Her Russian Fixer

Volkov Brothers #1

by Leslie North

The line between right and wrong blurs when a ruthless Russian becomes her dark protector. Benedikt Volkov grew up in Chicago, but his family’s ties to the Russian Mafia run deep. So when his godfather, Pyotr Mishin, steals millions from the Bratva, it’s up to Ben to find him or his family will be forced to pay back the money. However, his careful plans are quickly complicated when an impulsive brunette forces him to become her unlikely hero. Ben hates surprises, and uncontrollable Lucy with her luscious red lips is a distraction that could get them all killed. But with an unexpected connection to his godfather, she may be the key to securing his family’s future. Lucy Paprocki may be reckless and disorganized, but she finds a new focus when her world is turned upside down. She’s determined to find her real father, Pyotr Mishin—a man she didn’t know existed until recently—and Ben Volkov may be her best chance. One look at his tattooed skin, muscled bulk, and penetrating stare, and Lucy knows Ben is Bratva. The mafia man may be hugely intimidating and wound tighter than a string, but Lucy will have to trust him if she wants to discover the truth about where she comes from. With danger lurking behind every door, passion quickly ignites between impulsive Lucy and methodical Ben. They may just be using one another to get what they want, but what if all they really need is each other?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2018

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:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books

Reviews

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was an alright read. The story was not as good as I thought it was. I thought it could have been longer and had more depth to it. The characters were okay. I did not love or dislike them. I thought that the romance was lacking. I thought the ending was good. I hope other Leslie North books are better than this. Overall, an okay read.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attract 🐺 🐯 Like Magnets!

In a stroke of good luck, Ben🐺👊🔪🔫, a Russian Immigrant, and a tatted⭐ up member of the Russian Mafia🔪🔫, happens to rescue Lucy💋💃, a young woman of Polish/Russian descent, from some street thugs in the Ukrainian area of Chicago.
Ben🐺👊🔪🔫 is there, staking out a building, owned by Peter (Pyotr) Mishin. He has been trying to locate the man because he stole millions of dollars from The Bratva, or Russian Mafia🔪🔫. Ben's family will be held responsible if he cannot find Peter and turn him over.

Lucy💃💋 is a talkative young lady and she tells Ben🐺👊🔪🔫, she is looking for Peter also, but for a totally different reason. Pyotr is her father! But she never knew him. Lucy💃💋 was apparently the result of a brief marriage Pyotr had with her mother.

Ben🐺👊🔪🔫 thinks Peter may try to leave Chicago with the money, and will make contact with Lucy💃💋 to use her for cover.

He brings Lucy💃💋 to His loft to stay when she is evicted from her apartment for having a 🐕dog. He is starting to like💕 her! She flirts with him, winking at him. She likes💕 him, too!
Ben🐺👊🔪🔫🍆🌋 is a buff, tall, handsome guy with a sexy voice. He knows how to come out on top in a fight👊🔪🔫, too. What's not to like💕?!
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

Like this book📑! It's well written and sexy fun, even though its a life and death situation for Peter.

ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bad boy trying to make good. A good girl in over her head. The one man that has the answers they seek and the task that could get them both killed. Lucy and Ben had me teetering on the edge. Leslie North taps into the bad boy fantasy and lets her imagination run wild. We dream them up and she delivers the goods. Ben is a man with much to lose and not a lot to give. Lucy is the woman who can save his soul. If she can survive the fall. Get the fire extinguisher, because Her Russian Fixer is a five alarm special.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful, full of chemistry, family issues and so much more. Lucy has come to see her father whom she never met. What she doesn't know is he stole money from the Bratva which is the Russian Mafia. Ben is part of the Bratva and his mission is to find her dad and get the money he owes otherwise his family will be responsible. When these two run into each other it wasn't planned. She was being attacked and he happened to be in the neighborhood. When she brings up who she is looking for, Ben thinks they can help each other. What will happen when she finds out he has a different motive in finding her father? Can two people who are so different come together and help each other and maybe find their happily ever after? You'll have to check the book out to find out.

[Mel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I am so in love with this new series.

I absolutely love this new series, the Russian brothers are very sexy strong dangerous and loyal.
The story is about Ben and how he’s a member of the Bratva, sent on a mission and finds himself help out a stunning woman being harassed by a gang named Lucy when Ben realizes that she is a link to finding the missing person who she is also looking for but for different reasons. Lucy is very different from Ben he a planner she isn’t, she lives her life fully while Ben has a life plan and a dark hair green eyed sexy woman isn’t who he saw in his future but life never goes as planned and Ben is learning that.
You will love this new Bratva series with sexy brothers and strong women. From the very first page I couldn’t put this book down It drew me right into the story wanting to know what was happening next, No matter what Leslie North writes I love her books so much.

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

North has become notorious for bringing heartfelt characters on a collision course with romance and love. Her Russian Fixer is my favorite even though I have read many of this authors books and spent a cozy night wrapped up in her worlds along with the comfort of my PJ's. Benedik Volkov was born into the Bratva and strives to escape that life to pursue his destiny and achieve life long goals. Lucy Paprocki is balancing an eviction notice but also a cute as can be canine sweetheart. Ben is captivated with Lucy but strives to evade any kind of relationship. I find North's books to be stand alone with a HEV and never disappoint. "A copy of this book was supplied by Relay Publishing via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Judy McDowall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Another well written book by Ms North. The story flowed well. We didn't have too much of each characters back story which allowed us to focus on the plot. Lucy was a strong woman who showed her vulnerability now and again. Ben is the most gentle member of the Bratva I have ever read about.
A nice love story with not too much violence.

[Carmella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.

Ben was raised in Chicago but he and his family are tied tight to the Russian Mafia. Now his Godfather Peter has stolen $2 million dollars from the mafia and it Ben and his brother don't get it back, his family will be held responsible for re-payment of the money. He is a serious and controlled man. He and his family have given the opportunity to leave the Mafia life behind if they succeed in recovering this money, which is what he wants.

Lucy has come to Chicago is search of her biological father, whom she has recently learned about. Ben meets Lucy when he is watching Peter's apartment building and is quite surprised when he learns why she is there and the fact that her biological father and the man he searches for are the same man.

He decides to "help" Lucy find her father but his initial plans are to use her for an advantage. But plans don't always go as planned...

Will Ben find the stolen money and get his freedom? Will Lucy find her father? Will Ben and Lucy find love and freedom?

I really, really liked this novella! Ben is such a controlled man and Lucy is just the opposite. As much as he wants to push her away, he can't. She has invaded his heart as well as his life. These two are pretty hot together also! I like the resolution of the initial problem, Peter.

If you like Mafia, you must read this!

[Alexandra Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time Leslie takes us to the world of Russia mafia of Chicago. Ben Volkov is in search of Pyotr Mishin, who has stolen 2 million from Bratva (the Russian mafia) and who has put his family name in disgrace and blame. While looking for Mishin he witnesses a woman trying to handle three gang thugs. He cannot sit back and leave her helpless, so he jumps in to help and he is surprised by her wit and sharp tongue. The thugs will leave her but their night is by far over.

Lucy Paprocki is looking for the biological father Pyotr Mishin and when a Russian guy jumps to help her, though she notices his tattoo and realizes that he is part of the Russian mafia, she will not leave the chance of asking him if she know anything about Mishin. They will go in a café and her dog will instantly be at ease with Ben. Lucy is in trouble with her landlord and though Ben offers to keep the dog at his place by the end of the night he will also invite her to stay at his place, since she will be evicted.

Their chemistry is obvious even though Ben who is organized and plans everything will try to ignore it and Lucy who is free spirit and spontaneous will break his monotonous and calculated life.
Once again Leslie wrote a sexy, funny and quick pace love story in a different world set and as always with a happy end. A relaxing and enjoyable romance book for a quick read on a Sunday evening.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben is in the Russian Mafia in Chicago but he isn't happy and wants to leave the life behind, but can he? He is charged to find a traitor to his family and get the money he stole and return it. With the traitor being his godfather, he feels confident he can find him, but when he finds a woman also searching for him, he may have a way to finally get to him. Can he use Lucy to his advantage? Will she go with him willingly? Ben has to control everything, but when Lucy breaks that control, can he adapt to her way of life?

Lucy wants to find her father, a man she has never known. She goes to his place to try and find him, but she finds Ben instead. He offers to help, but at what cost? Can Lucy trust him? Will she get the answers she is looking for?

When people join forces to achieve the same goal, can the outcome be the same too? Will Ben find he can lose a little control and be happy or will he fail his family and lose Lucy? Will Lucy finally meet her father like she planned?

When love gets in the way of plans made, will love win or can everyone walk away happy? Ben and Lucy are great characters. You can't help but cheer for them both and love to win in the end. Lucy has gotten under Ben's skin and in the best way possible, but will Ben accept her love and affection? Love mafia bad boy books!!! You will enjoy this one too! I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. I enjoyed this quick story about Ben, a member of the Russian mob Bratva, and Lucy, a young woman who was looking for her birth father. Lucy's birth father was also part of the Bratva and he stole two million dollars from them. Ben and his brother Nik were looking for Pyotr to get the money back, or they were going to have to pay it back themselves. When Ben sees Lucy being bothered by some gang members, he goes to her rescue and when they see his tattoos identifying her as Bratva, they flee. Lucy sees Ben as a lead to find her father Pyotr and Ben thinks Lucy could help lure her father out of hiding. When Ben learns Lucy is evicted, he offers her and her dog a place to stay, with him. Ben is attracted to Lucy, but he is fighting that attraction but he can only fight it for so long, until Ben's control snaps. This was a good story, I enjoyed the connection between Ben and Lucy. i wish the book was a little longer though. Good one.

[Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

****I voluntarily received an Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review****
Benedikt “Ben” Volkov is on a mission to find his god father, Pyotr Mishin, stole millions of dollars from the Bratva organization. The organization is giving the Volkov family a limited time to force Pyotr to pay the money back or Ben family is responsible for the reimbursement.
Lucy Paprocki is looking for her long lost father, Pyotr Mishin. He never been a part of her life and she wanted to question him about the reasons why. She knows her father is involved with the Bratva organization per her mother.
The two ended at the last address given to them and Ben rescued Lucy from a dangerous situation not knowing she is Pyotr daughter.
The story was fast paced, interesting and enjoyable as this was a light mafia story.

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North is an excellent writer and she has proven it once again with this book. Ben is tied to the Russian Mafia and when his godfather Pyotr Mishin steals money from the Bratva, Ben's family is held responsible. If he can't find his godfather and return the two million dollars his family will have to pay it back. Lucy is looking for the father she never knew. He just so happens to be Pyotr Mishin. Ben and Lucy meet outside of Pyotr's apartment. Although Lucy is an impulsive free spirit and Ben a methodical planner there is a chemistry between them that is too hot to deny. Joining forces they attempt to tract down Pyotr. “Her Russian Fixer” is a quick entertaining read, a marvelous romance and a book I definitely recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Signi Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and honestly, I really loved this book!! I find the way Leslie North writes her books & series to be just right!! The characters are just fine. Nothing too complicated. The story is easy reading & flows really well. DEFINITELY has the right elements needed in a romance book and the right amounts such as romance & chemistry, danger & excitement etc to keep you reading until you reach "The End"!!! And the best part is the HEA!! 😊😍 In this book the two main characters Lucy & Ben are brought together by a common interest but for very different reasons. As well they are so opposite in personalities and their goals in life. This all makes them realize some truths about themselves and that change is okay, especially when it comes to love and finding that special someone!!

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 out of 5 starsBen and Lycy.
Bysewsummoreon 3 March 2018
Verified Purchase
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest rerview. Benedikt Volkov is a member of the Bratva and is tasked with finding Pyotr Mishin who had stolen millions from the Bratva. During his search he met a young woman, Lucy paprocki, who was also looking for him. She had just found out that he was her father and Ben thought she might be able to help find the traitor, instead she turned his carefully made plans into chaos. He knew he had to keep his mind on the task at hand but lucy's wild ways kept distracting him. This was a quick read, packed with action, conflict and compulsive lovemaking before Ben completed his task and finally makes Lucy his for all time. I recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.

[Nancy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series for Leslie North. Put together a hot Russian mobster and a good girl and what do you get, love. Ben is looking out for his godfather, Pyotr, who stole millions for the Brava. If Pyotr is not found then Ben's family has to pay the Bratva back. While on the lookout, he sees a young woman and her dog, being castles by a few street punks. Should he step in and help her or just stay on the lookout. His decision will change everything in his life. Lucy is looking for her biological father Peter (Poytr) Mishin when these street punks start to harrase her when a man steps forward to save her. A man who only has to show the tattoos on his knuckles to make these punks move on. After telling this stranger who she is looking for, she needs to see if she can trust him or not. This is a story that will keep you turning the page to see what is going to happen next, will either or both of them reach their goal, Ben to get the money to payback the Bratva and Lucy to find her biological father. Can they work together or together will they find something more important.
I volunteered to read and review this book.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Paprocki is searching for the father who abandoned her mother and her when she was a baby. Benedikt Volkov is searching for the man who stole from the Bratva. Both are searching for the same man. Will Lucy finally get the answers to her questions? Will Ben finally be able to leave the Bratva?

Opposites attract. Both the characters have different personalities but couldn't help but be drawn to each other. I understood why Ben withdrew time and again, but loved the fact that in the end he decided to take that chance. Liked that Lucy was kind hearted and didn't blame her for wanting answers to her past. Good read!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It started when Bendikt, who is a member of Russian organized crime, the Bravta, meets Lucy, who is looking for her biological Russian father in Chicago's Ukrainian Village area. He is also looking for her father because of money he stole from the Bravta. She ends up moving in with Ben, and they team up to find her father. The two of them together was very hot!

This book could have been a bit longer and more developed but it was interesting. Overall, it had likable characters and a compelling enough story to keep me engaged. It was a quick read that I finished in a day.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This was a fun read as it had some intrigue as Ben and Lucy looked for Lucy's bio dad, Peter, along with their romance. Fortunately, there was not too much with the mafia that Ben was involved with so it wasn't a dark story and not filled with violence.

It was funny to watch controlled Ben meet free spirit Lucy and try so very hard not to fall for her! She did not fit into his idea of the perfect wife, and she made him lose control which he was not very happy about!

Glad that Ben finally came to his senses and realized that Lucy was worth losing some of his valuable control over, and they had a nice HEA!

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Wow I loved this book, it has a great storyline. It had me hooked from the start. I loved the characters Ben and Lucy, there chemistry was smoking. Even thou Lucy thought Ben was saving her, it just wasn't what it seem. ben was saving her for a reason and she isn't going to like it when she finds out. Ben and Lucy became very close and they both tried to fight there feelings, Ben more so as he believes he isn't good enough due to his past. Things get worse for them both but do they come out on top. Great book, loved the storyline, the writing was on point. Highly recommend. Need the next book please.

[Fiona (Titch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the series and boy do we like some Russian bad boys.

Benedikt (Ben) Volkov is Russian Mafia on a mission to get back the money his godfather Pyotr (Peter) Mishin stole. But there is a catch, either Peter pays up or Ben's family have to pay them back. Lucy Paprocki is in trouble and when she sees Ben turn up, she runs to him and KISSES him, pretends he's her boyfriend and when the bad boys who's harrassing her sees Ben's knuckles that say he's Bratva (Mafia), they run away. BUT Lucy wants to find her father, who is otherwise known as Pytor (Peter) Mishin and hopes Ben can help her. But she will soon find out that Ben has other plans for Peter and they don't exactly include a family reunion or do they?

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good short mafia romance story! I like Leslie North's writing! This book is a short mafia romance story. You've got all in one: fun, suspense, fast pace, mystery, action and romance (of course)! I love the two main characters, Benedikt Volkov (Ben) and Lucy Paprocki. He's Mr. Control and protective and she's strong and determined! The story line is well built and well written. This book is entertaining! I'll listen to this story when the audiobook will available. I received a free review copy and this is my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben’s family has ties to the Russian mob and he doesn’t find his godfather his family will be responsible to pay back millions. Lucy is also looking for the same person and when Ben rescues her they decide to work together. As they spend more time together sparks fly will they find what they are looking for or so much more. Great start to a new series. As Russian mob reads go this one is pretty sweet and not at all dark. The story is entertaining and the characters share great chemistry. A good read.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read and a great start to a new series.I just love the way Leslie writes you get pulled right into the story right from the start when bens godfather steals millions from the Brava and if he does not find him then his family will pay while looking for him he comes across Lucy she is trying to find her Father but is being harassed by thugs when Ben saves her.Realising they are looking for the same man can they work together to find him and will they act on the attraction between them.A super read that I did not want to stop reading I cannot wait for the next book

[Stephanie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a page turner that will draw you in very quickly. The story of Ben who is part of the Bratva and Lucy who is the estranged daughter of a Bratva member will keep you enthralled with their polar opposite personality traits and wild hot attraction. This book is a must read and is another fantastic read by Leslie North. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

💎I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book 💎
What a great start to a new series by Leslie North!! Ben and Lucy couldn’t be more different, but what great characters, interesting and the chemistry between them is something. The book is a well paced, compelling read and has the right amount of twists. Page turner from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next books in the series!!!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mob romance, Great read

Great read. Love Mob romances. Ben was in the mob looking for his godfather who stole money from the mob . He needed to find him so his family wasn't responsible for the money. He meets Lucy who is looking for her father, the same man he s looking for. They team up together to find him.

Liked that Lucy was able to break some of Ben s control. He still was a tough guy but he could lose control sometimes.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense, drama, passion, danger and excitement fill this action packed, emotionally thrilling romantic adventure. Family bounds are tested and betrayal abounds in this engaging and highly entertaining journey. They are both looking for the same man for very different reasons and are falling fast for each other as their undeniable chemistry will not be denied or ignored. Loved every twist and turn.

[Jenni LO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a thing for strong, alpha Russian bad boys. I don't know if it is the representation of them... tatted, bad ass, take no shit scary alpha men with a ridiculous accent but damn! *pauses to fan self off* This is a short read (about 120 pages) but completely worth it. I love the appearance of damsel in distress only to find out that she is a serious bad ass. The H always plays the part of the bad ass Bratva who wants nothing more than love and be loved by a sweet girl. *swooning begins*

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy via Hidden Gems; this is my honest review.
-Amusing and endearing with a bit of mystery, drama, and action.
-Mild sex scenes.
-Loved the way Benedikt and Lucy met.
-I would’ve liked to see more of Pyotr Mishin, to get a better feel of him.
-Hoping to get acquinted with B’s & L’s family in the next books.
-Loved this book. Don’t miss out and buy it!