Wild Russian Storm

by Odette Stone

"Odette Stone is a master of her craft." 5-star Amazon review
~
When my controlling Bratva uncle
planned to marry me off
to a man with no mercy,
I learned fast that some traps can’t be escaped.

My one desperate lie
forced me into a life I didn’t choose.
One that tied me to a man
everyone told me couldn’t be trusted.

I’d hoped that returning to Vancouver
would be the fresh start
that would save me.
But I was wrong.

Axel tried his best to shield me
from his brutal, dangerous world.
But despite his best efforts,
its shadows reached for me.

But the storm rolling toward us
isn’t what shakes me.
He is.
And how I keep hoping he’ll let me in.

A lie bound us together.
Will the truth tear us apart?

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Ebooks, Fake Dating

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2026

About the author

Join Odette's VIP mailing list for exclusive material ➜ https://geni.us/OdettesVIP
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Website ➜ https://www.odettestone.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/odette.stone/

Odette has ranked in the top #50 of all Amazon Authors, with a Top #20 bestseller. This KDP All-star author loves to write contemporary, new adult and sports romance books.

She resides in beautiful Vancouver, Canada and she lives for coffee, walks on the beach (no, really), a good book and TV dramas. She is a proud dog mom to a beautiful fur baby puppy named, Mica. She has been described as introverted, funny, and an excellent listener. She's so good at keeping secrets, her friends call her "the vault." She hates being the centre of attention but she'll push you to take the stage.

Odette writes real, honest and intense romance novels. If you like hot, intelligent Alpha males, you've come to the right place! Her writing goal is to keep her readers up late at night, because they keep saying, "Just one more chapter, I'm just going to read one more chapter."

Reviews

[GigiReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a much much too long story of two people who barely spent any real time with each other. The MMC is doing some double crossing work working for the Russian Mafia and Canadian police? idk the external plot of
warring Russian mobsters was boring and didn't really have much to do with the romance. Speaking of the romance, arranged marriage but make it so incredibly boring. Once they marry, they move to Canada and he deposits her in a house and keeps her at arms length lest he's overcome with manly ardors and ravishes his willing wife 🙄 We get to read about her friendships with her security team, her chef and the women she meets while working on her GED. Because she's ridiculously young. I normally don't have a problem with age gaps but this one gave me the ick. Him calling her his f*ckdoll out of nowhere might have had something to do with it. Anyway, I never connected with anyone, found the external plot boring and the romance and relationship development was seriously lacking. I loved the second book in this series but this one was nah from me.

Tropes:
Arranged marriage
Age Gap
Mafia

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book for a long time and as being blessed to read this as a ARC I have to say was well worth the wait. Odette didn't miss a bet with the suspense and love Axel and Mila's story had me hooked from the very beginning. I won't add any spoilers but I do highly recommend reading this book especially if you are a fan of Odette's or just love mafia books. I would give this book more then 5 stars if I could.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy Mila was in a bad situation at the start. Her hail mary of leaving and then saying she "liked" Axel was just the thing to save her, even if she didn't realize it at the time. Things were easy, she didn't have a clue of all that was going on, Axel did his best to make sure she was safe, trying to keep her at an arms length (more for his frame of mind, than hers). Things relaxed a bit once they got to Canada, there were new issues, but Axel's mission was the same.

It was fun seeing them fall for each other, to find pleasure in the little moments of life. Sadly it all came to an end with a bang. Despite all that was going on, Axel did what he could to protect Mila, even if it didn't seem like it at the time, like with the papers. I was glad that in the end, those papers weren't needed and these two could just focus on living their lives happy and together.

[Bridget Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Russian Storm by Odette Stone completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book, and it did not disappoint. I devoured it in under 24 hours because I simply couldn’t put it down.

From the beginning, I was fully invested in Mila and Axel’s story and constantly curious about what would happen next. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” but that turned into staying up way too late because I had to know how everything unfolded.

I absolutely loved Axel’s protective nature and how deeply he cared for Mila. Mila herself was so lovable. You could truly feel how much everyone around her cared about her, which made the story even more emotional and meaningful. The suspense scenes were thrilling and kept my heart racing.

This book had the perfect mix of romance, danger, emotion, and tension. If you love intense, protective heroes, strong heroines, and fast-paced romantic suspense, you need to read this.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely worth the wait! I like Odette’s style of writing and this book does not disappoint.

Mila lived a sheltered and completely controlled life in Russia after her parents died in Vancouver and she lives with her uncle, head of the mafia and her mean aunt. To keep her from an arranged marriage she makes up a lie to her uncle that brings Mila and Axel together. Through a double POV we get to watch their feelings for each other grow, especially Axel and how he handles his emotions. Mila’s innocence and Axel’s alpha personality make for a story worth waiting for.

I received this book as an eARC and couldn’t put it down.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again! I didn't realize this book was out already and would have finished it in hours, if I hadn't fell asleep. Great storyline and characters for a 400 page book!

[Meghan Andos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternative title: Bandit

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

actual rating 4⭐

[Amber | aambuurreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this and was looking forward to it so much, especially because I usually love Odette’s books. Unfortunately, this one felt a bit all over the place. The pacing started off very fast, but the story lacked structure, which made it hard to fully settle into it. I didn’t quite feel Axel as the dark, demanding presence he was meant to be. He never inspired that sense of fear or intensity. Mila’s immaturity was also fairly off-putting. And, the frequent breaks between paragraphs and time jumps pulled me out of the story. Overall, I would have loved to see more grit and darkness to really ground the narrative.

[What Helen Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, 3 on the spice scale.

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new Odette Stone book, and this one absolutely did not disappoint. It was exactly what I’d been craving - emotional, addictive, and full of that signature Odette blend of danger, longing, and heart. I loved every minute of it.

Mila is such a compelling heroine. After losing her parents in Canada, she’s dragged back to Moscow and trapped in the mafia life she never wanted. Her uncle is cold, her aunt is cruel, and she’s essentially a prisoner with no passport, no money, and no way out. She’s innocent, sheltered, and desperate to return to Vancouver, the only place she ever felt safe.

Enter Axel, an undercover cop who’s been embedded in her uncle’s organisation for years. Their worlds collide when Mila is told she must marry a violent enforcer, and her attempt to escape puts her directly in Axel’s path. What follows is a twisty, high‑stakes setup that forces them into a marriage neither of them asked for but one that slowly, beautifully becomes something real.

Once they reach Canada, the tone shifts in the best way. Mila finally gets a taste of freedom: a home of her own, friends, school, even a dog who adores her. Axel is kind, protective, and quietly falling for her, even as he keeps his distance to protect his mission. Their slow‑burn tension is so good and when they finally give in, it feels earned.

Of course, this is Odette Stone, so nothing stays peaceful for long. Old enemies resurface, loyalties are tested, and Mila’s past comes crashing back in a way that had me glued to the pages. Axel’s devotion to her, even when it costs him everything, was exactly the kind of emotional punch I love in her books. And yes, there are plot holes — but honestly, I didn’t care. The story swept me up completely.

The cameo from Victor (the hero from book 2) was such a fun surprise, and it made me even more excited for whatever comes next in this world.

A fantastic, emotional, high‑drama mafia romance. If you love Odette Stone, you’re going to devour this.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Russian Storm by Odette Stone was an addictive, fast-paced read that completely pulled me in. The story moves quickly without ever feeling rushed, and every chapter made me want to keep going. Even on a workday, I couldn’t put it down—I ended up finishing it in a single day.

The characters were engaging and easy to get invested in, and the chemistry and tension kept me hooked from start to finish. There was always something happening, which made it hard to find a stopping point. If you enjoy romance with strong pacing, emotional pull, and plenty of momentum, this book is definitely worth picking up.

I was provided an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.

[Lena 💓 · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute read but… come on 🙄

be prepared this is a very long review:

this book had a good structure plot yet all the pieces to fill the structure were all over the place 😭. so may things could’ve been resolved in short time and after Mila and Axel came to Canada it was like he had a character flip and turned into someone else, their relationship had progressed very poorly and i wish we would’ve gotten the chance to explore the things they went through separately to understand them better.

the whole book i felt like i had no idea who tf Axel was, i really didn’t know any personal information about him and what he truly was doing, it was briefly mentioned he may or may not be a cop, then he went to Vancouver for what? to be a stand in boss while her uncle wasn’t there?

Mind you at the start of the book he started off as someone who just drove them around, how would they know he even has the qualifications for any of that.

anywayyyy Mila was a travesty within herself, her character development if you could even call it that was all over the place, she was constantly contradicting herself, being insecure and then getting upset at choices she made?!

I could tell that Mila wanted to take rein and stand up for herself but then anytime she tried, she would be embarrassed and insecure after not owning up to her behavior. i know this review comes across extremely nit-picky but overall i did enjoy this read, it was a short mafia book and i found Axel really hot.

my other problems with this book is Axel constantly being gone (the scenes with them together were so far and few) also the way that Mila was always jealous and insecure of Giselle yet never do Axel or Giselle really address this or reassure Mila for feeling this way, which was also baseless considering that Mila felt this way purely on the fact that Giselle was pretty and Mila felt like she was out of Axels league … sigh.

why Giselle never spoke up and was like “girl i don’t want your man” is beyond me and why Axel kept bringing the around eachother also never made sense.

and lastly my BIGGEST complaint. THE DOG! BANDIT WAS SO ANNOYING, let the dog go girl. it really but an emphasis on her age, the way she was extremely childish and POUTING over this dog she meant once?! this could’ve been a good way to dive into the fat that Mila has abandonment issues and her own trauma but nope it was just her being a crybaby.

I enjoy Odette Stones books but then i remind myself of the writing of her mafia books because her hockey series isn’t like this at all, i found myself at 70% skipping to the end which also sucked😭. 2.5/5 ⭐️

[Anabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟⭐(2.2-3 stars)
Overall, this was a nice read. Nothing spectacular, but entertaining enough to pass the time.
I really liked the premise: a naïve girl from a Russian mafia family who enters a marriage of convenience for visa purposes. It’s a solid take on the trope within a contemporary romance setting. For most of the book, the pacing worked well and kept my interest... right up until the last few chapters. Unfortunately, those final chapters leaned heavily into clichés. They were so predictable that I lost some interest and ended up skimming parts of them.
Another issue I had was that, while the story itself was interesting, some interactions felt forced. At times it seemed like everything was flowing naturally, but then the author wanted to rush to a specific plot point and pushed the story there instead of easing into it.
As for the characters, I have mixed feelings 😬
The male lead feels like a dream, almost too perfect. Very much a “man written by a woman.” While his perfection made him appealing, it also made him a bit boring at times.
The female lead, on the other hand, was definitely interesting, but I honestly can’t decide whether I liked her or not. That depended entirely on the chapter. Her behavior swings wildly across the spectrum, from extreme pushover to outright unhinged. Part of my issue with her is that she’s the main character, yet she feels underdeveloped. We only get brief glimpses of her backstory and almost no depth regarding her relationship with her uncle and aunt, even though they play an important role in the plot. We’re told her mafia family is large, but no one is mentioned for more than a couple of seconds.
This became a major issue for me because SPOILER: the male lead is an undercover cop trying to take down her mafia family. A big part of his internal conflict revolves around the fear that she’ll hate him for putting her family behind bars. But she doesn’t really know anyone besides her uncle and aunt (who she hates), so why would she care? This conflict would have felt much more meaningful if she’d had a friendship or some kind of bond with another family member involved in the mafia. That would’ve added emotional weight and given the female lead more depth.
All in all, I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a moderately entertaining romance and don’t go in with high expectations.

[Lauryn Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a pass….

I honestly, could have rated this 1 star but felt that was rude because I liked one character so much. I fell in love with Axel from the moment he showed up in the last book. He is mysterious, smart, dangerous, soft for his woman, grumpy, kind, actually lets his kinks shine even if not on page unlike the other men in this series.

However. Mila ruined this book. Absolutely ruined it, her character was so extremely naive. You are telling me you lived with your aunt and uncle for YEARS and never once picked up on the importance of security (something she fought Axel over again and again…and a-fucking-gain. Her naivety around every corner was frustrating, I understand her naivety with sex but with basic life skills?? You’re telling me your family was poor and you didn’t live with your aunt and uncle until 17 BUT YOU DONT HAVE ANY COOKING SKILLS?! Can’t even make yourself Mac n cheese? I find that SO hard to believe. Now I understand this is fiction but so much just doesn’t line up on her side of the writing. Axel is a SAINT for dealing with her shit. Her mental breakdown over the dog was uncalled for, she can be sad but the absolute freak out she had? Over the top and took me out of the story as it was so unbelievable. As were all the times she freaked out over thinking Axel was cheating when he was ALWAYS bending over backwards for her.

I’m really disappointed….and for this to be the kind of thing put in a third book…yikes. This is the kind of character I expect from a first book then learn from your mistakes. I know the author wanted the character to be soft and feminine and naive it you can do that without playing into the stereotypical crazy woman traits. It felt like a woman written by a man, honestly. Not a woman written by a woman.

And spoiler….Axel just coming back a year later after we think he’s never going to be seen again. WITH NO ON PAGE EXPLANATION. JUST A HAPPILY EVER AFTER. WHAT. Overall completely disappointed and expected better.


1.5/5 🌶️

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back in the Bratva world that Odette Stone has created and I’m so happy that we are. “Wild Russian Storm” is a steamy, action packed and thrilling marriage of convenience romance that reignited a world that we haven’t been in a long time.

To say Mila’s uncle is controlling is an understatement. She has been living with him in Russia since her parents passed away and now he wants to marry her off to someone within the Bratva. Terrified of her future, she tells her Uncle that she’s actually in love with one of his other men, Axel. Axel has been working his way up in the chain of the Bratva and slowly earning the trust of Mila’s uncle. But not everything is as it seems with Axel and secrets they have could keep them together or tear them apart.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked on Mila and Axel. I loved the world that Odette has created with this Russian Mafia and I couldn’t wait to read what was happening next. Mila is strong, caring but is trapped in Russia with her family. I felt her need to escape but even if her lie was a risky one, it was one she needed to take. Axel has all the protective Alpha energy and I loved him from the beginning. He might have been working with the bad guys but there was more to him than what met the eye. They had a slow burn as they figured out their new normal and it was worth the wait. They had to gain each other’s trust, especially since who her uncle was. Mila found herself again being with Axel and I loved them together as a couple. The suspense and action had me reading nonstop as the two navigated their new normal. I found myself gasping out loud more than once as the plot was revealed. Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait for more from Odette Stone.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story fit in perfectly with Odette Stone's well devised Vancouver Mafia world. Full of violent twists and romantic longing this author produced a great addition to her Vancouver Mafia series in Wild Russian Storm.

Mila lived an ordinary and somewhat sheltered life until the deaths of her parents made her the ward and bargaining chip of her ruthless Bratva head uncle. Sheltered and out of her element there was more to Mila than met the eye when she was confronted with a dangerous fate. Mila maintained a kind heart in a world where brutality reigned. Shrewd when necessary Mila never lost her humanity.

Axel was a character who moved with villains but never became one himself. In deep cover to expose Bratva corruption his ability to balance the line between good and evil was commendable and at times kept readers guessing his true inclination. He was a man who had integrity in the darkest of times.

The relationship between Axel and Mila was an interesting evolution. It was clear that while both had been exposed to the darker side of life there was a life experience gap due to their ages and interactions. While Axel often had a jaded take on life Mila, while cautious and somewhat naive, still had the ability to be optimistic. As this story progressed Mila went from immature and at times spiteful to a woman who fought for what she wanted and compromised when needed. It was great to watch Mila come into her own and watch Axel support her even as he tried to shield from the danger surrounding their relationship. As this couple's attraction grew into something beyond superficial the tension between them was crafted well and produced a hot undercurrent between them.

Odette Stone is great at building up her stories and fleshing them out. She creates communities and emotions that translate well to her readers and understands how to pace her works based on the nuances of her plot. This writer's secondary cast compliment her main characters and add a nice dimension to her stories.

Ms. Stone fluidly moves through murky moral areas with a practiced ease creating scenarios that are edgy and unpredictable. Her ability to give emotional credibility to seemingly cold-hearted killers is a real skill. Wild Russian Storm showcases what a talented writer Odette Stone is as she captures her audience to the very last page of this story!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone*

[Kia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.

Book:

POV/narrative: 1st person alternating viewpoints
SA/ cliffhanger: standalone
Ingredients:

writing quality: 5
ease of reading: 5
plot: 4
steam: 4.5

Notes / opinion:

Axel's story was well worth the wait. I was unsure of what type of match would suit him. Mila is sweet - highly sheltered of the world at large (I was reminded of when my 10 year old tells me her 'life after high school' plans), leading her to be very naive and somewhat immature. This was my one disappointment, however. The innocence and immaturity of Mila didn't seem to mesh well with Axel. I loved the story, loved visiting past characters and the pace was what I've come to expect from this author. Overall, I liked it; did I like it as much as the prior two? No. but that will not discourage me from further books by this author.


I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site)
• May contain profanity (or words considered crude)
• May contain passionate and extended kissing
• May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes
• May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes
• May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body
• May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to read this, excited that it was a new book by odette stone, but kind of disappointed it was a “mafia” book because that genre isn’t my fav. I should not have worried, however, because it was amazing. I should not have started it so late in the evening because I ended up staying up all night to read it. Psh. Who needs sleep.

I really liked the characters and the slow burn. It was very sweet. I liked that they didn’t hate each other it was a “I tolerate you” situation. As they got to know each other better the attraction grew. I liked how realistic their relationship was. So often it’s “I hate you with a thousand burning suns but I’m just so overwhelmingly in lust with you I guess I’ll sleep with you so now I love you.” That’s always so dumb to me. I’m all, yeah, that relationship will last.

This was more like, huh this thing about this person is kinda cool. I really like how they do this. That was very thoughtful of them. Huh. Maybe they are a decent person after all. I especially liked all the reports he’d get on his wife and started getting jealous of the time he was missing out on. As usual, the side characters drove me nuts. At least in this one the bad guys got what was coming to them. I think? The wheels of justice move slow.

Overall, it was a great book. Lots of action. Lots of sweet moments. And lots of charm. Highly recommended.

[Susan Thorogood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I have been waiting for and so much more. Odette took a break but came back swinging!

Mila, after her parents' death, is sent to live with her Uncle and Evil Aunt. It is not the life she imagined and needed to rescue herself when faced with an arranged marriage. Upon her making her escape, she is found by Axelei.

Alexei is an undercover officer working on a task force dedicated to dismantling a segment of the Russian mafia. Agreeing to Mila's white lie changes everything for them both. They are sent to Vancouver to run the family's operations there.

Mila and Alexei find themselves tangled in a lie of Mila's making. They work together to free Mila from her chains and free Alexie's heart. Though the path is not easy, they work together through emotions and conflicts to find their way. Through it all, they find themselves drawn to eachother. The chemistry is off the charts, and the love they find may just be enough to get them through all life has to throw at them.

I LOVED how this story brings in past characters from other books. This makes me so happy as I love to get glimpses back into their worlds. This is a must-read, especially if you have already read the rest of the books in this series. Do you have to read them in order? No. However, I really recommend you do so, as you can then fully appreciate the world that Odette creates.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, can we take a minute and celebrate that Odette Stone is writing again? I feel like shouting it from the rooftops in my little corner of the world that we are blessed with a new book from this amazing author! I have anxiously awaited Axel's story since he showed up on his brother Viktor's doorstep at the end of book 2. This wait was 4 years long. 4 YEARS! That said, it was absolutely worth the wait!

This story is about Axel and Russian Canadian mafia princess, Mila. After her parents' death when she was a teenager, Mila left Vancouver, BC to Moscow, Russia to live with her uncle and aunt. Many years letter, they hid all of her documents and wouldn't allow her to leave. Axel is her uncle's driver. In order to avoid an arranged marriage, Mila lies that she is secretly involved with Axel.

What ensues is a gripping story of how this unlikely couple manage to find their way in some rather intense situations. I won't spoil the story, but let's talk about how this book made me feel! I love sleep. However, I willingly without sleep because I wanted to keep reading and had to see it through to the end. This book was worth a night of no sleep, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from Ms. Stone!

I was provided an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every Odette Stone book I've every read! My biggest complaint is that she just doesn't write fast enough. Wild Russian Storm pulls us back into the Vancouver Mafia world, this time with main characters Axel and Mila. Mila is a Canadian who was taken to Russia by her mafia aunt & uncle after her parents died...and she's essentially been held captive there ever since. Axel is a 'fixer' working for her uncle...or is he? When Mila tries to run away after learning she's to be married off to one of her uncle's other 'fixers', it's Axel who ends up finding her and bringing her back. A little quick thinking and a white lie by Mila sets the stage for her to end up marrying Axel instead of her original intended. And sends them both back to Vancouver, for Axel to run the family's operations there. An all out turf war between rival families is in their future, meanwhile these two strangers are falling in love. Axel is keeping a big secret from Mila that he's afraid will cause her to hate him, but he can't stay away from his job or his love for his wife. A gut-wrenched happily ever after reminds me again why I can't wait for another book from this talented author

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Russian Storm by Odette Stone was absolutely worth the wait. The suspense kept me hooked from start to finish, and Stone’s strength in character depth really shines here. The emotional layers, internal conflicts, and evolving relationships felt authentic and immersive, making it hard to put the book down.

One of my favorite aspects was how seamlessly this story connects to her other books. If you’re already familiar with Odette Stone’s world, those connections add an extra layer of enjoyment without overwhelming the main plot. The chemistry was intense, the stakes were high, and the HEA was deeply satisfying and well-earned.

My only real criticism has nothing to do with the story itself, but rather the long gap between releases. While this book delivered in every way, I do wish the author published more frequently—waiting years for the next installment is tough when the writing is this good.

Overall, Wild Russian Storm delivers suspense, emotional depth, strong character connections, and a rewarding HEA. Fans of Odette Stone will not be disappointed, and new readers will quickly understand why her books leave such a lasting impression.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting a couple years to finally read Alexei/Axel’s story and boy was it worth the wait! This book is a perfect balance of sweet & spice, suspense and emotions, and drama with some light hearted moments. Odette’s writing had me glued to my kindle eagerly reading, while also trying to savor the experience.

I equally loved the two MCs - Mila and Axel. Their introduction is unexpected, but the story slowly builds the tension between them and and the suspense for their predicament.

Mila is a young woman who has been held under close watch by her Bratva Uncle and his mean wife for several years since her parents were killed. She has zero autonomy and has been conditioned to submit to stay under the radar. Her aunt tells her she be married off to her uncle’s brutal and sociopathic henchmen and so he can move to Canada as her spouse to manage the family’s business. Her desperation to avoid this is palpable.

When she attempts an escape and Axel finds her to bring her back to face her uncle’s wrath, I loved the unexpected decision she makes and how it created an incredibly interesting and unique storyline. She may have been conditioned to be submissive when in danger, but she has fire and sass underneath that innocence.

I loved how Axel is both ruthless on the job, yet so protective and sweet with Mila. He is such a nuanced character and I enjoyed his conflict as he tried so hard to do the right thing for Mila while she unknowingly tempted him to no end.

There is a found family vibe with how Mila affects the hardened guards Axel has watching her, and turns them into her friends. Bandit’s reaction to Mila was heartwarming. Anton and Oleg, Jordan, and Tanya and Selena, while secondary characters, definitely added emotional connections within the story.

Odette may not release many books, and I may have to wait a long time for each new book, but I will be eagerly waiting for the next chance!

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

What an extraordinary read. Reading about the Bratva can be sizzling and here, we are not disappointed.

Every page was a page turner. From the 1st line the storyline simply grabbed you. Mila was such a contradiction. Fear, Submissive low level though, innocent and a pawn for her Uncle.
I do question on her having a backbone though.
Axel, is her support even though he got himself in a situation. A situation of marriage simply because he is an undercover Russian police officer trying to defuse an upcoming war. The Volkov family is the enemy.

Going from Russia back to Canada has always been Mina’s dream. A dream that came with clauses. Going back to school to get her GED, adopting a dog, this was what she was missing on. “The Gift” - what a soft spot for grown men to show emotions. Bandit - animal but used as a fighter for illegal games. All he needed was someone to love him. Mila was that someone.

I have given enough to tantalise a reader. Simply, this was a beautiful and emotional read. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

[Hopelessly seeking Happily Ever Afters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel and Mila

Wild Russian Storm by Odette Stone. Vancouver Mafia series, book 3. Dual POV. Fake marriage, mafia romance. Thank you for the eARC, I couldn't put it down. Content warnings: murders; h's parents died when she was 17; and h survived an abduction.

Locations: Russia, Canada, and America.

Alexei Mikhailov (aka Axel) is the younger brother of Viktor from Beautiful Russian Monster. He's an undercover officer working to help take down a segment of the Russian bratva. Mila (21; aka doll) is the sheltered niece of the leader of the bratva Alexei infiltrated. Alexei's ethics are tested when he is pulled into Mila's lie to avoid marrying the man her uncle has arranged for her to marry. Mila's lie helps her gain her freedom and so much more.

Beautiful cover. Great story. It's a wild Russian ride. I loved it and am looking forward to the audiobook. JP

2 out of 5 on my spice scale.

1st read 01-08-25 (eARC)

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

was so excited to see another book from Odette, and I read the entire story in two days.
Two people forced into marriage, each for their own angle, but somewhere along the way, genuine care starts to develop.
Nobody does dialogue better than Odette. Her characters each have their own unique and believable voice. I sat in my kids' dental office laughing out loud at Axel's descriptive thoughts about Bandit.
I love a well-done forced marriage trope, and this one had all the feels. Axel really fought his feelings. He was a tough case, but it was enjoyable watching his walls crumble.
Odette's characters and their stories always reach inside and touch something in my heart. I finished the last page with a bittersweet feeling of satisfaction for how the story ended, but a longing to live in their world a little longer.
If you love a good alpha male character who lives in a dangerous world and a female character who holds her own but still needs love, read this book.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Russian Storm” is a well-crafted, steamy, thrilling, action-packed, fake dating, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and marriage-of-convenience romance, which takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride, one I didn't want to get off.

Following the death of her parents, Mila was forced to move from her home in Canada to Russia to live with her aunt and uncle. Once there, she meets Axel, and what follows is a slow-burning romance between Mila, an innocent and a pawn in her uncle's Russian mafia world and Axel. I loved Axel, the fiercely protective undercover agent sent to dismantle the corrupt organisation run by Mia's uncle.

I loved the palpable chemistry between these two, the action and drama, and the side storyline about the rescue dog! But Will Mia and Axel achieve their HEA? You'll have to read it for yourself to find out.

I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily writing my review.

[Necee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Russian Storm by Odette Stone was everything I want in a high-stakes Bratva romance—intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. From the very first chapters, the tension is sky-high: Mila is trapped in a situation she didn’t choose, and one desperate lie sets off a chain of events that drags her straight into a brutal world where trust is dangerous and freedom comes at a cost.

Axel is the kind of morally gray hero who feels genuinely intimidating—cold, controlled, and ruthless when he needs to be—but what made this book a five-star read for me is how his actions slowly reveal what he won’t say out loud. The push-and-pull between them is addictive, the chemistry is 🔥, and the emotional payoff hits hard because it feels earned. I also loved the suspense element—the danger never fades into the background.

If you like forced marriage/marriage of convenience, protective MMCs, dark romance vibes, and romantic suspense, read this. I devoured it and immediately wanted more.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odette Stone is one of my favorite authors and I was so excited to see she was releasing a new book! I don't often read books with the mafia trope, but I have really liked Odette's Vancouver series.

Axel and Mila are brought together through her uncle's business/dealings. She is desperate to get out of the marriage he's trying to arrange for her, and she claims to be in love with Axel. They were both interesting characters and I liked them both individually and together. They had so much chemistry and an undeniable connection.

Odette is a great storyteller and I liked her writing style quite a bit. The story was well paced, and I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what came next. I enjoyed reading this whole series and this was a fantastic addition to the series!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Mila was too naive for belief. How does a 16-17 year old not know anything about sex or boys? She lived in Vancouver until sent to Russia at 17! This just did not make any sense. Surely she had friends in Vancouver when her parents were alive, and then there is TV, movies, internet, etc.
Axel was a bit more believable.
The story dragged for me for almost the first half. I really couldn’t get into it and found it sometimes boring with the characters, story and pace.
The second half picked up.
Did not enjoy the discussed violence. Even though it wasn’t as graphic as some books, I still don’t care to read about endless violence. One reason I don’t read mafia stories any longer and choose my thrillers carefully.
Again, not my favorite of this author. Also, found a few proofreading errors.
I was given an ARC from the author and this is my review.