This read like a users manual. I wanted to like it so bad because of the story line. However , it was stiff wording was stiff. The characters where rigid. Sorry I cannot recommend.
This book feels unmistakably AI written, not abruptly but undeniably, in a way that becomes less like a reading experience and more like a slow descent into confusion wrapped in dramatic phrasing pretending to be depth. Every sentence seems charged with the intention of meaning something profound, yet the meaning remains just out of reach, suspended somewhere between vague tension, repetitive emotion, and lines that sound polished until you actually stop and realize they make no damn sense. The prose doesn’t move so much as circle itself, tightening and deepening and intensifying without ever actually saying anything, and if I had to read one more “rather than,” “despite,” “like,” “as,” or some tortured comparison trying to pass itself off as good writing, I was genuinely about to punch a hole in my wall. By 20% I was no longer reading with curiosity but with endurance, caught in a rhythm of exaggerated feeling, hollow atmosphere, and characters who speak like they were generated by a machine trained exclusively on “breath hitching,” “charged silence,” and “something shifted between them.” I really tried to stay with it, to trust that clarity or chemistry or literally any coherent point would emerge, but it never did, and if this review feels exhausting, overwritten, and faintly disconnected from reality, that’s because it is the closest possible imitation of what it feels like to read this AI-written garbage. -1000 stars, DNF at 20%.
Made it to Chapter 18 and don’t think I can read this anymore. The writing style is terrible. It’s basically overly explained and everything is repeated. I don’t know how many times I have to read “The hospital smells of antiseptic”. “I walk fast, but not too fast”. “I feel like someone is watching me, but not over watching me”. Like what??. There isn’t really any romance at all between the two main characters besides them having S** a few times and getting pregnant the first time they do it because they don’t use protection at all.. The FMC literally works the whole time. SO MANY BROKE DOWN PARAGRAPHS.. Has anyone read the second one? Was it any better??
This was entirely too much—dragged out, overdone, and just… ugh 😩 I kept pushing through, hoping for that moment—that spark, that something to make it all worth it—but nope. Nada.
And the ending? 😐 Just… there. No “oh shit,” no gasp, no anything. By the time I got to it, I was so checked out that it didn’t even hit. Somewhere in the middle, they completely lost me, and the rest just felt like going through the motions.
Honestly, this is a “read at your own risk” because for me? It was all buildup with zero payoff. 😬
I wanted to love this book but it was just so boring and repetitive. The timelines jumped from one paragraph to the next. The constant mention of “antiseptic.” The characters were dull. I had to force myself to finish it, hoping it would get better…it did not. I’m definitely not reading the next one, even though this one ended on a cliffhanger. I can guess the ending of the next one.
3 stars for the storyline. There’s too many descriptive words that I was so close to DNF at 30%. But I picked it up and finished it. The romance is lacking, felt flat with no true affection or intimacy between the FMC and MC. I would have liked more quiet, personal scenes between the two instead of FMC always at work. It was weird. In the second s.x scene where he goes A to V 🤢 and she’s a doctor that thought nothing of this?!!!! The forced proximity catch wasn’t really a thing either in my opinion. Then the whole pregnancy thing. The first time they have s.x, no protection seemed to be used or discussed. And no mention of her fertility issue. The action and plot were good when they picked up. Onto book 2 to see how it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wish I could give this zero stars. Horrendous writing style. Zero emotion. I felt like I was reading about two robots. I so badly wanted to like this but it’s just so bad.
I'm not finished reading the book as of yet, however I am having a few issues with the storyline. Is she a surgeon or a doctor; yes there is a difference even though this author doesn't realize that. The summary of the book states she's a surgeon who saves a Bratva pakhan yet in the book she is a trauma doctor in an ER; which is it? Did the author forget and why didn't the editor not pick thi up?? Also, the chemistry between the two main characters is almost non existent and is very business-like.
Update: Stopped reading at 54% because it became so boring and dragged on continuously without any action or spice. Also, the continuity was still off and it became very frustrating.
I can appreciate that this book had a strong storyline and a lot of thoughtful structure behind it. The plot itself was interesting, and I can absolutely see why it would resonate with many readers. For me personally, though, the writing felt a bit mechanical, which made it hard to fully connect with the characters and the emotional flow of the story. That is more about my reading style than the quality of the book itself, because I know different books speak to different people in different ways. While this one wasn’t the right fit for how my brain connects with a story, I still think it had a compelling premise and a solid overall arc.
This book hooked me right from the premise and it absolutely delivered on tension, chemistry, and high-stakes drama. The opening alone sets the tone perfectly: a trauma surgeon saving a stranger in an alley, only to later discover he’s not just alive but dangerously powerful. That twist pulled me in immediately, and from there, the story never really lets go. I really liked the female lead’s perspective. Her identity as a surgeon calm, rational, and emotionally guarded made her reactions feel grounded, even as her world starts to spiral into something far more dangerous and complicated. Watching her try to maintain control while being pulled deeper into Kiren’s world added a lot of tension. Kiren Sovarin is exactly what you expect from a mafia romance but with enough presence and intensity to stand out. He’s commanding, controlled, and unpredictable in a way that keeps you on edge. The “dance with me” moment? Simple, but incredibly effective. It says everything about his character without needing excess buildup. The forced proximity element works really well here, especially combined with the power imbalance and underlying danger. There’s a constant push and pull between fear, attraction, and inevitability that keeps the story engaging. And that twist near the end? It raises the stakes in a big way and adds another layer of emotional complexity to an already intense dynamic.
Dr. Rowan Hale, a trauma surgeon at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, she has a younger brother and a mother, Marian Hale, who still lives in their childhood home. Her brother Ethan, a 25-year-old paramedic, started his career around the same time Rowan became a doctor, both driven by the loss of their father in a car accident when she was 12 and he was 5. Rowan first encounters Kiren Sovarin when she finds him injured in an alley and keeps him alive until his people arrive and later meets him again at a hospital gala. One of the book’s strongest elements is the contrast between characters: Rowan, compassionate and principled, is devoted to saving lives, while Kiren moves in a harsh underworld where survival often comes at a moral cost. Their push-and-pull dynamic is compelling, as Rowan wrestles with the consequences of aiding a dangerous man, and Kiren confronts vulnerability in a way that feels raw and real. Dr. Rowan becomes a target for Kiren’s enemies after he inherits his father’s role as Pakhan of the Russian Bratva, and when one of his men ends up in her trauma unit, he gives her a clue about the traitor who got his father killed. The book is good, but it’s frustrating that Rowan is constantly put in danger, along with her brother and mother. The story ends on a cliffhanger—Rowan is kidnapped, and her friend Lila’s involvement is suspicious. It’s unclear whether her bodyguard Leo and Karp are alive or dead, or who is truly behind the abduction.
Rowan and Kiren give meaning to a power couple. They are both stubborn, clinical, intelligent, and hardened by life be it tragedy or tradition. When Rowan finds Kiren bleeding out near the hospital she works at as a trauma doctor and saves his life they start a bond that grows after Kiren, who owns a biomedical business as a cover to his family’s underworld business, crosses paths with her again at a medical conference….especially since a recent patient of Rowan’s who uses his dying breath mentions a deceit from within and a name to go with it …a name she comes to connect with Kiren …the powerful man she saved in the alley…the same one she dances with at the conference. What starts out as curiosity and protection builds in to feelings and a sense of vulnerability neither of them felt capable of having. As their bonds grows and a surprise binds them….the man whose name was whispered in death has been building his plans to get to Kiren and take over his empire….those plans include the very vulnerability Kiren spent his life avoiding… Rowan. What Kiren doesn’t know yet is that Rowan has a surprise she just learned that will change their lives forever… if she can escape the ambush that took her away before she could share it with him! I can’t wait until book two to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is a gripping blend of romance and danger, centering on the unlikely connection between Kiren, a powerful bratva pahkan, and Rowan, a dedicated emergency room surgeon. Their worlds collide in a moment of crisis when Rowan discovers Kiren bleeding out in an alley and makes the split-second decision to save his life. From that point on, the story unfolds as a tense and emotionally charged exploration of trust, morality, and the cost of crossing boundaries.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its character contrast. Rowan is compassionate and principled, bound by an oath to save lives, while Kiren exists in a brutal underworld where power and survival often come at a steep moral cost. Their dynamic creates a compelling push-and-pull throughout the narrative, as Rowan struggles with the implications of helping a dangerous man, and Kiren grapples with vulnerability in a way that feels both humanizing and authentic.
The pacing is steady, with moments of high-stakes tension balanced by quieter, character-driven scenes. The initial encounter sets the tone effectively, immediately drawing the reader into a story where life and death decisions have lasting consequences. As their relationship develops, the emotional stakes deepen, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
To review this book, I read a preview, book 1 and book 2, it definitely provides context. I will try to explain myself without given many spoilers.
PREVIEW Was excellent, it really for more.
HIS TO CLAIM, BOOK 1 1. The beginning of the book is good. Then, it slows a lot. Is cryptic, the interaction between Sovarin, Rowan, Ivan, Lila is a gameplay that only them understand. That continues almost all the book.
● Note: its important to know that the old world had his own rigid standard than american ones and this differences are notable withing the assigned roles.
2. Characters - they're immersed in they own thoughts, rigid, calculating, structured. Devoid of personality although the author specified their role. Like pawns in a game that aren't alive. Yes, they have pressure by their assigned roles, but difficult to engage with the reader. Theyre not bad only there's no connection from them to make up likable or not.
3. After read about 45% of the book the story pick up again and weavers until the end.
CONCLUSION 1. Do I recommend the story? Yes 2. Why? Because I compromise to read both books and the preview the author provides in her email.
I can, kinda, feel the emotion here. But its thickly layered under methodical thinking. Its like less is more, without the more. Each character is calm, calculated, methodical, clinical, no emotion.... from the pahkan to the everyday mom. So much so, it was almost hard to keep up with the though processes and plans. Even so, the plot is good. I will read the next, and because of the plot maybe try another set from this author to see if its the same style. If it is, I dont think I could finish it... Also, im still reeling from the their second... intimate part... Im sorry but going from back to front is a first read for me. A gross one that I hope was just overlooked... I donno. Good plot, but even when somwthing could have had a hint of emotion, its clearly stated its being methodically calculated... Ive just never come across this before. This is more of a me problem, I feel, maybe. Lol. Just not my reading style. But I will finish the series.
His To Claim is book 1 in Merciless Mercy: Sovarin Bratva series. This author did something a bit different than has been done with her previous books. She's written a prequel. Although His To Claim can be read and completely enjoyed on it's it's own, I would suggest reading the prequel, The Night I Saved Him. It gives the back story of Kiren Sovarin, Pakhan and Rowan Hale, Trauma Surgeon and gives readers great insight into the story. Personally I loved getting that few pages of pre-story. Now for His To Claim! Kiren finally lays eyes on the woman who saved his life and it changes everything. This story and these characters are absolutely fantastic! Totally opposites in every way, they fit seamlessly together. There's a lot going on in this story. It's intense, gritty, full of danger and intrigue. Betrayal and deceit are at the forefront and surprises around every corner. To Claim ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for His To Protect. Absolute must read!
I voluntarily reviewed "HIS TO CLAIM" given by the author who did a great job writing this intriguing, interesting intense drama, dealing with danger, steam, being in wrong place at right time making you keep reading. Rowan is a surgeon all about saving lives never thinking the injured man she saved in an alley Kieran is a dangerous Pakhan, where his worlds about taking lives their both opposites, she strong, independant where he's ruthless & kills. Rowan ends up meeting Kieran once again at the Hospital Gala, they have this undeniable chemistry yet she feels guilty about saving such a dangerous criminal when he doesn't worry about taking a life in his dangerous underworld where survival is sometimes extremely rough. Kieran takes over the role Pakhan after his fathers death which ends up putting a target on Rowan, one of his guys ends up in the trauma unit, telling her he knows who killed his father. Will Kieran save Rowan when kidnapped by his enemies plus her friend Lila could be involved, can he save her so they get their HEA its got one heck of a cliffhanger making you want the next book ASAP to see whats going to happen.
I almost always wait until I have read an entire duet or trilogy before I write a review. So, a good portion of my review below also appears with the review of the 2nd book.
This duet is well-written, and you can tell the author wrote with care and intention. This story is not fast-paced, but it is carefully crafted to keep the reader engaged. And, not having read other books by this author, I think the pacing reflected the careful and methodical natures of the MCs. Some may find it too slow, or too detailed, but I enjoyed it very much.
This duet is not “binge-worthy”; it is more to be savored and enjoyed. I appreciate books like this, and if you do as well, I recommend you give this duet a try.
Good plot line, emotional, danger, 2nd book follows. An ER doctor is walking to her car on the far lot after her shift when she comes upon a man lying on the ground, bleeding heavily. She applies pressure with her scarf and keeps an eye on him while trying to get help. The man, after a few minutes, orders her to leave when cars are heard approaching, but she refuses. They argue, then as cars pull up, she ducks into the shadows of the building wall. She watches as the new arrivals apply pressure and lift him into a vehicle then speed away. She thinks she will not ever see him again, although she will probably never forget his looks. Was she ever wrong...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author. This is another great book from Ms. Kat Steele. In this book, we get to meet Kiren Sovarin, head of the Sovarin Bratva, and Rowan Hale, a trauma surgeon. I love the maturity of the characters and the lack of impulsive behavior. Yes they fell hard for each other but because of their life experiences, they were real with each other and the way they feel towards each other. Can't wait to read the next installment. Will highly recommend reading this book, but just remember that it ends in a cliffhanger and will be continued in the next book!
Reading this book is like watching a motion picture only this one unfolds in your mind as you read the pages through Kat's descriptive writing that is filled with nonstop action-packed drama. Kiren once again connects with the woman that saves his life and the sparks are intense. They are totally opposites but the pull between them can't be denied and with all the twists and turns that this story takes you can't help but connect with them and cheer them on. I can't wait for the next book to see how everything turns out. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I always look forward to Kat's next series. Each one takes place in a different setting. Now, in an unexpected situation, Bratva Pakhan meets Rowan, who rushes to his aid and saves his life. Their meeting begins a mysterious, twisty and dangerous journey. We got to know them in the free prequel novella. In the first part, there is excitement, danger, intrigue, betrayal and unexpected twists. Of course, I can be nervous, I can bite my nails, because this part ends on a cliffhanger. Please, give me the ending!!! Thank you Kat!!!! You wrote a fantastic story again!!!
I absolutely love the way this book is written. One of Kats best. Love the interaction of the two main characters. They are so matter of fact, mature, and analytical. They are not a couple of whiny sniveling or overly emotional brats. I love that they are both not 20 something or younger. For me it's harder to relate when they are as old as my grandkids at 18 or so.
Kiran and Rowan are probably the best characters I have read in a long time. Fyi, definitely ends in a cliffhanger. So hold onto your bootstraps.
This is the first book in the Merciless Mercy Sovarin Bratva series. There is a prequel that you do not have to read to know what’s going on, but you would have more history if you read the prequel. MMC, Kiren, found the woman who saved his life and changed everything. The concept of the story was interesting. It just didn’t hit for me. The story did not flow well. The pace was all over the place. The characters were devoid of personality and were not very likable. It was hard to connect to them and really care what happened to them.
First read by Kat. I she she mentioned this was something different than her usual bratva novel and while I haven’t read the other ones, this was right up my alley. Anything pertaining to unhinged force proximity arrange marriage. I’m here for it. In my own personal opinion. I could even use a little more spice, but Kat knows what she’s doing. I can’t wait to see how this plays out…Kiren is about to burn the world to save Rowan.
I really enjoyed this book. It picked up well from the novella. This book is full of action, tension and drama! Kiren and Rowan have a steady escalation in their relationship. Its on the slower side but the spice is good. The cliffhanger at the end had me screaming. I was not prepared for the twists! I am ready for book 2. I need to know how it ends! I definitely recommend.
Meet Rowan and Kieran. She’s a surgeon. He’s a Pahkan. She’s has a strong moral compass and lives to save. He’s ruthless and lives to destroy. These two are hot. The interplay is great. The passion is great. The story grabs you from the first line. What a ride! I can’t wait for book 2!! Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
The whole story was not your run of the mill romance novel. It took me a while to figure it out. Kiran was the strong silent type. Hardly talks. I like dialogue. Lots of it. This had almost none. Rowan and er doc. Strong, precise movement, not a talker either. But they connect. And more. Great book. Totally different but good.
My tbr is too long to read a book that describes EVERYTHING from the space between her coats in the closet to the coffee spilling and almost touching the rug. I started skipping paragraphs at the very beginning.
If you like things described to every detail, this book is for you. If you like a book who grazes over the details and gets to the point, this book is not for you