that Nadia was open with Flynn about what happened to her so there’s none of those typical scenario where one stuffs it up and is constantly trying to figure out what is going on. He’s experienced in mental health issues from his upbringing and doesn’t treat Nadia like a victim, something her brother does all to well.
This book gives you all the feels, yes we have our little hiccup but it’s dealt with swiftly, comes with a sweet bout of revenge and then as always we have a great happily ever after.
Flynn is a player, a different girl after every gig, but in his book we find this player has a secret heart of gold who knows just how to handle a tortured soul.
Nadia who we’ve read about in past books from the series was abducted in Russia, shipped to America then kept drugged and chained while her body was sold repeatedly.
For a year Nadia has been fighting the demons in her head since she was rescued from hell, constant nightmares and acrophobia sees her struggling for any normality.
The only glimpses she gets in when she sees Flynn. He makes her want to try, makes her want to be normal again.
Flynn has plenty of walls up, but he sees something in Nadia that he wants to explore. He needs to help her, wants to be with her, and before long can’t stay away from his beautiful Peach.
What i liked about this book is that Nadia was open with Flynn about what happened to her so there’s none of those typical scenario where one stuffs it up and is constantly trying to figure out what is going on. He’s experienced in mental health issues from his upbringing and doesn’t treat Nadia like a victim, something her brother does all to well.
This book gives you all the feels, yes we have our little hiccup but it’s dealt with swiftly, comes with a sweet bout of revenge and then as always we have a great happily ever after.
May 30, 2022
Nadia and Flynn are like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. Each brings something out in the other. For Nadia, it’s healing from a horrific period of abuse. For Flynn, it’s moving beyond a meaningless life of casual drugs and equally casual encounters with groupies.
I liked that Nadia’s story has been building through earlier books in Rose’s Chicago Bratva series and the journey of her rescue has led to her only escape from the safe walls of her home: hearing Flynn’s band play. For Flynn—who is a genuinely nice guy—he’s noticed the pretty girl at his shows, but witnessing Nadia’s full-blown panic attack brings out protective instincts that have been nurtured by a lifetime under less-than-ideal parenting.
Like most of the Chicago Bratva books, trust is a major issue in The Player. Nadia has to trust in her strengths, and Flynn has to trust in his abilities, and each helps the other to address that. My only complaint is that there’s an action late in the book that I just didn’t think fit Flynn’s personality, and that was far too easily handled in terms of impact on Flynn and Nadia. I would have liked to have seen that handled differently, particularly considering all the options from Nadia’s bratva connections.
But you have two leads in The Player who are strenuously working to improve and move forward in their lives, and who find the key to that in one another. That makes for a winning read overall.
I liked that Nadia’s story has been building through earlier books in Rose’s Chicago Bratva series and the journey of her rescue has led to her only escape from the safe walls of her home: hearing Flynn’s band play. For Flynn—who is a genuinely nice guy—he’s noticed the pretty girl at his shows, but witnessing Nadia’s full-blown panic attack brings out protective instincts that have been nurtured by a lifetime under less-than-ideal parenting.
Like most of the Chicago Bratva books, trust is a major issue in The Player. Nadia has to trust in her strengths, and Flynn has to trust in his abilities, and each helps the other to address that. My only complaint is that there’s an action late in the book that I just didn’t think fit Flynn’s personality, and that was far too easily handled in terms of impact on Flynn and Nadia. I would have liked to have seen that handled differently, particularly considering all the options from Nadia’s bratva connections.
But you have two leads in The Player who are strenuously working to improve and move forward in their lives, and who find the key to that in one another. That makes for a winning read overall.
August 6, 2023
This is the eighth book in this series. It features Adrian’s sister, Nadia. She is still recovering from her captivity and human trafficking. She is just now going outside. But only to see The Storytellers perform on Saturday nights. She is infatuated with Flynn Taylor. Who is quickly taking the spotlight from his sister, Story, the lead singer. But he rescues her when she is having a panic attack and he helps her with what he thinks is social anxiety. And really he is totally smitten with her. But it’s hard for him to realize. The fact is he is a Player. With a different girl or girls six nights a week. But he can’t turn off his protectiveness for Nadia. And he is exactly what she needs. A friend to support her and be there when she needs to come down from the panic and nightmares. Soon they admit to themselves, not each other, that they are more than friends. And of course there is drama. One of his fan girls has her sights on Flynn and will do anything to get him. Even lie about a pregnancy. Can Nadia recover from her hurt feelings? Can Flynn get the truth out of Cadence? And when one of Nadia’s tormentors surfaces can she suck it up and kill him? Or will Flynn and Adrian get to her in time? This tale is full of danger, abuse, survival, personal growth and lots of steamy love.
January 15, 2024
Renee Rose switches it up a bit in the eighth installment of her Chicago Bratva series entitled The Player. Readers met the lead characters, Nadia and Flynn, as secondary characters in other books in this series. Now, it is their turn. Nadia’s connection to the Bratva is through her brother, Adrian, their cleaner. She was kidnapped in Russia and human trafficked to America as a sex slave. Adrian spent years tracking her down and rescues her. She suffers from PTSD and agoraphobia. Flynn’s connection to the Bratva is through his sister, Story, who is in a relationship with Maxim, second in command. Ms. Rose does a superb job with this character drive mafia connected romantic plot line. Both her lead characters are emotionally wounded. Can they overcome the deep emotional open wounds to find happiness? You must read this book to find out. Like the other character driven plot lines,Ms. Rose incorporates suspense and intrigue through the Bratva. Readers witness the evolution of both lead characters. I like how Ms. Rose creates multi-dimensional lead characters and how she uses secondary characters to create a pseudo family unit supporting the main characters. Ms. Rose uses dialog and a dual point of view to build a palpable romantic tension. Her descriptive language creates vivid scenes.
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