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Secret Heir
I disappeared with the Bratva boss’s unborn child.
Seven years later... he found his heir.
I thought I was protecting my baby.
Instead...
I robbed the most dangerous man in New York of seven years with his son.
Maksim Sokolov doesn't forgive betrayal.
He carries my terrified little boy out of school without asking permission.
Locks us inside his estate.
Looks me in the eye and says,
"You're never running again."
Now my son finally has the father he's always dreamed of.
And I'm falling for the man I swore I'd never trust again.
Because the ruthless monster the world fears...
Loves our little boy with a devotion that steals my breath.
But Maksim still doesn't know why I disappeared.
He thinks I betrayed him.
He has no idea I was running from the man who betrayed us both.
And when that man discovers the Bratva heir is still alive...
He won't stop until Maksim buries his own son.
Seven years later... he found his heir.
I thought I was protecting my baby.
Instead...
I robbed the most dangerous man in New York of seven years with his son.
Maksim Sokolov doesn't forgive betrayal.
He carries my terrified little boy out of school without asking permission.
Locks us inside his estate.
Looks me in the eye and says,
"You're never running again."
Now my son finally has the father he's always dreamed of.
And I'm falling for the man I swore I'd never trust again.
Because the ruthless monster the world fears...
Loves our little boy with a devotion that steals my breath.
But Maksim still doesn't know why I disappeared.
He thinks I betrayed him.
He has no idea I was running from the man who betrayed us both.
And when that man discovers the Bratva heir is still alive...
He won't stop until Maksim buries his own son.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2026
About the author
Ajme Williams
159 books546 followersAjme Williams - mother, wife, daughter, dreamer, an avid reader and a writer.
When she's not writing romance, Ajme can be seen sipping coffee, gorging on dark chocolate, exercising, or travelling with family and friends. Cooking is therapeutic for her and she drools over Italian food...and men.
What to expect from her books?
Ajme loves variety, so expect a lot of second chances, secret babies, office romances, big fat fake weddings, curvy heroines and alpha heroes. HEA? Always, baby!
If you're a fan of emotional angsty contemporary romance, then you'll enjoy Ajme Williams.
When she's not writing romance, Ajme can be seen sipping coffee, gorging on dark chocolate, exercising, or travelling with family and friends. Cooking is therapeutic for her and she drools over Italian food...and men.
What to expect from her books?
Ajme loves variety, so expect a lot of second chances, secret babies, office romances, big fat fake weddings, curvy heroines and alpha heroes. HEA? Always, baby!
If you're a fan of emotional angsty contemporary romance, then you'll enjoy Ajme Williams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 23, 2026
Me ha entretenido bastante. Me ha gustado la trama, pero siento que no se ha desarrollado tan bien.
September 20, 2026
Oh boy. That was a messy marathon of repetitive writing and contradictions that I only rage finished because the angst in the beginning was so high I had to have some sort of closure.
First off the writing. Omg. It’s so repetitive. The writing is very repetitive. The author repeats phrases, ideas, thoughts, events. She’s repetitive in her writing. Get it? Annoying isn’t it? Yeah I thought so too.
This is such a slog to get through it’s borderline painful. This could have easily been half the length and been better for it. It’s. So. Damn. Repetitive. The inner monologues say the same thing over and over. The scenes repeat similar or exact phrasing. The emotional angst was repeated ad nauseam, Maxim and Aria fights cycling over and over and over. Omg. I skimmed so much of this story once I realized how she wrote. It still took too long.
There are so many plot holes/inconsistencies/contradictions. Maxim is so hot and cold. He hates Aria, he understands she did her best. He’s suspicious of Alexander himself, but when Aria raises suspicions he calls her paranoid and tells her to get over it. He admits to himself he’s still in love with her, but he treats her like dog shit for the first 60% +. I couldn’t with him. I felt bad for him at first, missing 7 years of his son’s life and no reason why. His anger made sense. His resentment. But then he not only berates Aria with cutting remarks in every conversation for running away, he also chips away at her parenting. He constantly tells her that her best wasn’t good enough. He takes credit for Daniel’s manners, for everything positive about Daniel, while basically saying Aria failed him constantly. It was heartbreaking for Aria and gave me a massive ick for Maxim.
Maybe because I’m a mom, and I know I would have done what Aria did and ran to protect my child, but I hated Maxim for a long while. He was cruel to her, mocking her efforts to keep Daniel safe, and snide and disgusted when she defended herself saying she gave him everything. Maxim equated money 🟰 good parenting, and completely negated Aria’s mothering, calling it a failure across the board because they suffered in poverty. Eww. And what’s worse, she believes him and feels immense guilt for Daniel’s life when she sees everything Maxim’s money can buy. Like because he can fish and ride a horse, Maxim is clearly the better parent. Forget Aria teaching him respect, compassion, kindness, hard work, love, empathy, you know all the things that matter? No because he couldn’t swim at 7 years old she’s a failure and Maxim NEVER let her forget it.
Their dynamic was incredibly toxic. They start fvcking around 25% but it’s fueled by hate and anger and I didn’t find it sexy. They’re still fighting constantly, Maxim degrading and belittling her, Aria stubbornly refusing to spill why she ran. I wouldn’t have slept with Maxim simply because he’s an ass 😒
I didn’t mind Aria, but more than really root for her I just felt terrible for her. Her fear was palpable and her situation sucked. I cried a few times in the first half when Maxim was just incredibly callous and cruel, and she felt essentially erased from her son’s life. Before she ever states it on page I kept thinking “man I’d feel totally insignificant now” and sure enough, 2 pages later she gives voice to those feelings. That’s where 1 of the stars comes from in my rating. There was some good meaty emotional stuff here. It was just buried in frustratingly repetitive exposition.
My other issue with these two? They never actually talk about anything. Maxim never apologizes for the way he treats Aria in the beginning. He realizes he was wrong and understands why she ran, and he does tell her she did the right thing and he got it, but he never pay for the shitty things he said. It bothered me. And Aria apologized profusely for making wrong assumptions and running. Ugh.
There were so many other contradictions. They hate fvck for a long time but then there’s a scene where it’s like the first time they’re kissing? That happened a lot honestly.
Everything was too drawn out. You could skim the first parts of every paragraph and still know exactly what happened. Again, cut half the book and it still works.
2 stars. 1 for the emotional heavy lifting that made me need closure. And 1 because the bones for a really compelling story were there. The execution was just so rough and drawn out. It was like running a marathon up hill. A slog. Torturous through parts. If the author had a good editing team to tell her when to cut parts etc, I think she’d have something pretty good. But I’m out on this series and likely anything else by her. 🥴
First off the writing. Omg. It’s so repetitive. The writing is very repetitive. The author repeats phrases, ideas, thoughts, events. She’s repetitive in her writing. Get it? Annoying isn’t it? Yeah I thought so too.
This is such a slog to get through it’s borderline painful. This could have easily been half the length and been better for it. It’s. So. Damn. Repetitive. The inner monologues say the same thing over and over. The scenes repeat similar or exact phrasing. The emotional angst was repeated ad nauseam, Maxim and Aria fights cycling over and over and over. Omg. I skimmed so much of this story once I realized how she wrote. It still took too long.
There are so many plot holes/inconsistencies/contradictions. Maxim is so hot and cold. He hates Aria, he understands she did her best. He’s suspicious of Alexander himself, but when Aria raises suspicions he calls her paranoid and tells her to get over it. He admits to himself he’s still in love with her, but he treats her like dog shit for the first 60% +. I couldn’t with him. I felt bad for him at first, missing 7 years of his son’s life and no reason why. His anger made sense. His resentment. But then he not only berates Aria with cutting remarks in every conversation for running away, he also chips away at her parenting. He constantly tells her that her best wasn’t good enough. He takes credit for Daniel’s manners, for everything positive about Daniel, while basically saying Aria failed him constantly. It was heartbreaking for Aria and gave me a massive ick for Maxim.
Maybe because I’m a mom, and I know I would have done what Aria did and ran to protect my child, but I hated Maxim for a long while. He was cruel to her, mocking her efforts to keep Daniel safe, and snide and disgusted when she defended herself saying she gave him everything. Maxim equated money 🟰 good parenting, and completely negated Aria’s mothering, calling it a failure across the board because they suffered in poverty. Eww. And what’s worse, she believes him and feels immense guilt for Daniel’s life when she sees everything Maxim’s money can buy. Like because he can fish and ride a horse, Maxim is clearly the better parent. Forget Aria teaching him respect, compassion, kindness, hard work, love, empathy, you know all the things that matter? No because he couldn’t swim at 7 years old she’s a failure and Maxim NEVER let her forget it.
Their dynamic was incredibly toxic. They start fvcking around 25% but it’s fueled by hate and anger and I didn’t find it sexy. They’re still fighting constantly, Maxim degrading and belittling her, Aria stubbornly refusing to spill why she ran. I wouldn’t have slept with Maxim simply because he’s an ass 😒
I didn’t mind Aria, but more than really root for her I just felt terrible for her. Her fear was palpable and her situation sucked. I cried a few times in the first half when Maxim was just incredibly callous and cruel, and she felt essentially erased from her son’s life. Before she ever states it on page I kept thinking “man I’d feel totally insignificant now” and sure enough, 2 pages later she gives voice to those feelings. That’s where 1 of the stars comes from in my rating. There was some good meaty emotional stuff here. It was just buried in frustratingly repetitive exposition.
My other issue with these two? They never actually talk about anything. Maxim never apologizes for the way he treats Aria in the beginning. He realizes he was wrong and understands why she ran, and he does tell her she did the right thing and he got it, but he never pay for the shitty things he said. It bothered me. And Aria apologized profusely for making wrong assumptions and running. Ugh.
There were so many other contradictions. They hate fvck for a long time but then there’s a scene where it’s like the first time they’re kissing? That happened a lot honestly.
Everything was too drawn out. You could skim the first parts of every paragraph and still know exactly what happened. Again, cut half the book and it still works.
2 stars. 1 for the emotional heavy lifting that made me need closure. And 1 because the bones for a really compelling story were there. The execution was just so rough and drawn out. It was like running a marathon up hill. A slog. Torturous through parts. If the author had a good editing team to tell her when to cut parts etc, I think she’d have something pretty good. But I’m out on this series and likely anything else by her. 🥴
September 9, 2026
She feared the man she left behind. The real danger was the one beside him.
Eight years after Aria disappears from Maksim’s life, he finds her again and discovers the son he never knew existed. His fury leaves little room for mercy, and he pulls them into a world where protection feels dangerously close to captivity. She’s determined to keep her guard up, but the ruthless man she remembers is becoming the devoted father she never expected him to be.
The attraction between them never died. Anger turns physical, old tenderness starts breaking through, and every intimate moment exposes feelings neither of them managed to bury. Maksim wants answers and control, while Aria is still carrying a truth she believes could destroy everything.
As danger closes in, the story shifts from a battle over the past into a fight over whether they can trust each other in the present. Aria has to confront the fear and guilt that shaped eight years of her life, while Maksim has to learn that loving her means more than keeping her close. It means listening, believing, and giving her the freedom to choose him.
Their relationship evolves from captivity, mistrust, possessiveness, and anger-fueled desire into something far more vulnerable. The intensity never disappears, but it changes shape as obsession becomes devotion, control gives way to partnership, and two people who never stopped loving each other finally begin rebuilding what fear tore apart. What starts as a struggle over who gets to decide slowly becomes a relationship where staying matters because it’s finally a choice they make together.
A dark, ultra-steamy, second chance, secret child, Bratva romance shaped by forced proximity, buried betrayal, possessive love, and the collision between fear and desire. It’s about trust after betrayal, protection without possession, surviving the consequences of impossible choices, and choosing love and family when running would be easier.
The Elevator Pitch: Eight years after disappearing with the child he never knew existed, a fiercely protective mother is forced back into the orbit of the ruthless man she once loved and feared. Their reunion burns through anger, desire, and buried betrayal as a dangerous truth begins to unravel everything she believed about the night that sent her running. To build the family neither of them stopped wanting, they must decide whether love can survive the secrets, violence, and mistrust that shaped their years apart.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Eight years after Aria disappears from Maksim’s life, he finds her again and discovers the son he never knew existed. His fury leaves little room for mercy, and he pulls them into a world where protection feels dangerously close to captivity. She’s determined to keep her guard up, but the ruthless man she remembers is becoming the devoted father she never expected him to be.
The attraction between them never died. Anger turns physical, old tenderness starts breaking through, and every intimate moment exposes feelings neither of them managed to bury. Maksim wants answers and control, while Aria is still carrying a truth she believes could destroy everything.
As danger closes in, the story shifts from a battle over the past into a fight over whether they can trust each other in the present. Aria has to confront the fear and guilt that shaped eight years of her life, while Maksim has to learn that loving her means more than keeping her close. It means listening, believing, and giving her the freedom to choose him.
Their relationship evolves from captivity, mistrust, possessiveness, and anger-fueled desire into something far more vulnerable. The intensity never disappears, but it changes shape as obsession becomes devotion, control gives way to partnership, and two people who never stopped loving each other finally begin rebuilding what fear tore apart. What starts as a struggle over who gets to decide slowly becomes a relationship where staying matters because it’s finally a choice they make together.
A dark, ultra-steamy, second chance, secret child, Bratva romance shaped by forced proximity, buried betrayal, possessive love, and the collision between fear and desire. It’s about trust after betrayal, protection without possession, surviving the consequences of impossible choices, and choosing love and family when running would be easier.
The Elevator Pitch: Eight years after disappearing with the child he never knew existed, a fiercely protective mother is forced back into the orbit of the ruthless man she once loved and feared. Their reunion burns through anger, desire, and buried betrayal as a dangerous truth begins to unravel everything she believed about the night that sent her running. To build the family neither of them stopped wanting, they must decide whether love can survive the secrets, violence, and mistrust that shaped their years apart.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
September 20, 2026
Emotional and captivating mafia romance that kept me invested from beginning to end. The story follows Maksim Sokolov, a lieutenant serving under his older brother Nikolai, the leader of the Bratva. After losing Aria eight years earlier, Maksim never moved on and never stopped searching for the woman he loved.
One thing I appreciated was that the story itself differs from a few details mentioned in the blurb. Aria and her son were not taken from a school. Instead, Aria and her son are taken from their Philadelphia home and brought to the Hamptons in the middle of the night after Maksim finally finds them. Readers should also know that while Maksim often takes charge, he is not the Bratva leader. He serves as lieutenant under his older brother, Nikolai.
Aria's story is heartbreaking. Once a struggling artist at 21, working at an art gallery, she fell hard for Maksim, 32, after a chance meeting involving a piece of artwork he wanted authenticated. Their relationship seemed perfect until something she witnessed convinced her to run. Pregnant and terrified, she spent years hiding, changing her identity, and sacrificing everything to keep herself and her son safe.
I had mixed feelings about Maksim at times, which honestly made the story more engaging. There were moments when his constant criticism of Aria's poverty and parenting grew frustrating, especially since he was unwilling to consider the reasons she disappeared. Even after Aria finally revealed the truth behind her decision to run, he initially dismissed her fears and refused to believe her. It was satisfying to see him eventually confront the possibility that her "paranoia" and "lies" might actually have been the truth all along. Seeing him finally investigate the events from eight years earlier and realize how wrong he had been added a strong emotional payoff to the story.
Despite his flaws, Maksim's unwavering devotion to Aria was never in doubt. He never sought another relationship and never stopped believing she was the one for him. The tension between love, mistrust, family loyalty, and long-buried secrets kept the pages turning.
One thing I appreciated was that the story itself differs from a few details mentioned in the blurb. Aria and her son were not taken from a school. Instead, Aria and her son are taken from their Philadelphia home and brought to the Hamptons in the middle of the night after Maksim finally finds them. Readers should also know that while Maksim often takes charge, he is not the Bratva leader. He serves as lieutenant under his older brother, Nikolai.
Aria's story is heartbreaking. Once a struggling artist at 21, working at an art gallery, she fell hard for Maksim, 32, after a chance meeting involving a piece of artwork he wanted authenticated. Their relationship seemed perfect until something she witnessed convinced her to run. Pregnant and terrified, she spent years hiding, changing her identity, and sacrificing everything to keep herself and her son safe.
I had mixed feelings about Maksim at times, which honestly made the story more engaging. There were moments when his constant criticism of Aria's poverty and parenting grew frustrating, especially since he was unwilling to consider the reasons she disappeared. Even after Aria finally revealed the truth behind her decision to run, he initially dismissed her fears and refused to believe her. It was satisfying to see him eventually confront the possibility that her "paranoia" and "lies" might actually have been the truth all along. Seeing him finally investigate the events from eight years earlier and realize how wrong he had been added a strong emotional payoff to the story.
Despite his flaws, Maksim's unwavering devotion to Aria was never in doubt. He never sought another relationship and never stopped believing she was the one for him. The tension between love, mistrust, family loyalty, and long-buried secrets kept the pages turning.
September 18, 2026
This book tugs your heartstrings. It is written beautifully. The story,the characters all come alive when you read this. Love how the story started from the present and the flashbacks are introduced as and when necessary. Keeps the suspense intact and you’re hooked since the very first chapter.
This is Aria and Maksim’s story. 8 years ago they fell in love until one day Aria just disappears. Maksim searches for her for 8 years and finally finds her living under a different name and with a 7 year old son.
This book covers the story of why Aria fled and how they rebuild their relationship in the future both with each other and also between Maksim and Daniel.
Maksim is shown to be in control with his emotions unless it comes to his son. It was disheartening to read about how he felt when he heard about the years he’s missed with Daniel and also the times he waits to be called Papa. And when he finally hears him being called that the emotions were so beautifully written. It is hard to believe that this strong man would bawl his eyes out over something so simple as being called Papa. The scene where he waits for Daniel to recover was also very beautifully written. I loved how his emotions were beautifully expressed for Aria and the children. It’s nice to read about a Bratva man being so emotional and not caring to openly expressing it.
Aria was a very strong character and it was hard to read about the emotions she went through when Daniel started taking to Maksim. The feelings of being replaced or even forgotten made me cry so much. There were times I wish she would have just told Maksim why she had fled instead of dragging it out for so long. It was nice to see Maksim trust her and take her side over Nikolai’s.
This book made me cry and I was fully invested in it even though it was fictional. Can’t wait for Nikolai’s story.
This is Aria and Maksim’s story. 8 years ago they fell in love until one day Aria just disappears. Maksim searches for her for 8 years and finally finds her living under a different name and with a 7 year old son.
This book covers the story of why Aria fled and how they rebuild their relationship in the future both with each other and also between Maksim and Daniel.
Maksim is shown to be in control with his emotions unless it comes to his son. It was disheartening to read about how he felt when he heard about the years he’s missed with Daniel and also the times he waits to be called Papa. And when he finally hears him being called that the emotions were so beautifully written. It is hard to believe that this strong man would bawl his eyes out over something so simple as being called Papa. The scene where he waits for Daniel to recover was also very beautifully written. I loved how his emotions were beautifully expressed for Aria and the children. It’s nice to read about a Bratva man being so emotional and not caring to openly expressing it.
Aria was a very strong character and it was hard to read about the emotions she went through when Daniel started taking to Maksim. The feelings of being replaced or even forgotten made me cry so much. There were times I wish she would have just told Maksim why she had fled instead of dragging it out for so long. It was nice to see Maksim trust her and take her side over Nikolai’s.
This book made me cry and I was fully invested in it even though it was fictional. Can’t wait for Nikolai’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Unbreakable Love Connection -
Aria has been in hiding for years and never expected Maksim to find her or the secret she had kept for years, but she knew there was no escape from him. Maksim had never gotten over Aria in all the years they had been apart, but discovering the secret she had kept from him and the fact she wouldn’t tell him the real reason she run away put a continuous strain on their reunion. Even though Maksim and Aria rekindled their sexual relationship, there was still a disconnect between them, as she still didn’t know if she could fully trust him.
Unfortunately, Maksim and Aria’s relationship was tested when she tried to flee and he initially didn’t believe her when she finally revealed the reason she run away, but he soon realised she had been telling the truth. Nevertheless, Maksim and Aria’s lives didn’t magically return to their blissful moments, as the revelation of the truth led to a few dangerous encounters, that affected more than their lives. Thankfully, Maksim and Aria were able to finally get back on track towards building the life they had wanted.
I absolutely could not put this fantastic dark mafia romance story down from the moment I started reading and didn’t take a break until I finished. The story was incredibly intense, spicy and suspenseful with lots of interesting characters, violence, drama and heart wrenching moments, which confirmed Ajme Williams as an amazing and talented storyteller. You will definitely enjoy reading this book just as much as I did, but just make sure you carve out a few hours where you won’t be disturbed before you start reading this book.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aria has been in hiding for years and never expected Maksim to find her or the secret she had kept for years, but she knew there was no escape from him. Maksim had never gotten over Aria in all the years they had been apart, but discovering the secret she had kept from him and the fact she wouldn’t tell him the real reason she run away put a continuous strain on their reunion. Even though Maksim and Aria rekindled their sexual relationship, there was still a disconnect between them, as she still didn’t know if she could fully trust him.
Unfortunately, Maksim and Aria’s relationship was tested when she tried to flee and he initially didn’t believe her when she finally revealed the reason she run away, but he soon realised she had been telling the truth. Nevertheless, Maksim and Aria’s lives didn’t magically return to their blissful moments, as the revelation of the truth led to a few dangerous encounters, that affected more than their lives. Thankfully, Maksim and Aria were able to finally get back on track towards building the life they had wanted.
I absolutely could not put this fantastic dark mafia romance story down from the moment I started reading and didn’t take a break until I finished. The story was incredibly intense, spicy and suspenseful with lots of interesting characters, violence, drama and heart wrenching moments, which confirmed Ajme Williams as an amazing and talented storyteller. You will definitely enjoy reading this book just as much as I did, but just make sure you carve out a few hours where you won’t be disturbed before you start reading this book.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2026
Not great
Unfortunately, I had really high hopes for this book. But there was really no forgiving the FMC. I really don’t care what she saw what she experienced all of that at the end of the day. She was starving her kid. That’s a form of child abuse. She didn’t have any reason to not get help. She could’ve talked to the MMC and said look. I saw this and it terrified me and I don’t want my son to be part of that world. She didn’t try to find any solution, except the one that she proudly thought would be better. And I’m sorry but the whole I won’t tell you what I saw is the most frustrating thing I’ve ever read. It’s like she’s scared to tell him how stupid she was by blowing something out of proportion. Now I get that it was bad, but this is a mafia romance. She should’ve known looking at that man what he was capable of. I could’ve probably looked at that man and known he wasn’t clean under the fingernails. And then to let your son suffer because you’re too proud? And here’s what really irritates me she stayed in the same line of work, where she probably could have earned more regularly. Has she given up sales in a gallery. I know how that money works. But she took her son away from his father. She put him in a situation where it was starving and rather than leaving the line of work that she wanted so that she could earn more, she kept working in a gallery, earning pity commissions. They barely stayed afloat, so her son knew what it was like to keep food in his pocket so he didn’t starve later. Yeah I’m sorry. I think the father should’ve taken. The kid left her in the dust.
Unfortunately, I had really high hopes for this book. But there was really no forgiving the FMC. I really don’t care what she saw what she experienced all of that at the end of the day. She was starving her kid. That’s a form of child abuse. She didn’t have any reason to not get help. She could’ve talked to the MMC and said look. I saw this and it terrified me and I don’t want my son to be part of that world. She didn’t try to find any solution, except the one that she proudly thought would be better. And I’m sorry but the whole I won’t tell you what I saw is the most frustrating thing I’ve ever read. It’s like she’s scared to tell him how stupid she was by blowing something out of proportion. Now I get that it was bad, but this is a mafia romance. She should’ve known looking at that man what he was capable of. I could’ve probably looked at that man and known he wasn’t clean under the fingernails. And then to let your son suffer because you’re too proud? And here’s what really irritates me she stayed in the same line of work, where she probably could have earned more regularly. Has she given up sales in a gallery. I know how that money works. But she took her son away from his father. She put him in a situation where it was starving and rather than leaving the line of work that she wanted so that she could earn more, she kept working in a gallery, earning pity commissions. They barely stayed afloat, so her son knew what it was like to keep food in his pocket so he didn’t starve later. Yeah I’m sorry. I think the father should’ve taken. The kid left her in the dust.
September 20, 2026
Family!
This story was so good,it left you holding your breath,rooting for team Arianna or team Maksim or even little Daniel. There is so much depth to this story,From a young mother just trying to survive with a young son,to a man who lost a young women and he doesn't understand why.Seven years later he fines her and takes her and son home,oh yes he knows about her life and that of her son who looks just like him.Aria is afraid of Maksim to trust him,she has a secret that she keeps from him,and she keeps that secret until the day she see 's the man that night that was with Maksim, Alexander, Nicolai's right hand man and now she is being threatened but at first Maksim doesn't believe her but she does break down and tells him her secert,so now he tells his brother Nikolai and he is meant with resistance, Maksim and Arianna work together to prove that Alexander is a traitor,lying and a thief to the Bravta.When Alexander is caught in his lies he is brought to justice which is death but before he is dammed from this earth he makes a threat if he is killed other people are watching and they will continue what he couldn't ,has soon has Alexander 's punishment is done,the leaders all get a message, that causes fear! Worth more than five stars,at least ten more ,it was so heartwrenching from the first chapter to the last and it still keeps you waiting for the next installment!
This story was so good,it left you holding your breath,rooting for team Arianna or team Maksim or even little Daniel. There is so much depth to this story,From a young mother just trying to survive with a young son,to a man who lost a young women and he doesn't understand why.Seven years later he fines her and takes her and son home,oh yes he knows about her life and that of her son who looks just like him.Aria is afraid of Maksim to trust him,she has a secret that she keeps from him,and she keeps that secret until the day she see 's the man that night that was with Maksim, Alexander, Nicolai's right hand man and now she is being threatened but at first Maksim doesn't believe her but she does break down and tells him her secert,so now he tells his brother Nikolai and he is meant with resistance, Maksim and Arianna work together to prove that Alexander is a traitor,lying and a thief to the Bravta.When Alexander is caught in his lies he is brought to justice which is death but before he is dammed from this earth he makes a threat if he is killed other people are watching and they will continue what he couldn't ,has soon has Alexander 's punishment is done,the leaders all get a message, that causes fear! Worth more than five stars,at least ten more ,it was so heartwrenching from the first chapter to the last and it still keeps you waiting for the next installment!
September 18, 2026
Maxim has been looking for Aria for 8 years -- ever since she disappeared without a trace. He finally finds her, and his son, and brings him back to his home. The home he has been setting for a few months.
He tries to get her to explain why she left but she is afraid to trust him since she knows the traitor is one of his brother's inner circles. The traitor is suspicious of Aria's return, and he works to put his takeover plan in place.
I like how the focus shifts a bit from Maxim and Aria's past troubles and turns to finding evidence against the traitor. The suspense, uncovering the betrayal and gathering evidence, the anxiety of not being able to locate the traitor, and then finally getting intel to the traitor's location made this a very fast paced, heart thumping read.
I liked the slow developing relationship between Maxim and his son, Danny. Maxim's love for his son was undeniable and his love for Aria was unwavering though he kept it under wraps for some time. I like his brother, Nikolai, who was able to admit when he was wrong and apologized for it.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, not for the current couple, but as a segue way into the next story. I'm so ready for the next book.
He tries to get her to explain why she left but she is afraid to trust him since she knows the traitor is one of his brother's inner circles. The traitor is suspicious of Aria's return, and he works to put his takeover plan in place.
I like how the focus shifts a bit from Maxim and Aria's past troubles and turns to finding evidence against the traitor. The suspense, uncovering the betrayal and gathering evidence, the anxiety of not being able to locate the traitor, and then finally getting intel to the traitor's location made this a very fast paced, heart thumping read.
I liked the slow developing relationship between Maxim and his son, Danny. Maxim's love for his son was undeniable and his love for Aria was unwavering though he kept it under wraps for some time. I like his brother, Nikolai, who was able to admit when he was wrong and apologized for it.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, not for the current couple, but as a segue way into the next story. I'm so ready for the next book.
Review of advance copy
Secret Heir is the 3rd book in the Vows of Violence series and is a standalone. It's a secret baby, forced proximity, second chance dark mafia romance that follows
Aria Delano (Sarah Mitchell),
Daniel Mitchell her 7 year old son and Bratva boss Maksim Sokolov.
It's been eight years since Aria changed her name and left her life behind. She was shocked, heartbroken and feared for her life after she witnesses a murder that the man she was falling for Maksim committed especially after discovering she was pregnant. Then everything she ran from ends up on her doorstep when Maksim finds her and the son he never knew existed.
I will say this one you can feel the emotions, tensions, hatred, terror, longing but what really did me in was the food insecurity of her sweet son Daniel.
Hold on tight as this one has some unexpected twist, turns, danger, shocking revelations and unimaginable betrayals. Oh and of course the undeniable chemistry and love that never ended that eventually leads to so much more.
I received a ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Aria Delano (Sarah Mitchell),
Daniel Mitchell her 7 year old son and Bratva boss Maksim Sokolov.
It's been eight years since Aria changed her name and left her life behind. She was shocked, heartbroken and feared for her life after she witnesses a murder that the man she was falling for Maksim committed especially after discovering she was pregnant. Then everything she ran from ends up on her doorstep when Maksim finds her and the son he never knew existed.
I will say this one you can feel the emotions, tensions, hatred, terror, longing but what really did me in was the food insecurity of her sweet son Daniel.
Hold on tight as this one has some unexpected twist, turns, danger, shocking revelations and unimaginable betrayals. Oh and of course the undeniable chemistry and love that never ended that eventually leads to so much more.
I received a ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Book 3 in the Vows of Violence series. The books are interconnected standalones. I am really enjoying the series & look forward to the next book!!
I enjoyed how Maksim & Aria's story played out... it does get a little old & repetitive how Aria won't share what she saw & what she's afraid of and then they fight & make up... but overall I loved their story. They have fiery chemistry... and I enjoyed their connection and loved when they finally communicated well enough to understand each other & why Aria ran, etc.
I love that Maksim, the big broody Bratva enforcer & brother to the boss, loves his kids & is such a great Dad.
The book is fast paced...and even though it's long, it keeps you engaged the whole way through.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV
Spice level: 3.5/5
*Mafia/Bratva romance
*secret baby
*he's the Bratva enforcer & brother to the boss
*forced captivity
*dark romance
*second chance
*age gap (she was 21 when they first met, now 30ish... it's unclear how old he is, but his brother is 45)
Thank you to the author (Ajme Williams) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed how Maksim & Aria's story played out... it does get a little old & repetitive how Aria won't share what she saw & what she's afraid of and then they fight & make up... but overall I loved their story. They have fiery chemistry... and I enjoyed their connection and loved when they finally communicated well enough to understand each other & why Aria ran, etc.
I love that Maksim, the big broody Bratva enforcer & brother to the boss, loves his kids & is such a great Dad.
The book is fast paced...and even though it's long, it keeps you engaged the whole way through.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV
Spice level: 3.5/5
*Mafia/Bratva romance
*secret baby
*he's the Bratva enforcer & brother to the boss
*forced captivity
*dark romance
*second chance
*age gap (she was 21 when they first met, now 30ish... it's unclear how old he is, but his brother is 45)
Thank you to the author (Ajme Williams) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2026
Maxim has spent eight years searching for Aria after she vanished without a trace. When he finally finds her—and their son—he brings them back to the home he’s been preparing.
Aria is too afraid to trust him. She knows a traitor sits in his brother’s inner circle, and that same traitor grows suspicious of her return while quietly advancing a takeover plan.
What elevates the story is the shift from past wounds to present danger: the tense hunt for evidence, the rising anxiety of an unseen enemy, and the heart-pounding race to uncover the betrayal. Equally compelling is the slow, tender bond forming between Maxim and his son Danny. Maxim’s love for the boy is unmistakable, and his feelings for Aria remain steady even when he keeps them carefully guarded. His brother Nikolai also stands out—willing to admit when he’s wrong and offer a genuine apology.
The book closes on a cliffhanger that sets up the next installment rather than leaving this couple unresolved. I’m already eager for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aria is too afraid to trust him. She knows a traitor sits in his brother’s inner circle, and that same traitor grows suspicious of her return while quietly advancing a takeover plan.
What elevates the story is the shift from past wounds to present danger: the tense hunt for evidence, the rising anxiety of an unseen enemy, and the heart-pounding race to uncover the betrayal. Equally compelling is the slow, tender bond forming between Maxim and his son Danny. Maxim’s love for the boy is unmistakable, and his feelings for Aria remain steady even when he keeps them carefully guarded. His brother Nikolai also stands out—willing to admit when he’s wrong and offer a genuine apology.
The book closes on a cliffhanger that sets up the next installment rather than leaving this couple unresolved. I’m already eager for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Aria has spent eight years hiding from a man she loved and then found out who he really was. Now walking out of the Gallery she can feel him even before she sees him. He cant find out why she ran, or what she's hiding from him. If she wants to live she has to get away. Except he quicker than her, he always was. Maksim has spent years searching, he needs to know why. What had he done. He thought she'd died, or been taken. Then he finds her, has her followed for six months. Now he'll take her back and the secret she thinks he doesn't know. Once you're his, he never let's go. Can he find out what made her run. Just who is she scared off. What did she see. Or is she lying to keep from admitting the truth. Aria knows she can't trust him. She knows what will happen if she tells him. But can he protect his family. Just who is the real enemy. This is book you won't want to put down once you start. The story is so compelling and complex. The ending is perfect, but leaves you needing the next book. As always Ajme has given us another brilliant book
October 2, 2026
Great reading
The book got off to a slow start, and I initially thought it was going to be just another run-of-the-mill story. The FMC annoyed me at first, too. I felt she should have trusted Maksim sooner and told him the truth about Alexander.
However, the story soon picked up and turned out to be a true mafia romance, packed with action, drama and plenty of romance. Car explosions, poisoning, gunfights and torture — it had all the ingredients for a gripping mafia story!
One thing that did leave me puzzled was why Alex waited eight years to carry out his plan.
I would have happily given this five stars, but, as with the previous book, we’re once again left without a proper conclusion. There are so many unanswered questions, and the epilogue focuses on a different couple, which was disappointing.
I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series, though, in the hope that we finally get some answers and a proper conclusion to the previous stories.
The book got off to a slow start, and I initially thought it was going to be just another run-of-the-mill story. The FMC annoyed me at first, too. I felt she should have trusted Maksim sooner and told him the truth about Alexander.
However, the story soon picked up and turned out to be a true mafia romance, packed with action, drama and plenty of romance. Car explosions, poisoning, gunfights and torture — it had all the ingredients for a gripping mafia story!
One thing that did leave me puzzled was why Alex waited eight years to carry out his plan.
I would have happily given this five stars, but, as with the previous book, we’re once again left without a proper conclusion. There are so many unanswered questions, and the epilogue focuses on a different couple, which was disappointing.
I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series, though, in the hope that we finally get some answers and a proper conclusion to the previous stories.
September 26, 2026
Secret Heir is the third story in the Vows of Violence series. It is suspenseful and another great story from this author. This is Maskim and Aria's story.
Maksim and Aria fell in love and then she disappeared. Maksim was devastated and looked for her for a long time. When he finds her he realizes she has changed her name and has a son. He has no idea why she ran away. and takes them home. Their physical relationship was still intact but she feels like she can't trust him. She is keeping a secret from him. Her son looks like Maskim.
I loved the chemistry between Maksim and Aria. I loved how he pined over her when she was gone and never got over losing her. Their story is filled with suspense and secrets. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maksim and Aria fell in love and then she disappeared. Maksim was devastated and looked for her for a long time. When he finds her he realizes she has changed her name and has a son. He has no idea why she ran away. and takes them home. Their physical relationship was still intact but she feels like she can't trust him. She is keeping a secret from him. Her son looks like Maskim.
I loved the chemistry between Maksim and Aria. I loved how he pined over her when she was gone and never got over losing her. Their story is filled with suspense and secrets. I look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2026
Aria & Maksim
My first book by this author. Overall a great story. Only two things I didn’t care for in the story. First, it took way too long to find out what she knew. The back-and-forth of him saying, tell me and her saying no. Him knowing she has a secret her not telling him. Round and round for multiple chapters. After a while, it just became very annoying. I didn’t care for the end of the book I would like to see them have their baby and their baby was but the ending introduced characters that hadn’t been introduced during this story and a cliffhanger ending around those characters. It states that this was a standalone so I don’t know if these characters were previously introduced, but they weren’t introduced throughout this whole book until the last chapter.
My first book by this author. Overall a great story. Only two things I didn’t care for in the story. First, it took way too long to find out what she knew. The back-and-forth of him saying, tell me and her saying no. Him knowing she has a secret her not telling him. Round and round for multiple chapters. After a while, it just became very annoying. I didn’t care for the end of the book I would like to see them have their baby and their baby was but the ending introduced characters that hadn’t been introduced during this story and a cliffhanger ending around those characters. It states that this was a standalone so I don’t know if these characters were previously introduced, but they weren’t introduced throughout this whole book until the last chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secret Heir is book 3 in the Vows Of Violence series is Aria and Maksim's story. It's a great, secret baby, second chance story that quickly pulls you in and totally consumes you from start to finish. Aria runs and Maksim has no idea why but once he finds her he knows she won't run again. This story is steeped deep in lies and betrayals with plenty of drama, twists, turns and surprises and as these things start to unravel their journey takes a whole new turn. Secret Heir is a fantastic, must read story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The night she left was because she witnessed something that could place her life in jeopardy and she left with a piece of the man that has found her and connected the dots. Maksim spent years searching for his woman. When he finds her, he learns that he has a son and now he is taking back everything he has lost but Aria was also in hiding from someone else. will Maksim be able to keep his newfound family safe. This thrilling story kept me glued to the drama.
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.
September 18, 2026
This is book 3 in Williams' Vows of Violence series. A wonderful addition to the series that can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Aria Delano (Sarah Mitchell) and Bratva boss Maksim Sokolov. A well written, dark mafia romance read that is dark, dangerous and delicious. Forced proximity, betrayal, possessiveness, fear, desire all come together in this riveting secret baby, mafia romance.
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.
October 8, 2026
Aria has been on the run for eight years. A three month love affair left her pregnant with Maksim's son. Maksim's brother is the leader of the Russian Bratva. Now Maksim has found Aria and their son Daniel. He will not let them go again. A predator lurks in the dark to take them down. Will things end up working out or the betrayal discovered before it's too late?
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.
Review of advance copy
Aria ran from Maksim to protect their son, but when Maksim learns about him nothing will stop him from claiming his family, taking them both, he doesnt realise the reason she ran is still at large and now knows just how to get Maksim to fall. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more.
September 18, 2026
The author has given us a dark story that pulls us into the lives of Maksim, Aria and her son, Daniel. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with secrets, captivity, violence, danger, revelations and steam.
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.
September 22, 2026
Another great read by this author that has so many twists, intense emotions, and steam to knock your socks off. Maxim has been looking for Aria for years now and is determined to get her back and find out why she ran, but there are so many secrets between them the trust is thin and their passion strong. Will Aria be able to trust him with her darkest secrets or will she try to run again? A great intense read that keeps you dialed in from start to finish.
September 26, 2026
Aria ran from Maksim with a secret with her. When he finds her again, he makes sure she will never leave again. There is someone close who wants to destroy them both. This is a a great second chance romance that has mafia element.
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
So Good!!
Loved reading Secret Heir, this book was so good I couldn’t put it down until the last page was read. Totally action packed with so many twist and turns. The chemistry between Aria and Maksim was intense and extremely hot. Loved their story.
Loved reading Secret Heir, this book was so good I couldn’t put it down until the last page was read. Totally action packed with so many twist and turns. The chemistry between Aria and Maksim was intense and extremely hot. Loved their story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An edge-of-your-seat read for sure. Aria has been found by the person she left eight years ago. From the first page, I was engaged and turning pages as fast as I could. I loved Maksim's intensity and Aria's stubbornness. Trust but verify.
September 18, 2026
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Ariana and her son Daniel are on the run from maksim sokolov for 8 yrs after what she witnessed ,now he has found them . this was a great read I really enjoyed these characters.
September 21, 2026
Could not finish.
I disliked the way the MMC treated the MFC. He never hesitated telling her she was a horrible mother. He disrespected her. She was afraid to tell him why she left because she was afraid of what he would do to her.
I disliked the way the MMC treated the MFC. He never hesitated telling her she was a horrible mother. He disrespected her. She was afraid to tell him why she left because she was afraid of what he would do to her.
September 23, 2026
Secret heir
I love the story but it was a little frustrating how long the story took to have Ari say why she ran. And I don't Ike the ending, it left it with a cliff hanger after everything they went thru.
I love the story but it was a little frustrating how long the story took to have Ari say why she ran. And I don't Ike the ending, it left it with a cliff hanger after everything they went thru.
September 24, 2026
ARIA IS SOOOOO ANNOYING!
This FMC was one of the most annoying characters I've ever read amd that's why it's a 3 star... over 200 pages of her not letting know Maksim on her secret...like girl!!!! Sttttoooooopppp! Ughhhhh....it could've been so good but ughhhh she was annoying
This FMC was one of the most annoying characters I've ever read amd that's why it's a 3 star... over 200 pages of her not letting know Maksim on her secret...like girl!!!! Sttttoooooopppp! Ughhhhh....it could've been so good but ughhhh she was annoying
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