Captive Vow

Mafia Marriages #2

by Willow Fox

Her father tells me she’s mute. Except I catch her humming a lullaby. He’s a liar. Or she has everyone deceived. What possibly could a four-year-old be hiding? I really should have done a background check on him. Imagine my surprise when I discover my grumpy boss works for the mafia. I want to leave but he won’t let me. I’m his captive, forced to follow his rules and do as he demands. This slow burn mafia romance is the second book in the Mafia Marriages series. Captive Vow can be read as a standalone and features a happily ever after. It also includes cameo appearances from the Eagle Tactical series.

Genres: Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Ebooks, Adult, Smut

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2021

About the author

Willow has loved writing since she was in high school (many ages ago). Whether she’s writing romance or sitting outside by the bonfire reading a good book, Willow loves the magic of the written word.

https://shopwillowfox.com

Reviews

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal, deception, drama, secrets, revenge, violence, twists and turns and a cute little girl make this story! This is the story of Moreno and Paige. Moreno is the Underboss for the Ricci family. He is grieving over the loss of his wife and is not sure how to deal with his 4-year old daughter Nova. Ever since her mother was killed, she has not said a word to anyone in over a year. In comes Paige, a sweet, young, feisty woman who gave up everything to take care of her dying mother. Once her mother passed, she was living in her car and really needed a job. She signed up at an agency to become a nanny. When Moreno and Paige meet for the first time, there is a spark, but Moreno is not having it and Paige just isn’t too sure what to really think of this man!

When the man who is responsible for killing Moreno’s wife shows back up in town, loyalties are tested, people are played and revelations are revealed. The truth comes out and everyone’s life is at stake. I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know Moreno, Paige and Nova. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. And I definitely want to go back and read the Eagle Tactical series as it seems these guys make appearances in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a few tries of going back to this book. I received this as a free copy through book sprout.
Quite honestly it's a good story line but a bit to rushed for my liking with the story feeling like it's jumped gap's in-between chapters.
The story it self is a young woman seeking work after having to sell everything to pay for her mother's care while she fought cancer, after the mother passed away she goes back to her childhood town. Her qualifications are in childcare so she applies for a nanny position to a young child whose mother was killed. The nanny agency is not one you would enter unless you was desperate for a job which she is. Meet the father a Mafia Don,s second in command this is where the story for me just seemed to jump from interview to taking her home to meet the daughter to doing a background check while he has already employed her, to unreal for my liking. If he got every bit of information on a nanny in such a short time why couldn't he get that information on a nanny agency to make sure it was a legitimate business.
Sorry although it was a good story line and I have enjoyed some other books by Willow fox this just didn't grab me like I thought it would.

[Hilda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen I’m not reading these for the literature I’m reading them for the drama. And it’s juicy. I was less mad at the female MC on this one but they still keep making really dumb mistakes. I just don’t get them. Also, I’ve realized the ending to said drama is very short. Like one sentence and BOOM everything is perfect.

I don’t know if I’ll go to ur the series. But… who knows.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast, action packed, steamy, and at times, brutal read. Paige is living in her car and is desperate for a job after losing her mother to a long illness and taking care of all her expenses. She finds a nanny agency and fills out an application, is called for an interview, and meets Moreno. She accepts the job, not knowing a lot about him. Moreno is a widower with a young daughter who doesn't talk and has some behavioral issues. He is also an underboss in the mafia and his wife and previous nanny were both murdered. There is a lot of tension, chemistry, steam, action, trust issues, and so much more. Great read and you can read this for FREE with KU Subscription.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Captive Vow was a quick enjoyable read. I was expecting the typical arranged mafia marriage trope but that was not what this was! Paige was a woman who was trying to pick herself back up financially after having to sacrifice her career and home for her mother's end-of-life care. Moreno is the 2nd in command in the Ricci Family mafia who is in need of a nanny for his young daughter. This book was easy to read had just the right mix of action and warm fuzzies. Little Nova was precious and I felt so bad that in her 4 years she had to go through what she had. I thought Moreno and Paige had good chemistry and I appreciated that even though there was an attraction it was not instalove. This was part 2 of a series but I didn't feel like I missed out on anything having not read the 1st book, all relevant back story was told and it really did stand alone nicely.

[3m Lop · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3.5 estrellas✨
Pensé que con el anterior este iba a ser igual, pero me ha sorprendido. Probablemente me lea esta serie completa. Hay algunas incongruencias y no se aborda mucho el trauma de la pequeña aunque pareciera que es la trama principal. En fin, no voy a poner a desglosar cosas que están mal o que siento que los personajes podrian mejorar porque estamos hablando un libro de mafia y no algo de romance contemporáneo. Es entretenido y corto (Tal vez no lo vean tan corto, pero yo acabo de salir de leer a George R. Martin. No se quejen.)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems cliche, the nanny and the single father get together, but this nanny romance is such an amazing read. Moreno has a small daughter, Nova. Paige is hired through a nanny agency, but there is something nefarious about the agency. This book has dark content, but it is an incredible romance. There are immediate sparks between Monero and Paige, but Monero does his best to fight against it because Paige is so good with Nova.
If you like books that are exciting, suspenseful, and just a well rounded read, this is a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SWR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moreno is as hot as Willow makes her men, and Paige is as fun and strong. This story is but a branch of the tree of Eagle Tactical, with a couple appearances by Jaxson. I love that Willow can take this world of hers and keep giving us entertaining stories in it, all while giving us some sizzle! Even if you are not familiar with the world of Eagle Tactical, this book can be enjoyed all on its own...but if you have any sense, you won't stop here!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kevin McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Ms fox

I love every book ive read of Ms fox's but especially this series. I am looking forward to more books by her.

[Carmella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This story is about Paige and Moreno.

Paige applies for a Nanny position for Nova, Moreno's daughter. She is basically living out of her car because of her mother's illness, and subsequent death, and all the bills it generated. Moreno is an Underboss for the Ricci family, something Paige is not aware of, of course.

Moreno is doubtful of Paige but really only because he is so overprotective of his daughter after his wife's death a year ago. Nova has her own challanges though, she doesn't speak, and Paige doesn't really get any answers to why this is.

There is definitely an attraction between Moreno and Paige but it just simmers as both try to ignore it. After all, Paige really needs the employment and Moreno needs a Nanny!

Nova is an adorable 4 year old and after a wary beginning begins to bond with Paige. Of course, any doubts about this job are useless because Paige couldn't leave Nova now that they have bonded. This little girl just craves loves.

There are plenty of secrets and danger as well. The average day for a Mafia family is much different and caution must be up front and center at all times. The enemy is always trying to overtake and will use whatever he needs to get where he wants to be.

Can Moreno and Paige keep Nova safe? Can Moreno really trust Paige and who she says she is? Will Nova ever speak?

Moreno is a tough man to like in the beginning. Sure, he is a good looking man that oozes sex appeal but he is closed off emotionally. He is very serious about his responsibilities, keeping his boss and his daughter safe. No one is safe unless they are locked up in the Ricci compound. A picnic at the park? Not likely. Paige wants to create some normalcy for Nova and this leads to a lot of head butting between the two but of course, Paige doesn't understand WHY this isn't possible. I do like these two together but it will take some life altering situations for them to reach that point.

I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from this author!

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that the heroine, Paige, did not fall into the hero's (Moreno) bed until the end of the book. Meanwhile, Moreno's special needs daughter, Nova, suffered mutism at four years old and Paige was hired as nanny to care for her in a strange household with lots of secrets that she had sworn not to reveal. But, surprise, she was effectively a captive in the home herself because someone was threatening the family. These two fight their mutual attraction as Nova becomes enamored with Paige enough to begin speaking with her. But there is danger, lies, entrapment, kidnapping, bombs, and more secrets to be revealed before romance can truly blossom! A real page-turner!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige needs a job and Moreno needs a nanny for Nova his mute daughter. When paige starts to work for Moreno things soon start to not add up, the highly guarded house, suspicions, Nova being able to hum yet refuses to speak, what could have a 4 year old so scared to talk? And just who is her boss really? Soon Paige discovers some truths and finds her self trapped and being held captive by Moreno a mafia underboss, who refuses to let her go. But theres more secrets to discover.
Well written book 2 in the series but can be read standalone, an attention worthy story line, filled with twists and suspense, dangers and the chemestry is sizzling with steamy hot scenes!

[Tammy Majors · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible

Couldn’t even finish it was so bad. Not much to say other than if you can’t stand the two leads the book is doomed. Skip wasting even a few seconds of your time to realize how bad it is and move on

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige is desperate for a job and goes to be a nanny for Moreno's little daughter, Nova.
This was so good. Totally drama filled, suspenseful and intense as only a Mafia book can be. I very much enjoyed the angry, grumpy Moreno playing off against the cheerful, smart Paige. There was desire there but they couldn't go there, and fought against it.
So well written, I really cant wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating!

Was looking forward to Moreno’s story and yet it wasn’t a dark mafia arranged marriage as stated. Moreno is an underboss and we learn he has a four year old girl. Paige is a homeless nanny he hired. They don’t marry, he just keeps her on lockdown with his daughter who despite being mute, starts talking almost immediately and we don’t ever know why she really stopped talking in the first place. Characters are underdeveloped and there is no real storyline apart from him worrying about an enemy that may attack his family. The ending is abrupt - one minute he can’t forgive her and by the end of the chapter, the book ends, leaving too many questions unanswered! Felt very rushed as it skips into an epilogue 18 months later, which serves as an attempt to bring a bit of clarification. Not sure if I will be reading next book in this series.

[Rhue McDonough · Rating 2 out of 5]

So corny I couldn't stop laughing

Just the worst. The mafia guy sounds like a high school kid. The time line is a mess, and no romance happening. I threw this book away at 50 percent. To bad to continue.

[Diana The Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. As I said before I liked Moreno more than Nikki or Dante. That's why this story disappointed me. I was really close to DNF and this rarely happens to me. My 2021 overall score was 4 points. This is my first 2 stars of 2022.

If you want plot+spice this is not for you. They are not sleeping together until the last chapter and they only have heated kisses in a couple chapters. The book is in one place mostly. The home and nanny with Nova, Moreno with Nova, Moreno with Paige. I am not satisfied. First book at least had spice. I also had a hard time following the characters. They were in a room and after 2 sentences they were in another place but when and how did they get there??? HOW?????????????????? EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENED I CLOSED THE BOOK AND LEFT IT FOR COUPLE DAYS. so close to DNF. SO CLOSE.

This was my last book from this series. Won't continue.

SPOILERS****
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I want to write everything that lost a star for me:

1- First book ended with him having a girlfriend and planning a wedding. Okay. This book starts out of nowhere Moreno is looking for a nanny for his daughter. Sure. The girl mc is a nanny. Also sure. She is from the nanny agency that villian from the first book has. Somehow mafia prince Moreno doesn't do a background check on the company before hiring a nanny for his daughter. Moreno trusts her from the first sight and takes her inside the mafia house. Main house. Afterwards, he accuses her of stealing his dead wife's wedding ring. How did she know where the ring was?? Where was his room???? She just came into the house when she ventured into his room?? MANY SCENES WERE JUMPING TO EACH OTHER. I had to turn back multiple times just to see how she/he ended up there.
Exp: They were sitting in a park. Having a picnic. There is a toyshop literally inside the park. Must be. OR they can teleport into places.

2- Nikki even though has a 6 year old child, she is still childish. Also wtf is Dante doing, all the book he just sat down in the house and talked to Moreno about having s*x with Paige. Also every time he talked, he told how much s*x is good between him and Nikki. This is not your book and you are a MAFIA DON not a wingman for your second.

3- For a mafia romance there is no spice. Literally. I don't count one chapter as a spice. I don't know, maybe because he is still mourning his wife and all, but it was so weird. Because we don't even know the name of the dead wife. Wife wasn't in the first book. We learned everything with Paige. This made Moreno's POV chapters awkward. We still don't know why or how she died. Moreno says it's just because The villain wanted to hurt him. Yes not Dante the don. Him.

So I am a lot angry. And if you ask what the plot was....ummm... I have no idea?

Nova became mute after her mother died. She started talking again when Paige came. But what made her mute in the first place? everyone was asking and assuming things but where is the answer??

So many questions, not many answers.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Buckle up this is going to be one wild ride and I do mean that in a good way suspense, danger ,and love. Paige is sweet, intelligent, trying to just stay above water, after her mother’s sickness and death if left her homeless living out of her car, and when she sees an ad for a Nanny position for a little girl (considering she took care of her mom she can take care of a little girl) so she applies. Moreno sexy as all get out is underboss for the Ricci family, he needs an understanding nanny for his daughter, someone he can trust and someone who can deal with his overprotectiveness. He isn’t sure Paige can do the job not that she can’t, but his protectiveness gets in the way of his decision making since the death of his wife a year ago and Nova has her own issues that needs to be worked with, she doesn't speak, and Paige doesn't really get any answers to why. The chemistry is insanely intense, and the magnetic pull they have ignored the passion brewing how much longer can they ignore. Nova is an adorable little girl and accepting new people was a little hard at the beginning, but she begins to bond with Paige. Paige should have done her research before being hired but hindsight is something else any doubts about this job are useless because Paige can’t/won’t leave Nova now that they have bonded, she craves normalcy and love. Keeping them locked up is Moreno way of keeping them safe locked on the compound but it is also a stressful environment, but will he keep them both safe, will they butt heads one to many times, will he ever really trust her with Nova, and can there be happiness?

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captive vow is book 2 in what I can tell is going to be my next binge series. I’ve already read book 1 and 2 in three days. This book is about Dante’s second in command Moreno, his daughter Nova and Paige, the new nanny that is hired.
Paige and Moreno have sizzling chemistry but, she doesn’t know anything about him and his family that she is currently living with. They share a few steamy kisses but that’s as far as it goes. Both want more but can’t seem to cross that line. Moreno still loves his wife that was taken away from him but he can’t help but feel a connection to Paige after seeing how much his daughter loves her and trusts her. Nova, is a four year old girl who may or may not have witnessed her mom and / or nanny being viciously attacked by Vance and his men. Now she doesn’t talk to anyone. Paige has questions and wants to help Nova but, Moreno seems to keep everything related to that locked up tight and even keeps the details about Nova being mute to the one person who can help.
This was a great read with plenty of action and suspense. Another 5* read. Looking forward to starting Savage vow this weekend

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CAPTIVE VOW" Great story full of secrets, lies, sexual tension, betrayal, revenge violence, drama, danger, twists that make for an addicting read.
Moreno is Underboss for the Ricci family riveting the loss of his wife but needs a nanny for his 4yr old daughter Nova who hadn't spoken since the death of her mother.
Moreno hires Paige as Nova's nanny she kind, feisty, headstrong, young needs work she's been living out of her car since her mom passed from cancer & all the medical bills.
Moreno has an attraction to Paige he fights because the bond between Nova & her was something he didn't want go come between or hurt in any way his adorable precious little girl loved Nova & was finally coming back to life.
I definitely recommend to get this very well written dark Mafia Romance so well worth the read will Moreno & Paige get a HEA when she finds out what he does for a living.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series "SAVAGE VOW" the characters were great & pulled you right into all drama.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Paige, mostly, but for an educated woman she seemed pretty naive. She was good and protective of Nova but I certainly didn’t see or feel why she would be attracted to Moreno. I get that he had the “bad boy” vibe and broodiness going for him but he seemed to be more of a jerk, expecting Paige to care for Nova with no information. He could’ve glossed over his wife and former nanny’s deaths as an accident without all the subterfuge and lies. He also seemed frequently sharp to Nova which I didn’t like. It seemed like Paige had to do all the work in the relationship and all he did was accuse her, distrust her and then expected her to give in to him as if hadn’t treated her poorly. The story did come together and the loose ends were tied up so that was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jinn C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light mafia romance; spoilers

I wanted to give this book 4 stars and was going to until the end of the book. It felt very rushed. I'm not really sure why it says dark romance when it is very light compared to other mafia romances I've read. Very slow burn and angsty which I don't mind but very anticlimactic when the sex scene ( one and only) finally came. A little action but not much. I liked both characters, at times Paige annoyed me. I did love her fierceness and protectiveness but felt that all good have been avoided if she had just told the truth from the beginning. Miscommunication trope I loathe. This is my first book from this author and I might return to another of hers . As I said it was a fun light read but the ending definitely could've been better which is why I gave 3 instead of 4 stars.

[Krystinna Collett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moreno is part of the Mafia. You could also say he is the prince, or the underboss. His wife was murdered and it has been a year since his daughter has last spoke. To say that he has lost himself, or finds himself angry and impatient most days is an understatement.

Paige has returned to her hometown after selling everything to pay for her mother medical bills and passing. She is currently living out of her car, but answers an add for a nanny. She is overqualified, but she does get the job.

I liked Paige and Moreno characters in this book. The storyline was great. There were a few errors. What was difficult was that the ending was rushed, and the story felt incomplete.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly this book made no sense there was no flow and it just felt rushed it was so many but so little words on each the main Antagonist ending was terrible there in the Mafia but got revenge through the police how does that make any sense and all is forgiven after she literally kidnapped his daughter and the way she kidnapped her was so dumb I felt that the characters were very blah like you didn’t really get to know there personalities and it felt weird with the mom dead like it was whatever they brought it up so much but even with how much it was brought up it felt like it was really important they were just saying it to say it. There is so much just WOW with this book. It’s definitely an interesting overall I don’t really know how to feel about it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4. Spice is open door, but not a lot of it, maybe 1/2 to 1 🌶️.

Interesting premise, but not my favorite. It’s definitely not a dark mafia romance, which I normally love because I can’t handle too much darkness. This book was just not fully fleshed out, it felt rushed and I didn’t buy the relationship development between the main characters. I love the daughter, and the crossover between other series of the author’s. I wouldn’t buy this book, but I would recommend checking it out from the library if yours has it. It was a quick, decent read, but definitely not what you’d expect from a mafia or dark mafia romance!

[Sara Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moreno and Paige’s story is crazy and interesting? Moreno’s daughter, Nova is mute after witnessing her mother and nanny’s demise.

Paige enters the picture, moving back to Breckinridge to start over after her mother’s battle with cancer. Paige ran her own childcare business and had to sell.

Moreno hires Paige in the spot, after seeing her interaction with Nova. He also sees something in her but knows there are boundaries.

There is still hyper awareness not knowing where Vance DeLuca is hiding. Making everything a bit more difficult? Story keeps you on your toes, doubting what’s going to happen next. Who to trust? There is a HEA and will Vance get away?

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I couldn't put this book down. Read it in one sitting!

I'm glad Paige and Moreno finally got together and Nova started to open up.

I have unanswered questions from this book though. Did Vance have an inside man? If so, was he discovered? Who was he?

This may or may not be covered in the next book, but these are listed as being standalone, so don't see it happening. However, I still loved this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This is my first Willow Fox book and it was good. Captive vow is a mafia romance, though there isn’t a whole lot of romance in it. The story is mainly concerned with Nova, a 4 year old who suffered a trauma and hasn’t spoken for the last year. Paige is hired as her nanny by Moreno, Nova’s father. Both Paige and Moreno have suffered a recent loss of a loved one so theirs is a slow-burn push and pull relationship.
Nova’s cuteness shone through the pages and seeing this little girl start to sparkle again was a joy to read.

I received an arc for an honest review

[Samantha]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Moreno is the father of a young girl and is in need of a nanny. Paige needs a job and to get back on her feet. She is hired to be the nanny for Nova. She and Moreno have a strong attraction from the beginning, but try not to cross that line. There are dangers that Paige is now in the middle of. Plenty of surprises, drama, enemies and strong characters. I enjoyed this mafia romance and its slow burn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a dark mafia romance featuring Moreno, the underboss for the Rick Family and widower with a young daughter named Nova, and Paige, who was living out of her car until she was hired as Nova’s nanny. Moreno primary purpose is to keep the Rick don and Nova safe. Paige helps the traumatized child as she attempts to provide a safe and loving environment. This book was another great mafia read by Willow Fox.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.