Ruthless Stranger

The Ivanov Family (Mafia Wars Book One)

By: Maggie Cole

Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Zachary Johnson

He’s a ruthless stranger. One I can’t see, only feel, thanks to my friends who make a deal with him on my behalf.

No names. No personal details. No face to etch into my mind. Just him, me, and an expensive silk tie. What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. He warns me he’s full of danger. I never see that side of him. All I experience is his Russian accent, delicious scent, and touch that lights me on fire.

One incredible night turns into two. Then we go our separate ways. But fate doesn't keep us apart. When I run into my stranger back in Chicago, I know it’s him, even if I’ve never seen his icy blue eyes before.

Our craving is hotter than Vegas. But he never lied. He’s a ruthless man....

Ruthless Stranger is the jaw-dropping first installment of the Mafia Wars series. It’s an interconnecting, stand-alone dark mafia romance, guaranteed to have an HEA.

©2021 Maggie Cole (P)2021 Maggie Cole

I’m booking a flight to Las Vegas ASAP!

As with all Maggie Cole books, I am invested in these characters. Sarah and Zachary did a phenomenal job bringing Aspen and Maksim to life! Being somewhat new to audiobooks, I was curious how such an intense, steamy story would “translate”, but I was very much pleasantly surprised with the outcome of how these wonderful narrators portrayed these characters. Be sure to have a cold beverage nearby (and be alone or have headphones)!! No matter the medium, Ruthless Stranger is not to be missed!

Great beginning to a new series

This is the first book I've read/listened to by Maggie Cole. I was quickly drawn into the story. I loved the beginning. Maksim and Aspen had instant chemistry and it started steamy. There were a few frustrating moments as well as high five moments between characters. Aspen has some great friends! I was grinning ear to ear when they got riled up! I look forward to getting to know all the brothers better. Definitely wanting to finish this series. Although this is a standalone, the end was left with a bit of a cliffhanger for the next book.

Zachary Johnson and Sarah Puckett are excellent narrators! Favorites since they perform so well!! Their voices are so smooth and easy to listen to! I can only hope they narrate the whole series.

#AudiobookObsessionVIPReviewer
#PinkFlamingoProductions

Sooo good!!!

From the beginning I was drawn into this Story! Strangers to Lovers at its best! I quickly fell in love with the characters and was pulled into their story. And - The narration was amazing! All around a fantastic Listen!

Pink Flamingo Productions - Audiobook Obsession

Loved it

The story was great! I especially loved that the female character is so relatable, and Zachary Johnson's narration is so good. You can feel the emotion of the character through him.

Amazing

This book was everything, including the narrator's. I loved every minute of it, can't wait for the rest of this series...

Queen of Mafia

This is one of my favorite books of all times. Maksim
and Aspen are HOT but it will pull your heart strings like no other book can. Maggie is the queen of Mafia. All her books are off the chart but this book will always hold a special place in my heart!!!!!

Satisfying

I enjoyed this book for reasons that might seem ridiculous but to me it was so great. Often, the FMC in a romance novel won't succumb to feelings of jealously or if they do they internalize and/or act rashly without any communication. If they do make their feelings known often the MMC will just smile and laugh then tell her "oh I love seeing you jealous" or whatever. This book however gave me a FMC that actually does feel jealously and vocalizes it. When she does this the MMC supports her and doesn't start laughing because he's amused. I loooooooooved this. It's something that irritates me to no end and this book finally gave me a FMC that actually reacts and communicates her feelings. Thank you Maggie Cole.

What Happens in Vegas

The opening to this story is simply delicious. An actual dream scenario. One night with a stranger, no names, no limits and you don't even look him in the eyes. SCORCHING! Of course, fate can't just leave it there and what unfolds is an intense love with some fun mafia barriers and one ex-husband who is the very definition of a scrub. The only reason this wasn't a 5 star for me is that the h is 40ish and her inner monologue is closer to that of a 20-year-old.

If you like your romance hot and heavy, possessive alpha types and a sprinkle of mafia this is for you.

The narration is really good. Sarah Puckett is wildly talented!

#PinkFlamingo

100% awesome narrators!

Loved the story ,the Characters Maksim and Aspin were hot! From the beginning you will love how the narrators bring the story to life! Sexy and loyal family of brothers you'll want to listen till the end ! Its a romance and danger like never before. Maggie Cole wrote another great story Ruthless Stranger is book 1 of Mafia Wars. Get it now you won't be disappointed! Its hot and sexy!

intense

Classic Good Girl bad guy story. I love the way they met and the intense weekend in Vegas they had! That was awesome! She's super naive unable to fully comprehend the real lives of Mafia family lifestyle and its Dangers. Her Friends are just as unaware as she is. LBVS
Cliffhanger but good!
Very Good read.