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Sinful Promises
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 12, 2026
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Ivy Bennett thought she be going to Moscow for a teaching job and finds her she embroiled in to world only in books. This story was very good
April 12, 2026
I fled to Moscow to escape my failures,
never imagining I’d fall for my damnation instead.
Maksim Antonov—controlled, dangerous, untouchable—
a Bratva king who lives in shadows.
He shouldn’t want a broken American girl.
I shouldn’t crave a man shaped by violence.
But his promises slide beneath my skin,
dark, intoxicating, impossible to ignore.
“You’re mine,” he says like it’s a vow and a warning.
His touch claims me. His world traps me.
And loving a Pakhan teaches me one brutal truth—
Everything comes with a price.
When his enemies strike, everything burns.
I’m forced to flee with bullets at my back,
carrying a secret that could destroy him.
Weeks later, I learn I’m pregnant.
When I call Moscow, they tell me he’s dead.
I build a quiet life for my son—alone.
Until a violent crash shatters everything…
and the past comes for us both.
Because Maksim Antonov isn’t dead.
He’s found us.
And now he knows he has a son.
He isn’t just a king anymore—
he’s a father who wants what’s his.
And I have to choose:
run again… or trust the most dangerous single dad in the Bratva.
This contemporary dark Antanov Russian Bratva forbidden age-gap romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, deception, violence, and grit, and characters are Maksim, an obsessive single-dad mafia King who is a dangerous alpha mafia king male exuding power/wealth, controlled, dangerous, untouchable, lives in the shadows, and Ivy, a female heroine who has a secret pregnancy, is resilient, and who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with sinful promises, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, romantic suspense, Ivy fled Moscow to escape her failures, never imagining she'd fall for damnation instead, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with sinful promises and dark Antanov Russian Bratva forbidden age-gap romance is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, sinful, dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
never imagining I’d fall for my damnation instead.
Maksim Antonov—controlled, dangerous, untouchable—
a Bratva king who lives in shadows.
He shouldn’t want a broken American girl.
I shouldn’t crave a man shaped by violence.
But his promises slide beneath my skin,
dark, intoxicating, impossible to ignore.
“You’re mine,” he says like it’s a vow and a warning.
His touch claims me. His world traps me.
And loving a Pakhan teaches me one brutal truth—
Everything comes with a price.
When his enemies strike, everything burns.
I’m forced to flee with bullets at my back,
carrying a secret that could destroy him.
Weeks later, I learn I’m pregnant.
When I call Moscow, they tell me he’s dead.
I build a quiet life for my son—alone.
Until a violent crash shatters everything…
and the past comes for us both.
Because Maksim Antonov isn’t dead.
He’s found us.
And now he knows he has a son.
He isn’t just a king anymore—
he’s a father who wants what’s his.
And I have to choose:
run again… or trust the most dangerous single dad in the Bratva.
This contemporary dark Antanov Russian Bratva forbidden age-gap romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, deception, violence, and grit, and characters are Maksim, an obsessive single-dad mafia King who is a dangerous alpha mafia king male exuding power/wealth, controlled, dangerous, untouchable, lives in the shadows, and Ivy, a female heroine who has a secret pregnancy, is resilient, and who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with sinful promises, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, romantic suspense, Ivy fled Moscow to escape her failures, never imagining she'd fall for damnation instead, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with sinful promises and dark Antanov Russian Bratva forbidden age-gap romance is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, sinful, dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2026
The story had a unique plot to begin with that gets buried with too much drama. The story began with Ivy going to Russia to become Sergi's daughter's tutor which in actuality was a very small portion of this plot. The majority of the story was about Ivy and Maksim. Ivy is a failure at finishing her college education with huge sums of outstanding college loans and chooses to take a position as a tutor in Russia for a young Russian girl.
Maxsim is the Pakhan of the Bratva who investigates Ivy when she is caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. He imprisons her at his home while they check into her background to see if she had anything to do with the attack at the cafe that she and Sergi's daughter are at. Ivy has a tendency to do things that she clearly hasn't thought through, that only make her predicament worse. She comes off as street smart initially which unravels while she is in Russia with attempts at escaping from Maxsim only to get her self in situations that become life threatening. Another character whose common sense quickly evaporates.
She and Maxim get involved in a sexual relationship that produces a pregnancy. It's a pretty text book relationship where he finds her getting herself off and "asks her if she wants him to stop coming on" and she says no. She becomes "mine" and she gets knocked up because apparently "birth control" in these stories do not exist.. She almost dies at the hand of his enemies which are right under his nose and who he refuses to do anything about until after the fact. He sends her back to the US where her pregnancy is confirmed while he begins a seven year war. Seven years, not seven months. I've read enough of these stories to know that the wars that take place in the criminal underworld don't last that long because of logistics and cost of engaging in a war that long.
Ivy tries to let Maksim know about the pregnancy only to find out that he is dead. Fast forward seven years with Maksim coming back from the grave to claim Ivy and his son, tearing them way from the life Ivy has made for them. He stalks her and she fights him on returning to Russia only to have her and her son abducted AGAIN by the son of Anton who is out to finish what his father started.
Maxsim is the Pakhan of the Bratva who investigates Ivy when she is caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. He imprisons her at his home while they check into her background to see if she had anything to do with the attack at the cafe that she and Sergi's daughter are at. Ivy has a tendency to do things that she clearly hasn't thought through, that only make her predicament worse. She comes off as street smart initially which unravels while she is in Russia with attempts at escaping from Maxsim only to get her self in situations that become life threatening. Another character whose common sense quickly evaporates.
She and Maxim get involved in a sexual relationship that produces a pregnancy. It's a pretty text book relationship where he finds her getting herself off and "asks her if she wants him to stop coming on" and she says no. She becomes "mine" and she gets knocked up because apparently "birth control" in these stories do not exist.. She almost dies at the hand of his enemies which are right under his nose and who he refuses to do anything about until after the fact. He sends her back to the US where her pregnancy is confirmed while he begins a seven year war. Seven years, not seven months. I've read enough of these stories to know that the wars that take place in the criminal underworld don't last that long because of logistics and cost of engaging in a war that long.
Ivy tries to let Maksim know about the pregnancy only to find out that he is dead. Fast forward seven years with Maksim coming back from the grave to claim Ivy and his son, tearing them way from the life Ivy has made for them. He stalks her and she fights him on returning to Russia only to have her and her son abducted AGAIN by the son of Anton who is out to finish what his father started.
April 11, 2026
I just finished *Sinful Promises* by Ava Gray, and I’m still not over it. This book completely pulled me in from the first chapter and didn’t let go. The tension, the chemistry, the emotional stakes it all just *worked*. If you’re into intense romance with complicated characters and a bit of danger woven in, this one absolutely delivers.
Makism is such a compelling character. He has that classic brooding, powerful energy, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. You can feel the weight of his past in the way he acts, especially in how guarded he is with Ivy at first. But as the story unfolds, those cracks start to show, and you get glimpses of someone who’s deeply loyal and unexpectedly vulnerable. Watching him struggle between control and emotion honestly made him even more attractive as a character.
And Ivy gosh I loved her. She’s not just there to balance Makism out; she stands strong on her own. She’s resilient, smart, and doesn’t let herself be completely overwhelmed by Makism’s intensity. At the same time, you can see how much she feels, especially in the quieter moments where her guard drops. Her growth throughout the story felt real, and her dynamic with Makism kept me hooked the entire time.
Together, their relationship is just electric. The push and pull, the tension, the moments where they almost give in, it all builds so perfectly. You can tell they’re both fighting their own battles, which makes their connection feel even more meaningful. By the end, I was fully invested in them and honestly didn’t want their story to end.
Overall, *Sinful Promises* is one of those books that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget. It’s emotional, intense, and full of moments that will have you completely obsessed. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a romance that keeps your heart racing the whole time.
Makism is such a compelling character. He has that classic brooding, powerful energy, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. You can feel the weight of his past in the way he acts, especially in how guarded he is with Ivy at first. But as the story unfolds, those cracks start to show, and you get glimpses of someone who’s deeply loyal and unexpectedly vulnerable. Watching him struggle between control and emotion honestly made him even more attractive as a character.
And Ivy gosh I loved her. She’s not just there to balance Makism out; she stands strong on her own. She’s resilient, smart, and doesn’t let herself be completely overwhelmed by Makism’s intensity. At the same time, you can see how much she feels, especially in the quieter moments where her guard drops. Her growth throughout the story felt real, and her dynamic with Makism kept me hooked the entire time.
Together, their relationship is just electric. The push and pull, the tension, the moments where they almost give in, it all builds so perfectly. You can tell they’re both fighting their own battles, which makes their connection feel even more meaningful. By the end, I was fully invested in them and honestly didn’t want their story to end.
Overall, *Sinful Promises* is one of those books that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget. It’s emotional, intense, and full of moments that will have you completely obsessed. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a romance that keeps your heart racing the whole time.
Review of advance copy
Sinful Promises is a delicious Bratva romance that sees its FMC Ivy running off to Moscow as in Russia after finding a notice taped to a pole offering jobs to teach english abroad. With her own future nose diving after it looked as if she would have to repeat a year of college this seemed like a perfect opportunity.
She was soon on her way to Russia to teach english to eleven year old Yulia Sorokin.
It doesn’t take Ivy long to start wondering what the heck was going on in the mansion. Yulia’s uncle MMC Maksim had caught her attention on the day he was visiting the home, but men carrying guns, and few interactions with Yulia’s father had her on edge.
Events spiral the day she and Yulia are out in a cafe when it gets shot up.
Ivy finally has a good idea now of what a mess she is in…Bratva.
She isn’t too bright either when she sneaks off to the cafe to gather evidence of what happened because Maksim catches her!
There is a lot going on in this nicely written foray into the dark side which was an intense read of drama, secrets, surprises, Bratva dynamics, danger, emotion, passion and romance.
Pick up this book and you won’t want to put it down!
Intense cliffhanger that has you wanting the next book NOW!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She was soon on her way to Russia to teach english to eleven year old Yulia Sorokin.
It doesn’t take Ivy long to start wondering what the heck was going on in the mansion. Yulia’s uncle MMC Maksim had caught her attention on the day he was visiting the home, but men carrying guns, and few interactions with Yulia’s father had her on edge.
Events spiral the day she and Yulia are out in a cafe when it gets shot up.
Ivy finally has a good idea now of what a mess she is in…Bratva.
She isn’t too bright either when she sneaks off to the cafe to gather evidence of what happened because Maksim catches her!
There is a lot going on in this nicely written foray into the dark side which was an intense read of drama, secrets, surprises, Bratva dynamics, danger, emotion, passion and romance.
Pick up this book and you won’t want to put it down!
Intense cliffhanger that has you wanting the next book NOW!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sinful Promises is a suspenseful and emotional story. It is well-written. It does end on a cliffhanger so be aware there is another part to the story. I absolutely loved it.
Ivy is in college and is not doing well with her classes. She is struggling to make it and keep herself afloat. She sees an ad for an English teacher in Russia and decides this is her chance to do something else. She signs up with the company and goes to Russia. There she meets a wonderful little girl named Yulia. They immediately form a bond as Ivy teaches her better English. While on an outing the cafe they are in gets shot and Ivy wonders what she has gotten into.
Maksim is the leader of the Bratva. He is immediately attracted to Ivy after he meets her. After she is shaken up in the cafe he takes her to his house. He tells himself he wants to protect her. Their attraction grows and they end up giving in to their emotions. Because of the danger Maksim decides Ivy would be better to go back home to America. What happens when she goes back home?
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Ivy and Maksim and look forward to the next part of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy is in college and is not doing well with her classes. She is struggling to make it and keep herself afloat. She sees an ad for an English teacher in Russia and decides this is her chance to do something else. She signs up with the company and goes to Russia. There she meets a wonderful little girl named Yulia. They immediately form a bond as Ivy teaches her better English. While on an outing the cafe they are in gets shot and Ivy wonders what she has gotten into.
Maksim is the leader of the Bratva. He is immediately attracted to Ivy after he meets her. After she is shaken up in the cafe he takes her to his house. He tells himself he wants to protect her. Their attraction grows and they end up giving in to their emotions. Because of the danger Maksim decides Ivy would be better to go back home to America. What happens when she goes back home?
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Ivy and Maksim and look forward to the next part of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2026
This is a story of the magnetic pull between two people who should never fit—and yet somehow do. Ava Grey delivers a story rich with tension and emotional volatility, anchored by a heroine running from her past and a hero forged in violence.
Maksim is the quintessential dark Bratva antihero—obsessive, territorial, and emotionally stunted in a way that fans of the genre will appreciate. Ivy is fragile but resilient, and her arc is rooted in survival and self‑reclamation. Their relationship - if it can be called that - is not gentle, it’s intense, consuming, and sometimes uncomfortable, which fits the dark‑romance label.
Based on the blurb, the pacing comes across as uneven - as it takes 75% of the story to catch up with the blurb. But that shouldn't be held against it as the blurb is not an accurate reflection of the story that is told. The final section moves quickly, almost too quickly, especially given how emotionally loaded the reunion is implied to be. It’s clear that the book is designed as part one of a duology, and the ending reflects that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maksim is the quintessential dark Bratva antihero—obsessive, territorial, and emotionally stunted in a way that fans of the genre will appreciate. Ivy is fragile but resilient, and her arc is rooted in survival and self‑reclamation. Their relationship - if it can be called that - is not gentle, it’s intense, consuming, and sometimes uncomfortable, which fits the dark‑romance label.
Based on the blurb, the pacing comes across as uneven - as it takes 75% of the story to catch up with the blurb. But that shouldn't be held against it as the blurb is not an accurate reflection of the story that is told. The final section moves quickly, almost too quickly, especially given how emotionally loaded the reunion is implied to be. It’s clear that the book is designed as part one of a duology, and the ending reflects that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
To Love a Bravta Paksan
Ivy just found out about her not having the grades to complete her course so she could graduate college.
She was lost. All that money wasted. Then she saw the poster.
Wanted: a person to help a Russian child speak the English language. Must been a scam, but it was real. So she got the job.
In Russia she found living with a family fun. The child already
knew some english...but her father was different. She had to check him out.
Then she meets a man, Maxsin. Russian. First thought she had was WOW! She thinks he is an employee of the child's father. But, NO.. he is the Paksan of the Bratva.
Ivy us a bold girl. Very personable. Put tends to get into places she doesn't need to be. Maxsin is always there, watching her,
Wanting her...
This book has a cliffhanger. It has a second book coming out late April. I'm going to read it, devour it. Because the book is so fascinating, that you can't put it down. You need to know just what is happening next. I can't tell you enough about how much I Loved it. A bit on the mafia gore at times.. but powerful
Characters.
Ivy just found out about her not having the grades to complete her course so she could graduate college.
She was lost. All that money wasted. Then she saw the poster.
Wanted: a person to help a Russian child speak the English language. Must been a scam, but it was real. So she got the job.
In Russia she found living with a family fun. The child already
knew some english...but her father was different. She had to check him out.
Then she meets a man, Maxsin. Russian. First thought she had was WOW! She thinks he is an employee of the child's father. But, NO.. he is the Paksan of the Bratva.
Ivy us a bold girl. Very personable. Put tends to get into places she doesn't need to be. Maxsin is always there, watching her,
Wanting her...
This book has a cliffhanger. It has a second book coming out late April. I'm going to read it, devour it. Because the book is so fascinating, that you can't put it down. You need to know just what is happening next. I can't tell you enough about how much I Loved it. A bit on the mafia gore at times.. but powerful
Characters.
April 11, 2026
In the 1st story of Sinful Promises Series we meet a young woman, Ivy. She’s at a crossroads and decides to stop college due to lack of funds and heads to Russia to teach English to a young girl. Her father is very private and some of the men he does business with are part of the Bratva. Maksim and Ivy accidentally see each other one day and both can not forget about the other. When Ivy is in the wrong place at the wrong time she becomes a target due to Maksim’s position as Pakhan. They encounter danger and Maksim makes a decision he will protect Ivy and these two become more with Ivy stubbornness right there. Ivy doesn’t know how she can escape Russia with money and her life after the trouble that finds her. Life back home has its challenges but reconnecting to her family has been a rewarding process. About 7 years later Maksim returns bringing more trouble and we are left wondering what happens next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2026
Ivy Bennet is at roadblock in her life. She finds out she will not graduate, has student loans and only a part time job. She calls about a job as an English tutor in a foreign country. She is matched with a businessman's daughter in Russia.
She finds herself embroiled in a Bratva web.
She and Yulia her student are involved in a shootout at a cafe. She tries to get out of her contract but would have to pay back her salary. She starts to investigate the shooting but is caught by Maksim. He sequesters her at his estate. They have an intimate encounter which affects both of them.
She is kidnapped by one of Maksim's rivals but is rescued by Maksim. He arranges for her to get out of Russia.
There is a surprise pregnancy for Ivy, but she is told he has died.
There is a very surprising revelation several years late with a cliff hanger ending.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. The plot was complex with great characters and surprises.
It's a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She finds herself embroiled in a Bratva web.
She and Yulia her student are involved in a shootout at a cafe. She tries to get out of her contract but would have to pay back her salary. She starts to investigate the shooting but is caught by Maksim. He sequesters her at his estate. They have an intimate encounter which affects both of them.
She is kidnapped by one of Maksim's rivals but is rescued by Maksim. He arranges for her to get out of Russia.
There is a surprise pregnancy for Ivy, but she is told he has died.
There is a very surprising revelation several years late with a cliff hanger ending.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. The plot was complex with great characters and surprises.
It's a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
A delightful story with plenty of suspense, action, danger, romance, second chances, and much more. The chemistry Maksim and Ivy feel for each other shouldn't really exist, but they do, until a war breaks out and drives a wedge between them. Ivy flees due to the war and the destruction, unaware that she is not only fleeing but also carrying a baby, and she has no idea whether Maksim is still alive or not. But eventually, she is caught up by her past in the form of Maksim, who has found her and also discovers that he has a son and wants them back. Highly recommended; I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I must mention, however, that it ends on a twist. I am already looking forward to the next installment.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
Holy cow this book was an exciting read. I was on the edge of my seat filled with anticipation of what was coming next. My heart absolutely broke for both Ivy and Maksim. What they go through in this book was heartbreaking. I loved storyline of this book, it was intriguing, original, and page-turning. This is a dark mafia/Bratva romance and ends in a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book!! I need to know…
Ivy was independent and stubborn. I loved her determination and loyalty to her son. Maksim was broody, bossy and possessive. I loved his devotion to his Bratva and to Ivy. Their love story is heartbreaking and brought a tear to my eye. I’m excited to see what Maksim and Ivy get up to next!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy was independent and stubborn. I loved her determination and loyalty to her son. Maksim was broody, bossy and possessive. I loved his devotion to his Bratva and to Ivy. Their love story is heartbreaking and brought a tear to my eye. I’m excited to see what Maksim and Ivy get up to next!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2026
Russian Bratva king gets the English teacher pregnant
I do enjoy Mafia and Bratva and this is a good story. The story has the tension and drama of Bratva life with enemies and violence but it isn't as gritty and raw as I prefer in dark romance.
I was able to like Ivy and feel for her situation - needing money and willing to do almost anything. Then after finding herself in the midst of the Bratva and her growing attraction to Maksim. Then her emotional journey as a single mum told he is dead.
It was more of a 3.5 star read for me and I want to see how the story ends in the next book. So I have rounded to 4 star since I generally enjoy this author's writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I do enjoy Mafia and Bratva and this is a good story. The story has the tension and drama of Bratva life with enemies and violence but it isn't as gritty and raw as I prefer in dark romance.
I was able to like Ivy and feel for her situation - needing money and willing to do almost anything. Then after finding herself in the midst of the Bratva and her growing attraction to Maksim. Then her emotional journey as a single mum told he is dead.
It was more of a 3.5 star read for me and I want to see how the story ends in the next book. So I have rounded to 4 star since I generally enjoy this author's writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2026
Promises, promises......
I will say I liked this novel/plot quite a bit. Maxim (MMC), and Ivy (MFC) do well together. She's no pushover!
There's Russia,there's shootings, there's secrets, there's English lessons! I won't go deeper into details because there is so much going on, and I don't want to give anything away!
That's all I can say! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It's expected to be a review, not a retelling, as some persons do. As for my review, I suggest if you're a fan of Bratva, its power plays and tropes, the morally gray, etc -- snatch it up!
Be warned: it does end on a cliffy. I will be there for book #2, because, ya, I liked the first half of the series and it kept me engrossed!
I will say I liked this novel/plot quite a bit. Maxim (MMC), and Ivy (MFC) do well together. She's no pushover!
There's Russia,there's shootings, there's secrets, there's English lessons! I won't go deeper into details because there is so much going on, and I don't want to give anything away!
That's all I can say! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It's expected to be a review, not a retelling, as some persons do. As for my review, I suggest if you're a fan of Bratva, its power plays and tropes, the morally gray, etc -- snatch it up!
Be warned: it does end on a cliffy. I will be there for book #2, because, ya, I liked the first half of the series and it kept me engrossed!
Review of advance copy
Sinful Promises is the first book in the first book in the Antonov Bratva series by Ava Gray. This book is a sinfully delicious read that follows the story of Ivy, an American in Moscow as an English tutor, and Maksim the Bratva Pakhan. As someone who reads Bratva romances frequently this book has everything that Im looking for. There was a good blend of suspense, intrigue, Bratva action, romance, and spice hot enough to keep you warm during a Russian winter. And with how this book ended, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2026
'Author’s Note: Sinful Promises is a dark Russian Bratva romance featuring age-gap, forbidden love, forced proximity, secret pregnancy, an obsessive hero, and a single-dad mafia king. Continue Ivy and Maksim’s story in Sinful Betrayal.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2026
In this intense new series we find Ivy at a crossroads. She chooses to go to Russia and teach English. Rather quickly she finds herself in a rather unpleasant situation. She can’t afford to go home. So she stays. Will it be the right choice? Or will she get more than she ever bargained for? What a great way to begin a new mafia romance series. I am glad I don’t have to wait very long for book two. I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for Ivy and Maxsim. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
April 13, 2026
different than the other bratva books I’ve read
This bratva book is a change for me because it takes place in Russia and the heroine, Ivy, goes there. Yulia is adorable and a wonderful character in the story. This heats up pretty quickly once it does…about halfway through. Intense and quick romance. Major plot twist for Ivy and Maxksim that I was definitely not expecting! This is my second Ava Gray book and I enjoy the pace and writing style. Leaves off in a cliffhanger! ARC via booksprout.
This bratva book is a change for me because it takes place in Russia and the heroine, Ivy, goes there. Yulia is adorable and a wonderful character in the story. This heats up pretty quickly once it does…about halfway through. Intense and quick romance. Major plot twist for Ivy and Maxksim that I was definitely not expecting! This is my second Ava Gray book and I enjoy the pace and writing style. Leaves off in a cliffhanger! ARC via booksprout.
April 21, 2026
Sinful Promises
Sinful Promises is the first book in The Antanov Bratva duet. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger which is continued in Sinful Betrayal. The story is about Ivy Bennett, a young woman who is lost with her life, and Maksim Antonov, Pakham of the Antonov Bratva. The book starts out a bit slow paced but it once it hits it's stride watch out as you are swept away. The roller-coaster ride these two end up on with have you holding your breath and screaming at the screen more than once. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
Sinful Promises is the first book in The Antanov Bratva duet. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger which is continued in Sinful Betrayal. The story is about Ivy Bennett, a young woman who is lost with her life, and Maksim Antonov, Pakham of the Antonov Bratva. The book starts out a bit slow paced but it once it hits it's stride watch out as you are swept away. The roller-coaster ride these two end up on with have you holding your breath and screaming at the screen more than once. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sinful Promises
Maksim and Ivy
Ivy, a feisty down on her luck woman, gets the chance to tutor a young Russian girl in Moscow; but, not all is what it seems when she meets Maksim, the Pakhan, who is dealing with the upheaval in his Bratva. Drive-by shootings; kidnapping; torture--someone is out to get Maksim through Ivy. Great beginning to a new series--The Antonov Bratva.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maksim and Ivy
Ivy, a feisty down on her luck woman, gets the chance to tutor a young Russian girl in Moscow; but, not all is what it seems when she meets Maksim, the Pakhan, who is dealing with the upheaval in his Bratva. Drive-by shootings; kidnapping; torture--someone is out to get Maksim through Ivy. Great beginning to a new series--The Antonov Bratva.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a thrilling story filled with actin-packed drama that begins right from the beginning. Ivy heads to Moscow to teach English and gets more than she bargained for when she connects with Maksim. Their path is tumultuous and filled with danger and a surprise pregnancy. Will their path lead them to happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2026
First of all, be prepared as this is part one and ends in a heck of a cliffy. Ivy goes to Moscow as an English tutor to find herself mixed up in the Bratva. Filled with so much dark mafia goodness-secrets, danger, betrayal, corruption, Bratva dynamics, family, sizzling passion and so much more. Cannot wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2026
Bratva War
Ivy becomes a tutor in Russia when she meets Maksim. Their chemistry is intense and instantaneous but there are many obstacles to their budding romance. Danger, betrayal and secrets blended into an intoxicating read. With the shocking cliffhanger i am left in anticipation for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy becomes a tutor in Russia when she meets Maksim. Their chemistry is intense and instantaneous but there are many obstacles to their budding romance. Danger, betrayal and secrets blended into an intoxicating read. With the shocking cliffhanger i am left in anticipation for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2026
Ivy did not know what she was going to do, she spent all that money on school and her grades were not enough for her to graduate. She answers an add for a person to teach a Russian child the English language. She is matched with a Russian business man's daughter, not knowing the man is Bratva. This is a dark romantic story that end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Ivy and Maksim sizzle with chemestry they shouldnt work but do until war closes in amd shattered everything, Ivy runs but not knowing shes carrying his son or that Maksim might not be alive, she makes a life for her and her son only for the past to come back and he wants his family. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and a cliffy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sinful Promises is book 1 in The Antanov Bratva series. This series begins with Maksim and Ivy's story and does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. It's an intense, gritty, age gap read full of secrets, danger, chaos, drama and intrigue as well as lots of 🔥🔥🔥. I can't wait for Sinful Betrayal!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ivy and Maksim's story is a good mafia based love story. Ivy is a strong young woman who meets Maksim by chance. The attraction erupts when they are thrown together. Then the mafia issues come between them.
I enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next story to find out what happens now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next story to find out what happens now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book one of "The Antonov Bratva" duet. When Ivy flees to Moscow to start a new life, she has no sense of the cruel joke fate is about to play on her. She catches the eye of Maksim Antonov, a powerful Bratva Pakhan. Unfortunately she also catches the eye of his evil enemy who tries to use her to destroy Maksim. Just when Ivy thinks she has rebuilt, yet again, the past comes back to claim her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ava Gray never fails! A great story with wonderful characters, action and intrigue. All wrapped up in the Bratva world. Ivy starts out naive and innocent to Maksims’ world but learns fast. Maksim wasn’t looking for love, now he could loose everything. Can’t wait for the next book in their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
This book is so action packed. Ivy seems to end up in the middle. The pace is fast. The emotions are real and the book ends in a cliffhanger. Now my heart needs to slow down. The last thing Ivy wants was to fall for Maksim the Russian Bratva but Pakhan. But fall ahead did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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