The Soldier

Bratva Blood #0.5

by S.R. Jones

In love, as in war, there can be only one victor.

I wasn’t born a monster—they made me one.
I wasn’t born a king—I claimed the right to be one.
I was born a soldier—a fighter, a warrior.
Waging war is in my very soul, bone deep and blood-soaked.

There’s a new conflict on the horizon, time for me to defend my Bratva crown.
Time for me to reap cruel vengeance on those who wronged me.
Caught up in this is an innocent, a woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
They say every king needs a queen, and I’m about to claim mine; whether she likes it or not.

This is the prequel novella to the Bratva Blood duet - please be aware this is a dark romantic suspense and therefore trigger warnings do apply.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Crime, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Novella, Contemporary

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2020

About the author

Redeeming dark and dangerous heroes one book at a time.
Skye Jones is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author.
She writes dark mafia and contemporary romance as SR Jones, and angsty paranormal romance as Skye.

When not writing Skye can be found reading, dog herding, or watching gritty dramas on Netflix with her husband. She lives in the grey, windswept north of England, which fuels her taste for the dramatic and the gothic.

For a free read sign up for her reader club here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ca20ewxx71

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part 0,5

2,5 👩‍💻🤔⭐️s

Interesting premise with a few repetitions.

[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guess I'm in a mafia romance mood!

I stumbled onto this series on a GR list and well, it seems to be mafia heavy in a non-romantic way which I liked.

This short novella tells the story of Konstantin, from poor to soldier to self-made Bratva paykan and billionaire. The story is gruesome and violent but I liked the realistic depiction. I'm intrigued enough to read the next book.

TWs: depiction of war (on page), rape/murder (mentioned)

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gritty and mysterious start to Konstantin and Cassie's story! Looking forward to the duet because I love S.R. Jones' writing style and her gritty mafia characters! Should I also say that I have noticed that most of her stories are interconnected with previous bad boys characters such as Ethan, Liam, Luka, Reese, Ilya; Damen, Alesso, Andrius etc..


5 Vengeful stars!

[Karen Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

While only a novella, SR Jones’ The Soldier packs a punch. Told through the eyes of a boy who morphs into a man, Konstantin, The Soldier is about the evolution of a dark hero during a trying time in Russia. SR Jones gives readers a glimpse of the heroine, Cassie, but her and Konstantins’ story is yet to come.

Gripping, gritty, and heart-pounding, The Soldier is a blistering battle of man and life. A ruthless read, one of mafia tones and freedom fights. With its deliciously dark theme, fast-paced plot spiked with unexpected twists and terror, spellbinding writing, and compelling characters with a palpable pull, The Soldier left me wanting more. I can’t wait to bow to The King.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ruthless stars

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start

Warm up to the main event. Got my interest and it looks like it is going to get juicy! On to the next!

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Up Russian🐺🔫🔪💪

ADULT Alpha Bratva Male Romance and Adventure

This is a prequel novella to "The 👑King", and is largely an autobiographical account of Russian Konstantin's early life, and how circumstances and hard knocks shaped him into the Bratva King👑, the man he is today.
Great read! Well thought out and executed by Author Jones. Can't wait to read "The 👑King"! In fact I'm going to do that right now!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Konstatin is of modest means and when his father walks away from the family he becomes the main braed winner at age 13 - years later with nobody left to care for he is a soldier in the russian army and vows to become more. Many years later he is now on top of his game and trying to have a separate legitimate business in England, where he takes is son to take him away from mayhem leaving his wife in Moscow. One day he receives terrible news and his life will change forever. One of his pleasures is to go to the local coffee shop and talk with the barista Cassie. She is sunshine to his darkness and has no clue who he is or what he does. Ine dayhe learns that she is engaged and cut her out of his life. Cassis did have an easy life and she is searching for something that she can't figure out, but she only settling down to stop a yearning she has
In her. Dramatic, mysterious would best describe the beginning of this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Those who don't know me label me as a soldier, warrior, hero and, later, businessman. Venture capitalist. Philanthropist.
Those who know me better might use different terms. Fighter. Oligarch. Ruthless SHARK.
All these labels fit..."


This was a great short intro into Konstantins history. It gives us the main points of his childhood and adulthood that affected and moulded the way he grew to be the person he is now. He wears many masks and I think we've only scratched the surface.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Cassie. I imagine after the letdown from the lackluster fiance she had shell either jump in with both feet after regretting not doing anything before, or being extra hesitant.... I really hope the first!

And then there's Michael. Here's a storyline line right there with him having to marry into the Italian mob. With Konstantin in the bratva... Be interesting to see if allies are forged or if enemies are made!

A ton of info for a prologue which I recommend reading before the first book. Might add clarity to certain situations mentioned!

Off to pick up the King!! 📚📚😁

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this dark mafia romance prequel.

Konstantin has had to grow up fast, at the age thirteen he had to find ways to provide for his family when his father left them with nothing. He's had a very hard life and is now the King of his domain. He thought after what happened with his wife he would never want to settle down with another, then he sees Cassie his ray of sunshine. He can tell she's more of a settle down type of girl, not like the women that he's usually with and he can't give that to her either. But when she calls into his lap again he plans on using her as he sees fit and ruling her world. Because every King needs his Queen!!!

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually give 5 stars for a short prequel, but this story certainly deserves the extra star. There’s harshness to this story that may be hard to take at times. But it is a Bratva tale and there’s never anything soft in the telling. This is the beginning of Konstantin Ivanov’s story. You get to know him as a boy, a soldier, and what drives him to become a hard, unyielding “king.” This story is only the beginning, but it offers a lot of backstory which will add depth to the upcoming duet. We not only get to know who Konstantin is but how he connects with Cassie and the potential there is really intriguing. It leaves you anxious to know what’s coming next in their story while having left you with enough background to whet your appetite for more.

[Ashley S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live my Russian Mafiya men and this one is no exception! Definitely read this before starting the series-a great background for the main characters! Starting in on The King right now and I can’t wait!

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, Blah, and nothing happens

A lot of nothing. You're jumping back and forth through time so you can learn what he was like as a kid, soldier, etc. Couldn't stay interested, sorry. Maybe someone else will like it, give it a whirl

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Prequel Ever – Must Continue on to The King (Which is Already Out)!!

This is the PERFECT beginning to understand Konstantin. He has it tough growing up, and that forms his views of those around him and his determination to rule the Bratva. Cassie has an IT degree but for various reason serves as a barista in a local café. Here their paths meet, and an interest begins. Simply brilliant. I’ll also say I’ve read The King and it continues in similar stellar fashion. I definitely highly recommend!!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Konstantin’s story has begun! We get a glimpse of who he is in this prequel and his meeting Cassie. The read has lots of twists and turns and loads of drama and intrigue. Can’t wait for more. I loved it.

[Book Nook Kitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing but backstory. This is not the book advertised. Boring, badly written and shockingly repetitive.The story begins with the hero as a thirteen year old boy in Soviet Rissia whose father has left, and his thoughts of how he is left to care for his mother, baby sibling and his father's mother, and hates his father because of it. Gave 2 stars for that, because the opening scene did portray his bleak childhood in Russia but it was all downhill from there.

Its very basic and very repetitive. In the next scene while he's older, and fighting as a soilder in a war, he's still just thinking about how his father left, how hates his father for leaving him to care for his mother, baby sister and his ailing gramdmother. It was in incredibly irritating the author making us re-read the exact same things we literally just read on the previous pages.

Then on the next page it's five years later, he's now a business man but he's still thinking that he hates his father, loathes him, for you guessed it, leaving him to care for his mother and baby sister and his ailing mother. Yawn. Simply ttoo repetitive. There are numerous other issues, here's a brief list-

1. This is nothing but backstory. I mean this is supposed to be a dark romance, right? It even says it in the cover but nope, it was just about his past.

2. What the character thought about himself was too pompous to be enjoyable. He was too up himself.

3. It was too short and apparently the story is actually in the next book but I won't be reading it after this repeating nothing of a book.

4. The story is beyond stupid, his best friend/wife/lesbian wife, argh, I just couldn't read any more of this. I returned it even though it was free to declutter my kindle of rubbish.

5. By the second page I disliked the writing, with the author's irritating habit of grouping her descriptive words and synonyms into three, just a couple of examples and all from only the first two pages, (eye roll)-

'Violence, mayhem, ruthlessness'

'Honed it, tamed it, corralled it'

He was 'Wealthy powerful, successful '

He was a 'Solider, warrior, hero'

He was a 'Businessman, venture capitalist, philanthropist'

'Fighter, oligarch, shark'

The author even does it with cities, as he has homes in- 'Moscow, Paris, London '

Yawn, irritating and pompous. There's three descriptive words to describe this book that isn't a book. It's also repetitive, boring and pointlessly short.

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Mafia... Mafia... Mafia... Do I need to say it again?
Mafia just to be sure.
Everyone knows that I love Mafia books and this lady knows how to write them.
She has one powerful writing, surrounded by darkness and so much more.
That lady is the one and only SR Jones.
Have you had the chance to read any book written by her?
If you did, you know what I'm talking about. But if you didn't... Oh boy... You don't know what you're missing.
The Soldier is her latest release and it's the prequel to the Bratva Blood series.
This new book explores the lives of Konstantin and Cassie.
Konstantin didn't have a normal childhood, he was forced to grow up too soon to help his mother. When he was older he was sent to join the military. War changed him. On the outside he's a normal business man but on the inside he's a monster, a killer.
When his world is threatened...
Cassie had a horrible childhood. After her father left her mom got severe depression and she was taken to foster care. Being there, she was pushed from house to house until her grandparents took over.
She had so many dreams after finishing college but problem after problem tear does dreams apart.
Now she works as a barista.
To fall in love isn't in the cards for her. She has a steady relationship and that's it.
Well, untill...
Jeez... What a prequel... What a beginning...
Perfect in every way, from the prologue till the end.
Awesome plot, very well written, super raw and intense.
Each chapter was even more intense than the latest.
It was one super bumpy roller coaster...
The brook gives us crime, punishment, betrayal as well as love, loyalty and so much more.
It was a short story but it was the perfect beginning for what's about to come our way.
Oh SR... You rock woman. Just saying.
Just don't take too long with the next one.
You have a lot of explanations to give...

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short quick read that I liked. Konstantin had to grow up fast his father left her m and his pregnant mother when he was 13. He became a soldier and worked his way up. When he decides to go legit he moves his business to London. When his wife is killed he wants revenge. Cassie is a young girl who works in a coffee house she has a the best life her father left her when she was young and her mother was mentally unstable. Cassie and Konstantin become friendly as he becomes a regular customer until she gets a new job and becomes engaged. Turns out one of the companies that he is buying is the one that Cassie works for and it turns out she is a hacker just what he needs. This was a pretty good short quick read from an author that I have read before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/20/2020)! 🎁

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was all kinds of lost.

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amz Jan 20, 2022

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction to the full-length books in the Bratva Blood duet is truly outstanding. I got valuable insight into the lives of Konstantin, a Russian who has gone through a multitude of heartbreaking experiences, and Cassie, an ordinary American woman who secretly wants more in her life. Often-harsh circumstances have turned him into a man focused on his business dealings, whether legitimate or unlawful, and no one stops him from reaching a goal. When new information has him wanting to make someone pay for a past transgression, the woman who fascinates him just might end up playing an important role in his plan.

As Konstantin Silvanov grew from a boy into a man in Russia, he learned many valuable lessons. His time as a soldier turned him into a callous individual, and now that he is a businessman, he uses his success against others. He also sees himself as a Bratva Pakhan, which makes him a leader amongst the bosses. When an incident has Konstantin seeking retaliation, his scheme will use a woman whom he knows only casually. By the time his plot is carried out, Cassie, who has wanted to be adventurous, may get her wish.

When it comes to fictional Russian organized crime stories, SR Jones is able to create extremely believable situations with very engaging characters. I was pulled into the numerous stages of Konstantin’s life and all the trials that he endured throughout each one. His boyhood years were anything but typical, and his service as a Russian soldier were very frightening and stressful. Becoming a Bratva crime boss makes him feel compensated for his earlier years, and anyone not under his protection should be wary of his actions. I really felt as though I knew this complicated man by the time THE SOLDIER was finished, and what I discovered about Cassie had me wondering just how well these two would get along when thrown together. I am definitely eager to read THE KING, as so many different scenarios could take place.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Soldier is the prequel to S.R. Jones’ Bratva Blood series. In this book, readers meet two dynamic lead characters—Cassie Evans and Konstantin Silvanov. They are opposites. She is a ray of golden sunshine, innocence, and happiness. She is kind and caring. He is lethal, deadly, and gloomy. He is head of the Moscow Bratva cell and a wealthy financier now situated in London. Despite her breathtaking and bubbling personality, Cassie is emotionally wounded. Konstantin suffers emotional wounds as well. Since the fatal attack on his wife, Konstantin constructed walls around his heart. To keep it safe he dated empty, shallow, but beautiful women. That is, of course, until he meets Cassie, who consistently works at tearing down those walls. However, Konstantin has enemies who want to topple his world. What happens if they learn of Cassie? Will he be able to keep her safe? Will she be accepted in his world? Will they find happiness? You must read this book to discover their journey.

Ms. Jones does a remarkable job with this series. Her characters are multi-dimensional. As the first book in this series, Jones introduces readers to a cast of supporting characters. Additionally, she introduces readers to the lifestyle and culture of a Bratva Crime Family. I appreciated how she used the concept of a mafia crime family as her setting for this story providing readers with an in-depth look into this world. Ms. Jones masterfully uses literary devices, like dialog, POV, backstory, and flashbacks, to tell Cassie and Konstantin’s story. Her use of conversational and internal dialog helps readers understand Cassie and Konstantin. Having a dual person POV and the use of flashbacks provide readers with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of their backstories. Ms. Jones builds suspense and tension through many rising action events leading to a climactic scene making this a captivating read. Well done, Ms. Jones!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE DEEP, DARK SIDE OF DECADENCE!!!
Unbelievable! Jones hit this baby hard, ratcheting up the thrill of the chase and skill of the hunt, jetting through the gates of hell with a vengeance, blasting this gem to life spectacularly. Twixt, twined and tightly coiled, showcasing the rocketing ups and agonizing downs, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Bracing the burdens and towing the line, delivering this pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting the drama, intrigue, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a double dose of danger while dodging deadly intents, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, booting this baby forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a frenzy with astonishing results. Bumbling through the trials and tribulations, keeping pace with a slew of startling twists and wicked turns, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Jones, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to the book of Konstantin. Here we see how he is abandoned by his father, how he loses his mother and his sister, how he marries his best friend and adopt his son, how he goes from being a soldier to becoming a successful businessman in Moscow, how he moves to the UK with his son to remove him from the bad life and straighten him, how he loses his wife being brutally murdered, and how he loses his soul seeking revenge.
And as he meets Cassie, the girl he is obsessed with and who, although she doesn’t want to, is going to help him carry out his revenge.
I’m dying to read the book and know how everything will develop.
Will Cassie be able to light up his life again?
Or will he take her to the dark side?

My little ray of sunshine has come back into my life, and suddenly, I’m determined to get a whole lot deeper into hers. I tried to walk away; hell, I did walk away. I never went back to the coffee shop, or tried to find out where Cassie was, even though I thought of her often. As of next week, I’ll be her new boss. I’ll own her ass, and she’ll be mine. I’m determined to make that true in more ways than one. I let her get away once. Not again. They call me King K, and every king needs his queen. Will Cassie be mine? My little miss sunshine has no idea what’s about to hit her.

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is such a thing as too many details. It's a delicate balance between providing a back story and not getting too lost in the details. I think this book is best read after the first novel in the series and I have yet to read the first novel in this series.

However, this level of detail is for someone who has already met and loves these characters and wants their back story with a bit of extras.

A Russian soldier turned business mogul and gangster living in London. It's not a storyline I have read before and I am interested to learn more. Konstantin also seems like the kind of guy to give you a good time.

As revenge goes, I don't know what his gripe is. Is it loss and grief or power? Because from all accounts, it was all business. So much so, I had to read twice when a love interest was introduced. Thought he would be the forever bachelor who is a stickler for image.

As Michael goes... it will be interesting to see how he falls in to all of this because that kid is the definition of a screw-up. Emphasis on screw.

I feel like I won't know the Cassie in the next novel and if I am being honest, I could just be done with this series right now because I am not that interested and I fell asleep a couple of times but I think it could also make for a good read.

NB: CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Konstantin SiIvanov grew up in Russia in the 1990’s and when he was 13 his dad left his mom and Konstantin did whatever he could to help his mom. He first became a soldier and then became a venture capitalist and became head of the Bratva.
Yet when someone wages war with Konstantin and wants the Bratva crown how far will Konstantin to right wrongs of the past?
When an innocent woman gets caught in the middle will Konstantin take her or will she become a victim in a war he can’t stop?
This is such a great beginning to the series and I can’t wait to see what is to come!
I really liked Konstantin and understand why his heart is so hard after everything he has been through and who he has been betrayed by in the past. I liked how attracted he was to the barista, Cassie Evans, and why he was disappointed when she got engaged.
The business move by Konstantin was interesting as were the staff moves he made and I was glad for one decision for sure! I definitely hope that they can pull through with what Konstantin needs as I hate to be the one that lets him down.
The information on the revenge that Konstantin needs for the past was huge and I can’t wait to see what’s coming!! - By Rebecca

[Leanne F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the free prequel to the Bratva Blood Duet. I've read Italian Mafia and Irish Gangster series before but this is my first Bratva ... this is a great intro into the Bratva world. Cold, ruthless, bloody ... all the things you'd expect from 'gangster' books.

The Soldier is a great back story into the MMC Konstantin - his upbringing in the countryside near Moscow and a glimpse into his time fighting in Chechnya during the 1990's. It then moves on to his time building his empire in both London and Moscow. Creating the Monster and the King he has become. It also gives an insight into Cassie, the FMC although we only meet her briefly.

I recommend this highly, even though it's my first Bratva so I've not a lot to compare it too. However, I do give this a solid 4.5 star quick read prior to the Duet. Add to your TBR for something a bit different, however dark and dangerous - note there are situations in this book that may trigger.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies, to chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth, to see their near and dear bathed in tears, to ride their horses and sleep on the bellies of their wives and daughters." Genghis Khan.
What an intriguing, raw, and heart-wrenching life Konstantine has lived. S. R. Jones takes us through his perilous journey from a poor child in Russia to a multi-billionaire referred to as 'King K' in the underground world and 'A Shark' in his legitimate business circles. This story pulled me in immediately and wouldn't let go. My heart broke for him several times through the tale but now, I'm wondering what it will take for that same generous heart to come into play again. The cliff-hanger left me excited and nervous at the same time and I can't wait to see what happens in "The King". This is a great read.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introducing Konstantine, a Bratva Leader!
by sewsummore

The prequel to "Bratva Blood," introduces Konstantine, first as a young child, and later as the significant Bratva figure in Moscow. From poor beginnings, Konstantine grew his empire to spread worldwide. His hatred of his father never softened, and his determination to destroy the man behind his murdered wife's death never wavered. For years he felt nothing for the women in his life, but a young woman named Cassie changed his thinking. This book was an entertaining introduction to a new series that left me eager to read more about the man Konstantine was today.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. review.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This shows you what Konstantin goes through and how it made him into the man he is today. What people see on the outside is very different to what he’s like on the inside.
He’s a Bratva Paykan, which is the King, and what he wants is revenge on those that created the monster he is.
Konstantin meets Cassie and there’s feelings that he’s never felt before, normally seeing models there’s something about Cassie that he’s drawn to. As quickly as Konstantin realises what he feels he knows he had to cut Cassie from his life.
Six month later while planning a takeover, Cassie comes into his life again, can’t wait to read the series to see what happens.