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 always comes back

I was really surprised by this story, I really enjoyed it, more than I thought I would. This is the first book in the Mafia Wars interconnecting series. The story of Maksim and Aspen's story, they start with a meeting in Vegas and it kicks off with a steamy time and they both thought what happens in Vegas would've stayed in Vegas, well they were wrong, and that is how you get all the action, twists and drama that comes from it. Definitely entertaining, I loved all characters and can't wait to know more about the rest of the Ivanov brothers. The audiobook is narrated by Sarah Puckett and Zachary Johnson, I really think they nailed their characters, I truly enjoyed it and would recommend you to get the audiobook.

WOW!!

Amazing book and thrilling start to the series! I couldn't help but feel like there should have been two previous books, but I'm sure the stories will be told going forward. There weren't any boring or slow parts, and I never checked how much time was left until the end. It was gripping!

Aspen and Maxim are a fantastic couple and I love how great their story started and progressed.

I can't wait for the next book in the series!!

Smoking Hot!

Maggie Cole’s Mafia Series begins with Ruthless Stranger and embraces the oldest Ivanoff brother, Maksim and his new found krasotka , Aspen. The prologue hooked me and each page of this gripping story that follows is chocked full of danger , hot steamy love, betrayal, revenge, and lies.

The Ivanoffs are a force to be reckoned with if crossed. Trust me these are the Russians I want on my team.

Maggie Cole, you never cease to amaze me with your brilliant writing. Ruthless Stranger and it’s unexpected cliffhanger has me anxiously waiting for book two ,Broken Fighter .

This is her first audio book and the narrators chosen didn't disappoint ! Each chapter was more exciting than the previous! Broken Fighter can't get here fast enough to listen to these hot Russian voices!!