This was my first experience reading any kind of m/m and was definately the most raw and intense thing I've ever read! This book altered my entire world view! I laughed, I cried, I loved them and at times hated them. I read the entire thing in less than a week. I was so intense, I couldn't stop! Couldn't sleep and even called in sick to work to read it!It's a fierce love story between 2 soliders on conflicting sides. It's violent, at times disturbing, always raw and intense. The journey of these men is incredible. I was surprised the most by the authors ability to make me fall in love with Vadim, a violent and serial rapist in the begining of the book. In the begining I loved Dan, but found myself taking sides with Vadim more and more. By the end, Vadim was hands down my favorite! I loved them both all thru Soldiers, but really started siding with Vadim from Mercineries on. I had a hard time with Dan's having sex with anything that walks. I never did warm up to Jean, I think he was my least favorite character in the whole story. Hooch on the other hand was awesome. I absolutely loved Hooch and Matt as well. ( )