Mafia Soldier's Irresistible Lover

The Karzhov Crime Family #3

by Leslie North

Chelsea thought she left her dark past behind long ago, but when danger reappears, a Russian mafia soldier becomes her unexpected protector.

All 25-year-old Chelsea Barlow wants is a quiet life with the little girl she’s been helping to raise for ten years. She definitely doesn’t need the diversion of the deliciously dangerous stranger who appears at her doorstep. She should be frightened by his powerful bulk, towering height and tattooed knuckles, but instead his good looks and quiet strength call to something deep inside her.

Loyal mafia soldier Valentin Tolstov’s mission is clear: find the young girl who’s being targeted by a ruthless rival mafia boss. However, finding her in the care of beautiful and curvaceous Chelsea Barlow is a complication he didn’t anticipate. While he’s drawn like never before to the woman’s fighting spirit and auburn curls, he’ll have to resist temptation to stay focused on his job.

With old and new threats emerging from different directions, it will take everything in Val’s power to keep Chelsea and little Darya safe. Falling in love is a distraction they can’t afford.

Genres: Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

I'm Social Too:
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Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valentin Tolstov has been sent to protect the Darya and by extension her guardian Chelsea, as you'd expect he's instantly attracted to Chelsea and does everything he can to protect her. Not only do they have to worry about he hit that's been taken out one cute ten year old but Chelsea's past finds her and to say she's not happy is an understatement.
It's a nice enough read but very gentle and tame.

[Tanielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems the entire series is a bunch of fluff in a way. Not much of a story and what we do get is fast paced and within days talking about forever and children. Val set out to find the child and when he arrived he was instantly attracted to Chelsea. By the next day her brother shows up, we never really get what he wants with her but he leads trouble her way. She finds out the adoption she was waiting on went thru and is of course in bed with Val. The little action that took place is over in about three sentences and they are a happy little family back in Vegas by maybe day 4. Again not really much to go on and the little that's there is not even enough to get into. All the talking over the phone and no care what so ever as to what's being said is beyond silly in today's world. Not sure on the next one or not.

[Mirabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been 3 stars, i rarely give less than 3 except when i am annoyed by something and thats the case here, there are some logical errors and grammar/wrong word issues. A few i can accept but not so many. And not such huge errors like here (in the beginning the heroine and her brother are twins, later he is her older brother). And, i knew it was a short book, but i would have at least expected that it ends at the full 100%, but it ended around 84%, same as all other books in this series. If someone is looking for a fluffy short mafia story, these books would be ok, but they are nothing ambitious. Only reason i gave the previous books better ratings is the well-thought-out storyline.
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I apologize in advance for possible errors, english is not my first language, it's the reason i rarely write reviews because it's hard to put all my thoughts into foreign words :-)

[Leeann Pule · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pieces are coming together

Val has been sent to ensure the safety of Darya, the child that Grigori swore to protect. What he didn't except was to fall for her caregiver. The quick pace of their connection and for the safety of Darya, plans are put in motion. Val knows what he wants and is going to ensure their safety.

The larger plot is coming along nicely and I cannot wait to see how they handle Danil in the books to come.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and exciting read.

[Diana Rising · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has action, suspense, romance and sex. It is very good. I like both main characters. This is part of a larger story that should be read together, but it would still be good read by itself.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

I highly recommend this book. I have enjoyed it immensely. Leslie is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more of her fascinating stories.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again boring

2 stars again. I keep reading this series to see how it ends. Not because I like it because I'm curious.

[Averie Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series . I enjoy. I like that all the characters are involve in the sequence of events . It's fascinating and I can't stop ready .