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Ace of Shadows: A Forced Proximity Protector Mafia Romance
What’s worse than being hunted by the Mafia?
Being the reason they’re hunting you—
and not knowing why…
Look, I didn’t do anything wrong.
I was just doing my job.
Until I found the drugs.
Hidden inside the plane.
Then everything went wrong.
The crash. The fire. The screams.
I should have died with everyone else.
Instead… I woke up accused.
My father murdered.
My mother barely alive.
And the world calling me the traitor.
That’s when he found me.
Ruslan Zaytsev.
Cold. Controlled. A man who looks at me like I already belong to him.
He doesn’t rescue me.
He takes me.
He says it’s protection.
But his protection feels like a cage.
Everywhere else… survivors are being erased. One by one.
And when I try to run, he drags me back—
voice low, lethal, unshakable.
“You don’t get it yet, do you?”
I shake my head.
His grip tightens.
“You weren’t meant to survive that plane.”
Now I’m trapped between a war I don’t understand
and a man who refuses to let me go—
Because the truth is…
He wasn’t sent to save me.
He was sent to kill me.
Author’s A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance featuring kidnapping, forced proximity, obsession, and a ruthless alpha hero. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
Being the reason they’re hunting you—
and not knowing why…
Look, I didn’t do anything wrong.
I was just doing my job.
Until I found the drugs.
Hidden inside the plane.
Then everything went wrong.
The crash. The fire. The screams.
I should have died with everyone else.
Instead… I woke up accused.
My father murdered.
My mother barely alive.
And the world calling me the traitor.
That’s when he found me.
Ruslan Zaytsev.
Cold. Controlled. A man who looks at me like I already belong to him.
He doesn’t rescue me.
He takes me.
He says it’s protection.
But his protection feels like a cage.
Everywhere else… survivors are being erased. One by one.
And when I try to run, he drags me back—
voice low, lethal, unshakable.
“You don’t get it yet, do you?”
I shake my head.
His grip tightens.
“You weren’t meant to survive that plane.”
Now I’m trapped between a war I don’t understand
and a man who refuses to let me go—
Because the truth is…
He wasn’t sent to save me.
He was sent to kill me.
Author’s A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance featuring kidnapping, forced proximity, obsession, and a ruthless alpha hero. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 16, 2026
Bravo!
Finally, a Mafia and Bratva novel with a twist, without the same ole, same ole plot that encompasses everyone that has been released for a very long time. I liked it, and for that, this one skims into a 5 because I did enjoy the different type of storyline! I rarely offer that rating, but the first 40%-ish helped immensely.
So without giving away any spoilers, it's attention gaining from the get-go with an incident involving the MFC Ivy. Because of this situation, the MMC Ace/Ruslan is introduced into the story. For a tough guy, he turns out to be very likable. Most of the significant characters, the remainder of the Suits - King, Queen, Jack, Joker, are eventually likable, save for one other side character. This being the mafia norm along with the spice. The spice? Well, there are only so many ways lıkṣụkphụk can be written anyway, and all the Bratva/Mafia authors got it on replay!
As it goes, those little negatives didn't take away from my likability of the book as a whole. While there'll always be varied opinions, this is my viewpoint. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. And as always, I would recommend a read to form a review of your own!
Finally, a Mafia and Bratva novel with a twist, without the same ole, same ole plot that encompasses everyone that has been released for a very long time. I liked it, and for that, this one skims into a 5 because I did enjoy the different type of storyline! I rarely offer that rating, but the first 40%-ish helped immensely.
So without giving away any spoilers, it's attention gaining from the get-go with an incident involving the MFC Ivy. Because of this situation, the MMC Ace/Ruslan is introduced into the story. For a tough guy, he turns out to be very likable. Most of the significant characters, the remainder of the Suits - King, Queen, Jack, Joker, are eventually likable, save for one other side character. This being the mafia norm along with the spice. The spice? Well, there are only so many ways lıkṣụkphụk can be written anyway, and all the Bratva/Mafia authors got it on replay!
As it goes, those little negatives didn't take away from my likability of the book as a whole. While there'll always be varied opinions, this is my viewpoint. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. And as always, I would recommend a read to form a review of your own!
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June 7, 2026Thoughts:
1. Moira, Ivy's engaged best friend, flirting with and, essentially, hitting on Ruslan is tacky. And makes me suspicious of her as well as dislike her. The longer the scene with Moira, the more she talks and shares what "she knows," the less I trust her. The less I like her.
2. Of course, to soften the blow of her dad being murdered, Ivy learns he wasn't the man she thought he was. He was cheating on her mom and had begun divorce proceedings.
1. Moira, Ivy's engaged best friend, flirting with and, essentially, hitting on Ruslan is tacky. And makes me suspicious of her as well as dislike her. The longer the scene with Moira, the more she talks and shares what "she knows," the less I trust her. The less I like her.
2. Of course, to soften the blow of her dad being murdered, Ivy learns he wasn't the man she thought he was. He was cheating on her mom and had begun divorce proceedings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
DNF at 18% it just repeats a lot and the MFC complains so fucking much. WE HET IT! Your dad is dead, your mom was attacked, you just work for an airline blah blah blah. It repeats so fucking much I don’t even want to read anymore pages about it.
May 29, 2026
Ace of Shadows is the first book in The Fifth Suit of Sin Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating. A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance featuring kidnapping, forced proximity, obsession, and a ruthless alpha hero. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed. A woman survived a plane crash and discovers drugs, becoming hunted mafia. Ruslan Zaytsev captures her under the guise of protection, but he was sent to kill her. This is Ivy and Ruslan story which is told from a dual point of view. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that will draw you into the pages. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing story filled with scorching hot panty-melting passion, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, pulse-pounding drama, suspense, mystery, and surprises. A brilliantly written story with world building individuals and a twisty and complex storyline that captures the audience attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages until the end.
An action & adventure romance, touch-her-and-die romance, contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, forbidden romance, Russian Bratva romance, organize crime thriller story, protective alpha hero story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, billionaire romance, aged gap trope story, taboo romance, off-limits romance, forbidden romance with dark hidden secret, hidden agendas, kidnapping, captivity, darkness, madness, violence, enemies, danger, possessiveness, obsession, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, loss, revelations, survival, resilience, push and pull, hurt and pain, guilt, tension, power struggle, fear, murder, bloodshed, attacks, heart-stopping emotions, family, acceptance, threats, backstabbing, treachery, acceptance, forgiveness, torture, grief and love.
Ivy is a flight attendant, she was on flight doing her job when it went down killing everyone leaving her as the only surviving occupant. She was hurt pretty badly and had to be hospitalize for her injuries. And after waking up four days later she learnt that her father was murdered and that her mom was in serious condition and barely live fighting for her life. Now she's being hunted by the mob for reasons unknown to her until she found the drugs hidden inside the plane. After going through that ordeal she was being accused and the world calling her the traitor. She was being blamed for causing the crash and for the drugs. Ruslan Zaytsev a.k.a. Ace along with four others who is part of a secret society keeps the underworld at peace. He went to kill at the hospital to finish the job but something changed when he sees Ivy. For the first time he was at a place where he couldn't go through with the job and decided to kidnap her and protect her instead.
He took her home to recuperate and keep her safe from the people who were hunting her. Ruslan Zaytsev is controlled, cold a man who looks at her like he already belong to him. He doesn't rescue her, he takes. He says it's protection but his protection feels like a cage. Everywhere else survivors are being erased one by one. And when she try to run, he drags her back voice lethal and unshakable. He tells her that you don't get it yet, do you. She shake her head his grip tightens you weren't meant to survive that plane. And now she's trapped between a war that she doesn't understand and a man who refuses to let her go. They worked together to uncover the perpetrator and bring him and in doing so they managed to start a war between the other mafia families. And along the way their attraction ignites and the chemistry is electrifying and lava hot and the eventually fell in love. They were betrayal, lies, deception, mole, traitor, double-cross, action packed, and so much more.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
An action & adventure romance, touch-her-and-die romance, contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, billionaire romance, forbidden romance, Russian Bratva romance, organize crime thriller story, protective alpha hero story, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, billionaire romance, aged gap trope story, taboo romance, off-limits romance, forbidden romance with dark hidden secret, hidden agendas, kidnapping, captivity, darkness, madness, violence, enemies, danger, possessiveness, obsession, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, loss, revelations, survival, resilience, push and pull, hurt and pain, guilt, tension, power struggle, fear, murder, bloodshed, attacks, heart-stopping emotions, family, acceptance, threats, backstabbing, treachery, acceptance, forgiveness, torture, grief and love.
Ivy is a flight attendant, she was on flight doing her job when it went down killing everyone leaving her as the only surviving occupant. She was hurt pretty badly and had to be hospitalize for her injuries. And after waking up four days later she learnt that her father was murdered and that her mom was in serious condition and barely live fighting for her life. Now she's being hunted by the mob for reasons unknown to her until she found the drugs hidden inside the plane. After going through that ordeal she was being accused and the world calling her the traitor. She was being blamed for causing the crash and for the drugs. Ruslan Zaytsev a.k.a. Ace along with four others who is part of a secret society keeps the underworld at peace. He went to kill at the hospital to finish the job but something changed when he sees Ivy. For the first time he was at a place where he couldn't go through with the job and decided to kidnap her and protect her instead.
He took her home to recuperate and keep her safe from the people who were hunting her. Ruslan Zaytsev is controlled, cold a man who looks at her like he already belong to him. He doesn't rescue her, he takes. He says it's protection but his protection feels like a cage. Everywhere else survivors are being erased one by one. And when she try to run, he drags her back voice lethal and unshakable. He tells her that you don't get it yet, do you. She shake her head his grip tightens you weren't meant to survive that plane. And now she's trapped between a war that she doesn't understand and a man who refuses to let her go. They worked together to uncover the perpetrator and bring him and in doing so they managed to start a war between the other mafia families. And along the way their attraction ignites and the chemistry is electrifying and lava hot and the eventually fell in love. They were betrayal, lies, deception, mole, traitor, double-cross, action packed, and so much more.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2026
What’s worse than being hunted by the Mafia?
Being the reason they’re hunting you—
and not knowing why…
Look, I didn’t do anything wrong.
I was just doing my job.
Until I found the drugs.
Hidden inside the plane.
Then everything went wrong.
The crash. The fire. The screams.
I should have died with everyone else.
Instead… I woke up accused.
My father murdered.
My mother barely alive.
And the world calling me the traitor.
That’s when he found me.
Ruslan Zaytsev.
Cold. Controlled. A man who looks at me like I already belong to him.
He doesn’t rescue me.
He takes me.
He says it’s protection.
But his protection feels like a cage.
Everywhere else… survivors are being erased. One by one.
And when I try to run, he drags me back—
voice low, lethal, unshakable.
“You don’t get it yet, do you?”
I shake my head.
His grip tightens.
“You weren’t meant to survive that plane.”
Now I’m trapped between a war I don’t understand
and a man who refuses to let me go—
Because the truth is…
He wasn’t sent to save me.
He was sent to kill me.
This contemporary dark, emotionally intense Russian Bratva mafia forced proximity, forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, organized crime, and grit, and characters who are an alpha mafia male who is obsessed, protector, ruthless, violent, dangerous, and exuding power/wealth/female heroine, who are both humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with ace of shadows, mature, 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, no cliffhanger, HEA guaranteed, chaos/drama, romantic suspense/suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with ace of shadows and an explicit contemporary dark, emotionally intense, Russian Bratva mafia forced proximity forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely lustful, dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being the reason they’re hunting you—
and not knowing why…
Look, I didn’t do anything wrong.
I was just doing my job.
Until I found the drugs.
Hidden inside the plane.
Then everything went wrong.
The crash. The fire. The screams.
I should have died with everyone else.
Instead… I woke up accused.
My father murdered.
My mother barely alive.
And the world calling me the traitor.
That’s when he found me.
Ruslan Zaytsev.
Cold. Controlled. A man who looks at me like I already belong to him.
He doesn’t rescue me.
He takes me.
He says it’s protection.
But his protection feels like a cage.
Everywhere else… survivors are being erased. One by one.
And when I try to run, he drags me back—
voice low, lethal, unshakable.
“You don’t get it yet, do you?”
I shake my head.
His grip tightens.
“You weren’t meant to survive that plane.”
Now I’m trapped between a war I don’t understand
and a man who refuses to let me go—
Because the truth is…
He wasn’t sent to save me.
He was sent to kill me.
This contemporary dark, emotionally intense Russian Bratva mafia forced proximity, forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, organized crime, and grit, and characters who are an alpha mafia male who is obsessed, protector, ruthless, violent, dangerous, and exuding power/wealth/female heroine, who are both humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with ace of shadows, mature, 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, no cliffhanger, HEA guaranteed, chaos/drama, romantic suspense/suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with ace of shadows and an explicit contemporary dark, emotionally intense, Russian Bratva mafia forced proximity forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely lustful, dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2026
Ace of Shadows by Ava Gray was such an addictive dark romance read! From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its dangerous atmosphere, emotional tension, and the intense chemistry between Ruslan and Ivy. Every chapter felt layered with secrets, power struggles, emotional vulnerability, and surprises that kept me constantly wondering what would happen next.
Ruslan was such a compelling morally gray hero. He’s powerful, controlling, protective, and completely used to living in a dangerous world, but underneath all of that intensity, there’s still emotional depth that slowly starts to show throughout the story. I loved watching the way Ivy challenged him emotionally while also becoming one of the few people capable of getting past his walls. His possessive nature and growing attachment to her created so much tension throughout the book.
Ivy brought so much strength and heart to the story. She isn’t easily intimidated by Ruslan or the world surrounding him, which made their dynamic even more entertaining to read. I really liked that she maintained her independence and emotional resilience even while being pulled deeper into the chaos around them. The push-and-pull between Ruslan and Ivy kept the relationship feeling intense and emotionally charged the entire time.
One of my favorite things about this book was how well it balanced darker romance elements with emotional connection. The chemistry between Ruslan and Ivy was undeniable, but the story also gave them genuine emotional development underneath all the danger, obsession, and tension. The layered surprises throughout the plot kept raising the stakes, making it impossible not to stay fully invested in the story.
Overall, Ace of Shadows was such a gripping dark romance filled with tension, obsession, emotional vulnerability, and morally gray characters that completely pull you into their world. If you enjoy dark romances with protective heroes, dangerous atmospheres, and emotionally intense relationships, this is definitely one worth reading.
Ruslan was such a compelling morally gray hero. He’s powerful, controlling, protective, and completely used to living in a dangerous world, but underneath all of that intensity, there’s still emotional depth that slowly starts to show throughout the story. I loved watching the way Ivy challenged him emotionally while also becoming one of the few people capable of getting past his walls. His possessive nature and growing attachment to her created so much tension throughout the book.
Ivy brought so much strength and heart to the story. She isn’t easily intimidated by Ruslan or the world surrounding him, which made their dynamic even more entertaining to read. I really liked that she maintained her independence and emotional resilience even while being pulled deeper into the chaos around them. The push-and-pull between Ruslan and Ivy kept the relationship feeling intense and emotionally charged the entire time.
One of my favorite things about this book was how well it balanced darker romance elements with emotional connection. The chemistry between Ruslan and Ivy was undeniable, but the story also gave them genuine emotional development underneath all the danger, obsession, and tension. The layered surprises throughout the plot kept raising the stakes, making it impossible not to stay fully invested in the story.
Overall, Ace of Shadows was such a gripping dark romance filled with tension, obsession, emotional vulnerability, and morally gray characters that completely pull you into their world. If you enjoy dark romances with protective heroes, dangerous atmospheres, and emotionally intense relationships, this is definitely one worth reading.
June 17, 2026
The absurdity was strong with this one.
FMC survives a plane crash with just some bruises. Nothing wrong with that. MMC is send to kill her. Sounds interesting. The plot holes kick right in from the beginning.
Why is there a whole book about them finding out who is trying to kill her if he was send to kill her. How about he takes it up with the persons who gave him the order. Oh, he can’t, because no one gave the order. So he becomes the protector and tries to figure out who wants her dead. 😵💫
But it all becomes stupid right from the beginning. Ivy insists to go see her mom and ofcourse they get attacked. She is kidnapped and beaten up (don’t forget she just survived that plane crash). Then Ruslan tries to play saviour, but gets beaten up as well. His friends needed to come to safe the day.
When she was in the hospital, Ruslan was there and there were two other men in the room pretending to be agents. When they got kidnapped Ruslan didn’t know who the kidnappers were. His excuse was he didn’t recognize them. 🤡
After that miss stupidity insists to go home to get some clothes 🤡 They get attacked again, her home is blown up. To safe her, she is thrown from a window two floors down.
After that they go to visit the mom again. Miss stupid thinks it’s okay to go to a café with her friend.
Then they are chased into a car crash.
The sob story of her father’s mistress was another kind of absurd. She has an affair with a married man for almost two years. He dies and the wife was raped and is in coma. The mistress brings her flowers every week, because she is not a monster. Wtf am I even reading 😵💫
In between the scenes, they were jumping each other’s bones. It all felt out of place and just as ridiculous as the rest.
At least there is no cheating, no OWD, no comparing her to others, no virgins.
FMC survives a plane crash with just some bruises. Nothing wrong with that. MMC is send to kill her. Sounds interesting. The plot holes kick right in from the beginning.
“I was going to kill her, but something felt off. I listened to her story and I’m telling you, I don’t believe she had a hand in this.”
Why is there a whole book about them finding out who is trying to kill her if he was send to kill her. How about he takes it up with the persons who gave him the order. Oh, he can’t, because no one gave the order. So he becomes the protector and tries to figure out who wants her dead. 😵💫
But it all becomes stupid right from the beginning. Ivy insists to go see her mom and ofcourse they get attacked. She is kidnapped and beaten up (don’t forget she just survived that plane crash). Then Ruslan tries to play saviour, but gets beaten up as well. His friends needed to come to safe the day.
When she was in the hospital, Ruslan was there and there were two other men in the room pretending to be agents. When they got kidnapped Ruslan didn’t know who the kidnappers were. His excuse was he didn’t recognize them. 🤡
After that miss stupidity insists to go home to get some clothes 🤡 They get attacked again, her home is blown up. To safe her, she is thrown from a window two floors down.
After that they go to visit the mom again. Miss stupid thinks it’s okay to go to a café with her friend.
Then they are chased into a car crash.
The sob story of her father’s mistress was another kind of absurd. She has an affair with a married man for almost two years. He dies and the wife was raped and is in coma. The mistress brings her flowers every week, because she is not a monster. Wtf am I even reading 😵💫
In between the scenes, they were jumping each other’s bones. It all felt out of place and just as ridiculous as the rest.
At least there is no cheating, no OWD, no comparing her to others, no virgins.
Review of advance copy
Ivy is a flight attendant who survives a plane crash. She is seriously injured and is hospitalized. She is questioned by police about her role in the crash and drugs discovered in the wreckage. She is kidnapped by Ruslan and sequestered in an apartment for medical care. She is frantic to get out of the apartment and actually is able to get out of her restraints but is secured by Ruslan.
He questions her about her role in the drugs, but not all is clear.
The story takes a dark turn when she finds out her father was tortured and murdered and her mother was brutalized and is in a coma. She and Ruslan are kidnapped after she visits her mother, but Ruslan turns it around by revealing he is the Ace in the Suit.
Ivy and Ruslan start to work towards solving the crime of her parent's home invasion.
This story was very complex with a great plot involving betrayal, deceit, intrigue and real heat between Ruslan and Ivy.
I was glued to my kindle from start to finish. you won't want to put this one down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He questions her about her role in the drugs, but not all is clear.
The story takes a dark turn when she finds out her father was tortured and murdered and her mother was brutalized and is in a coma. She and Ruslan are kidnapped after she visits her mother, but Ruslan turns it around by revealing he is the Ace in the Suit.
Ivy and Ruslan start to work towards solving the crime of her parent's home invasion.
This story was very complex with a great plot involving betrayal, deceit, intrigue and real heat between Ruslan and Ivy.
I was glued to my kindle from start to finish. you won't want to put this one down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2026
This is 1st story in The Fifth Suit of Sin Series where we meet Ivy a flight attendant enjoying her travels. One fateful flight turns dangerous with the plane crashing right before she discovers drugs hidden in the walls. When she wakes 4 days later badly injured she finds herself arrested, her father has been killed and her mother badly beaten in a coma. Then out of the shadows in her room a large strange man, Ruslan, makes a decision not to end her life and ends up taking her against her wishes! Unknown to Ivy, Ruslan who is the new Ace who’s part of a secret organization that keeps the underworld in NY at peace. Going against the rules Ruslan brings Ivy back to their home base and becomes extremely protective of her. As Ivy navigates healing and coming to terms with her new reality danger and threats continue to come her way. There are secrets, unfortunate death, new friends, protection, betrayal and new challenges and a chance at love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story of Ivy and Ace/Ruslan
Ivy is a flight attendant, she loves her job and the people she works with. Until it goes horribly wrong and wakes up 4 days later after the crash.
Ruslan is the Ace he & 4 others keep the underworld in order. He’s there at the hospital to finish the job. Something doesn’t sit right when he goes to see Ivy.
Ivy’s world falls apart & Ruslan is there for her through it all. It’s not simple & it’s not pretty. Ruslan is so protective of her & goes against the rules to get to the bottom of it.
Ivy is so strong even though she doesn’t feel it when everything in between life implodes.
Betrayal, love, death, protectiveness & breaking rules.
I absolutely loved this book & I hope there is more to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy is a flight attendant, she loves her job and the people she works with. Until it goes horribly wrong and wakes up 4 days later after the crash.
Ruslan is the Ace he & 4 others keep the underworld in order. He’s there at the hospital to finish the job. Something doesn’t sit right when he goes to see Ivy.
Ivy’s world falls apart & Ruslan is there for her through it all. It’s not simple & it’s not pretty. Ruslan is so protective of her & goes against the rules to get to the bottom of it.
Ivy is so strong even though she doesn’t feel it when everything in between life implodes.
Betrayal, love, death, protectiveness & breaking rules.
I absolutely loved this book & I hope there is more to come.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2026
If you’re looking for a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one delivers.
I just finished Ace of Shadows, and wow — I absolutely loved it. The entire storyline pulled me in from the very first chapter, and every single character felt rich, layered, and unforgettable. It kept me guessing the whole way through, always one twist ahead of me, and I enjoyed every moment of uncovering the inner workings of the Suit and how their world operates.
Ava Gray built something so immersive and addictive that I already can’t wait to dive into the stories of the other characters. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more — gripping, clever, emotional, and impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one delivers.
I just finished Ace of Shadows, and wow — I absolutely loved it. The entire storyline pulled me in from the very first chapter, and every single character felt rich, layered, and unforgettable. It kept me guessing the whole way through, always one twist ahead of me, and I enjoyed every moment of uncovering the inner workings of the Suit and how their world operates.
Ava Gray built something so immersive and addictive that I already can’t wait to dive into the stories of the other characters. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more — gripping, clever, emotional, and impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy
I can't tell you how much I loved this book. A society of people who police the criminal underworld and mystery that has so many twists and turns it makes your head spin, a mysterious member of this group turned reluctant bodyguard who stops at nothing to save the woman he is unexpectedly falling for. If all this sounds good, you get it all and so much more in this book. Great book, action-packed. A must-read if you like action and mystery in your morally grey hero romances. Oh, and the spice is top-tier. Great read!.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The first book in "The Fifth Suit of Sin" series. Ivy was working as cabin crew on a flight headed to L.A. when turbulence started rocking the plane. A food trolley collided with a wall panel knocking it loose. Inside were plastic wrapped white bricks. Before Ivy had a chance to report the discovery, sensors started blaring and the plane started dropping. When Ivy woke up in the hospital days later, she was shocked to find that she was being blamed for not only the crash, but also the drugs. Ruslan Zaytsev works for a secret organization. His original mission was to silence Ivy but when he finds himself unable to do that, he ends up kidnapping her "to protect her".
May 17, 2026
Book 1 of The Fifth Suit of Sin. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Author’s Note: A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance featuring kidnapping, forced proximity, obsession, and a ruthless alpha hero. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Author’s Note: A dark, emotionally intense mafia romance featuring kidnapping, forced proximity, obsession, and a ruthless alpha hero. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2026
Okay story, needs some fine tuning.
Found this one hard to read as I didn’t like the FMC. Yes she’s been through an horrendous time but I found her repeated lack of self preservation, which put the lives of others at risk just to annoying to engage her to me.
Unfortunately, that made the story hard to like although I’m sure plenty will.
An annoyingly amount of silly typos. Things like, ‘I’ when it should be, ‘it’ or ‘You think I should have her over? when is should be, “You think I should HAND her over?” There were so many I’d silly little errors like that, that an editor or proof reader should have caught.
Found this one hard to read as I didn’t like the FMC. Yes she’s been through an horrendous time but I found her repeated lack of self preservation, which put the lives of others at risk just to annoying to engage her to me.
Unfortunately, that made the story hard to like although I’m sure plenty will.
An annoyingly amount of silly typos. Things like, ‘I’ when it should be, ‘it’ or ‘You think I should have her over? when is should be, “You think I should HAND her over?” There were so many I’d silly little errors like that, that an editor or proof reader should have caught.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To say I loved this story is putting it mildly from a plane crash and the few survivors recovered one one young woman Ivy is the only one left alive but for just how long.
Keeping her alive is down to one man Ruslan (ACE) but getting her to understand she'd be dead without him is not going to be easy.
The telling of what happened to her parents is horrific but written with care.
Its action packed, a really great read and quite steamy when these two get together.
Finding out who's responsible for the plane crash and why takes time but well worth it.
A story so well worth reading.
Keeping her alive is down to one man Ruslan (ACE) but getting her to understand she'd be dead without him is not going to be easy.
The telling of what happened to her parents is horrific but written with care.
Its action packed, a really great read and quite steamy when these two get together.
Finding out who's responsible for the plane crash and why takes time but well worth it.
A story so well worth reading.
May 16, 2026
Ivy works for Alpine Airlines where she is a member of the floor crew. She is working on a flight when the plane goes down. She is one of the few survivors. The other survivors are dying and Ivy is in the hospital. Ace finds Ivy at the hospital and brings her to stay with him where he can keep her safe while she heals. Together they will need to work to find out who is wanting to kill Ivy and start a major war between the families of the mafia. This is a great book to read!.
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 16, 2026
What a twist of a mafia storyline. An Ace , a Queen, a King, a Joker And Jack keep the mafia world from falling into chaos. 5 people with different skill sets live in the shadows until Ivy becomes a target. Ruslan the Ace decides that he needs to get her to safety instead of killing her. This a very twisted storyline . It is very action packed with alot of deception to uncover. It is also a love story between Ivy and Ruslan. Their chemistry is very hot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this 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 16, 2026
Looking for a fresh take on a mafia romance? Then you’ll love the high-stakes thrill ride Ivy and Ruslan take you on. While he’s consumed with protecting her, she’s equally desperate to escape his control. Their journey plunges you into a dark world packed with unpredictable twists, intense drama, and non-stop suspense—with some spice thrown in for good measure. It’s one more read you’ll want to tuck into your TBR list!.
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 30, 2026
Wow... I'm about half way through reading and I don't think I've read anything quite like it. Ivy is a victim and is being hunted for something she may or may not know about. Ruslan and his group are helping her to stay alive and figure out the mess. With a twist on secret society, there's also violence, danger and drama, a ruthless protector, mafia, forced proximity, kidnapping... There is plenty going on, I need to get back to it now...
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.
Review of advance copy
Ivy was juat dping her hob when she stumbled upon something that ignited the flames of her nightmare, a crash, and death follow but when Ruslan offers protection she cant say no, as others are targeted, desires flare between them but Ruslan wasnt sent to protect he was sent to end, will he finish the job? Well written the story and characters draw you in, engaging fast paced steamy desires and more
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ace of Shadows
The Ace/Ruslan and Ivy
Wow! what a great beginning to a new series. The Suit characters were off the charts with their interactions with one another and genuine caring while performing their difficult job. Ivy was so strong with everything that was thrown at her. This is a very different Mafia romance with lots of mystery and twists in it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Ace/Ruslan and Ivy
Wow! what a great beginning to a new series. The Suit characters were off the charts with their interactions with one another and genuine caring while performing their difficult job. Ivy was so strong with everything that was thrown at her. This is a very different Mafia romance with lots of mystery and twists in it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emma survives a horrific plane crash that should have killed her and now that it hasn't the mafia is hunting her. Ruslan is one of those men who is drawn to her and instead of killing Emma takes her underhand and their journey begins. Their path is filled with dangerous twists and turns that holds you captive and glued to the pages.
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 16, 2026
good start to a series!
There’s action throughout this entire book so great ready. Some smattering of romance between Ivy and Ruslan, our MCs. The idea of the Suit is very cool and unique. I’ve only read one other series that had this same sort of concept. While there was mafia elements in the book, I would say definitely more mystery/thriller. Plot twist about 3/4 way through. Worth the read. I’ll def check out next book in the Suit series. ARC via Booksprout.
There’s action throughout this entire book so great ready. Some smattering of romance between Ivy and Ruslan, our MCs. The idea of the Suit is very cool and unique. I’ve only read one other series that had this same sort of concept. While there was mafia elements in the book, I would say definitely more mystery/thriller. Plot twist about 3/4 way through. Worth the read. I’ll def check out next book in the Suit series. ARC via Booksprout.
May 17, 2026
This is a very different mafia/ bratva book,
I honestly couldn't see where is was going at the beginning...
It took a while to get into but once I worked out who's who in the story it all came together. Then I couldn't put it down...
I really enjoyed the relationship between the Suits and Ivy, Ace is clearly the hero...
Definitely try this book it's really good. I'm looking forward to taking more about the other Suits...
Thank you Ava
I honestly couldn't see where is was going at the beginning...
It took a while to get into but once I worked out who's who in the story it all came together. Then I couldn't put it down...
I really enjoyed the relationship between the Suits and Ivy, Ace is clearly the hero...
Definitely try this book it's really good. I'm looking forward to taking more about the other Suits...
Thank you Ava
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ace Of Shadows is the intriguing, suspenseful journey of Ruslin and Ivy. This story is filled with drama, suspense, intrigue, twists and turns that that keep readers on the edge of our seats from start to finish. This is the kind of book you want to make sure you have nothing to do but read. You'll never be able to put it down once you start!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gripping story into the underworld of the mafia. Two wonderfully interestedly intense characters that you just want more of everything about them. He has one goal, to keep her alive. Her one goal is to get free of him………for now. Ava has done it again!!!.
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 17, 2026
Ava has truly outdone herself with this riveting thriller. I absolutely love the concept of Raslans team the Fifth Suit. Absolutely amazing. So much turmoil and betrayal in this one. Page 276 had me completely sobbing the ugly cry. So intense. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 18, 2026
thumbs down
How stupid could the girl be for not understanding the danger she was in every time she left and how stupid was the Ace and the rest of the team for letting her go not once but over and over again. And what good are the Suites if they kept making stupid decisions??!!!
How stupid could the girl be for not understanding the danger she was in every time she left and how stupid was the Ace and the rest of the team for letting her go not once but over and over again. And what good are the Suites if they kept making stupid decisions??!!!
May 19, 2026
OMG, what an exciting new series. Ava Gray you are unstoppable. Ivy and Ruslan (Ace) are great together. I love the story line with the twists, action, and betrayal. You will not be able to put this down until the end.
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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