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pattyfgd's review
5.0
Vicious Protector
The Ivanov Family (Mafia Wars, Book 4)
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Tim Paige
There is something about this series that has me addicted! Falling in love with the bad guy is so easy, and Adrian Ivanov is the man to fall for! Skylar is Aspen's best friend whom we have met previously. Adrian is the bodyguard is watching out for the girls, but the attraction between Skylar and Adrian is undeniable. Like an over protective, sensual man is, Skylar has little hope in not falling for the him. But she knows there is so much more to him. The secrets he keeps from her make her feel unworthy, and not trusted. She can't build a relationship on that. Or can she? These women that fall for the men in this series are strong and capable of loving them. But will Skylar be one of them? Suspense, steamy and unexpected twists and turns keep this story moving. Throwing in Adrian's ex-wife just adds that extra excitement to the mix. What a wild card! It's a fabulous addition to the series and while it does stand alone, it's best read in order. The stories have the intertwining of characters and it adds more depth to our read/listen. Definitely a must listen!
Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige brings this couple to life. Navarro is a favorite, and she voices Skylar with the grit and passion she feels. I could sense all the emotional turmoil of her decisions with the nuances Navarro uses. Paige comes in with the Russian accent as Adrian, alpha and strong. He creates a mystery around the man, yet lets you feel his dangerous side and steamy sensuality. This is a fantastic team and a wonderful listen.
The Ivanov Family (Mafia Wars, Book 4)
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Tim Paige
There is something about this series that has me addicted! Falling in love with the bad guy is so easy, and Adrian Ivanov is the man to fall for! Skylar is Aspen's best friend whom we have met previously. Adrian is the bodyguard is watching out for the girls, but the attraction between Skylar and Adrian is undeniable. Like an over protective, sensual man is, Skylar has little hope in not falling for the him. But she knows there is so much more to him. The secrets he keeps from her make her feel unworthy, and not trusted. She can't build a relationship on that. Or can she? These women that fall for the men in this series are strong and capable of loving them. But will Skylar be one of them? Suspense, steamy and unexpected twists and turns keep this story moving. Throwing in Adrian's ex-wife just adds that extra excitement to the mix. What a wild card! It's a fabulous addition to the series and while it does stand alone, it's best read in order. The stories have the intertwining of characters and it adds more depth to our read/listen. Definitely a must listen!
Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige brings this couple to life. Navarro is a favorite, and she voices Skylar with the grit and passion she feels. I could sense all the emotional turmoil of her decisions with the nuances Navarro uses. Paige comes in with the Russian accent as Adrian, alpha and strong. He creates a mystery around the man, yet lets you feel his dangerous side and steamy sensuality. This is a fantastic team and a wonderful listen.
smithrachaelynn's review
3.5
While I like Adrian & Skylar’s story, parts of it felt very circular to me. She wanted to know about his life, he wouldn’t tell her, she convinces herself shes fine with it when she’s not. That was the pattern for the entire book. It got old and made the story feel bland to me.
But I did like the insight into Obrecht’s character!
But I did like the insight into Obrecht’s character!
melinda1962's review against another edition
4.0
Adrian was one of my favourite Ivanovs and was so excited to read this book. But unfortunately it’s not a 5 star read. I was frustrated with 3/4 of the book being the same argument between Skyler and Adrian. It was too much and it got to the point I didn’t want them together. I’m still not sure how I feel about their HEA. But I’m happy that’s Adrian is happy.
quinnreads2's review
4.0
Fun with Words
4.5 stars - I was hooked from the beginning. The heartache and angst is deep and powerful, as is their chemistry.
I, too, was left feeling my insides turning to molten lava.
4.5 stars - I was hooked from the beginning. The heartache and angst is deep and powerful, as is their chemistry.
Everything he does with his hands, mouth, or eyes turns my insides to hot lava. --Skylar Scott
I, too, was left feeling my insides turning to molten lava.
yesididbringabook's review
4.0
Prob a 3.75.
This was my fave so far, because there was (for the most part) one conflict and I found it deeply compelling. That being said, the third act didn’t work for me.
This was my fave so far, because there was (for the most part) one conflict and I found it deeply compelling. That being said, the third act didn’t work for me.
shedevilreads's review against another edition
4.0
Vicious Protector by Maggie Cole is a dark mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige. This is the fourth book in the Mafia Wars series. The book can be read as a standalone but the stories are interconnected.
I absolutely love Maggie's books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I loved the relationship between Skylar and Adrian. The chemistry between them was off the charts. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Savage Tracker to be released on August 1, 2021 so I can get Obrecht and Selena's story.
Kelsey and Tim did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you love mafia romances, dark romances, or romantic suspense.
I absolutely love Maggie's books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I loved the relationship between Skylar and Adrian. The chemistry between them was off the charts. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Savage Tracker to be released on August 1, 2021 so I can get Obrecht and Selena's story.
Kelsey and Tim did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you love mafia romances, dark romances, or romantic suspense.
taycrots's review
4.0
━━ ⋆¸* ★ 4 stars
⋆¸* adrian and skylar’s love story i think is my favorite. all the angst of her being kept in the dark and adrian’s ex wife messing everything up was so good.
⋆¸* if i had a dollar every time adrian was described with a cocky expression i’d be rich
⋆¸* he texted her ‘i love you please come home’ everyday during their break up
⋆¸* the banter bewteen him and his brother? i loved it
⋆¸* they spent their first date using big funny words as a competition and it was so cute
⋆¸* adrian and skylar’s love story i think is my favorite. all the angst of her being kept in the dark and adrian’s ex wife messing everything up was so good.
⋆¸* if i had a dollar every time adrian was described with a cocky expression i’d be rich
⋆¸* he texted her ‘i love you please come home’ everyday during their break up
⋆¸* the banter bewteen him and his brother? i loved it
⋆¸* they spent their first date using big funny words as a competition and it was so cute
brittanystthomas's review against another edition
4.0
Adrian and Skylar are perfect for one another but neither can get past the things they keep from one another.
Adrian never lies to Skylar but keeps details from her for her safety. The only thing he wants is for her to be safe and not not look at him the way his ex-wife did after she learned the truth. The love he feels for Skylar is all consuming and he can't risk losing it because she learns of the dark things he is capable of.
Skylar was hooked on Adrian from the moment she saw him. She wants everything in life with him. However, the information he won't give her, she holds against him, while she claims she accepts it, she doesn't. She was told in the beginning that there were things that she won't be told and that she needs to be all in or walk away. The way she handled a lot of the situations was a downfall for me.
With that said, the struggles they work through and the past they fight make this story. There were other players brought in that kept you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens how Adrian and Skylar will survive.
Their love is put through the ringer but they never stopped loving each other with everything they have.
Adrian never lies to Skylar but keeps details from her for her safety. The only thing he wants is for her to be safe and not not look at him the way his ex-wife did after she learned the truth. The love he feels for Skylar is all consuming and he can't risk losing it because she learns of the dark things he is capable of.
Skylar was hooked on Adrian from the moment she saw him. She wants everything in life with him. However, the information he won't give her, she holds against him, while she claims she accepts it, she doesn't. She was told in the beginning that there were things that she won't be told and that she needs to be all in or walk away. The way she handled a lot of the situations was a downfall for me.
With that said, the struggles they work through and the past they fight make this story. There were other players brought in that kept you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens how Adrian and Skylar will survive.
Their love is put through the ringer but they never stopped loving each other with everything they have.
lairy17's review against another edition
5.0
Book 4 in the Mafia Wars series brings to life Adrian Ivanov,whose whole life is loss,violence and secrets. Everything he is, and everything he has,he needs to keep safe,to keep secure. He is the Ivanov family security,but he is so much more. He is strong,he is passionate and he loves with every fiber of his being. This only increases when he meets Skylar...the girl whose fiery personality matches her fiery hair...they instantly hit it off,but it soon becomes apparent that Adrian's need for security and protection,and especially his secrets begin to come between them. Skylar's need to be Adrian's equal pushes him to reveal who he really is, and how he came to be the man he is today.
The war between the families escalates when a certain lady decides to make an appearance,which only gets worse when secrets are revealed. Adrian and Skylar must work to get the relationship they both deserve,but even a terrible incident doesn't break them.
Just goes to show...if you want something that much...just go for it!
The war between the families escalates when a certain lady decides to make an appearance,which only gets worse when secrets are revealed. Adrian and Skylar must work to get the relationship they both deserve,but even a terrible incident doesn't break them.
Just goes to show...if you want something that much...just go for it!
dani_lovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
Adrian and Skylar have been two of my favourite characters in this series so far! Then first three books you get little bread crumbs of them, but it just wasn’t enough!
I am obsessed with these two, their story had so much emotion, it was perfection.
Skylar is an amazingly talented and B.A. heroine who has had some trouble with past relationships. Her and Adrian fall into each other hard and fast but are faced with so many speed bumps along the way, Adrian’s ex-wife being one of them. Through all the OW drama, Mafia Drama and page burning chemistry, you cannot help but devour their story.
- The expression on her face changes, and it crushes me. It's pain, as if I've somehow betrayed her. "If you trusted me, you would know I could handle your truth. You would tell me everything and have faith that I would still be here. When you got done telling me, I would still be in love with you. All of you, Adrian, even the pieces you think aren't lovable."
I am obsessed with these two, their story had so much emotion, it was perfection.
Skylar is an amazingly talented and B.A. heroine who has had some trouble with past relationships. Her and Adrian fall into each other hard and fast but are faced with so many speed bumps along the way, Adrian’s ex-wife being one of them. Through all the OW drama, Mafia Drama and page burning chemistry, you cannot help but devour their story.
- The expression on her face changes, and it crushes me. It's pain, as if I've somehow betrayed her. "If you trusted me, you would know I could handle your truth. You would tell me everything and have faith that I would still be here. When you got done telling me, I would still be in love with you. All of you, Adrian, even the pieces you think aren't lovable."