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Chicago Bratva #9
The Gatekeeper
She’s my captive.
My prisoner.
I will make her talk.
The bratva put a gun in my hand at age thirteen. Gave me freedom, a sense of belonging, and the family I never had.
There’s no way I’m going to let this slip of a woman harm my boss.
No matter how beautiful she is.
How beguiling.
How painfully fragile.
Hurting a woman, however, is not possible.
So I’ll find other ways to torture her. Other, far more pleasing ways.
And in the end, my little prisoner will reveal all her secrets.
In the end: she will be mine.
My prisoner.
I will make her talk.
The bratva put a gun in my hand at age thirteen. Gave me freedom, a sense of belonging, and the family I never had.
There’s no way I’m going to let this slip of a woman harm my boss.
No matter how beautiful she is.
How beguiling.
How painfully fragile.
Hurting a woman, however, is not possible.
So I’ll find other ways to torture her. Other, far more pleasing ways.
And in the end, my little prisoner will reveal all her secrets.
In the end: she will be mine.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
152 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Renee Rose
289 books4,920 followers15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.
For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp
**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
**Follow Renee at www.Facebook.com/ReneeRoseRomance - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
**Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/reneeroseromance
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:
"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright
"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley
"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews
"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews
"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol
"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith
"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight
"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]
"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers
"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews
For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp
**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
**Follow Renee at www.Facebook.com/ReneeRoseRomance - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
**Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/reneeroseromance
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:
"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright
"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley
"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews
"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews
"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol
"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith
"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight
"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]
"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers
"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews
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January 26, 2023I'm hosting a signed paperback giveaway on my IG page you can check it out here ➡ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4qq2iJ6CT/
*Giveaway open to U.S. residents, and ends on 1/31 at 11.59 pm ET.
Read an #excerpt and Find out more about the book here → https://bit.ly/3WL4Bqa
*Giveaway open to U.S. residents, and ends on 1/31 at 11.59 pm ET.
Read an #excerpt and Find out more about the book here → https://bit.ly/3WL4Bqa
August 11, 2025
Un jour les auteurs/trices vont comprendre que less is more.
Sur 224 pages 170-180 était du smut. L'instant lust était abominable, dès le premier chapitre ils couchent ensemble... Je m'attendais a beaucoup de smut d'accord mais le plot ?
Les passages qui ne s'intéressaient qu'à la relation entre Maykl et Kira étaient les plus intéressantes mais malheureusement on en a eu que très peu. Aussi, je crois sérieusement que l'autrice ne savait pas quoi faire du goal de Kira. Elle veut retrouver son neveu pour s'assurer que ton va bien, neveu qu'elle a elle même dit considérer comme un fils pour ensuite le revoir qu'une seul fois ? Il n'est meme pas mentionné dans l'épilogue comme si ils n'avaient pas gardé contact, c'était bizarre.
Tout le déroulé du livre est maladroit. Kira est la personne la plus obvious du monde, a aucun moment elle a été discrete dans sa mission d'infiltration. Maykl semblait avoir percé le plan de Kira a jour au début mais ensuite son côté perspicace s'est effacé au profit du personnage du gars torturé et généreux au lit et sérieusement je m'en foutais.
Sur 224 pages 170-180 était du smut. L'instant lust était abominable, dès le premier chapitre ils couchent ensemble... Je m'attendais a beaucoup de smut d'accord mais le plot ?
Les passages qui ne s'intéressaient qu'à la relation entre Maykl et Kira étaient les plus intéressantes mais malheureusement on en a eu que très peu. Aussi, je crois sérieusement que l'autrice ne savait pas quoi faire du goal de Kira. Elle veut retrouver son neveu pour s'assurer que ton va bien, neveu qu'elle a elle même dit considérer comme un fils pour ensuite le revoir qu'une seul fois ? Il n'est meme pas mentionné dans l'épilogue comme si ils n'avaient pas gardé contact, c'était bizarre.
Tout le déroulé du livre est maladroit. Kira est la personne la plus obvious du monde, a aucun moment elle a été discrete dans sa mission d'infiltration. Maykl semblait avoir percé le plan de Kira a jour au début mais ensuite son côté perspicace s'est effacé au profit du personnage du gars torturé et généreux au lit et sérieusement je m'en foutais.
March 22, 2023
This is the first book I've read by Renee Rose and honestly I really enjoyed it. There's spice, suspense, action, a little angst. The main characters had explosive chemistry and the plot was engaging. There were parts of the book that felt a bit repetitive and overall this was a solid read. I'll probably go back and read the rest of this series because I enjoyed the fictional world in this book!
April 14, 2023
Lety M - per RFS
.
Eccoci con una nuova storia d’amore del gruppo criminale della bratva di Chicago, sono russi, sono cattivi e non si fanno mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno, ma basta una donna tosta per farli capitolare.
Ci troviamo nella famosa metropoli dell’Illinois, proprio nella zona centrale in cui sorge un grande edificio noto come il Cremlino e abitato esclusivamente da cittadini russi.
Maykl è il guardiano di questo quartier generale, si occupa di valutare il pericolo e scongiurare eventuali attacchi al sistema.
È stato integrato nella bratva all’età di tredici anni a fronte di un uccisione che gli ha fatto guadagnare il suo primo marchio come uno dei sicari della fratellanza.
Questa diventa il suo passato, il suo presente e il suo futuro.
Se per Maykl la bratva è una famiglia, per Kira, anche lei cittadina russa, è fonte di grande dolore, al contrario di lui, infatti, l’organizzazione ha distrutto le persone che amava.
Al principio incontriamo una giovane protagonista che viene separata brutalmente dalla sorella, ceduta in pegno in cambio dei debiti del padre alla bratva di Chicago.
Ora grande, Kira, agente di polizia russa, è alla ricerca del suo nipotino disperso, colui che ha cresciuto come un figlio prima della partenza della sorella. È disposta a tutto pur di ritrovarlo, demolirà tutta l’organizzazione della bratva se necessario, utilizzerà ogni mezzo a sua disposizione anche se questo significherà ingannare Maykl, che è stato fin da subito accogliente e disponibile nell’aiutarla e proteggerla.
La passione tra i due è immediata, appena si incontrano sono fuoco e scintille fin dalla prima notte, ma Kira si è infiltrata con un obiettivo, trovare suo nipote Mika e aiutare l’FBI a far crollare l’organizzazione dall’interno.
Forse era perché era tutto sbagliato.
Perché sapevo che era un errore.
Forse era perché Kira era la mia kryptonite.
Come tutti i libri di Renee la lettura è scorrevole e veloce, leggera e piacevole, non vi è traccia di errori o refusi, si vede che l’editing è stato seguito in modo dettagliato. Non è molto descrittiva per quanto riguarda l’ambientazione, ma lascia il punto focale incentrato sulla storia d’amore.
Le scene erotiche sono molto dettagliate, sebbene mai volgari, fanno emergere i tratti dominanti del protagonista maschile che gode a sottomettere e legare la sua compagna.
Personalmente adoro gli uomini dall’atteggiamento alpha che crea Renee, sono passionali, focosi, l’utilizzo poi delle citazioni in lingua originale rende l’immaginazione delle scene per il lettore più vivace e fantasiosa.
La protagonista femminile è tenace e combattiva, in questa lettura in particolare, Maykal identifica Kira con il soprannome di ‘malen’kaya Valkiriya’ (piccola Valchiria) a sottolineare una donna focosa che tiene testa al suo dominatore e che si sottomette per scelta, non per obbligo. Una guerriera.
Questi tratti rendono la simbiosi tra i due eccellente, entrambi con dei passati tormentati e peccati che pesano sulla coscienza, ma che trovano la loro redenzione l’uno nelle braccia dell’altro.
In conclusione consiglio il libro, ma non troverete leggendolo una profondità eccelsa nei personaggi, in quanto a mio parere Renee lascia vivere ai lettori la leggerezza della storia d’amore e delle scene hot.
.
Eccoci con una nuova storia d’amore del gruppo criminale della bratva di Chicago, sono russi, sono cattivi e non si fanno mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno, ma basta una donna tosta per farli capitolare.
Ci troviamo nella famosa metropoli dell’Illinois, proprio nella zona centrale in cui sorge un grande edificio noto come il Cremlino e abitato esclusivamente da cittadini russi.
Maykl è il guardiano di questo quartier generale, si occupa di valutare il pericolo e scongiurare eventuali attacchi al sistema.
È stato integrato nella bratva all’età di tredici anni a fronte di un uccisione che gli ha fatto guadagnare il suo primo marchio come uno dei sicari della fratellanza.
Questa diventa il suo passato, il suo presente e il suo futuro.
Se per Maykl la bratva è una famiglia, per Kira, anche lei cittadina russa, è fonte di grande dolore, al contrario di lui, infatti, l’organizzazione ha distrutto le persone che amava.
Al principio incontriamo una giovane protagonista che viene separata brutalmente dalla sorella, ceduta in pegno in cambio dei debiti del padre alla bratva di Chicago.
Ora grande, Kira, agente di polizia russa, è alla ricerca del suo nipotino disperso, colui che ha cresciuto come un figlio prima della partenza della sorella. È disposta a tutto pur di ritrovarlo, demolirà tutta l’organizzazione della bratva se necessario, utilizzerà ogni mezzo a sua disposizione anche se questo significherà ingannare Maykl, che è stato fin da subito accogliente e disponibile nell’aiutarla e proteggerla.
La passione tra i due è immediata, appena si incontrano sono fuoco e scintille fin dalla prima notte, ma Kira si è infiltrata con un obiettivo, trovare suo nipote Mika e aiutare l’FBI a far crollare l’organizzazione dall’interno.
Forse era perché era tutto sbagliato.
Perché sapevo che era un errore.
Forse era perché Kira era la mia kryptonite.
Come tutti i libri di Renee la lettura è scorrevole e veloce, leggera e piacevole, non vi è traccia di errori o refusi, si vede che l’editing è stato seguito in modo dettagliato. Non è molto descrittiva per quanto riguarda l’ambientazione, ma lascia il punto focale incentrato sulla storia d’amore.
Le scene erotiche sono molto dettagliate, sebbene mai volgari, fanno emergere i tratti dominanti del protagonista maschile che gode a sottomettere e legare la sua compagna.
Personalmente adoro gli uomini dall’atteggiamento alpha che crea Renee, sono passionali, focosi, l’utilizzo poi delle citazioni in lingua originale rende l’immaginazione delle scene per il lettore più vivace e fantasiosa.
La protagonista femminile è tenace e combattiva, in questa lettura in particolare, Maykal identifica Kira con il soprannome di ‘malen’kaya Valkiriya’ (piccola Valchiria) a sottolineare una donna focosa che tiene testa al suo dominatore e che si sottomette per scelta, non per obbligo. Una guerriera.
Questi tratti rendono la simbiosi tra i due eccellente, entrambi con dei passati tormentati e peccati che pesano sulla coscienza, ma che trovano la loro redenzione l’uno nelle braccia dell’altro.
In conclusione consiglio il libro, ma non troverete leggendolo una profondità eccelsa nei personaggi, in quanto a mio parere Renee lascia vivere ai lettori la leggerezza della storia d’amore e delle scene hot.
December 8, 2023
Spicy. Me likey
January 22, 2023
Kira has come to America because her sister has died. Anya was taken by the bratva in payment for a debt their father owed and became a drug addict. She took her son and followed his father to America. Arriving in Chicago, Kira discovers that her nephew was not with his mother at the crack house where her body was discovered. As a cop, Kira can get the local police to talk to her and she is told about the Kremlin on Lake Shore Drive where the local bratva live. Hoping to learn what happened to her nephew, Kira shows up at the door asking for a place to stay and hiding her police connections. She is met by Maykl - the Gatekeeper.
Maykl knows that the beautiful woman who showed up at the front door of the Kremlin has ulterior motives, but he is willing to let her try her luck. He soon finds himself falling for her, until he discovers her going through a desk in the middle of the night. What was she looking for? Maykl realizes that he needs to find out who she really is before she causes them problems. But it may already be too late. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Maykl knows that the beautiful woman who showed up at the front door of the Kremlin has ulterior motives, but he is willing to let her try her luck. He soon finds himself falling for her, until he discovers her going through a desk in the middle of the night. What was she looking for? Maykl realizes that he needs to find out who she really is before she causes them problems. But it may already be too late. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
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January 20, 2023
4½ stars
Kira comes to America to find her lost nephew. She has good intentions and ends up at the Kremlin and staying with Maykl
Everything seemed like a natural story progression... the story was well written and engaging...I really enjoyed everything about this one.
Kira comes to America to find her lost nephew. She has good intentions and ends up at the Kremlin and staying with Maykl
Everything seemed like a natural story progression... the story was well written and engaging...I really enjoyed everything about this one.
February 5, 2025
I spent December (2024) and the first half of January reading both the 'Vegas Underground' and the 'Chicago Bratva' series (since they are connected), and I just loved it.
If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
February 14, 2023
Too Fast Paced and Unbelievable
Spoilers Ahead! So I’m a fan of this author, and I like this series and the Tacone series. But this book really fell flat for me. Despite being an insta love book, it was so fast paced that the timeline was unrealistic. Kira is a Russian police officer who goes to America in search of her nephew. When she finds out he could be with the bratva, she decides on a whim to go undercover and seduce her way into the bratva. I’m sorry what?? Her boss encourages it immediately, doesn’t really ask any questions and she doesn’t find this suspicious at all. She’s bad at the seduction and basically seduces Makyl the first couple hours there. If you were going undercover you would think you would try to play a longer game and be a bit sneakier. Makyl is suspicious and finds her out very quickly. He tells Ravil, there’s a raid on the building that they’re able to stop. She’s Makyl’s prisoner for maybe a week, and suddenly they love each other. Then in the end when she finally finds her nephew, she spends 5 minutes talking to him before leaving to seek revenge on her boss. And then he’s not mentioned again! This book was really frustrating and was almost a DNF for me. It felt very very rushed, and the heroine’s ineptitude and gullibility (especially for someone who is supposed to be a cop) was annoying. I also feel like the dialogue and writing in this book wasn’t as smooth as the other books either and was choppy and awkward in places. I feel like this book had so much potential and it just didn’t hit the mark.
Spoilers Ahead! So I’m a fan of this author, and I like this series and the Tacone series. But this book really fell flat for me. Despite being an insta love book, it was so fast paced that the timeline was unrealistic. Kira is a Russian police officer who goes to America in search of her nephew. When she finds out he could be with the bratva, she decides on a whim to go undercover and seduce her way into the bratva. I’m sorry what?? Her boss encourages it immediately, doesn’t really ask any questions and she doesn’t find this suspicious at all. She’s bad at the seduction and basically seduces Makyl the first couple hours there. If you were going undercover you would think you would try to play a longer game and be a bit sneakier. Makyl is suspicious and finds her out very quickly. He tells Ravil, there’s a raid on the building that they’re able to stop. She’s Makyl’s prisoner for maybe a week, and suddenly they love each other. Then in the end when she finally finds her nephew, she spends 5 minutes talking to him before leaving to seek revenge on her boss. And then he’s not mentioned again! This book was really frustrating and was almost a DNF for me. It felt very very rushed, and the heroine’s ineptitude and gullibility (especially for someone who is supposed to be a cop) was annoying. I also feel like the dialogue and writing in this book wasn’t as smooth as the other books either and was choppy and awkward in places. I feel like this book had so much potential and it just didn’t hit the mark.
January 26, 2023
The 9th book in this Chicago Bratva series, which has been a fantastic read, I've loved every one of this series - in this one we have Maykal, the guy who stands at the reception of the Kremlin building, the first line of defense, he knows his stuff, always on the look out, and knows that the beautiful woman banging on the door asking to be let in, talking Russian, asking for help, has ulterior motives she's not disclosing.
Kira and her sister suffered at the Russian Bratva hands young in their lives, with her sister Anya taken as payment for her father's debt. Anya got herself involved in drugs and went to America with the Bratva and her son but has died from the drug abuse. Kira is a Russian cop and feels very guilty for not being able to help Anya and so goes to Chicago looking for her nephew, who appears not to have been with his mother. She is advised to go to the Kremlin building where the local Bratva reside and see if she can find out any more. She hates the Bratva for what she has done to her family and her boss in Russia comes up with a plan - if she can get herself inside the Kremlin and go undercover he will work with the FBI to find her nephew. She doesn't need much persuading to go after the brutes who destroyed her family life.
Maykal ends up letting Kira inside the Kremlin, allowing his lust to rule his head, allowing her to try and seduce him, but he knows this is not the norm for her, and allows her to stay in his room until he can get something sorted for her in the morning. But he awakes in the night to find her going through his drawers near his security system - what is she looking for??
Maykal turns out to be nothing like Kira expected, yes he is Bratva but he is not brutal or violent, he is caring, thoughtful and protective even though she is a prisoner taped to his chair or his bed! Maykal decides to try and get the information out of her himself instead of turning her over to his Bratva brothers, not being able to stand what they might do to her. Little does he know just what danger she has brought, and he has allowed in, to the Kremlin building.
A good read and an engaging story involving all the major Bratva players as well as some from the Tacone family. Well worth the read.
Kira and her sister suffered at the Russian Bratva hands young in their lives, with her sister Anya taken as payment for her father's debt. Anya got herself involved in drugs and went to America with the Bratva and her son but has died from the drug abuse. Kira is a Russian cop and feels very guilty for not being able to help Anya and so goes to Chicago looking for her nephew, who appears not to have been with his mother. She is advised to go to the Kremlin building where the local Bratva reside and see if she can find out any more. She hates the Bratva for what she has done to her family and her boss in Russia comes up with a plan - if she can get herself inside the Kremlin and go undercover he will work with the FBI to find her nephew. She doesn't need much persuading to go after the brutes who destroyed her family life.
Maykal ends up letting Kira inside the Kremlin, allowing his lust to rule his head, allowing her to try and seduce him, but he knows this is not the norm for her, and allows her to stay in his room until he can get something sorted for her in the morning. But he awakes in the night to find her going through his drawers near his security system - what is she looking for??
Maykal turns out to be nothing like Kira expected, yes he is Bratva but he is not brutal or violent, he is caring, thoughtful and protective even though she is a prisoner taped to his chair or his bed! Maykal decides to try and get the information out of her himself instead of turning her over to his Bratva brothers, not being able to stand what they might do to her. Little does he know just what danger she has brought, and he has allowed in, to the Kremlin building.
A good read and an engaging story involving all the major Bratva players as well as some from the Tacone family. Well worth the read.
January 27, 2023
“The Gatekeeper: A Dark Bratva Romance is the ninth book in the Chicago Bratva series and tells the story of Maykl and Kira. The stories are stand alone but it is enjoyable to read all of them since we continue to meet the characters throughout the series and each story is original and introduces something new and exciting. Sadly, this will be the last story and I will miss reading about these characters. Love reading stories by Renee Rose. She makes them seem so real. The quality of the stories make it seem like you are right there watching things unfold.
Maykl and Kira have both had difficult childhoods and at age 13 suffered a traumatic event which has affected them throughout their lives. We meet Kira, as she travels from Russia to America when she receives news of her sister’s death and needs to find her nephew. She isn’t sure how to find him, she wants revenge against the Bratva, whom she blames for ruining her sister’s life. She doesn’t know anyone in Chicago, isn’t sure how to locate her nephew - talk about arriving somewhere without a plan…..Looking for a place to stay, she is directed to an apartment building called the “Kremlin” where only people from Russia live. It is here that she meets Maykl - he mans the reception desk and decides who can enter - He is the Gatekeeper……He doesn’t completely believe the story Kira tells but he is drawn to her and lets her enter. He is determined to discover her story. And…..the book just continues to keep us reading and reading. They each distrust, are suspicious and Maykl is a loyal Bravta soldier. Only, Kira can unlock the gate to his heart! Yes!! The story has an amazing romantic tale. They have hurdles to overcome which involve the rest of our Chicago Bratva family as well as some of the Tacone family.
Renee Rose has done it again! Given her readers a story that keeps you guessing, filled with intrigued, a beautifully told romance, sexy scenes, fast paced and fantastic.
January 24, 2023
Kira travels from Russia to Chicago to try and find her dead sister's teenage son, Mika. The bratva has taken just about everything from her, including her father and her sister, and unthinkably, maybe her nephew. The first step is to get inside the building known as the Kremlin; and if the Chicago bratva is a casualty in her search for Mika, all the better.
Maykl is the gatekeeper, securing the building known as the Kremlin, where bratva members reside with their families. He has watched his "brothers" fall in love, one by one, and has mixed feelings about it, but when Kira comes into his life, everything changes. He finds he can't resist her and when he discovers her duplicity, protecting her becomes his primary goal.
I love Maykl. He's dominant but caring and he has a conscience and a sense of honor and is passionately protective of Kira even when he finds out the truth about her. I like Kira too. She isn't afraid to do what she thinks is right even at the risk of her own life. They have serious chemistry and their steamy love story, with all it's intensity and passion and excellent plotting, captured me from page one.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a lot of great romances by other authors but Renee Rose is one of the very best. No one writes with as much heart. I just love her characters so much and her words convey their emotions so perfectly. The Gatekeeper is a perfect addition to this terrific series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maykl is the gatekeeper, securing the building known as the Kremlin, where bratva members reside with their families. He has watched his "brothers" fall in love, one by one, and has mixed feelings about it, but when Kira comes into his life, everything changes. He finds he can't resist her and when he discovers her duplicity, protecting her becomes his primary goal.
I love Maykl. He's dominant but caring and he has a conscience and a sense of honor and is passionately protective of Kira even when he finds out the truth about her. I like Kira too. She isn't afraid to do what she thinks is right even at the risk of her own life. They have serious chemistry and their steamy love story, with all it's intensity and passion and excellent plotting, captured me from page one.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a lot of great romances by other authors but Renee Rose is one of the very best. No one writes with as much heart. I just love her characters so much and her words convey their emotions so perfectly. The Gatekeeper is a perfect addition to this terrific series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
What a fantastic way to end a great series! Rose’s Chicago Bratva series has been inspired, and the best books in this wonderful series are the ones with strong heroes, heroines, and conflicts. The Gatekeeper has that in full measure.
So many times, you read romances where the problems would be solved with just one honest conversation. But Kira and Maykl have solid reasons not to share their secrets with one another. They need to hide actions of the past and professions of the present.
What complicates this is that Kira and Maykl are wildly attracted to each other. But when one person in a budding relationship is a longstanding member of the Russian mafia and the other is a Russian cop who isn’t revealing her police connections, you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen, not only personally but professionally.
One thing Rose does nicely in The Gatekeeper is deal with stereotypical expectations. Kira believes all bratva members are horrid based on who she’s dealt with in the past. Maykl believes that all cops are untrustworthy. Each has to realize that the other offers more than the stereotype in order to create a relationship built more on trust than lust.
There are also some twists and turns in the The Gatekeeper that I truly didn’t expect, and best of all, lessons that both Kira and Maykl must learn. When you combine that with welcome returns from characters in earlier Chicago Bratva books, you’ve got a marvelous sendoff to a series that I’m going to miss and return to for comfort rereads. It’s a wonderful feather in Rose’s writing cap.
So many times, you read romances where the problems would be solved with just one honest conversation. But Kira and Maykl have solid reasons not to share their secrets with one another. They need to hide actions of the past and professions of the present.
What complicates this is that Kira and Maykl are wildly attracted to each other. But when one person in a budding relationship is a longstanding member of the Russian mafia and the other is a Russian cop who isn’t revealing her police connections, you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen, not only personally but professionally.
One thing Rose does nicely in The Gatekeeper is deal with stereotypical expectations. Kira believes all bratva members are horrid based on who she’s dealt with in the past. Maykl believes that all cops are untrustworthy. Each has to realize that the other offers more than the stereotype in order to create a relationship built more on trust than lust.
There are also some twists and turns in the The Gatekeeper that I truly didn’t expect, and best of all, lessons that both Kira and Maykl must learn. When you combine that with welcome returns from characters in earlier Chicago Bratva books, you’ve got a marvelous sendoff to a series that I’m going to miss and return to for comfort rereads. It’s a wonderful feather in Rose’s writing cap.
March 20, 2023
The book blurb is a little misleading. The "trying to make her talk" part is a very small part of the book.
She shows up at the Bratva's building and asks if she can stay. He is the gatekeeper and asks why. She says her sister died and she needs to handle funeral arrangements and doesn't have enough money for a hotel for a few nights.
She immediately tries to seduce the hero so she can get information on her missing nephew. He is happy to be seduced.
He doesn't know she is a cop so he handles funeral arrangements for her sister and offers to pay. So he is being very nice to her and she feels bad she plans to betray him.
SPOILER PSOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPIOLER
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
He finds her snooping around and she reveals she is looking for her missing nephew. He finds out she is a cop in Russia (she had her id in a hidden pocket in her purse).
So he ties her to his bed and has to figure out what to do. He doesn't want anyone to torture her. So he asks his friend for some truth serum. He gives it to her and she tells him everything, without any torture.
His Bratva friends explain she can never leave. So either he makes her fall in love with him and he keeps her forever, or they have to kill her for betraying them. She took photos of the building and figured out the password and gave it to her boss in Russia.
Eventually she kills her boss and the Bratva kills the Russian head of the Bratva because they keep trying to kidnap the oil well heiress from Russia.
The author said this is the last book in the Chicago Bratva series.
She shows up at the Bratva's building and asks if she can stay. He is the gatekeeper and asks why. She says her sister died and she needs to handle funeral arrangements and doesn't have enough money for a hotel for a few nights.
She immediately tries to seduce the hero so she can get information on her missing nephew. He is happy to be seduced.
He doesn't know she is a cop so he handles funeral arrangements for her sister and offers to pay. So he is being very nice to her and she feels bad she plans to betray him.
SPOILER PSOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPIOLER
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
He finds her snooping around and she reveals she is looking for her missing nephew. He finds out she is a cop in Russia (she had her id in a hidden pocket in her purse).
So he ties her to his bed and has to figure out what to do. He doesn't want anyone to torture her. So he asks his friend for some truth serum. He gives it to her and she tells him everything, without any torture.
His Bratva friends explain she can never leave. So either he makes her fall in love with him and he keeps her forever, or they have to kill her for betraying them. She took photos of the building and figured out the password and gave it to her boss in Russia.
Eventually she kills her boss and the Bratva kills the Russian head of the Bratva because they keep trying to kidnap the oil well heiress from Russia.
The author said this is the last book in the Chicago Bratva series.
January 20, 2023
Maykl and Kira paths are linked. Kira has seen her family ripped apart by the Bratva. With the loss of her sister, she needs to now find her nephew. He is somewhere in the US. She needs to infiltrate the “Kremlin” and get what she can on them. Bring them down. One of them must know where her nephew may be. Maykl has watched those in his “family” find their loves. Each has fallen. He isn’t about to be hooked, till her. But there is something about Kira that makes his be cautious. Kira is playing with fire here. Her web of lies is going to get her burned. Even worse, something about her boss Stephanov isn’t right. Then we have Maykl’s past is haunting him. He did something in his past when he was young and lives with the ghosts. Problem is that Kira is wrapped in that past too. And if he plans to keep her, she may be the one to put the bullet in him. Things are so complicated. I felt so bad for them both. They both were hurting in their own way. It surprises me how small the world is. You have to love the Kremlin family though. The men are devoted to protecting everyone in the building and more so the women they love. I was afraid for Kira and her anger toward the Bratva when she didn’t know this cell. And I also felt my heart break for Maykl with how he felt his past doomed him. I was glad to see all the players from the other books as well as the Tacone Family. That was a great crossover. I love both Bratva.
January 28, 2023
“Winning Kira is the only way to save her life.”
I think the Chicago Bratva series is the best series Renee has ever written. There isn’t a single dud in the series. Having read every one I feel like I know them all, almost like they are my family. I admit I was surprised when I heard the last book was going to be about Maykl, the big, tough guardian of the door at the Kremlin. While he’d been involved in all the prior books I never would have considered him leading man material. I was seriously wrong. I adored Maykl and was engaged in his and Kira’s story from the first page. They were incredible together and had fantastic chemistry. I was blown away with how practically perfect Maykl turned out to be. Kira was so brave and so sad. Such a lonely life she’s had. I’m so happy she found the perfect man to spend her life with. I just wish we could have had a little more about her and Mika. I felt that was one thing that was left a little incomplete.
This book had tons of plot. And what a roller coaster of emotions Maykl and Kira put me through. I laughed, I cried, I worried and I felt joy. I didn’t want it to end. Even more so as this is supposedly the last book in the series which breaks my heart. I can’t imagine never reading another book about my favorite bratva men. If you’ve never read one of the books in the series don’t start here. It will spoil all the other books. Go back and start from the beginning. And be prepared to enjoy ever single book.
I think the Chicago Bratva series is the best series Renee has ever written. There isn’t a single dud in the series. Having read every one I feel like I know them all, almost like they are my family. I admit I was surprised when I heard the last book was going to be about Maykl, the big, tough guardian of the door at the Kremlin. While he’d been involved in all the prior books I never would have considered him leading man material. I was seriously wrong. I adored Maykl and was engaged in his and Kira’s story from the first page. They were incredible together and had fantastic chemistry. I was blown away with how practically perfect Maykl turned out to be. Kira was so brave and so sad. Such a lonely life she’s had. I’m so happy she found the perfect man to spend her life with. I just wish we could have had a little more about her and Mika. I felt that was one thing that was left a little incomplete.
This book had tons of plot. And what a roller coaster of emotions Maykl and Kira put me through. I laughed, I cried, I worried and I felt joy. I didn’t want it to end. Even more so as this is supposedly the last book in the series which breaks my heart. I can’t imagine never reading another book about my favorite bratva men. If you’ve never read one of the books in the series don’t start here. It will spoil all the other books. Go back and start from the beginning. And be prepared to enjoy ever single book.
January 15, 2024
In The Gatekeeper, Renee Rose brings closure to the Chicago Bratva series. It chronicles the romantic journey of Kira and Maykl. It started years ago when both were 13. Maykl as part of his initiation into the Moscow Bratva is ordered to kill her father. Years later in Chicago, Destiny brings them together. Now, Maykl is the gatekeeper for the Chicago Bratva. Kira is a Russian police officer. Her sister, who was collateral for her fathers debts dies in Chicago. Kira comes to claim her body. Her commanding officer gave her an assignment—infiltrate the Kremlin. As she makes contact, she meets Maylk. There is a chemistry between them. Soon she is his prisoner in his apartment. Will they act on their feelings for each other? Can Kira reconcile to the truth that has been kept from her? Will the Moscow Bratva cell, that is manipulating her strings be successful? To find out you must read this book.
I like that Ms Rose uses this character driven plotline to give her lead characters a second chance in life. Ms. Rose incorporates suspense and intrigue through the Chicago Bratva. Readers witness the evolution of both lead characters. I like how Ms. Rose creates multi-dimensional lead characters and how she uses secondary characters to create a pseudo family unit supporting the main characters. Ms. Rose uses dialog and a dual point of view to build a palpable romantic tension. Her descriptive language creates vivid scenes. Nicely done.
I like that Ms Rose uses this character driven plotline to give her lead characters a second chance in life. Ms. Rose incorporates suspense and intrigue through the Chicago Bratva. Readers witness the evolution of both lead characters. I like how Ms. Rose creates multi-dimensional lead characters and how she uses secondary characters to create a pseudo family unit supporting the main characters. Ms. Rose uses dialog and a dual point of view to build a palpable romantic tension. Her descriptive language creates vivid scenes. Nicely done.
January 23, 2023
This is the final book in the Chicago Bratva series. Although, I am a little sad, I think I am ready to move on to something new from Renee Rose. I thoroughly enjoyed the first books in the series with Pavel (Soldier, Book#4) being my favorite brother, but I think this series has just ran its course. The Gatekeeper was the right time to send all of these characters off into the sunset.
Makyl is the Gatekeeper. He's the first line of defense and unofficially the head of security for the Kremlin. One night, a woman comes begging at the door for help. Against his better judgement, he takes her in. I wanted to laugh and shake my head all at the same time. It wasn't hard to see how this story was going to end. You just want to tell him, the more you fight it, the harder you're going to fall.
When Kira shows up at the Kremlin, she's only interested in righting the wrongs of the past. I am not going to go into much detail about this. I will say though, if you're a huge fan, you're going to suspect how this book tie-ins to everything else. At the first mention of one character, my mind started to roll. Could it be? No! I had to have it wrong. No! I think I am right. My mind started to try and read at warp speed. I think I was so excited at the potential that I was disappointed in the actual. It wasn't enough, and I felt like it was a severely missed opportunity.
Makyl is the Gatekeeper. He's the first line of defense and unofficially the head of security for the Kremlin. One night, a woman comes begging at the door for help. Against his better judgement, he takes her in. I wanted to laugh and shake my head all at the same time. It wasn't hard to see how this story was going to end. You just want to tell him, the more you fight it, the harder you're going to fall.
When Kira shows up at the Kremlin, she's only interested in righting the wrongs of the past. I am not going to go into much detail about this. I will say though, if you're a huge fan, you're going to suspect how this book tie-ins to everything else. At the first mention of one character, my mind started to roll. Could it be? No! I had to have it wrong. No! I think I am right. My mind started to try and read at warp speed. I think I was so excited at the potential that I was disappointed in the actual. It wasn't enough, and I felt like it was a severely missed opportunity.
February 28, 2023
So starts the tale of Kira and Maykl, one a Bratva rookie in the brotherhood the other a daughter losing gambler indebted to the Moscow Bravata. At thirteen Kira is dragged from her home by her sister trying to protect her from the Bravata coming after their father. Because they cannot find him they take Kira’s older sister Anya as a token of the debt to be repaid. Leaving Kira in a blacked out puddle on the floor.
Enter Maykl, also thirteen, handed a pistol by Peter, one of the lower leaders of the Moscow Bravata. He took care of the body of Maykl’s father in exchange for teaching him the ways of the gang. Now Maykl has the task of proving his loyalty to the Brotherhood. The killing of the gambler Grigor Koslov, Kira’s father.
Jump sixteen years later, Kira is in Chicago looking at the body of her sister on a morgue slab. Years of drug use have reduced her beauty. All because of the Bravata that has used and abused Anya. Kira must think of a way inside their Kremlin highrise. That Maykl is the Gatekeeper of.
She uses the tale of I have been here less than a day to find my sister and have nowhere to go line. And get in she does. But what is the toll for letting Maykl let her in? And what ensues in finding Ayna’s son?
Enter Maykl, also thirteen, handed a pistol by Peter, one of the lower leaders of the Moscow Bravata. He took care of the body of Maykl’s father in exchange for teaching him the ways of the gang. Now Maykl has the task of proving his loyalty to the Brotherhood. The killing of the gambler Grigor Koslov, Kira’s father.
Jump sixteen years later, Kira is in Chicago looking at the body of her sister on a morgue slab. Years of drug use have reduced her beauty. All because of the Bravata that has used and abused Anya. Kira must think of a way inside their Kremlin highrise. That Maykl is the Gatekeeper of.
She uses the tale of I have been here less than a day to find my sister and have nowhere to go line. And get in she does. But what is the toll for letting Maykl let her in? And what ensues in finding Ayna’s son?
January 22, 2023
We have reached the final book in the Chicago Bratva series. I am a little sad that this will be the last visit to the Kremlin and the lakefront.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I think it would be both more informative and enjoyable to read the series in order.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Kira at the beginning, but I understood her rage. Lol, I had the distinct advantage of understanding the characters of the men in the Kremlin.
The gatekeeper was the perfect name for Maykl. I appreciated his skepticism about Kira and her arrival. I dislike books where the H immediately falls to his knees and loses all of his common sense when the h appears on the scene (and vice versa).
There were steamy scenes, a bit of suspense, some action, and low level angst. This all culminated in Maykl and Kira's HEA.
It may only be me, but I felt like the h in previous books had more interaction with the residents of the Kremlin than Kira did. I could be wrong. Either way, this was an entertaining ending to a good series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The book can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I think it would be both more informative and enjoyable to read the series in order.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Kira at the beginning, but I understood her rage. Lol, I had the distinct advantage of understanding the characters of the men in the Kremlin.
The gatekeeper was the perfect name for Maykl. I appreciated his skepticism about Kira and her arrival. I dislike books where the H immediately falls to his knees and loses all of his common sense when the h appears on the scene (and vice versa).
There were steamy scenes, a bit of suspense, some action, and low level angst. This all culminated in Maykl and Kira's HEA.
It may only be me, but I felt like the h in previous books had more interaction with the residents of the Kremlin than Kira did. I could be wrong. Either way, this was an entertaining ending to a good series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 25, 2023
Both Kira and Maykl were affected by the actions of Bratva members in Moscow when each was thirteen years old...Kira as her father owed money and the Bratva took her older sister Anya as payment and Maykl after he killed his abusive father, his initiation to Bratva was to kill man who owed them money, who tried to bargain his younger daughter for his life...Kira's father...Now years later Maykl is the Gatekeeper of the apartment complex all the locals call The Kremlin, building security head of the Chicago Bratva run by Ravil. Kira came to town after getting call that her sister Anya was found dead in Chicago drug house...with no sign of her fifteen year old son Mika...so at suggestion of local police, went to Kremlin to look for Mika or if they heard anything about her nephew...but as member of Russian police, knew she wouldn't be welcome at Bratva headquarters....but according to her supervisor may be able to help the FBI catch them...but she first had to get by Maykl...you will need to read this steamy thriller to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
January 29, 2023
The Gatekeeper may be final book in the Chicago Bratva series but Renee certainly ended with bang.
The storyline had me enthralled from the opening with a 13 year old Kira having her family torn apart by the bratva in a heart breaking turn of events which would cast a shadow over her life to the final page when she managed to find found her own slice of happiness.
Maykl made brief appearances throughout the series, the dark shadowy character who protected not only the Brava but the entire buildings occupants from anyone entering who is not a part of the community. When a woman knocks late one night seeking help even though it goes against his basic instincts he allows her to enter, later when it is discovered that she poses a risk to the bratva Maykl is feeling conflicted, especially when he discovers their pasts are linked in a cruel twist of fate.
The unexpected twist of the link to one of the Vegas Underground characters was a great surprise and well done.
Was gifted an ARC copy of this final book and would definitely recommend reading the entire series starting with The Director and following all characters in the cell, one of my ultimate favourite series.
The storyline had me enthralled from the opening with a 13 year old Kira having her family torn apart by the bratva in a heart breaking turn of events which would cast a shadow over her life to the final page when she managed to find found her own slice of happiness.
Maykl made brief appearances throughout the series, the dark shadowy character who protected not only the Brava but the entire buildings occupants from anyone entering who is not a part of the community. When a woman knocks late one night seeking help even though it goes against his basic instincts he allows her to enter, later when it is discovered that she poses a risk to the bratva Maykl is feeling conflicted, especially when he discovers their pasts are linked in a cruel twist of fate.
The unexpected twist of the link to one of the Vegas Underground characters was a great surprise and well done.
Was gifted an ARC copy of this final book and would definitely recommend reading the entire series starting with The Director and following all characters in the cell, one of my ultimate favourite series.
July 28, 2023
Kira has traveled from Russia to Chicago to claim the body of her dead sister and find her young nephew. She’s also helping the FBI take down a local cell of the Bratva. When she seduces their head of security to gain access to the Bratva compound, she never guesses she’ll fall in love with the gatekeeper to the whole cell. When her boss from the Russian police shows up, she’ll have to decide who she can trust and whose side she’s on if she plans on being happy.
The Gatekeeper jumps right into the action and doesn’t stop. We have an established world built at the Kremlin, the characters are richly drawn, and the story is a good one. I love how Kira and Maykl have been connected since they were thirteen even though neither knew it. The part of the story dealing with Kira’s nephew was good, and I thought it resolved nicely. All in all, The Gatekeeper is a satisfying conclusion to the Chicago Bratva series.
Even though it’s book nine in the series, you can read The Gatekeeper as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the whole series. You’ll get to know all of the characters and their stories. Read and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
The Gatekeeper jumps right into the action and doesn’t stop. We have an established world built at the Kremlin, the characters are richly drawn, and the story is a good one. I love how Kira and Maykl have been connected since they were thirteen even though neither knew it. The part of the story dealing with Kira’s nephew was good, and I thought it resolved nicely. All in all, The Gatekeeper is a satisfying conclusion to the Chicago Bratva series.
Even though it’s book nine in the series, you can read The Gatekeeper as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the whole series. You’ll get to know all of the characters and their stories. Read and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
January 19, 2023
A riveting Bratva read that you will be totally blown away by
He had been killing for the Bratva since he had been recruited at the tender age of thirteen a young boy that had already seen the harsher side of life, it would stay with him all of his days and taught him the value of life.
She is trying to harm his boss and this just cannot be allowed to happen and he has been given the job od dealing with it. She is determined to hurt his boss and he will not underestimate this tiny slip of a woman no matter how beautiful she is.
He is not one that hurts a woman and although it is not something he would not do if he had to he is sure that he can find a far more entertaining way of obtaining his goal. He is going to keep her prisoner until the time she becomes his and his alone…
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.
He had been killing for the Bratva since he had been recruited at the tender age of thirteen a young boy that had already seen the harsher side of life, it would stay with him all of his days and taught him the value of life.
She is trying to harm his boss and this just cannot be allowed to happen and he has been given the job od dealing with it. She is determined to hurt his boss and he will not underestimate this tiny slip of a woman no matter how beautiful she is.
He is not one that hurts a woman and although it is not something he would not do if he had to he is sure that he can find a far more entertaining way of obtaining his goal. He is going to keep her prisoner until the time she becomes his and his alone…
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.
January 24, 2023
Maykl is the Kremlin’s gatekeeper. Often found sitting at the security desk in the lobby of the Kremlin, he takes his job seriously, until a beautiful woman knocks at the door, and he lets her in. From there, his carefully built “world” slowly unravels as he struggles with balancing the need to keep his pakhan and all the other residents safe against his growing infatuation (then love) for Kira. So, what did I think? I really liked this story. I love that both Maykl and Kira are such protectors. That despite Kira’s rabid dislike of all things bratva, she understands the position he’s in and grudgingly comes to admire him--among other much more smexy things. The chemistry between the two characters was fun to read and despite all the secrets and subterfuge, I found them both super likeable and I immediately started rooting for their happily ever after. Renee Rose’s The Gatekeeper introduces us to Kira and Maykl in this enemies-to-lovers romance, which turned into a rapid page-turner for me. Then again, everything about Ms. Rose’s Chicago Bratva series is a delicious turn-on.
January 24, 2023
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
The Gatekeeper is book nine in the Chicago Bratva Series. This is the final book in the series and can be read as a standalone. But you may be better off starting with book one so you know more about the supporting characters and their organization.
There's some spice, action, violence, and minimal angst. Most of the book takes place in the apartment building...it got repetitive and a bit boring. It had entertaining aspects but I didn't feel like much actually happened. Basically a plot twist and some over the top insta love all in the span of a few days. I also was a little disappointed there wasn't much interaction between Kira and Mika.
This is my first time reading anything by Rose, and overall I thought this story was just O.K. If you enjoy most Mafia books then this Russian Mafia Series is probably up your alley.
January 25, 2023
This is Destiny
Maykl is just thirteen when he kills a man that tried to cheat his Bratva organization. This was his initiation to the Bratva. Kira was a young teenager who witnessed the Bratva taking her seventeen year old sister to use as they please to pay back their father’s debt.
Kira’s sister has a son and ends up in Chicago with her Bratva boyfriend. This boyfriend ends up dead. Kira is notified that her sister has died and she leaves Russia to make arrangements. Kira’s boss(Russian police) seemingly supports her.
He gets her to infiltrate the Chicago Bratva and work for the FBI to bring them down by telling her the FBI will find her nephew.
Kira meets Maykl and he is helping her to take care of her sister’s arrangements. This story has fast page turning action and I could not put it down. The Gatekeeper is a great suspenseful conclusion to an exciting series. Renee Rose is a fantastic author and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Maykl is just thirteen when he kills a man that tried to cheat his Bratva organization. This was his initiation to the Bratva. Kira was a young teenager who witnessed the Bratva taking her seventeen year old sister to use as they please to pay back their father’s debt.
Kira’s sister has a son and ends up in Chicago with her Bratva boyfriend. This boyfriend ends up dead. Kira is notified that her sister has died and she leaves Russia to make arrangements. Kira’s boss(Russian police) seemingly supports her.
He gets her to infiltrate the Chicago Bratva and work for the FBI to bring them down by telling her the FBI will find her nephew.
Kira meets Maykl and he is helping her to take care of her sister’s arrangements. This story has fast page turning action and I could not put it down. The Gatekeeper is a great suspenseful conclusion to an exciting series. Renee Rose is a fantastic author and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
January 26, 2023
When a beautiful stranger turns up on the doorstep of The Kremlin looking for a bed for the night, Gatekeeper Maykl is instantly intrigued and suspicious as this isn’t the usual kind of visitor. Moscow police officer Kira has lost her entire family to the Bratva in one way or another. She’s arrived in Chicago to find her sister dead from a drugs overdose and her nephew missing. She’s ready to do whatever it takes to find him and if it means bringing down the local Bratva so much the better.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series but for me The Gatekeeper is in a class of its own. With a fantastic hero and heroine in Maykl and Kira with lots of chemistry and a strong plot this story engaged me from the start. Full of secrets and revelations as Kira faces up to the truth about her father while Maykl faces up to the part he played however unwittingly in shaping the woman he has come to love. With a great epilogue to close this series is ending on a high.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series but for me The Gatekeeper is in a class of its own. With a fantastic hero and heroine in Maykl and Kira with lots of chemistry and a strong plot this story engaged me from the start. Full of secrets and revelations as Kira faces up to the truth about her father while Maykl faces up to the part he played however unwittingly in shaping the woman he has come to love. With a great epilogue to close this series is ending on a high.
February 5, 2023
I love the series! I have been waiting for this book! I hate to see this fantastic series end but I have no doubt the author has great books coming soon. As for this book it was spectacular! I loved the characters and their story. It took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. Kira and Makyl are the stars of this book. They both have their jobs to do and have their own expectations of what will happen. Kira is looking for something very precious. Does Makyl have the ability to help her? At what cost? Will they let their pasts and their opinions/assumptions overshadow their feelings for each other? Do these two have a chance at a HEA? Is everything as it seems or are other factors at play? No spoilers! Check out this book and find out the answers. It is worth every minute you spend reading. It is a must have book and series in my humble opinion. Enjoy! I sure did!!
May 21, 2025
The newest installment in this addictive series was hard to put down! I read it through, listened to the audiobook while commuting to and from work, and sometimes at work on my earbuds, we just won’t tell the boss, okay? Kira and Mikel are electric together, both have their secrets, and have to learn to trust each other. I loved everything about this story, though. The storyline was different from the rest, Kira was tough but vulnerable, but then again, so was Mikel a little bit too….but his is mostly on the inside. They have a combustible attraction to each other, they are sizzling together, honestly. I loved the fact that Kira was a warrior at heart, and she put her family first. The twists in the story keep coming, but all of it just makes the plot even harder to let go. I waited a long time for this book to be released and to have the time to really read it, it was definitely worth the wait!
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