His Sweetest Temptation: A Forced Proximity Romance

by Ava Zane

Kirill "The Shark" Khitrenko is sent to retrieve a dead journalist’s evidence file that threatens to destroy his family. His target is the journalist’s daughter, Jordan Thorne, a struggling wellness influencer who hides from the world’s messy truths behind a wall of positive affirmations.

When his interrogation tactics fail, Kirill drags her into his violent world, only to discover her "energetic instincts" are a form of perception so sharp it could get them both killed—or save them.

Thrown together in a battle for survival against a rival family and a curious detective, they must trust each other enough to find the truth, forcing Jordan to embrace the chaotic power she’s always feared and Kirill to accept a partner in a life he’s always lived alone.

Genres: Dark Romance

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series and the epilogue as a cliffhanger? Love that. I cant wait for the next one.

I really enjoyed their connection and liked the spicy scenes

[sarah duncombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I struggled through the beginning of this book. I am the first to blame mercury in retrograde for a bad day but the FMC’s constant chatter about his bad shark-y aura vibes just killed me!

I am invested in the series and will read the next one but Book 1 is still my favourite.

[Javiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

27/02 - Happy release day Ava !

Personalmente esta autora ha sido un descubrimiento demasiado bueno e inesperado para mí🥹

Seguimos con esta serie, en donde el drama mafioso sigue adelante, pero en esta ocasión entre dos personajes totalmente opuestos entre sí. Por una parte, está Kirill que es como un bloque de hielo considerando la infancia que vivió y, por otro lado, tenemos a Jordan tan modo manifestando, creyendo en los chakras y demás. Sin embargo, ambos se ven envueltos a "convivir" juntos, ya que ÉL necesita encontrar los secretos de la mafia que el padre en su profesión periodistica encontró, antes de que destruyan a la familia Kozlov, ¿podrá lograrlo?🫢

Tengo que admitir que aunque en el inicio estaba un poco perdida, ya que lo leí en inglés y me concentración a veces se perdía, cuando me enganchaba avanzaba de una manera que me sorprendía totalmente JAJAJA.

Y la verdad es que es difícil no hacerlo, ya que la personalidad de este parcito me atraparon totalmente. Por una parte, Kirill se robó mi corazón instantáneamente, ya que tiene una infancia compleja en donde se comprende todos sus temores y, por otro lado, Jordan era muy modo "llegó el hombre que manifesté tal como lo quería" 🫦 JAJAJ, que le tiene una paciencia infinita a este hombre, en donde no lo empuja ni presiona, sino que lo acompaña, lo entiende y le brinda sus momentos para que procese sus emociones y sentimientos 🥹

Además, la autora hace un muy buen trabajo con los tropes, especialmente con la mafia, ya que el drama aquí todito que ver y ese final te deja con las ganas de seguir leyendo la serie🫢🫢🫢

So, lectura más que recomendada si les gusta la mafia romance, un protagonista masculino gruñon, pero que si le tocan a su mujer no saldrás bien de la situación ❤️‍🔥

Thank you very much Ava for the opportunity, I really enjoyed reading this book ✨️

25/02
First of all, thank you so much Ava for the opportunity.

I need to process this book before I writring my review jajaj 🫢

[Ludy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed Jordan and Kirill’s love story. It’s a beautiful testament to how opposites like dark and light can coexist to become something more powerful and abundant. I can’t wait for the next book!

I will mention spoiler with my review so please skip this if you don't want to know.

The character development in this installment was incredibly satisfying. I’ll admit, I wasn't a fan of Jordan at first. However, she grew on me as her layers were peeled back. She is a brilliant, cunning woman who uses her "new age" persona to mask a painful past—ultimately proving she can outsmart even the sharks surrounding her.

Kirill was an instant favorite for me. He is a raw, powerful, and honest character carrying immense baggage. Watching his journey was beautiful; he learns that he doesn’t have to carry the world alone and that loyalty to family doesn't have to come at the cost of love.

The "scavenger hunt" mystery surrounding the Bratva and the Kozlov family has me completely hooked on this saga. I am dying to know who is pulling the strings! While I would have loved even more development regarding the mystery characters introduced at the end of Book 2, the setup for the next book is excellent.

I received and ARC of this book for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rakky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and roseharbor publishing for letting me review this in exchange for an honest review.

Kirill - the shark of the Kozlov bratva is tasked with finding a key that holds secrets linking back to that fateful day on the island where everyone's fates changed and somehow got intertwined. His mission might have been unsuccessful overall, but he did find the key to his heart which he thought was never to be found. And in the form of Jordan, the witness he was supposed to neutralise. The same girl who surprised him in so many ways that he started questioning everything he believed in. What's the end game for the both of them and the bratva?

Jordan and Kirill's story is one of those peculiar love stories where they just don't need words. Both of them know everything that the other person is struggling to admit.

I started this with so much anticipation from the cliffhanger the last part ended with. And as much as I wanted to love this, this part didn't deliver.

*My thoughts with spoilers ahead*

First of all, I loved the initial conflicting feelings between the characters and the irresistible pull they felt, while being surrounded by danger. But unfortunately that got lost somewhere and I couldn't find that towards the end.

Kirill started off as this menacing enforcer who didn't give two shits about who he hurts - and I think the action sequence in the beginning was just too good! Running over dead bodies to prove a point - YES! But he increasingly kept becoming a pale shadow of himself as the story progressed.

Jordan's character had so much potential. I loved how she methodically stripped down Kirill but kept her guard up. I felt like Kirill's character was toned down purposely to show that Jordan is the one truly in control but it just didn't land right.

While the pair didn't do much for me, the mafia part continued from the last book surely did. I loved how everything that was happening somehow tied back to the island but at the same time no could find one piece of useful information. The narrative was great in describing the characters' frustrations. Roman feeling powerless and itching to prove to the world that he still calls the shot - and the mannerisms he displays that make it seem like he wants to prove it to himself more than the world, the conflict with the betrayal that happens within the bratva etc. were so intriguing.

I literally cannot wait for the next part and when eventually the story ties together. This was a 3/5 read.

[Tressa Heigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mafia book by Ava Zane! Her Bratva brotherhood continues with Kirill and Jordan. Kirill is the group’s enforcer, and is your typical hit guy - robotic, emotionless, and puts the mob first at all costs. His childhood made me ache a bit, I can’t even imagine the trauma. And THEN we have Jordan. Where Chloe Was bubbly and endearingly innocent, Jordan is full-on delusional. Her spiritual lifestyle came as a result of scraping by on the streets, but the constant reframing of her situation and slightly unhinged perspectives made a great contrast to Kirill’s no-nonsense realism.

What I liked:

🧊The unthawing of Kirill’s frozen, walled-off heart. Maybe a new favorite microtrope of mine, we get to see a borderline sociopathic hard*ss come to terms with emotions. He even begins to consider some of the new age practices that Jordan embraces. Although he remains endearingly baffled by the nuance, it’s entertaining as h*ll to see him consider the feeling of a wall or metal sculpture.

💪Jordan’s perseverance. Talk about sticking firm to your morals. Was she a bit delusional? Yes. But I don’t know many people who would leave the comforts of a one-percent life to live on the streets and eat out of dumpsters for YEARS in order to maintain their independence. She is seriously tough, and I was rooting for her crazy self through the entire book.

The plot continued to move the series forward, the humor was still present (literally 70% of their whole dynamic was confusion or unhinged ramblings), and the spice was SPICIN’! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ The tension you feel while Kirill denies his attraction keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you definitely feel the danger during the action-packed fight scenes. All in all I was completely entertained, and loved this next addition to The Bratva Brotherhood.

[The Millennial Mood Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Sweetest Temptation is book 3 in the Bratva Brotherhood series and follows Kirill the Bratva Enforcer. The story line pics back up with the same mystery plot regarding the events that happened 15 years prior on “chaos island”. Jordan the FMCs father was a journalist involved in discovering something that happened that unfaithful that also cost him his life. Jordan and him were like Sherlock and Holmes and had secret codes. Supposedly he left bauble intel that the Bratva assumes she knows about. Enter the captor x captive trope and Kirill’s mission is to find her and find the intel with the clues they discovered. What he didn’t account for was Jordan being the sunshine.. woo woo wellness podcaster that talks about energy and chakras. I struggled to connect with the FMC into about had way through the book. I couldn’t get into her wellness character but once her back story and Kirills came into the plot it got better. He is cold, calculating, professional and she thaws his icy demeanor and he brings out her strength. There is an instalust connection and their chemistry is definitely explosive. The spicy scenes were 🔥🔥🥵 The ending fell a little flat but I still enjoyed it and the epilogue which sets up the next book.
3.5⭐️
3🌶️
Tropes:

Mafia Romance
Forced Proximity
Captive x Captor
Grumpy × Sunshine
Possessive / Protective MMC
"Touch Her & D!e “
Morally Grey Hero
Wellness Influencer FMC
Past trauma

Thank you to RoseHarbor Publishing and Author Ava Zane for the eARC. All options are my own.

[Nicole Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Copy provided by publisher

This was a slow burn for me. Often I'll devour a book and feel like I probably missed some of the detail in reading too quickly but, this wasn't like that. The metaphors and language choices were a lot of fun and made a reader like me slow down and savor the words on the page. I admit I found myself as baffled by the FMC as the MMC was. She was quirky on a level I don't think I've ever seen on paper before; and at the same time, she was insightful and real, just wrapped up in such outlandish and delightful packaging.

As a third book in a series this delivers all the things you want. "Old" characters that have developed to where you were looking forward to exploring who they are. New characters that keep everyone on their toes and guessing. And, healing of old wounds. And of course, that great spice and chilly pepper that all of us romance readers can't live without.

I do recommend reading the first two books before this one. While it could be read as a standalone, the overarching story is really present and best enjoyed with the same facts and knowledge as the characters in the book.

[heart_in_pages_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 His Sweetest Temptation
by Ava Zane

∆Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

If you love mafia romance with intense chemistry and possessive energy, His Sweetest Temptation will definitely pull you in
Kirill is ruthless. Cold. Calculated. The kind of man who believes control is survival . He kidnaps Jordan to get to her father’s secrets, fully intending to stay detached.

But Jordan? She’s sunshine, optimistic, and such a soft, hopeful soul which makes the contrast between them even more intense. She believes in energy and purpose, while he believes in power and control.

The forced proximity really carries this story. The tension isn’t just physical it’s emotional. Somewhere between control and obsession, something shifts. The way he starts wanting more than just her secrets? That change was everything.
Thank you @roseharborpublishing & @authoravazane for the ARC .

∆Tropes:

– Mafia Romance
– Forced Proximity
– Captive Situation
– Grumpy x Sunshine
– Possessive / Protective MMC
– “Touch Her & ☠️” Energy
– Morally Grey Hero
– Slow Burn Tension

[Saynab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

From the very first chapter, it pulled me in with tension, chemistry, and that delicious sense that something isn’t quite what it seems. The deception aspect? Executed perfectly. It added layers to the romance instead of cheap drama — every reveal felt intentional and emotionally charged.

The hero had that dangerous, magnetic energy that makes you weak but also keeps you on edge. Protective, intense, and hiding more than he lets on. And the heroine? She wasn’t naive or flat — she had strength, vulnerability, and depth that made every emotional moment hit harder.

What I loved most was the slow unraveling of truths. The romance builds with longing, stolen moments, and that push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you flipping pages at 2am. When the truth comes out, it doesn’t just create conflict — it forces growth. The angst? Chef’s kiss. The emotional payoff? Worth every second.

Tropes
🥀 Tension-filled romance
🥀 Secrets and betrayal
🥀 Protective but morally grey heroes
🥀 Emotional depth with real consequences

[Redcurlsangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review, thx Ava Zane

This is the third installment in the Bratva Brotherhood series. The main characters are Kirill, the shark/enforcer, and Jordan, a podcast host.
I love that Ava Zane's female characters are ordinary women who have nothing to do with the Bratva: a waitress/artist, a kindergarten teacher, and now a young woman who posts a podcast and teaches wellness. It's a nice change from the usual enemies-to-lovers trope.
The chemistry between Kirill and Jordan is definitely there, and both, as is often the case, have dark secrets in their pasts. However, I can't relate to all the spiritual stuff at all. I was annoyed by it, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I like Jordan because she also has another, very clever side.
Furthermore, I'm sad that Sasha is punished with death. And somehow, I'm liking Roman less and less.
So far, I liked the first book the best. The overarching plot continues, and it remains exciting. Vanya will carry out the next mission.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 3.5/4
🌶 3/5

[tayler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Bratva romance had me hooked from the first page. The tension between Kirill and Jordan is pure whirlwind romance: fast, chaotic, and completely consuming. Their chemistry explodes almost instantly, but it never feels shallow. Instead, it’s layered with danger, mystery, and emotional intensity.

Kirill’s dark, intimidating aura makes every scene he’s in feel charged. He’s possessive, powerful, and impossible to ignore. And then there’s Jordan with her soft, dreamy, almost moonchild vibes; she’s light where he’s shadow, and that contrast makes their dynamic magnetic.

The story is packed with excitement, action, and twists that genuinely left me guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot shifted again. And yes, the smut delivers 🌶🌶🌶🌶. It’s steamy, passionate, and fits their intense connection without overpowering the storyline.

If you love dangerous men, fierce heroines, and high-stakes Bratva drama with heat and heart, this one absolutely delivers.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read from Ava directly. It was a good book. I didn't know that if it would be a book that I would like especially since I usually like mafia romance but this time, it wasn't a book that would live up to my standards for what I wanted in my mafia romance. I loved Kirill and Jordan as characters. I loved the plot of the story, but something just wasn't connecting for me. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book, it was just something was missing or I just wasn't in the right reading space. It wasn't where I was pushing through the book, it was just that I was reading it but not diving into the book like I would normally would.
But then I told myself to step away from the book and read something else then return back to this book after. It actually worked in that, I found that it was what I wanted in my mafia romance type of book. I just needed to step away for a day and return. That shift, made me feel like this book was worthy of me reading and being considered as a reread.
It was the first time I read a book from Ava Zane and the first time that I read a book from her Bravta series.

[Stormie Valdivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ava Zane and Rose Harbor Publishing for the opportunity to ARC read His Sweetest Temptation. 🖤

The third installment in the Bratva Brotherhood series picks up seamlessly after the first two books and wastes no time pulling you right back into the story. This series officially has me hooked.

Jordan and Kirill’s story might be my favorite so far. Their connection is packed with tension, emotion, and undeniable chemistry. She’s truly the light to his darkness, and what makes their relationship stand out is that it goes beyond physical attraction — the emotional depth really delivers. And of course, it gives us those elite “touch her and you die” vibes we all love.

The suspense and plot twists continue to build beautifully throughout the series, keeping the stakes high and the pages turning.

I’m already counting down the days to see what comes next in the Bratva Brotherhood world. 🔥

[Holley McIntire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirill and Jordan’s story brings out the darkness and the light. Kirill is all about control and independence and not allowing anyone in. And Jordan, full of light her trusting her instincts and her chakras. Kirill is next on the list still searching for the clues leading back to what happened on the Island 15 years ago. Which leads him to Jordan due to her father being a reporter who died on the island. Jordan doesn’t let Kirill push her around though. She won’t put up with him trying to break her down for answers. She wants to be treated as an equal, as a partner. And then and only then will she be willing to work with him. But will Kirill?!
I loved these two together. I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so much again to Ava Zane and her to team for allowing me to be an Arc reader for this.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
His Sweetest Temptation is the gripping third book of this great series. Jordan, after a hard life, asks the universe for a path forward, and it sends her Kirill, a ruthless Bratva enforcer with dangerous secrets. Her present and past collide as she navigates his violent world, yet she truly sees him and understands the man behind the darkness, while he only sees her as the key to the hidden secrets he and his brothers have been trying to uncover. Their chemistry is instant and intense, with sizzling spicy scenes. I loved the suspense and action, with high-stakes twists, lingering secrets, and pulse-pounding moments that keep you turning the pages. Ava Zane delivers strong, fearless heroines, men who never expected love but find it anyway, and a story full of passion, danger, and heart. I can't wait for the next book!!!

[Elizabeth Valentin]

Thank you to RoseHarbor publishing for an advance reader copy of this book.

Jordan is a wellness influencer trying to manifest a change in her life. Kirill is a mobster searching for evidence a journalist left behind, possibly to his daughter. He found her but was not expecting her.

Although the book is written well, the plot is not to my liking. At 27%, the only interactions the MCs have had were the kidnapping and captivity, no growth and no plot until that point. But they’re already kissing and lusting for each other. No character development whatsoever. I’m going to stop reading now for the sake of my sanity.

Out of respect for the author’s hard work I won’t be leaving a star rating.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Sweetest Temptation weaves a long-buried mystery with unrelenting tension. The storyline hinges on a 15-year-old island tragedy, bringing together two polar opposites in a collision of secrets and desires.

Kirill is the ultimate possessive alpha, fueled by his drive for answers. Jordan is a struggling wellness instructor who brings a free-spirited energy to his dark world. And as the daughter of the reporter involved in the island incident, Jordan is Kirill’s key to the past.

Unfortunately the story suffers from uneven pacing and occasional lulls. A tighter edit would have been greatly beneficial.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Soft and Sinister Sisters Talita Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 ARC ALERT 🚨

His Sweetest Temptation by Ava Zane is the third book in the Bratva Brotherhood series — and if you haven’t read the first two yet, consider this your sign. 👀

This story follows Kirill and Jordan… and WOW.

Kirill is the ultimate broody, dead-eyed, morally grey hero — cold, ruthless, zero empathy… and hot as sin. Jordan is quirky, strong, and surprisingly layered. The chemistry between these two? Instant. The tension? Addictive.

You’ll get:
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Possessive “mine” moments
🔥 Touch-her-and-die energy
🔥 On-page spice

If you love a dark, protective alpha with a soft spot only for her, this one needs to be on your TBR immediately.

Releasing 27 February 2026 — don’t sleep on this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

[Vivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bratva
Forced proximity
Captor x captive
Grumpy x sunshine
Rating - 4/5
Spice level - 2/5
~ I liked the book, it's the third book and ongoing series where all books are interconnected and leading to an end point which I definitely can't wait to find out badly.
The way Kirill portrayed the grumpyness while still being intrigued by Jordan's positive energies.
Jordan's 👉🏼AURA AND COSMIC ENERGIES👈🏼 department was something really new to read about.
Loved how the plot line didn't even get off track for a single second. Amazing execution with the characters done once again by author.
Can't wait for the next one lined up to come closer with the mystery blow up.

[Corina Brand]

What a beautiful story! Loved how you get to know these characters, how they grow on each other, even though they are opposites in a lot of ways. How you get to see behind Jordan's personality. Sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes you tear up. Ava put in a lot of details, so these people really come to life! Even in the spicy parts. They are detailed and so good!
I do recommend to read these series in the right order. The story makes a lot more sense that way. There are crossovers with previous characters which I love!
Also cannot wait to see how the story continues. Especially with the extra cliffhanger in the épilogue...

[Yume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I felt so sad with Jordan, living in those conditions. Then trying to make it as an influencer full time. That takes so much guts. I loved that she was so strong headed and didn’t take shit from Kirill when she meet him.

Oh Kirill how you’re so strong but deep down Jordan has made you feel again. I think every time she escapes ( or he thought she did) he fell for her more. Oh and every time she kept telling him about his chakra/aura 😆

It was a great read, it kept me up wanting to read one more chapter…

Omg and the spice 🥵 I loved it.

I got this as an ARC and this was my honest opinion of the book

[Renee Ferritto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely intriguing - Bratva, bloodshed, HEA
Kirill, a Bratva enforcer, is tasked with tracking down a deceased journalist’s document cache. Jordon, journalist’s daughter and a well-being influencer, is his target. She senses his aura as soon as he enters her studio apartment, a shark. None of Kirill’s tactics to gather information from Jordon is working, she is an enigma. As they both begin to open up, he sees her steel and her chameleon personality.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s not to love:
Mafia 👌🏼
Forced Proximity/ Captor x Captive 👏🏼
Grumpy/ Sunshine ☀️

Jordan clocked his shark aura from the beginning. They balance eachother perfectly and have great chemistry. Great spice, but nothing that takes away from the plot which I love. I personally didn’t connect as much with the FMC as I did with the ones in the previous two books, but that doesn’t take away from the overall experience.

This series keeps me hooked- Ava Zane keeps dangling new bits of information and different cliffhangers. I’m excited for the next book!

[Leonie Myint · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Sweetest Temptation is the third book in the Bratva Brotherhood series by Ava Zane, and it completely pulled me in from the first page.

Kirill and Jordan’s story is fast-paced, intense, and full of explosive chemistry. Their whirlwind romance is packed with danger, tension, and emotional depth that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Another gripping mafia romance from Ava Zane — passionate, dramatic, and impossible to put down!

Thank you very much Ava for the opportunity, I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Sharon Sibbald · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down.

This is book three in the series and I haven’t read the first 2, so I was a little nervous going in. But I had no problem keeping up with the story and never felt lost. It definitely works as a standalone.

This had all my favorite things enemies to lovers, forced proximity, touch her & die vibes, and even some humor mixed in. The tension and chemistry were so good.

Now I’m obsessed and going back to read the first 2 because I need all the backstory. Loved this one.

[Kristen Arkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

I enjoyed this book. At first I thought Jordan was a ditzy girl and almost gave up on this book, but as the book goes on you get a better look at the real Jordan. She is smart and cunning and is able to think a few steps ahead. She really throws Kirill off but he can't stop thinking about her through the whole book. He feels things he's never felt before and fights it all the way through. But the guys from the first 2 books help him see the truth without really knowing they did. I recommend checking this book out. This whole series as they are interconnected.

[Bookslover09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pacing hits just right the gradual buildup creates perfect anticipation, and when the passion finally erupts, it’s intense yet never overshadows the story’s emotional core, and Ava Zane masterfully executed.

His Sweetest Temptation fully delivers on every promise.

This isn’t just a love story it’s a journey of surrender, resilience, and discovering that sometimes your greatest temptation can become your most profound blessing.

Loving so much this Series I can’t wait for more.

[Claire Carniato · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

4 ⭐️ 3🌶️

This was a fantastic next instalment to this series. I loved Kirill and Jordan’s story; their character growth, peeling away the layers of their past and watching the tension grow between the both of them until it explodes 💥

This book ends on a cliffhanger- as we delve deeper into unpacking mystery and secrets, I can’t wait for the next book!!

Congratulations Ava Zane on another fabulous release ❤️

[Manya Spain Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Sweetest Temptation

What a whirlwind of emotional discovery for these two main characters. Krill, the deadly cold shark-like enforcer and Jordan the aura-reading struggling podcaster. The mystery of the Island of Chaos brings them together in a race to find answers. The heat they have for each other burns up the pages . Definitely recommend this third book in the collection, and looking forward to the next book in the series.