Chaos: A Hidden Identity Mafia Romance

by Amanda Zuelo

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

524 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

Reviews

[Kristian Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ripped my heart out, shattered it into pieces, and put it back together again. Ayla is my favorite character that Amanda has ever written. I liked Vasilisa, I want to be Adriana when I grow up, and Olivia was amazing, but freaking Ayla, oh my gosh, I just completely connected with her on a totally different level.

The way Ayla is so sharp, guarded, tough, and just constantly on edge/expecting to be hurt, broke my heart. She’s also fiercely loyal, which I loved seeing in her because on the outside to everyone else, she seems cold and ruthless, but she has such a big and caring heart.

Watching Ayla and Maksim slowly fall for one another in the most chaotic, unconventional, absolute insane way, was so much fun and I loved every moment. Maksim saw Ayla, truly saw her in a way no one else ever has, and protected her, gave her confidence, and let her feel safe, even when she didn’t want to. He loves her for her, respects her, cherishes her, and allows her to feel soft (in her own Ayla way) for the first time in her life. And the freaking spicy times between the two of them were just absolutely amazing!

These two definitely go through their ups and downs, and not in a typical romantic relationship way. Chapters 40-41, I don’t think I stopped crying once while reading, those two chapters were heartbreaking.

This book was so fast paced, every moment had me bracing, tense, and on the edge of my seat. It was dark, brutal, and beautiful in so many ways.

All of this to say, a five star, perfect dark romance. And probably my favorite book by Amanda. Maksim and Ayla were beautiful, dark, unhinged, and just meant to be. And when I say dark, I mean dark, check your TW. That ending!!!!! I’m so excited for the next book! And can’t freaking wait!!

I did receive an advanced e-book, but these are my own thoughts and feelings.

[Tracy McDonell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos by Amanda Zuelo was absolutely a fantastic read!!!! Thank you to Amanda for the opportunity to read your book as an ARC.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book… but I couldn’t put it down! This was everything I expect a mafia dark romance to be. There was plot, tons of character building, and the spice was spice in when it needed to spice.

I absolutely love the story… the buildup… the twist, the turn, the deceit, and betrayal. Then you have the characters… Maksim and Ayla (Beda) their banter and chemistry carry this book. However, the side characters are just as fabulous.

This was left on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the sequel.

[MandysBookish Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maksim is the kind of main character who can make you love him one moment and want to throttle him the next. He is intense, controlling, protective, and very much shaped by the Bratva world he comes from. Ayla, on the other hand, is a force in her own right. She is strong, capable, and refuses to be easily intimidated, which makes her the perfect match for someone like Maksim.

From the moment they meet, Maksim wants to protect Ayla but approaches it like a typical Bratva man - by giving orders, taking choices away, and assuming he knows what is best. Ayla does not take kindly to that and make it easy for him either. She pushes back, challenges him, and knows exactly how to rile him up. Their dynamic is fiery, entertaining, and full of tension.

Maksim also had several lines and moments that really hit me emotionally. The depth of his feelings for Ayla is there early on, even before he fully understands it himself, and his actions reveal far more than his words ever do. He may act like he does not care what anyone thinks, but at the same time he makes it very clear that no one is allowed to disrespect her in front of him. That contrast added so much depth to his character and made their story even more satisfying to read.

Their character development didn’t happen because of one dramatic moment where everything is suddenly fixed. Instead, their relationship grows over time, over conversations, and over events. This book had so much happening that it kept me turning pages the entire time. There was always something pulling the story forward, whether it was the tension between the characters, some nice banter happening, the outside conflicts, or the emotional development between them.

I kiss the corner the corner of her mouth because if I look at her too long, I’ll say something unhinged.

[Patsy Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
20 out of 10

I’m going to try my best to put my thoughts and emotions into words after finishing this book!

First off, if you haven’t read Ruins or Legacy yet, I HIGHLY recommend that you do. Even though these are interconnected standalones, the characters from the previous books play a big part in the other stories!

Ok let’s get to it.

MAKSIM KORSAKOV…. I can’t even find the words.
His mouth…. Filthy just like I like it
His heart… bigger than he ever gave himself credit for
His obsession with Ayla… also bigger than he’d like to admit 😂

This man has me annoyed, laughing, alllll hot and bothered and even crying throughout this whole story!

Then we have Ayla… and she is one scrappy, smart mouthed, little baddie! The Queen of pushing buttons, especially Maksim’s 😂 the push and pull between these two was perfection. And without giving too much away, watching her grow into the woman she became along side Maksim and him into the man along side her…. Perfection 🥹

Now for that ending…. Amanda, ma’am, can you please stop doing this to me 😂😂!?!? I mean I love it but I need book 4 like STAT so you know, no pressure. 😘

Maksim and Ayla might just be my favorite couple yet from this serious… and that is saying a lot because I’m obsessed with all of the couples thus far.

Tropes:
Bravata Romance
Trauma Survivor FMC
Unhinged, Pierced MMC
Predator vs Prey vibes
Betrayal
Touch her and 💀
Kn¡fe & 🩸play
Woods scene
Spice is spicyyyyy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I cannot wait to add physical copy to my series collection!

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely destroyed me and all I could think to say was thank you. It splintered my heart into a million pieces but then put them back together again in a stronger manner than before. Ayla and Maksim come together in such a chaotic manner, and it was pure perfection for them. There’s nothing conventional about their story and it made reading this book so much more interesting. I was beyond invested in them. The way that Maksim truly saw Ayla was so endearing. He was a protector and a safe haven for her. And it made me love him even more for it. Unlike in other mafia stories, Maksim honestly respects and cherishes Ayla. And Ayla herself was such an intriguing character. She’s guarded and always poised for an attack. And seeing her like that broke my heart. But also seeing how fiercely loyal and dedicated to her people she is, despite giving off a detached and ruthless front, made me want someone to protect her and love her for herself. And that’s exactly what I got with Maksim. But don’t let the cherishing fool you…he also can worship her. Their spicy times were an inferno that left me fanning my face and clutching my pearls. And that ending has me clamoring and impatiently sitting here needing the next book like I need my next gasp of air.

[Destiny | _readingwithdee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
🖤Pierced MMC
⛓️‍💥Unhinged MMC
💀Betrayal
🩶Forced Proximity
🔪Strong FMC

I ate up this hidden identity, mafia romance like it was my favourite ice cream. It was action packed, full of heart wrenching scenes and contained all the best characteristics you would want in a dark romance of this genre.

I really loved the FMC in this story. Ayla was resilient, and I couldn’t get enough of her. Even though her upbringing was extremely unfair and abusive, this girl knew how to survive and conquer. Strong female lead indeed!

The MMC was delectable and just vibed with not an ounce of fear or cares in the world, even during the most unhinged moments. Maksim would burn the damn world down for Ayla, and build her back up before even caring about how they became to be. The smell of marshmallows had this man OBSESSED, and like same.

There was never a dull moment within this plot, I was either biting my nails or sitting at the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing. At moments, I had chills between the killer spice and walking a mile in these characters shoes. I couldn’t recommend this one more.
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🗝️ Amanda Zuelo | the sovereigns series | chaos | new release | arc review | book review | mafia romance | dark romance | trigger warnings | book recommendation | honest review |

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ty opasna, Beda,” I murmur against her mouth. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

My mark. My queen. My everything.

Ayla-I just adored her so much! She made me love this story even more!
My thoughts on Chaos: This was such an excellent read. The story hooked me right from the start and never let go. Maksim is Pakhan with that dangerous energy that pulled at my dark romance heart. Side note: He’s pierced (insert smirk). Ayla is strong and resilient, and her backstory adds so much to her character. I found myself especially loving her. Their banter was just as entertaining. Ayla was going toe to toe with him.I ended up finishing this in one day because I had to see how everything played out. I truly adored these two and their journey. This was my first read by Amanda, and it definitely has me looking forward to more from her. If you love broody alpha mafia men, strong female leads, and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, this is one to check out.

📌Pierced MMC
🔪Play
🖤Obsessive MMC
🕷 Undercover FMC
💣Hidden Secrets
👑Bratva King

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this series! I thought book one was my favorite but this one takes the cake. When a book can make me cry and want to smack the MC a few times but in the end fall in love with him, that’s when you know it’s a fantastic book!

So Maksim is the brutal and sees love as weakness. He grew up knowing that you regret nothing and make no apologies. Ayla only knew survival and to “Trust no one”. Silence is what keeps her alive and freedom will never be given. She is a wrecking ball and will do anything just to survive. Her only problem is her mouth gets her into trouble sometimes. She was forced to get intel but when she falls it blurs the lines and she doesn’t know which side to pick. What will Maksim do if he finds out the truth?

Tropes:
Pierced MC
🩸 Play
Wood Chase
🔪 Play
Forced Proximity

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely dark, but in a way that makes the characters and the romance feel raw and real. Their flaws added so much depth and made everything more emotional and believable. I couldn’t put it down. I was completely hooked on both the story and their relationship. Ayla is smart, quick-witted, and I just loved her banter with Maksim. *Spoiler: I wish we got to see more of her strategic side when dealing with their men, especially since she could read their strengths so well. That would’ve been really interesting to explore more. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Amanda is always an auto-buy for me.

[Amara F · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

Idk why the boy underwear part cracked me up. Maybe cause I can relate, boy shorts are comfy! lol.

I love everything about their relationship and it has all of my fav tropes in a mafia. Only thing, the story makes no sense to me haha but I don’t care cause I’m here for the main couple. I do feel there is too much naughty times. I’m all for it those times haha but there has to be flow and storyline to drive it, however a lot of it is chapter after chapter naughty times. Which is fine, books thrive off of that, personally for me, I prefer more.

I love when funny is added into dark mafia romances. I love a little fun. The mmc is unhinged, I say it’s the appropriate amount of crazy. Enough to be attractive and not over the top. I’d enjoy his presence lol.

There were some slow moments, a lot of them mafia men are surprisingly very patient lol. She’s been there for forever and still no intel or who she is.

Overall, it was fun. A bit too long, it could have been condensed a little but like I said, I love when the big ole mafia man falls fast and hard and is obsessed with the mfc. Give me all those vibes. I give it a 3.5-3.75. Perfect cleanser for in between my Romantasy reads.

[Lyra Blackveil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review… and let me tell you how glad I am for it!

Normally I read fantasy but because #life, I was in need of a change for a little. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed at the time.

Yes, it’s about a morally gray Pakhan, but IMO such a nice twist. Ayla and Maksim cross paths in an untraditional way and it’s so good! Their banter is 🤌 and the tension 🥵
Let’s not forget about Maksim’s various piercings 😁🤤
Beyond all that, I love that Maksim has a moral conscience despite the role he has in his organization and draws a line even though it’s a huge financial loss.

Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a twist on the Bratva romances out there 🫶

[Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this was so good! If you love a mafia story with a kick a*ss female character and a dominating take no crap male character then this one is for you! The banter and hate that these characters had towards each other was so fun to read. It was chaos and action for most of the book.

I love the backstory of each of our main characters. There’s sad and emotional moments from each of them. This book kept me wanting more. I loved how it played out.

This is definitely a slow burn and long read but worth it!

[🦋🥀D.S.Rose🥀🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The best way I can describe Chaos is that it’s a thrilling chokehold. It had to hurt for the healing to feel deserved and I would do it all over again.
Maksim and Ayla’s dynamic was relentless and perfectly overwhelming.
They were everything I needed at my lowest and I’m so glad I had to privilege to ARC read. I always came back to them because their journey began to feel less like a story and more like safety.
Ayla is strength incarnate. From hell and back and still standing, fighting, surviving…I love her. So much.
Maksim is insane. He’s all-consuming and exhilarating to read. His unpredictability terrified me and pulled me in all at once. I’ve never met an MMC that I would both run away from and fall in love with before so he’s a first 😂.
𝓣𝓸 𝓐𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓪 𝓩𝓾𝓮𝓵𝓸:
Thank you Amanda for granting me an ARC copy and for being so understanding of my delays. I would argue that knowing who the author is as a person is another layer that has readers falling in love with her characters specifically because of you. 💕🫶🏾💕


FAVOURITE QUOTES:
~“Fuck release. This isn’t that. It’s salvation. In her. In this. In the way her body fucking owns me when it breaks.”

~”I hate that he’s right. I hate that I’m letting him carry me again. Hate that some part of me—small and desperate and so tired of fighting—feels safe here.”

~”I love the way you never fucking listen. I love the way you make everything louder, more complicated and better. I love you.”

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wil have you on the edge of your seat. It was amazing. You get all the feels you feel every emotion it literally rips your heart and and shatters your world. Then she puts you right back together. This emotionally charged bok is amazing. It is just amazing. You wish you were there to comfort the FMC and wish that there was something that you could do. Oh to be a fly on the wall of this author to see her writing strategy. !!!

[Sofia Jordao · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…
I just finished in two days and I have no words. It was the best experience as my first book written by Amanda. I gotta say… I cried when Ayla saw her mama’s grave. And I think in the end… It was Santi, wasn’t it? 🫣

Anyway, this book… MUST READ!

Thank you Amanda for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

[Syrena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maksim and Ayla have that fiery, push‑pull energy that keeps you locked in, with her strength matching his Bratva‑hardened intensity perfectly. His protective, quietly emotional moments hit hard, and their relationship grows in a way that feels earned and addictive. With constant tension, banter, and conflict driving the story, it kept me turning pages.

[l_romantsayreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alya was trying to survive her half brother when he sent her to spy on Maksim. She ends up caught up between two rival families and falling for the wrong guy.

Such a great enemies to lovers and I loved their interactions together and the choice she made.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had everything I wanted and then some. I went into it unsure about Maksim, but he won me over fast. There’s something about the way Amanda writes her male leads that just works. He’s intense, a little unhinged, but completely devoted, and it made him really fun to read.

Ayla was the standout for me though. She is such a strong, capable character who doesn’t just survive what life throws at her, she pushes right back. I loved watching her hold her ground and still have moments of softness without losing who she is.

This book had me laughing out loud one minute and giggling the next, even with all the chaos happening in the background. There are wars, tension, and high stakes, but the character moments still shine through.

I also really liked how this story connects to the others in the series without depending on them. It adds to the world without making you feel like you’re missing something if you haven’t read everything.

The pacing was fast but never felt rushed. I was hooked the whole time and honestly didn’t want it to end. This is easily my favorite in the series so far.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you all this is a must read I'm not kidding!!! This book was everything I didnt know I needed. It lived up to every expectation. I was feeling everything along with these characthers. Some parts had me almost tossing my kindle across the room (no kindles were harmed in the process).

Ayla's the perfect strong FMC, I honestly felt so much with her story and the more revelations the more I felt throughtout this read. Also the growth she had was beautiful. It wasn't easy but she overcame so much. Maksim the perfect obsessive MMC. Every part of this book is a absolute master piece and I will not stop talking about it 🖤

I just want to say to Amanda, you absolutely nailed this one!!!

Parts I really enjoyed:
The chase in the woods (obviously)
She kept saying no so he'd say it back
She woke up with a tattoo and he carved her name into his chest
Everything Ayla overcame
Matching hair color