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Rostov Bratva #1

Crystal Wrath

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He’s the Bratva king of Miami. I’m the journalist who should have stayed far away.

One night, I slip into a world I don’t belong in—designer gowns, crystal champagne flutes, whispered deals worth millions.
My plan is pretend to be someone else, gather what I need, and disappear.

Then I meet Renat Rostov.

Tall. Lethal. Gorgeous enough to ruin me with a single look.
And the moment his hand closes over mine, I know the truth…

He sees straight through my lie.

But instead of throwing me to the wolves, he pulls me closer.
Too close.
Close enough to feel the danger in every breath, the heat in every glance, and the promise in every touch.
I should run.

Instead, I fall—into his bed, into his world, into the kind of trouble that ends in blood.
Now there’s no way out.

A gang war is brewing, enemies are closing in, and I’m hiding a secret that will change everything.
Because Renat doesn’t know the truth.

And when he finds out…
He’ll either keep me safe forever.
Or bury me where no one will ever find me.

The Rostov Bratva Duet is a dark, addictive Russian Bratva romance packed with twists, obsession, and a heroine who refuses to break.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

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Kat Steele

45 books64 followers

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5 stars
123 (53%)
4 stars
59 (25%)
3 stars
37 (16%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,363 reviews80 followers
August 31, 2025
Elena Martinez has no idea just how undercover she is going to be …An undercover reporter and a Bratva King what can go wrong?…. This book draws you in superbly and it’s packing heat too phew 😮‍💨. Renat Rostov is hot and that’s enough to make her panties melt and burn her inhibitions on this mission of hers that has her among hungry wolves waiting to pounce on their prey But to what end ? She can’t comprehend,there’s no use in pretence ,he sees her for who she is …His. Well he’s finding her strikingly beautiful and is enamoured but he’s hammered home to her that she must leave be what she’s discovered about the properties being stolen from the poor people who work hard for a living , and when she has her car blown up ….thats when he shows up and takes away with him .. Just as well that Renat chooses to save her today… With a gang war brewing ,Renat doesn’t know the secrets she does hold . Will he throw her from his bed ,sling her out into the cold ? This is full of everything your heart desires from a dark sensual angsty Bratva book and Kat Steele has written a superbly crafted story that leaves you shook and craving for more . This really deserves an encore and no mistake . Hot ? I had the shakes ,the thrilling and chilling feeling leaving me reeling too . I loved this book ,can’t wait for number two phew !😮‍💨
127 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2025
Another absolutely brilliant book from one of my favourite authors who never disappoints.

This book part of a duet is filled with love, action and suspense. Elena is an investigative journalist who wlist investigating a story she meets Renat.

A man who defences all are lowered when he ends up having unexplained feelings for her. When her life is put into danger, he protects her by giving her a safe place to stay.

He continuously tries to protect her from all the attempts made on her life, whilst dealing with a "mole" in his Bratva.

We see Renat going through all the feelings of fear, heartache,pain, rage and love. This man does anything to save the woman he loves.

Received this book as an ARC copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,738 reviews40 followers
September 1, 2025
Like WOW I couldn’t even put it down it was a steamy page turner and the suspense was unbelievable of tension. Elena will investigations are getting too close and when Renat finds out he warns of the situation of fight their emotions between them was magical of romance and passion. Could she be falling in love with him or will it be worth it or will she lose the scoop. Will everything goes up in smoke in that moment. They could not fight the chemistry and physical attraction but the temptation was so hard to fight as the off the passion and affection. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t regret reading . I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
33 reviews
May 13, 2026
DNF 57%

The writing style just wasn't it for me. Too many nonsensical descriptions of things. Like, what does calculated smell like? (That word was used way too many times.) It made me laugh at times because it was like the characters were smelling shapes and colors.

There also was just way too much telling instead of showing; I felt overfed to where the telling of information was almost like a waste of time away from the plot and the interactions of the characters. Like for example, instead of telling us he's eating in a deliberate way, show us! Actions like him moving his fork a certain way, unfolding his napkin in the right place, or him cutting the food in equal pieces.

I couldn't with this book; the joy just stopped after a while from asking "What?" too many times.
45 reviews
September 22, 2025
Russian love story

This was a good story but had the dumbest leading lady (Elena) I’ve ever seen in a story. She gets 3 of her friends hurt knowing that people are after her to kill her. She leads a friend right into their hands 🙌. And god knows how many had to die to safe her each time. All I can say is she did not really care about the others. She was warned several times about someone trying to kill her. Also, really disappointed this story continues into book 2. The author never let you know that this story continues into another book. I hate continuing books. Will not be reading the next book. So disappointed…..
5 reviews
October 2, 2025
I love this authors style. However, MFC Elena got on my LAST NERVE. I mean c'mon. As an investigative journo She goes up against the Italian mafia all for the sake of sticking to her expose of corruption in dealings with real estate grabs in Little Havana. Her ride or die friend is literally about to be carved into pieces in front of her, but she won't give in because...why? Her mother fled her abusive husband with Elena as a baby and by God if she could do that...then Elena could stand up to a murdering mob boss. After her beloved father figure of a boss was shot and she herself survived a car bombing...give me a break. It's so preposterous I have to keep reading. Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,614 reviews76 followers
August 22, 2025
Crystal Wrath is book 1 of the Rostov Bratva duet and is Elena Martinez and Renat Rostov's story. It's a delicious story of lies and deceit, secrets and suspense and a fantastic beginning to this couples journey.

"To shine a light into dark places where secrets fester like infected wounds."

It's intriguing and consuming with characters and a storyline that's easy to fall into. This author always brings engaging, interesting stories. I can't wait to how all of these scenarios play out.
120 reviews
August 30, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author.
Renat is the Bratva King of Miami who thrives on control. Elena is a journalist who is searching for story and when he heard of a housing development that might be tied to the mafia, she decided to investigate an expose the corruption. What will happen when she comes in contact with the Renat, the Bratva King of Miami?
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
14.5k reviews159 followers
August 31, 2025
Elena is chasing a story that brings her face to face with Renat a Bratva King who sees right through her. Her investigations are getting too close and when Renat finds out he warns her to give up the story but when an explosion happens Renat takes Elena to his home for protection. Will their relationship blossom into something more. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Karen Lovvorn.
2,145 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2025
love her, keep her, or let her go?

She’s not part of his world, but she’s beautiful, intriguing and brave. Or is it foolish. She has no true idea of what she’s stepped into. It will get her killed. He should let her go, but he can’t.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
September 6, 2025
Great

Renat and Elena

I enjoyed reading the first book in the Rostov Bratva series.

I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
Underworld
Enemies
Sex
So much more.

A cliffhanger.

Read it
Profile Image for Torre.
528 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2025
crazy

I have read some dumb heroines before but this one is just acts like going up against the mafia is nothing. Putting her friends life in jeopardy. No story is worth peoples lives.
Profile Image for Debra.
327 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
The beginning of the story is just not plausible. It continued being very unlikely in circumstances and I stopped reading.
Profile Image for Delores.
342 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
First book by this writer for me.
Very well written. Very believable. Characters were well developed. I’m already into the second book and the story just keeps getting better.
Profile Image for Julie's Reviews.
577 reviews36 followers
December 19, 2025
Wow I loved this dark romance from beginning to end. I love how the world is and the characters's chemistry was off the charts and romance was so good as well. highly recommend.
536 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2025
He’s the Bratva king of Miami. Sheds a journalist who’s two worlds collide
Elena craves a party to get the lowdown on people involved in purchasing property in little Havana The people at this party are politicians, lawyers, judges and other people with the big bucks who are wheeling and dealing with each other.to gain more status. The one man who she’s not planning on meeting is Renat Rostov. Head of the bratva.
He is totally taken by her beauty. He engages with Elena. There is an electric current between them that is very strong.
He tells Elena she needs to back off of her investigations into property being stolen from people who have worked hard to own property there.
When Elena’s car blows up Renat shows up to take her to his home to protect her.
This is a must read book. The characters are phenomenal as is the storyline. Kat you wrote an amazing book. Can’t wait to read the second half
Arc review
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews