Brutal Commander

Sokolov Bratva #2

by Roma James

In a world as dangerous as mine, there’s only one way to survive. Alone.

ANDREI

My life as the commander of the Sokolov Bratva is all I’ve ever needed.

It fills my days, sure, but it also fills me with purpose. Standing with my brothers and creating a legacy is everything I ever thought I’d want — until Inessa showed me what life really is.

I can’t drag her into this vicious orbit. I’ve seen firsthand the danger that can so easily come to those we love, and even though I’d die to protect her, she deserves a life where there’s nothing to be protected from.

I could never give her that life. I know that.

But that doesn’t make it any easier to let her go...


INESSA

I’ve always been content to take in the world as it passes me by.

I’ve spent my life on the Sokolov Estate, helping my mother with her work as their live-in chef and quietly observing the inner workings of the group of powerful men who never seemed to notice me at all. Until one of them did.

Andrei, the Sokolov’s dark-eyed, somber commander whose gaze leaves me feeling deliciously exposed for the first time in my life.

When I’m with him, it’s hard to remember ever being so invisible.

And I never want him to stop looking.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Commander is only the second book that I've read by Roma James, and let me tell you, she's such a talent that I'm very much in love with her writing style. I will also say that I love how James gave me most of the answers I needed from the previous book's ending immediately in the beginning despite the fact that it's the next couple's books. Andrei is the commander of the Sokolov Bratva, and it's a title he takes very seriously to the point that he will fight his loneliness (when it comes up) because he knows he can't have any distractions. (I loved him from the jump.) Inessa is a girl whose mother is the live-in chef on the Sokolov estate, and she's full of life & loves learning. She also is quite taken by Andrei, and he with her, but neither has done anything about it, until she finds herself in the middle of danger & it's sexy game on. These two are perfect together & super HOT, but she's off limits so they embark on a journey with secrecy. Of course this life has its own share of danger so there are twists, and action, so I loved every minute of this story. Of course this author is quite original on how she ends a romance in this world, so once again I'm left with questions so the next books cannot come quickly enough! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Commander by Roma James is book Two in the Sokolov Bratva Series. This is the story of Andrei and Inessa. I have read the previous book, which did add to my enjoyment of this book. Inessa is the daughter of the live in cook at the Sokolov estate, where she meets Andrei. Andrei is the Commander of the Sokolov Bratva who main focus is his job. But every now and then he has to fight the feeling he has toward Inessa. But when danger comes for her....he can no longer fight his feelings. Enjoying this series.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful second book in series, great characters and scenario you’ll enjoy

This is a simply wonderful book you will simply love this amazing story it is filled with all of the usual zeal and fortitude of the Bratva with all that they have been able to deal with, the characters and the plots are wonderfully written and I guarantee you will enjoy every moment.

Inessa has been raised by her mother all of her life the two of them alone except that she worked for the Sokolov Bratva as their chef and she had raised her daughter well, she knew the importance of hard work and valuing their wort and this had made her a hardworking and successful Student.

Andrei the cousin of the Bratva Pakhaan whose wife had recently been kidnapped has just discovered that she was pregnant with twins, they were certain that there may be further attempts on her life so they were being ramping up security to the maximum.

Andrei had known Inessa since she had been a small child hiding in the halls of their home and playing with the occasional bratva children that visited, she had grown up working alongside her mother and she was hard working and he knew that she was catching his attention more and more no matter how much he avoided her.

Their lives and the relationship had changed the night that Inessa on a very rare nigh out with student friends had been at a club known as the “The Nymph”, where mermaids swam in a large pool and the patrons drank shots as they watched them swimming in the depths as mermaids.

Andrei a mountain of a man heads above most around him had suddenly spotted Inessa whilst talking business with the owner, then all hell had broken out and he knew if he didn’t step in, she would be killed.

It is soon apparent that this is most probably another attack by the Baranovs using a mannequin that had a marked resemblance to Mikhail’s wife Annika and this had made it necessary for Andrei to care for Inessa until the perpetrators could be caught and brought to justice.

This is another very strong story written by this author that writes of the Bratva and their brotherhood and family ties so wonderfully. I guarantee that once you begin reading this story you will not be able to put the book down until the final page.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

ANDREI
My life as the commander of the Sokolov Bratva is all I've ever needed. It fill my days, sure, but it also fills me with purpose. Standing with my brothers and crating a legacy is everything I ever thought I'd want-until Inessa showed me what life really is. I can't drag her into this vicious orbit. I've seen firsthand the danger that can so easily come to those we love, and even though I'd die to protect her, she deserves a life where there's nothing to be protected from. I could never give her that life. I know that. But that doesn't make it any easier to let her go.
INESSA
I've always been content to take in the world as it passes me by. I've spent my life on the Sokolov Estate, helping mother with her work as their live-in chef and quietly observing the inner workings of the group of powerful men who never seemed to notice me at all. Until one of them did. Andrei, the Sokolov's dark-eyed, somber commander whose gaze leave me feeling deliciously exposed for the first time in my life. When I'm with him, it's hard to remember ever being so invisible. And I never want him to stop looking.

This is the second book in the Sokolov Bratva. While each story will feature a different couple the story of it all continues in each book. You will need to read Ruthless Heir first before diving in to Brutal Commandar.
This is the story of Andrei and Inessa. It picks right up where we left off in Ruthless Heir. Inessa is the live-in chef's daughter and she has always been around helping her mom. She is a girl who is perfectly content to watch the world go by. She has also been slowly watching the inner workings of the Bratva while these men go about their lives never noticing her. Until one of them does. The Commander, Andrei Sokolov. She might have always been around but now she is all grown up and he is super interested in her. He has a super important job with the security of the Bratva and when there is a shooting and a near miss because he wasn't focused, he knows that he has to let Inessa go. He really so does not want to but he does. I just loved Andrei. He is tough and brutal when he has to be but he has this really big heart that was always meant to belong to Inessa. However, things will change again when she is in danger. Can he save her? Can he keep her and his focus on his job at the same time? There is a lot that goes on in this book and you will be on the edge of your seat at times. I really enjoyed reading this book and can not wait until the next one comes out.

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

This book started where Ruthless Heir left off. It was refreshing to start reading it because of this. Some cliffhangers go back and take a chapter or two to rehash what was happened in the last book. This book is about Andrei and Inessa. Andrei is the commander and his cousin from Russia to Mikhail the Pakhail of the Sokolov Bratva Mafia. Inessa is the Cook's daughter that grew up in Mikhail's house around his father and him her whole life. Inessa is in her last year of college getting her bachelor degree in psychology. She loves to people watch. That is what she has been doing that at home for a long time. Andrei has caught her eye and she starts to feel sparks for him and Andrei has noticed her but has been warned off by Mikhail. Andrei has not touched her but has dreams and thoughts of her all the time. One night Andrei is at a nightclub that they run money through and it just so happens Inessa shows up. All the sudden in the middle of Andrei's business meeting and Inessa dancing with friends commotion starts to happen and Inessa ends up right in the middle. Andrei ends up taking her to his house to make sure she is ok and not the attempt of an attack. That is when they have their first sexual encounter and let the sparks start flying. They start to see each other in the secret but Annika Mikhail's wife is figuring it out. They are starting to fall in love but not telling each other. They just know that they want to be together all the time and it can't happen.

As you keep reading this book you learn some things about Inessa's friends, teacher, and her lab monitor. Inessa starts to have some real troubles and Andrei steps in. I loved this book just as much as the first book and recommend it. It has to be read in order or the series because this series are cliffhangers that lead into the next book. Roma James really hit it high on my Mafia Romance book writer. This is the first series and books I have read by her but I will tell you that I can't wait until the next book comes out.- Kristina

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up where the last left off so read them in order or you'll be lost.

Andrei is the Commander of the Sokolov Bratva and is part of the team looking for Annika. When they find and rescue her, they make a point of showing no mercy to the person that kidnapped her. Inessa has grown up around the family because her mom is their private chef. Inessa is studying psychology and she is a people watcher. This has her watching the family and making notes. She is drawn to Andrei but doesn't think he is interested in her. She goes out to a club with some friends and when things go sideways Andrei rescues her. Its not long before things heat up between them. Inessa has been having some issues with a man in charge of the lab at school and Andrei has warned him away once. However, he is obsessed with her and tries again. Just as Andrei and Inessa are starting to look to the future another twist happens and Inessa is taken. Will they be able to find her? Will they get their chance at a happy ending.

OMG! I loved this book as much as I did the first one. I found myself a quiet place and snuggled in to lose myself and this book blocks everything out once You get involved in it. This author has a way of pulling you in and only to leave you hanging for more at the end. I can't wait for the next book. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Sokolova Bratva series and does not disappoint. This is Andrei & Inessa's story. Andrei is the right hand of the Bratva and is always available to his boss. As the commander he is at the Sokolov mansion quite a bit and he has seen Inessa for years. Though now it is a bit different, as he has noticed that the chef's daughter has grown up and he can't keep his eyes off her. He knows she is an innocent and is off limits. She is not in the life, just serves the people in the Bratva by helping her mom. When he sees her at a night club where she gets put in danger, he has to keep her safe. He has very strong feeling for Inessa and to keep her safe ends up breaking up with her so he can concentrate on his job and to keep her safe. This book ends in a cliffhanger which is beyond frustrating though I am looking forward to seeing what happens. This is a well written story with good primary and secondary characters. Kept me reading well into the night.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

The second in the Sokolov Bratva and these do need to be read in order. The second story picks up just where the first story left off, as the first ended in a cliffy. Inessa is not really part of the family, but her mother is the cook so that sort of includes her in a roundabout way. On days when she helps her mother out, she can't help from staring at the display of man candy that is always there. Andrei catching her eyes the most, but of course nothing can come of it. Until one night out with her friends, Andrei comes to her rescue. A threat against bratva is clear but to make sure Inessa isn't caught up in the threat Andrei takes her back to his place. This is where it all starts for the two, but will Andrei allow her to stay in this world that he is a part of, or will he push her away for her own good?

This story, for me, was just ok. We get some drama, nice naughty bits, some violence and danger. Once again this leaves us in a cliffy, so be prepared. I give this 4 stars.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to an already great story! This is the story of Andrei and Inessa. Andrei is the cousin of the Pakhan and his 2nd in command. He is dark, dangerous and has a little obsession with the cook’s daughter who is off limits! Inessa is a strong, feisty, sassy young woman who is enchanted by the goings on of the Bratva. She is always in the shadows, listening and learning about what is going on. Inessa has a thing for Andrei as well and often daydreams about what it would be like.

Trouble happens at a night club where both Andrei and Inessa happen to be. All it takes is Andrei saving her and feelings can no longer be held back. Secret meetings, drama, violence, kidnappings, passion, a stalker, and a cliffhanger will keep your interest from page 1! I cannot wait for the next book to come out to see what happens! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

So while these book feature different characters, the books can’t be read as a standalone. While these are mafia books, they are fairly tame in comparison to what is out there so if this genre is new to you, this is a great place to start. But since I’m not new to this genre, I found these books boring at times and lacking some of the action we come to expect from these books. It is written in third person so the author weaves a beautiful, descriptive world and if you enjoy third person books, this is great example of it done well. Book one follows Mikhail and Annika, which sets up the world for us. I found both of them tedious and didn’t enjoy either of them. Book two follows Inessa and Andrei, following up from the cliffhanger from book one. I enjoyed them much more but was still hoping for more. Book two does end on a cliff hanger setting us up for book three.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

OMG!! Wow what a fantastic book, the author Roma James gave us a magnificent story and the characters were sensational. This book had so much going on that riveted to the seat to see what or who was going to strike OMG the ending I didn't see that coming especially when the Pakan's wife and babies were home and the heat was one to set the night on fire. Inessa is the daughter of the cook for the Pakan, she has lived there all her life and listened and watched for some time. Andrei is the Pakan's cousin he was sent over from Russia to command the troops, and protected his cousin and everyone else in the house. When he gets a message his heart goes into panicked mode the person who he has fallen for is being held hostage.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrei, the Sokolov’s dark-eyed, somber commander who knows his life is devoted to Mikhail the Sokolov Russian mafia boss and his cousin. A life he’s determined to live alone and devote his life to keeping Mikhail safe without distractions, falling in love. He has noticed for some time little Inessa, the cook’s daughter, she’s beautiful but off limits to him. Inessa has been intrigued by the quiet commander; she’s been fantasizing about him. Fate brings them together; can Andrei resist her? Can they keep their relationship a secret from everyone as they fall deeper in love with each other? A captivating story of a forbidden romance as Inessa show Andrei what his life could be like with her in his life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, congratulations to Ms. Roma James on this completely fascinating Sokolov Bratva Series. Andrei and Inessa's storyline had me glued to each and every page. I have had the pleasure of reading her publications previously, however, this is a new favorite.

Everything worth having is worth fighting for and while Andrei is a loner, lethal and older, there is only so much he can take, until he reaches his breaking point. And she comes in the forbidden form of Inessa, a college student and 100% off limits. Knowing she is just as infatuated with him puts both of these well written characters in danger.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Brutal Commander, from The Bad Boy Update, in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion. I quite honestly couldn't recommend reading this release more.

I am now impatiently awaiting Lethal Enforcer.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up after the suspenseful end to Ruthless Heir. You don't have to read it first but it helps. It was also a great read and if you read it first you can jump in to the next in the series right away. This was so good. Andrei starts noticing Inessa, the cooks daughter, has grown up. Inessa can't keep her eyes off Andrei. Things start to heat up between them. His attention lapses on security and it causes a near miss in a shooting. He breaks things off to concentrate on work. When she is in danger again, he goes in to rescue her. This book also ends in a cliffhanger.....now I can't wait for the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Andrei and Inessa’s journey. Andrei is the commander of the Sokolov Bratva, while Inessa has spent her life on the Sokolov estate, helping her mom who is the live-in-chef for the family. When Andrei notices Inessa, the attraction between them is intense, but when Andrei has a lapse in security which causes a near miss shooting, he ends the relationship with Inessa to concentrate on his job. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next part of this series. This is a well written story which has intrigue, suspense, danger, drama, angst, and emotions, which leads to a riveting page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but it was still a page turning read waiting for the shoe to drop and boy did it...
Picking up from where the previous ended this book was off to a promising start, but then I personally found that the focus spent too much time on the forbidden angle that the suspense I loved from book one was an afterthought.
The female main character also got on my nerves at time, growing up in a mafia household her behaviour/what she got away with doing seemed unrealistic, yes she was sheltered but still.
In saying all of this the author gave us another epic ending, after this book I'm not quite as panicked on how we'll get answers. I look forward to them.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrei and Inessa

This bad boy picks up right where we are left at the end of Ruthless Heir and we just dive right into the chaos!! Andrei and Inessa’s story is so freaking good I couldn’t put it down. The drama the suspense just all the things! This author has quickly become one of my favorites!
These two are instantly drawn to one another once their eyes meet but Inessa is off limits but their chemistry is undeniable! From the first moment he saved Inessa he was done for there was no looking back and while these two shouldn’t be together they can’t help it and they are completely perfect together. Andrei would do anything to keep Inessa safe and protected. Such an amazing read and it does omens in a cliffy and I cannot wait to dive into the next book!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! This is Andrei's story. Andrei is Mikhail's Commander and that is his whole life. until Inessa catches his eye. She is everything he can't have, shouldn't have. She is the daughter of their cook and has grown up around them, but she is no longer a little girl. Inessa grew up around the Sokolov family and deep down knows who they are but that never stops her from being fascinated by them, especially Andrei. Their secret relationship comes out when Andrei recues Inessa from being held hostage. Their relationship is complicated, steamy and sweet at times and he comes to realize he will never let anyone hurt her...no spoilers...you'll have to read what happens to them!! I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrei is the Commander in the Sokolov Bratva and is part of the team looking for Annika, the pakhan's wife. When they find and rescue her, they make a point of showing no mercy to the person that kidnapped her. Inessa has been raised by her mother, the chef for the Sokolov family and has been in this world all her life. When she is mistaken for Annika and threatened, Andrei goes into protective overdrive. Thrown together, feelings and more happen. The book os full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, twists, and so much more. Ends on a cliffy and I am so ready for book 3. With this series available on KU, you can race the series for free.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerously Hot!

This novel is my first ARC by this author. I was fully expecting a HEA at the end but instead I reached a heart-stopping climax of a cliff-hanger! Andrei is Mikhail's cousin & Commander. He's brutal in his line of work but when he sets his eyes on Inessa, the cook's daughter at Mikhail's mansion, he's every bit of a gentleman & protector. Even with their age gap, they sneak around & are secretive so no one knows about their blooming hot relationship. Buckle up as this is one heck of a great Mafia-themed romantic love story. A page-turner, never a dull moment in the Sokolov household!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues from Mikhail and Annika's story to Mikhail's cousin and Commander Andrei and his emotional involvement with the cook's daughter, Inessa. He has watched her grow up on the Sokolav Estate becoming more beautiful and intelligent as the years go by. He watches her watching him from the hall between the kitchen and dining room as the Bratva is served by her mother. Occasionally she mouths farewells to him. Andrei disobeyed his Pakhaan's warning to stay away from her after he saved her from danger during a mob panic at a club he was visiting; now he really can't think of anything long without thinking of Inessa! If you enjoy the Russian Bratva world, you'll certainly like this book. The epilogue ends on a cliffhanger to lead into the third book in the series.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inessa had grown up on the estate as her mother was a chef to the bratva, she had grown up with the children who turned into made men, but she was in the shadows, until trouble finds her on a night out and Andrei is the one to come to her rescue, he tried to keep his distance but the closer they had to be the more they couldnt resist, well written book 2 in the series, engaging well developed characters and story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrei has a hard job to do and can’t afford to get entangled with anyone. His job is commander of the Sokolov Bratva it is a hard job that keeps him busy but not to busy to notice Inessa she is listening in to there meeting. Roma James draws you into the book with each pages she writes.
With Andrei and Inessa story Mikhail has warned Andrei to stay away from Inessa who is the chefs daughter but they can’t turn off there feeling. I can’t wait to read the next book. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given.

[Sharon Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Sokolov series does not disappoint. I’m new to this authors work but I am hooked. The way she writes, painting a perfect picture of each scene drawing you in so you feel like you are living every second of the story. And a cliffhanger to make you beg for more!

I really need book 3 now please! I cannot wait for publication/release date

So so good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, the characters are well-developed and complex and the storyline flows smoothly. It had no trouble holding my attention as the author took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride full of drama.

They have known each other, not well though for many years, but then one night they bump into each other and everything changes, their story is intense at times and their connection is undeniable.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did the first one, it was still entertaining. The plot could have used some improvement. It kept focusing on their forbidden romance. I wanted a little more suspense and action than I got. Inessa and Andrei made a great couple. The chemistry was there and I felt they were easily relatable. I’m looking forward to book 3.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and a fabulous addition to the series It was well written and page turner . It was action packed, suspenseful, steamy and through and through captivating. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Andrei and Inessa have known each other but she has been off limits for him as she is the cooks daughter and Andrei is the commander. It was a good forbidden roller coaster. I am looking fwd to reading the next book in the series.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Andrei & Inessa’s story. Inessa: I’ve always been content to take in the world as it passes me by. I’ve spent my life on the Sokolov Estate, helping my mother with her work as their live-in chef and quietly observing the inner workings of the group of powerful men who never seemed to notice me at all. Until one of them did. This was an intriguing & exciting read. Loved it. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sokolov Bratva Series and picks up where the first book left off. You'll find many of your questions answered in this book. The book is masterfully written and will grab your attention right away and keeps it. Andrei and Inessa's story continues and there's no shortage of drama or danger. The series just gets better and better. Can't wait for the next book. I read an advance copy via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to review it,

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok read. I enjoyed Andrei and his alpha protective ways but Inessa character didn’t connect with the story line. Her back story, cook’s daughter, wasn’t interesting. It starts off on edge where book 1 left off but just dies. The story at times felt rushed.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.