Ambition

Only K is able to create another world in her already existing Unsainted world and do it in the way that still makes perfect sense. Her newest release 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is short novella set in the Unsainted world but it can be read without meeting our Unsaints first 🤍 And I think it could serve as an intro into K's books as well bc it is short but full of everything that make me love KV!

We are back in dark, twisted and forever mysterious city of Alexandria. K's writing is raw, gripping and full of emontions (all kinds of them) and her characters are beautifully flawed and incredibly realistic. KV gets so deep into their psyche that you can't help yourself... you simply have to get consumed by them. Isa and Von are no different.

“𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑫𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.”

They are both members of Writhe, faction working under the Unsaints and the 6. Childhood friends with a lot of tension and complicated history. Two ambitious people yearning for recognition. But Isadora is in the league of her own. She is cunning, alluring, hot and guess what? So damnnn ambitious! She is determined to climb the ranks and won't let anyone stop her. Not even Von. He is obsessed with her. He is possesive and wants to keep her only to himself. He desperately wants to protect her and in trying to do that, he crashes into Isa's aspirations.

I hurt for them, cried for them and wanted to punch them. You know, usual feelings K's books bring out in me. I have no fcking idea how but she packed these 10 chapters with EVERYTHING. It was dark. It was toxic. It was unexpected. Just go, buckle up and enjoy this insane ride 💀

Also. I am Mavy girl forever BUT MF CAIN??!! What was that cameo omg. Color me INTRIGUED. I need LGD2 more than air rn.

“𝑰’𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒊𝒇 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕. 𝑯𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕.” ME TOO, Isa... me too 🧎‍♀️

BLuvsBooks

686 reviews128 followers

Michelle (Michellesbookshelf)

“I had no idea ambition would one day break my fucking heart.”
The dangerous and enigmatic Von and the independent and resilient Isa have been friends since birth. Both families belonging to the criminal underworld filled with secrets and violence.
Their bond intensifies one Halloween night several years ago. They realize that one’s ambition may lead them down a path of destruction.

How was this only 10 chapters? She gave us so much within those pages. I was hooked from the start and inhaled every word.
This novella had the tone we love from KV while giving us unique characters that one can obsess over.
If you enjoy dark, character driven, intense reads grab this now. It’s also a great introduction to author KV Rose dark, deep and unique writing.

Auto buy always for anything KV Rose.
Dual POV. Dark mafia type. Check triggers.

168 reviews15 followers

arcs crime_n_mcs short-reads

Ambition by K.V. Rose

“Ambitious, Dad once said. I had no idea ambition would one day break my f—king heart.”

K you have done it again. Ambition is a dark romance stand-alone novella taking place in the Unsainted world. Mind you, you do not have to read the Unsainted series prior to picking up this short story.

Small but mighty, Ambition will give you a taste of all that is dark and twisted in Alexandria, Writhe, and Solemn. K packed a lot into these some 10 chapters, and it is a true testament to the skill, creativity, and emotion K puts into her writing.

Isadora, Von, Cain…CAIN! Let me be clear, if you are a fan of the Unsainted series, we get a sneak peek of Cain and his typical voyeur antics. But I will emphasize that it is a sneak peek while Isa and Von—each other’s childhood friends, lovers, torturers—steal this show.

Everything that transpires between Isa and Von is complicated. It’s dark, toxic, tragic, bonded, and of course it’s ambitious. That’s all I’ll say. Enjoy the ride.

dark-romance

RavenOfTheSea

130 reviews143 followers

May 25, 2023

We are both so close to each other but still not close enough for me. I want to climb inside her, invade every inch of her, claw through each cell and leave my name on them.

4.5/5 ⭐ - 3/5 🌶️

What an amazing, sinister love story, like a dark fairytale soaked in blood and crime. Isa and Von, two damaged souls, delivered an electrifying story. Their love was twisted, toxic and so delicious . Two best friends serving a corrupted lifestyle, with fairly unconventional feelings for each other and mind-numbing tension between them. This was good!!!

I expected a lot of spice and it delivered but on the scale between plot n spice, it certainly leaned on the plot side. In the end, it was the plot and the characters that glued me to my Kindle. I loved the main points of the story. There was action, intriguingly shady characters and an amazing chemistry between the mcs!

Isa wasn't just an ordinary fmc and although she pulled my nerves, I adore her scary, ambitious self. She was the perfect balance of brilliant and dangerous with a slight, hidden softer side. ~~Just for Von.~~

Von on the other side was a death machine with an obsessed heart, beating only Isa. He had such a strange way to show it though. Oof, if that guy had some high determination and extreme possessiveness. Did I love him for it? Sure. Still, he was toxic af.

Be aware that there was some other man and other woman drama but because both of our mcs share heavy possessive traits, it led to some very fun interactions!

Such a wild, little story!!!

ARC Review
Did I like it? So much!
Would I reread it? Sure

nikki

795 reviews106 followers

NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}

It’s no secret that I am a huge KV Rose fan, and her Unsainted series is my absolute favourite. To get a new insight into that whole world through the eyes of two new characters is a dream! And my baby Cain makes an appearance too…

Von and Isa were as toxic as I’d expected them to be but I loved them anyway. KV doesn’t write sweet romance, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find it here. There’s murder, betrayal and a whole load of secrets, and it’s absolutely perfect.

If you’ve already read the other books in the Unsainted series then you will love Ambition - however, this novella is also a complete standalone, so fair warning, it’ll have you hooked and leave you wanting more.

1,556 reviews82 followers

Read

***4 "ambitious" stars***

"I had no idea ambition would one day break my fu*king heart."

I haven't read the Unsainted series yet, even though I'm circling around them for a very long time, but I liked that I took a small taste of this dark and sinister world in here and I really need to dive into this series soon!!!
For just ten chapter, this novel had it all and I am very impressed of how K.V. Rose has handle everything...
Von and Isadora were insanely amazing and their story was everything!!!

"Is that so bad?... For you to belong to me?"
"I don't beling to anyone, Von."

Ambition is set on the Unsainted world and it follows Isadora and Von, two childhood friends that had mixed feelings for each other, but because of their ambitions, they were just two best friends who were living together and that they were denying their true feelings...
But everything are about to change when Isa's ambition is leading her in a way that Von can not accept anymore... He just need to do something to show her that she always belonged to him.
But Isa is a stubborn and very ambitious girl and she can sacrifice everything for her end goal. Can Von make her change her mind???

"I can live with anything except the absence of her."

I really enjoyed this intense, dark and fast paced ride!!!
Isa was too stuborn for me, but Von was balancing her...
The truth is that their stubborness was driving me crazy, but still the ride was very enjoyable!!!
I became very intrigued by this world and I would love to explore it more...
And OMG!!! Cain had made my heart beating very fast. I need to learn more about this guy!!!

"I am not yours."
"You are. You have always been."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

jordan

366 reviews105 followers

May 12, 2023

BOOK/ARC REVIEW

I LOVE CAIN BONAVICH!!

ugh! i love the Unstainted world so much, and if you do too then you will want to pick up this novella. it’s the Unstainted world but with a bit more/different. and again Cain.

Isa & Von. childhood friends. some would even say best friends. obsessive lovers. ambitious. i can not get enough of these two. with dual pov you learn as you go about feelings, thoughts, actions from them.

and in KV fashion, you are there for her ride, so buckle up biatch. and enjoy!

helene

55 reviews

May 21, 2023

3.5 stars

“she cradles my heart in her hands and i would do anything for her to close her fist around it and keep me.”

best friends to lovers is not the trope i'm actively searching for in the books i'm reading, but i loved it here. isadoravon were toxic and devoted and i loved them together and how they were willing to do anything for each other. looooved isa.

best-friends-to-lovers

Ari

940 reviews217 followers

September 21, 2023

This was delicious, in so many ways. I need more Unsainted in my life--I adore what I have seen so far of this world. Isa and Von are perfection.

Jen Adams

660 reviews12 followers

Thank you K. V., for the ARC.

“I can live with anything except the absence of her.”

Purpose. Priorities. Unfettered determination and focus. One goal. Both with a predetermined life. Violence and chaos. Von and Isadora. Born into a world of secrets, crime and death. Rituals, rules and order above all else. But these two have a bond, one that can and possibly will, get them killed. They each demonstrate that there is no line they won’t cross for the other. We are introduced to a new level within the Unsainted: the Writhe, under the umbrella of the 6. It’s a dark place, as you should expect. And I am so ready to be exposed to more of it. This is where Von and Isadora operate. Can they continue the way they have or will it be their demise? Work together or will it eventually tear them apart…

I will never, and I mean EVER, get tired of experiencing the lives of the characters KV creates. I am captivated. Obsessed. And can’t get enough.

“For you, Isadora.”

“Everything is always for you.”

“I can’t have you one night and let you go the next morning. I want to fucking own you like you have always owned me.”

“She cradles my heart in her hands and I would do anything for her to close her fist around it and keep me.”

“I would crawl out of my skin to live in hers.”

“No one else will understand them the way they understand each other.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

Abby J Capps

504 reviews43 followers

And I know from him what it’s like to be loved unconditionally, even when it breaks his heart. I know that he has seen the worst thing I have ever done, and he cradled me to his chest like I was still precious to him, never minding the blood of another man all over us both.

KV Rose is known for her thiiiiccc books. Ambition may be a novella but it packs a punch. It’s extra dark and sexy, and with a little extra gore. I will literally read anything this woman writes because her talent knows no bounds.

Her staying in this world though? Please never let it end.

Ambition follows Isadora and Von— whom we’ve never met— but we get to see a world we are very familiar with. It only adds to the allure of her previous works and what’s to come. I loved this story. I loved the focus on a strong, career driven woman and what that could look like in a “relationship” with a man who is obsessed— who would literally kill-maim-burn anything that went against her.

They fought each other, but they also fought for each other. All the stars!

I can live with anything except the absence of her.

I love him. I would kill for him. You need an ally in this life, someone who will be there when the bullets start flying, and he is it for me.

Mandyloves2read

1,776 reviews175 followers

May 21, 2023

KV Rose has done it again! She has created another story that I’m obsessed with! This story is dark it’s sexy it’s exciting I love the Unsainted world and was so excited to see us getting a novella in this universe this story might be short but it packs a punch this was another amazing story written by this author and I can only hope we get more I love the secret society’s the blood and gore and the sexy times simply amazing! Loved it!

drea marie ♥

71 reviews18 followers

The creating of worlds inside a world we already have and branching it out into something more is absolutely just incredible. It’s so much bigger and there’s so much story to be told, it’s exciting and intoxicating.

These characters crafted so imperfectly perfect with flaws and all you can’t help but attach to them.

Isa is ambitious and a woman that won’t let a man stand in her way to get what she wants in life. I loved her fire and determination but most of all her ambition of course, the drive she had to do it all.

Von his obsession with Isa was everything and more the way he was able to pull out of her.

Els † ♡

118 reviews18 followers

Ambition is set in the Unsainted world so you know in true KV form we’re gonna be on a wild ride with some toxic characters.

We are introduced to Isadora and Von who are childhood best friends born into Writhe a lesser form of the 6 and the unsaints. Isadora dreams of becoming the leader of Writhe and being a woman she must prove she has what it takes to lead. Isadora and Von harbour a secret love for each other but don’t act on it as both are afraid the other will be used against them as people will see them as a form of weakness to each other.
Isa’s ambitious attitude and drive is admirable, she’s a woman who knows what she wants and what she deserves and she’s not afraid to uses an asset to achieve her goal. Von’s obsession with Isa causes problems between the two and causes friction but when these two finally give into the the anger and list they feel together each other is electrifying!

If you love the Unsainted world than this novella is a definite must read!

Kat

129 reviews24 followers

Thank you for the ARC! I loved this novella so much! Isabella was definitely a show stopper in this book, she was cold, ambitious and protective over Von. I loved von too, and how his love for Isa came before everything else. As with any of KV Rose’s books the back and forth and toxicity was fun to read and although I was scared that this would lack development/ resolution since it’s a novella, it didn’t feel too rushed!

Also wanted to add how much I love Cain and his crumbs in this book make me want more of his story!

Von’s love for Isa>>: “I want to put my hands all over her and show her exactly who she belongs to. I want her to let me love her.”

And a Cain crumb ofc:

“I’d let Cain do anything he wanted to me, if we’re being honest.” I don’t even blink as I lie. “He could pin me down and fuck me senseless and I’d thank him for it.” (Isa was speaking REAL)

aleyna

24 reviews1 follower

May 18, 2023

ARC REVIEW

“It’s what I would want for Isa (…); had a normal life. But that’s why we won’t. Because Isadora wants the danger.”

This was an incredibly moving book. Seeing new characters and lives in the Unsainted world was so exciting. So was seeing familiar faces in the book. But what made this book extremely moving was Isadora herself. She is such a complex, layered, deep and relatable character. She is in peace with the world she was born into and she is determent to show everyone that she is able to be a part of this world. And because we see it in a such dark setting we are punched in the gut with the reality of being a woman. Although she proved herself and her abilities a long time ago she is still trying to show everyone that she is able and willing to earn her place in this world. Because no matter where you are or what your status is, although you deserved it, if you are a woman you have to earn it every day and never stop proving yourself. Isadora, I believe, is a perfect example for that. Her ambition, her anger and her hunger… They were so familiar to me, and maybe that is why I loved her with my whole being. Her relationship with Von was also gut wrenching, they are explosive together. So, dear Von, what Isadora wants is more than danger.

KV Rose, you made an amazing job as always, thank you so much for sending me the ARC of this beautiful book. Love you.

Karin

2,178 reviews

I loved Isa and Vons story!!! These two are toxicity at its finest and I couldn’t put this down the second I started it. It’s a tide I didn’t want to end and it’s a standalone but in the unsainted world and I’m obsessed with anything in the cult underbelly and in KV Roses work!

Elyse

404 reviews32 followers

May 20, 2023

I received an ARC and this is my honest review

This novella opens with Mads, the ‘current’ leader of Writhe, having his best friend Rig kneeling before him. I thought this was the perfect way to open. Mads has this air about him that makes all - including me as the reader - want to bow down before him.
One of the things I love most about the Unsainted world is that the men in it have this unyielding loyalty to one another. This possessiveness. This need. They fuck shit up with each other, yeah, but they’d also fuck shit up FOR each other too.
There was something about Mads and Rig that I just wanted more of.

So when it switched to Von’s POV in Chapter 1 I was a little disappointed. Just because I wanted more of Mads 🤭 But I gave it a chance and let those feelings go. The only bad thing is…I didn’t really connect with Von or Isadora. They just didn’t do anything for me. Unlike with Lucifer and Sid or Maverick and Ella or so on where I had an instant need to know everything about them feeling, I just found myself not too interested in either Von or Isadora.

I liked the introduction of Cosmo - a friend of Isa and Vons’. Something about him too that interested me. And those green eyes. Made me think of Jeremiah Rain. Because of I’m always thinking of J 😅
Glad to hear there will be a companion novella with more on Cosmo.

I also loved the ‘Solemn’ chapter. Nothing like a bunch of people in robes and masks in a darkened room with other lights flickering to really set a mood. One of my favorite things about K.V’s writing is the ability to set a scene up real well. The perfect eerie scenes.

“And you are worth far more than sneaking into monsters’ beds and hoping you don’t get bitten.”

Tammy -

1,110 reviews142 followers

May 12, 2023

I don't know what KV Rose is sprinkling into the words of her books, but whatever it is, it's addictive and I'm always left needing another fix as soon as I turn the final page.

Ambition. Where do I even start? This "novella" isn't exactly a short book but it is a fairly quick read, only because once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. It will consume you. Von and Isa's story is related to the Unsainted series, but you don't need to read that series before this one. If you are a fan of dark romance though? Well, that series is a must-read (but I'll also warn you that you might just become obsessed with it and it's not completed yet). Anyway, back to Von and Isa -- Although they're not Unsaints, they are part of a sinister family and they've always had each other's backs. That's both a blessing and a curse which they both love and hate each other for.

As with all of this author's books, this story isn't pretty and it doesn't end wrapped up in a nice little bow. There is no HEA here, but I think that you will find satisfaction in the ending although you'll still crave another chapter or two (or four). In my opinion, this author writes the very BEST in dark romance (although sometimes the romance part is questionable). She is unapologetic and doesn't hold back. I imagine that if you're a first time reader, you'll either love it or hate it. Personally, I love it and I'm already in need of my next hit.

Christina Michelle

36 reviews1 follower

Alyssa(alyssasbookishmind)

ARC Review.
This is a novella so I’m not going to give too much away. MC’s Von & Isadora are childhood friends that just happen to be in love with one another but the roles they play in within the Writhe causes a few issues. One, Von gets the jobs Isadora wants and second, Von hates the job that Isa is given. Isadora is ambitious though and will do whatever it takes to be the best. Although, they promise to always save each other you have to wonder if it’s enough.

“No one understands them the way they understand each other.”

Time will tell. I hope we see more of Von & Isa in the future. Oh and if you’ve read the Unstainted series you will see a couple familiar characters pop in too.

I absolutely adore the writing style of K.V. Rose is because she genuinely builds the most beautiful dark world where the character shine like black diamonds and smoky emeralds and rubies. If you’ve read the Unsainted series you already know what I’m talking about. If not then you must read them. She also doesn’t pretend that every story has a happy ending…so don’t expect a fairytale.

If you like/love dark, gritty & sexy books then you won’t be disappointed.

111 reviews2 followers

Let’s just start off by saying umm more Cain please!?
I absolutely loved reading new characters but having an OG character pop in is great too! (And we got a little peak of Lucifer which it’s Lucifer that’s always perfect!)

“It sounds horrible but sex sells and sometimes it pays in something more than money.”

Isadora and Von are constantly fighting this “love” they have for each other even though they are doing everything to keep the other alive and thriving while also doing what they need to do for Writhe. Whether that be killing, sleeping with others…there’s always a rhyme and reason and I loved following along with this story.

“She cradles my heart in her hands and I would do anything for her to close her fist around it and keep me.”

Kv loves to throw loops into these stories and I’m along for the ride!

RebelLoveReviews

97 reviews14 followers

Hi Friends! Let me tell you about this book I just read. Miriam Webster defines 𝘼𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 as a desire and determination to achieve success, and that this the entire vibe of this story.

꧁𖣔꧂

“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚“

꧁𖣔꧂

There is nothing quite like the Unsainted world and KV shows us just how diverse the network is. We are thrown into the dynamic of the Writhe limb and are met with an organization that thrives on extreme dedication and loyalty dare I say to the point of obsession. KV uses her unique writing style to pull you in, and keep you on the edge of unease until she deems appropriate. She is a master of things said and unsaid with an ongoing mix of inner and spoken dialogue that shows the intelligence and mentality of these characters. Isa and Von have an intense dynamic where it’s hard to tell if it’s love or hate, probably both. Besides that, they work each other soooo well, I cannot get enough of them! Hats off to KV yet again for capturing me with her words. I thoroughly enjoyed this little side story, anything involving The Unsaints I devour like velvety decadent cheesecake ♥︎

Kris

141 reviews13 followers

May 20, 2023

Entering the Unsainted world again was like coming home. The world is dark, depraved, and unhinged, but it’s my happy place. In Ambition, we are introduced to Isadora and Von, two characters from Alexandria that are part of the Unsainted world. Isadora is placed on an assignment that has her sleeping with the enemy, much to Von’s dismay. Their relationship is complicated and toxic, but man, you will not want to put the book down.

Emma (emjbookshelf)

979 reviews22 followers

KV You've done it again

I absolutely love the Unsainted world so I couldn't wait to jump into this novella which introduces us to some new characters Isadora and Von. We also see Cain which I was excited about as I have been waiting for his book to be released.

Ambition is dark and gritty and will pull at your emotions. You do not have to read any of the books in the Unsainted world but if you have the time then jump in and read them.

631 reviews50 followers

July 5, 2023

Quick Read

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was too short. I loved the characters, the plot, the back and forth timelines, and the multi - POV. I can't wait to dive into The Monster of Hotel No. 7!

Mimiorphee

700 reviews41 followers

March 3, 2025

Was it thrilling? I guess, in a way. But the heroine annoyed me with her ambition. Good for her, but stupidity never looks good.
Short read, the universe of the related series seems intriguing, but I'll pass; the storytelling wasn't for me...

2025

Art of Reading

507 reviews61 followers