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Bratva Fallen Hero: Kiss Me Once

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For freeing my brother, the most dangerous man in the city demands one kiss from me. What will he demand next, after destroying my cruel father?
Kira
I will do anything to save my brother—even point a gun at the most ruthless Pakhan in the city.
But he’s nothing like I imagined.
His fury is meticulously controlled, and his magnetism is irresistible.
He shows me mercy.
I know better than to believe him. Life has taught me never to trust anyone.
Even when tattooed Pakhan saves me again—this time from my vile father—my fear of him deepens. He has me cornered. Despite the pull I feel, I can’t trust him—he holds the power to break me.
Roman
She should have finished me off.
Only a bullet could have kept me from finding her again.
I want to keep her safe from all dangers, but controlling her, let alone breaking her, would be my own undoing. Bratty, brave girl. She bows to no one—yet she will submit to me willingly.
I'll sacrifice everything I believe in. I'll turn myself inside out. I'll break every rule. I'll start a bratva war. All just to be near her.
No one deserves to be with a monster—especially her.
But I am the worst kind of monster because I can’t let her go.

360 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2025

38 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Tessa Renn

4 books13 followers

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5 stars
19 (32%)
4 stars
24 (41%)
3 stars
9 (15%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Belle.
25 reviews
January 13, 2025
i was reading the ARC over the last week and safe to say i was addicted. i kept wanting to turn the pages and keep reading. 4hr40s definitely went out like a bang. cant wait to read more. ive been a fan of mafia romances since wattpad in 2015 and this reminded me of those days. gotta love a good romance. def be reading this again
92 reviews
January 10, 2025
Wowsa! This book was fantastic. It had my attention from the very beginning. It was full of action, romance, and twisty turns. I genuinely didn’t know what was gonna happen in the end. I was gripping my seat and constantly yelling at them to communicate with each other. I loved how Kira did everything she could to always make sure her brother was ok and I understood the guilt she carried when she was enjoying her life, but every time things were difficult he was the first person she thought of. I absolutely loved Roman. I just wanted him to express his true, raw feelings and emotions to Kira. I cannot wait to read more from this series!
Profile Image for April Hope.
42 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
Awesome book, start to finish!!! I love the devotion to her brother!! Captivating and just the right amount of spice.
537 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2025
Kiss Me Once

This was a sweet debut book from Tessa Renn. I absolutely fell in love with the strong, sassy, and fiesty FMC Kira. She is independent, and she will do anything for her brother, even going up against the Pakhan of the Bratva Roman Karelin. This man is everything. He is strong and determined to run a tight ship and not let anything bring him down until he mets her. He becomes absolutely obsessed with touch her and not be whole again and completely falling first vibes instantly rolling off of him. These two go at it from the start, neither one wanting to concede in arguments and when Roman is trying to keep her safe. This makes on wild story. The journey to realization that they both are strong and can help each other in ways they couldn't imagine is bumpy but so worth it.
Profile Image for Becca.
602 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2025
My Rating: 4.5/5

My Thoughts: Kira is a strong female character in a male-dominated world. While on the search for her brother Peter, she falls into dangerous territory and comes face to face with Roman. She isn't afraid of him. She's determined to protect her brother at all costs, even if it puts her life in danger. Roman is intrigued by her and decides to let her go with one condition - one kiss. From there the story unfolds into their lives and their lives quickly become entwined. This story has spice, he falls first, he unalives anyone that comes her way, a strong fmc, and mafia romance. Some parts of the story were confusing, but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Cojay Reads.
37 reviews12 followers
January 19, 2025

This book was received as an ARC, however all opinions expressed in this review are my own genuine thoughts.

This was my first “mafia” book if you can believe it! I was not disappointed in how this author delivered. I was completely sucked into the world and characters she created! With my limited knowledge of certain vocabulary and the general politics within the Ukrainian organized crime syndicate, I felt the need to look up some things and learn a little bit more about how these types of organizations may affect people like our FMC. I can’t just read a book guys, I need to escape into it, ok 🤷‍♀️. This book gave depth, it gave action, it gave sweet and sensual but also hard and passionate. Our FMC is strong willed and I adore her attempts to remain as independent as possible. She doesn’t bow down to the MMC. The romance between the characters was well written in a believable and elegant way which allotted both growth for the relationship and the characters throughout the story I was hooked on this book and will keep an eye out for her next installment. 4/5 ⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Sandra Christenson.
84 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2025
This was a really good read if you love Bratva. I just started getting into mafia books. And this was my first Russian mafia book.

Kira was only trying to protect her autistic brother not only from her greedy abusive father but from the mafia that her father somehow roped him into for money. When she went to go save her brother, she meets up with the head of bratva Roman.

Roman has had a troubled past with his dad being the mayor of the city and his grandfather being the prior bratva before unaliving himself when he was younger. He was called into about incident about some kind of intruder and her trying to save her brother, he came face to face with Kira and she is not afraid of him at all.

Their relationship seems toxic but they seem to complete each other in more ways than one. But when troubles starts to arise who can you call to help and who can you trust in the end? Will they find their way back to each other or will the mafia life tear them apart once and for all?
Profile Image for xbebex78.
69 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
Kira went searching for her brother Peter after their dad sent him to be a carrier. She found him but also found herself in a bad situation. That’s how she met Karelin. Kira was being brave but failed as she attacked them. That’s when Karelin (bratva) toke her to a room and told her that he will let them go if she kissing him once. After the kiss everything changed.
Besides having shit of a Father, they have been through a lot in their lives before they met. But they will also go through some shit together. You must read this book there’s romance,spice, killing and more. You will not regret it, can’t wait for book 2
Profile Image for Amy O.
308 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2025
Good Mafia read with lots of action, twists and some spice 🌶️

I loved Kira’s commitment to her brother trying to protect him from their father and the people wanting to take advantage of him. She showed a lot of guilt when she was enjoying herself I wish she could have let go a bit more as she did deserve to to enjoy herself.

Roman was a great broody MMC. He could have used some better communication skills with Kira but I liked that you always knew how much he loved her.

Great start to the series!
Profile Image for Jana.
112 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2025
Seriously could not put it down!

One kiss leads to more...
I loved the strong personalities of Roman and Kira. The pacing was fast for me which led to the book being read in one day. I did not like when Roman wouldn't say what exactly was on his mind. But I loved his the words he would say. I love fierce female characters and that is what Kira is, gosh I cannot wait to pick up the next book.

The book is SPICY! Loved it. I would recommend to those who love dark romance and mafia romances.

*I received an arc from the author and these are my honest opinions.*
Profile Image for Kelsey Fletcher.
451 reviews
January 7, 2025
I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own

I really enjoyed this a lot. There’s so much tension in this book and whenever it plays out the spice is hotter than fire. The story itself is really interesting and there’s a good subplot too and the way everything plays out was surprising and a really good finish. I wish Kira has been a little less obstinate about some things but Roman could definitely work on his communication skills a bit. The side characters in this were all entertaining and it was very well written. I look forward to book two!
Profile Image for Helen Lohman.
75 reviews
January 7, 2025
I loved this book. Kira is certainly one tough chick. She doesn’t think much about her own safety, but will do anything for others. Her past haunts her and causes problems in her present when she finds that one kiss with Roman, the Pakhan of the Bratva, is not enough. One kiss to release her brother turns out to be more than she bargains for. We get to go through the troubles that face Kira and Roman and follow them on their love journey. Looking forward to book two and see what happens with Kulak.
Profile Image for Mandie DeVito.
130 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
Kira goes to try and save her brother, Peter, from a bad life and that is where she sees him, the Pakhan, Roman Karelin. The romance that follows is a whirlwind with a strong-willed woman with an even stronger-willed man that is her perfect match. The drama, suspense, and spice all come together to create this amazing story you do not want to miss!
Profile Image for Thebookishbearcave.
54 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2025
First time with this author and I'm pretty happy with my choice to read this. Good character development and story started strong. The spice was great too. A good balance of plot and spice. I will definitely recommend and read the next one when it's released.
Profile Image for Marie Klassen.
25 reviews
January 21, 2025
I recieved an ARC copy of this book. The book starts off fast paced which is so great, especially in a mafia romance. Kira is strong and fiesty and Karelin is broody, obsessive and passionate. The stubborness, passion and fierceness make for a great mafia romance.
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
538 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2025
The plot and tension was good. I loved Karelin, I wished he communicated a little clearer and was a little bit more ruthless at the beginning. Kira got on my nerves at some points, she didn’t seem to listen and was a little bit too annoying sometimes. The spice in this book was good! Loved that!

Overall it was an enjoyable read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Natalia Marie.
131 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2025
✨E-ARC REVIEW✨:

Kira is our head strong FMC, while Roman is our morally grey MMC.
Kira heads into a male dominated world, where she has to rescue her brother and comes face to face with an insane amount of danger. I loved her and her brothers relationship. She’s willing to do any and everything for him. One kiss between the FMC & MMC changes the dynamics of everything 🤭.
The spice, the romance🤌🏼🤌🏼. I cannot wait for the next book because wow.
Profile Image for Fatima Barakat.
280 reviews19 followers
January 20, 2025
I love reading new authors so much so I wanted to explore this book, especially because it’s mafia romance with a fierce heroine.

I liked how the FMC was protective of her brother she was so sweet.

I like the hero and how possessive and obsessed he was of her from the start.

The book was good, the writing style made me confused sometimes with all the characters and what was happening, but I enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Deyce M.
169 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2025
It took a bit for me to get into the story and it isn't as dark as I thought it would be however as I continued reading, I was hooked. There were times when Kira’s stubbornness annoyed me, but I liked how strong and independent she was. Roman is unpredictable but the man is obsessed with her. No complaints there but he should learn how to communicate because that was the most frustrating thing about him. I like how Kira handled his miscommunication at the end, it was different than the other FMCs I have read in the past. Overall, it was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of this book. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for grycennreads.
36 reviews
June 5, 2025
A good book. I honestly screamed because of Roman's stubborness when he did not tell what's really happening when Kira already has a hunch because of the information she saw. All in all I love all the characters, their strengths and weaknesses.

Some of my favorites quotes:
“On one condition,” (😌😩🤸🏻‍♀️)
“I like that you chose to get into my car,” (🕺☺️🫨)
"It’s not the fall that scares me anymore. It’s the thought of falling alone." (😔✋🏻)
"Death follows us like a shadow."(☠️🏴‍☠️⚰️)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sydney Pinkerton.
38 reviews
March 22, 2025
I did enjoy this book. It was a fun read for sure. The love story was great! The spice was great!
Profile Image for Jody Hall.
25 reviews
January 6, 2025
Bratva Fallen Hero: Kiss Me Once by Tessa Renn is a thrilling ride into the dark world of mafia romance. Kira and Roman are both somewhat broken figures as they struggle with the trauma of abusive and neglectful fathers. Kira faces even greater challenges trying to protect her autistic brother from their father’s influence. When a chance encounter puts Kira and Roman face to face, she doesn’t hesitate to point a gun at his head. Roman, the Bratva boss, finds himself fascinated by the woman who so fiercely steps up to protect her brother. From that moment on, he is completely obsessed. Roman can’t live without Kira in his life and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Kira finds herself drawn to the brooding intimidating mafia leader but pushes back against every attempt by Roman to control her life and protect her. The push and pull between these characters results in blazing hot passion as each tries to gain the upper hand in their relationship.

Renn has created a world of danger and intrigue that threatens to upend the blossoming relationship between Kira and Roman. As Roman seeks to eliminate threats to his power and ensure Kira’s safety, he finds himself frustrated in her inability to give herself fully to him emotionally and physically. The fast paced action keeps readers on the edge as Roman races to protect the woman he loves without driving her away forever. The damage both characters have suffered at the hands of their fathers plays out beautifully on the page. Kira’s fierce independence and determination to protect those she loves puts her at odds with Roman’s need to be in control and his unending quest to possess her fully. The result is a complex love story full of danger and “touch her and die” vibes. Mafia romance lovers will definitely be satisfied with the amount of spice and political intrigue in Bratva Fallen Hero: Kiss Me Once. I can’t wait to dive back into Renn’s world!

Profile Image for Melissa Matti.
46 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2025
I just finished Bratva Fallen Hero: Kiss Me Once by Tessa Renn and these are my thoughts.

This book had the makings of a 5 star read. It’s a dark Mafia romance, it has a fast paced plot, and lots of spice earning it 4 chilli peppers.

The book follows the journey of our FMC as she navigates the pits of the underworld her father has dragged her and autistic brother into. This is where she meets our MMC a Bratva Pakhan (mafia boss) who becomes obsessed with our FMC. An instant attraction that pulls them together even when everything in their lives should be pushing them apart.

Unfortunately for some reason I just couldn’t get into it. I can definitely say this was a me problem and not the books problem. It was well edited, and it held everything I normally love in a book. Including tropes like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a feisty FMC and a morally grey MMC.

The only reason I can think of that I couldn’t connect and sink into this story is that my dyslexia prevented me from being able to fully comprehend Tessa’s writing style.

I need to emphasise that the reason this book received a 2 star review from me is not the books problem, it’s all a me as the reader problem so please do not let my review stop you from taking up a potential 5 star read for yourself!
285 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2025
I found some parts of the conversation thread in the book a little bit confusing, which affected my enjoyment of the book but this is just my take on it..

Kira is definitely a fierce character. She often puts others before herself, not giving much thought to her own safety. Her troubled past complicates her present, especially when that one kiss with Roman, the Pakhan of the Bratva, turns out to be more significant than she expected. We get to experience the ups and downs of Kira and Roman's relationship as they navigate their love story. I can't wait for the second book to see what unfolds with Kulak.

But I couldn't help but react to Roman's stubborn nature when he kept the truth from Kira, especially since she already had an inkling from what she discovered. I kind of wanted to scream.

Overall i probably would of rated it a 3.5 star but goodreads doesn't allow that.
Profile Image for Calypso✨.
191 reviews6 followers
January 18, 2025
ARC Review💋

3.5⭐️

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:🔥
🖤He falls first
🥀Fierce FMC
🖤Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥀Good girl
🖤Self-destructive MMC
🥀Plot twists, action-packed
🖤Obsessive MMC
🥀Touch her and heads will roll *literally*

✨Tessa Renn delivers a dark and passion romance in Bratva Fallen Hero. The dark, brooding hero is well-crafted, with layers of vulnerability that make him more than just the typical Bratva pahkan🥀. From the very first page I was hooked. I really liked Roman and Kira’s first interaction. The big man Roman asking for a kiss!💋UGH LOVE! 🖤The romance is intense and raw, with a chemistry that feels palpable throughout the story🥵. Literally this book is so spicy!🌶️ The plot is filled with tension and high stakes, keeping me hooked from start to finish.🔥

🫶🏽While the pacing occasionally felt a bit rushed or dragged to me, the story as a whole was engaging and delivered the angst and action I was hoping for. This is a great pick for fans of dark mafia romance who enjoy a mix of danger, passion, and redemption!! I can’t wait to read the 2nd book!🙌🏽
Profile Image for Carrie.
157 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kira is that girl!!! She was a strong woman and i loved that ! Something i admire about her is how much she puts others before herself when it comes to their safety. However at times i wished she would have put herself first. I loved Roman too, he was so stubborn but so was Kira sometimes as well. I loved the spice in it. There was an amazing mix of both spice and plot which i love a lot. I actually really enjoyed reading this book. This was my first book I have read by Tessa Renn and now i’m looking forward to reading more of her books she releases 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Allison Kester.
70 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2025
This is a fast paced book with a few tiny time jumps in it, at times the book could be confusing because of this and hard to follow until you finish the chapter. I really liked how strong the FMC Kira is, she’s very fearless and protective and willing to risk herself for those she loves. I love the representation with her little brother. Karelin is definitely a fell hard and fast type of guy when it came to Kira, just one look and he knew her wanted her forever.
Profile Image for Lili.
210 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2025
~Rate:3.5⭐️

I thought it was an ok mafia read. Just didn't really understand Roman, especially how he would act or react to Kira. He definitely could use better communication skills. Also, all the different names for him were really confusing and I sometimes thought I was reading about someone else.
Now, Kira I thought was really brave and an amazing sister but she didn't let herself enjoy anything. It became a bit annoying after a while.
Other than that, it was a good read.
Profile Image for Ella Riley.
Author 2 books8 followers
January 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the book. The instant chemistry, the sexy times, the complex world. Since the first moment, you see the insane attraction and chemistry between Kira and Roman. At first, it's a pull between them, who's going to give in, who's going to cave in. Add to it all the sexy and very steamy scenes plus a complicated world. A marvelous read and recommended to everyone who enjoys spice, obsessed MMC, and mafia.
33 reviews
February 7, 2025
I loved that Kira was a strong independant fmc that went through some bad things and yet would do anything to protect her brother. And then she comes head to head with Roman Karelin the Pakhan of the bratva. He only asked for one kiss and that one kiss set a fire inside of both of them. If you like strong fmcs and broody alpha mafia leaders that fall first and hard, this ones for you. And obviously the spice that comes with it🥵
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews