Cruelest Vow

Tainted Regime #1

by Piper Stone

He was my forbidden fantasy. Then he came for me...

D'Artagnan Conti was born into poverty, raised to be a soldier in my father's savage regime. I grew up in luxury, longing to escape my family's cruel machinations, and the young man with sapphire eyes and the voice of an angel became not just my forbidden crush but my everything.

Then he was taken from me, killed in a brutal attack by our enemies. Or so I was led to believe...

For twenty years I did my best to forget him, until a devilishly handsome stranger awakened my desire in a way that I hadn't thought possible, baring my body and soul and setting them both ablaze with passion so intense it burns hotter than the lash of leather across my naked backside.

Every taste of his lips, every whisper in my ear, and every quivering climax pulled me deeper into this dark, twisted rapture, and only when I was already under his spell did I learn the truth.

The man I thought I'd lost is the one who has made me his.

Publisher's Cruelest Vow is a stand-alone novel which is the first entry in the Tainted Regime series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

Reviews

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.75-⭐️⭐️⭐️

''Nothing would bring back the innocence of our youth''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Loss of loved ones
- Violence/d*ath
- Mention of d*ath of animals
- Mention of physical/mental abuse
- Mention of child abuse
- HEA

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

I will keep this short because I expected to love this much more but was left feeling unsatisfied at the end.

D'ar was 17 and Lucia was 13 when they were ripped apart from each other, their friendship was one of pure intentions, but they also had a big connection but sadly because of horrible circumstances D'ar's family was killed in a massive fire and he was almost killed as well. She spends the next 15 years believing his death while he was raised by his father's friend and told lies about how Lucia was the reason for his family’s death, how she didn't care and actually locked the doors etc so he spent the years hating her (but loving her as well). He finally figures out after seeing her that she was innocent and was just another victim.

I loved the premise and the beginning where these two are reunited even though she had no idea who he was after 15 years. I could have accepted her being oblivious the first time she sees him but she literally never connected ''Nicolo'' to D'ar. It also takes about 52% of the book for her to put the pieces together AFTER he confesses the truth about who he is.

They do have sex pretty quickly in the book after meeting at a bar (he knows who she is as he was sent to kill her).

This had such potential but at the end it just fell flat. The drama behind the five families was there but it was also anti-climactic for me.

We also spend the entirely of the book having Lucia have the worst relationship with her brother and him being cruel to her with his threats and actions, but he also made a vow to protect her and then proceeded to protect her by killing their father? It felt like we were missing something, we were just told about his vow and how she was his blood, so he had to protect her, but I didn't feel it. He was the reason her dad found out about their friendship - it just seemed like it would have made more sense if he perished as well but that's just my opinion.

I know that Enzo is getting his own book next however I am not sure if I will read it, but I do hope we get more answers about his actions in this book towards his sister and his childhood activities - you know the part where he was said to have killed animals???

The ending also ended too quickly and easily for me, the entire five families became so nice about the new changes, especially the guy who just in another chapter was threatening Lucia to make her more obedient towards his son but now he is like ''Women need to lead too''....okay?

Despite the issues with the main drama plot, I like D'ar, he was the best character in this book.

I would have liked the reveal of him to have been MORE, him telling her and Lucia not believing him was good, but I would have something more angsty and dramatic but again that is just my own views on it.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start to Tainted Regime series something forbidden and we know what shouldn’t be well hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Lucia and D’Artagnan two childhood friends separated by fire and one blamed for the fire that caused the death of his family or so he is told causing a tear in the friendship now fast forward twenty years they meet again but he is out for revenge. D’Artagnan sexy as all get out assassin adopted son of the Cosa Nostra after the explosion that killed his family, now he has orders to kill her family and he has never second guessed any orders given until now. Lucia is a sweetheart full of fire, just as she was as a little girl, never realizing why or what happened to her friend until he comes looking for her for revenge but the attraction between the two them can’t be ignored drawn to one another has them spending time with/around each other and the more time they spend each other the more they learn of the betrayal as well as the danger they are both in but can they figure out who is behind the explosion that killed his family, will he realize that her family had nothing to do with the explosion, will she help him figure it out, the people he think is his family are they behind the explosion, did they train him to be the assassin he is, will he use the very skillset they taught him against them, will he keep her safe, and can they find happiness through it all?

[Ammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA
Tropes: Friends to Lovers
Relationship Dynamic: M/F
Recommendation: Yes

MMC: D’Artangan Conti
FMC: Lucia

If anyone has anything bad to say about this book, they are mentally ill(no offense to anyone). This book is definitely 5 star worthy.

Lucia and D’Artangan become friends during her childhood as he works for her family. They are torn apart by her father when there is a fire during one of their visits with each other and he lies about D’Artangan dying in the fire along with his family. Years later D’Artangan was adopted by Franko and is trained to be the underboss of the DeLuca Cosa Nostra Crime Family. Lucia is the daughter of the Sicilian Sosa Mostra family(the enemies). Franko has brained washed D’Artangan into believing that Lucia is the one responsible for the death of his family in the fire. He tells him that she must be killed, but when he sees Lucia his mind is changed. He wants revenge. He decided to make her his so that he can destroy her and her family. He knows who she is, but she doesn’t know who he is and that is how they end up having a one night stand. She eventually finds out who he is. Things change between them when someone is tying to take Lucia away from him. He forgets about his revenge because secrets are exposed and he begins to love her in the way they should have with each other years ago.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucia (h) and D'Artagnan (H), once childhood friends, are torn apart by tragedy and lies when D'Artagnan and his family were believed to have died in a fire caused by Lucia's family. Twenty years later, when they unexpectedly cross paths again, their explosive chemistry reignites, but D'Artagnan is out for revenge, blaming Lucia for the loss of his family. D'Artagnan, now an assassin and adopted son of the Cosa Nostra, was sent to kill Lucia, but upon seeing her again, he becomes determined to possess and protect her instead. Lucia, who had believed D'Artagnan was dead, finds herself drawn to him despite the dark secrets and lies surrounding their past. As they navigate a dark and twisted game of desire and deception, their passion becomes a driving force amidst the betrayals and dangers that surround them with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Great start to the Tainted Regime series, offering a blend of suspense, intense mafia romance, and a touch of the forbidden, filled with secrets, revenge, and steamy encounters.

[Amandamay.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!!! I love books written by Piper Stone. Another amazing Mafia romance. It took me longer then I wanted to read it, life, but im so glad I finally got to finish it. Can't wait for her next book.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 📚

I had the opportunity to read Cruelest Vow, book 1 of the Tainted Regime series by @authorpiperstone !

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

⛓️ MAFIA
❤️‍🔥SECOND CHANCE
⚔️ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
🔪 "TOUCH HER AND -"

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Thank you @unalivepromotions and @authorpiperstone for the ARC!

*Check triggers! Material includes t*rture, unaliving, physical ab*se and more.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book about life lost, love lost and then love found again, and family ties that binds you to them. The Italian mafia is controlled by five families, they only follow old traditions but one man will change everything because of the past and what he wants for the future.
In the Italian mafia he’s only known as the animal but he was once a stable boy that had dreams of being with the one he loved as well as his music. Him and his family lived above the stables. During this time he had a girl that would come that he talked to as well as played his guitar for, she was a mafia princess, they told one another their hopes and dreams. But one night everything went horribly wrong, a fire started somewhere as they got the horses out he went to get his family out and she went to get help but everything went up in the fire. Now he was the adoptive son of one of the five families, a cold blooded man that had lost himself all those years ago, everything he loved burnt up in those flames fifteen years ago.
She was a princess of one of the five families. Fifteen years ago she lost the boy that she loved and since then she has guarded herself especially since her father didn’t tolerate anyone crying. Her father was brutal as well as ruthless. Her brother was turned into an image like their father but she tried to keep her sister away from the wrath of their father, her mother took most of his rage that left her a shell of the woman she once was. After a while she was allowed to go to New York to start up a business for the family. She never wanted to go back after the sorrow that happened so many years ago, a fire that took the boy that she loved as well as his family. She had a candle lit for him as a memory of what she once had.
He was told to kill her as well as to get any important information from her before he did it, he was also told that she was part of the reason why his family had died all those years ago. She found out before she went to a bar to meet up with her friend that her father gave her hand in marriage to an awful man from one of the five families. While she was at the bar her eyes met a man’s eyes, she could barely stop staring at him and he could barely stop looking at her either. He took her on his motorcycle to his hotel room where they had sex.
He put cameras in her apartment to watch her and he also killed an assassin that was going to kill her. He would let anyone hurt her. They couldn’t stop thinking of one another. She got a call from her brother, he threatened her and soon after she went to one of the stores that they owned only to find out that the manager had a meeting set up with her brother. After finding that out she made it where no one could do anything with the business except for her.
He set up a date with her, he took her to his apartment that was just across the street from her apartment. He was a bit worried about that but so she stopped thinking about it. He got them drinks and was starting dinner when they had sex after that he made dinner. After he got a call, it was his brother asking him to kill the brother’s cousin. While he was on the phone she went snooping around. He found her in his bedroom. Again they had sex, he told her that she belonged to him and spanked her until she said the same thing as well as telling him that no one else could touch her.
The next day she noticed the candle and then she got a call, the call was his music playing. Crying and scared she packed. He went to go find out what his brother was talking about, he got to the warehouse when he was attacked, he was unconscious. The attackers had him in a chair, hands tied behind his back. A guy came in telling him what he was going to do to the princess and that infuriated him so back where he killed all of them himself. He got back and broke her apartment door to get in, he found clothes missing so he ran to his apartment getting onto his camera feed, he saw everything. He grabbed the duffel bag that had cash and some weapons in it and grabbed more ammunition. He got into his car going to where she was at. He ran over to her when her brother grabbed her. Soon after bullets started going off, her brother was struck. He went over to check on him but soon after he grabbed her and went to his car. The sped off and they were being followed
They got to the safehouse, she was upset trying to fight him. Everything came out during the drive there as well as after they got there. She finally decides that it’s the boy in a man’s body, the one that she has been crying for all these years. They have sex and afterwards they sit and talk. He figures out that the men after them have found them so he cuts the lights having got a weapon out of the bag before grabbing the bag and her and going out to get into the car. They get chased and lose them again.
They're on a plane going to Italy after they get off the plane at Naples they get married. They spend their wedding night in a hotel before going to his villa that he has kept secret from his family. They keep their marriage quiet until the time is right. Some of his men come to make plans and she hides upstairs, afterwards he comes to find her with one of the blinds open a bit, he tells her that she can’t do that and why. They make love and make plans.
The next day she goes to her family’s estate. He finds her father and brother in the father’s office. The father tells her that she’s marrying the man he chose today but she informs him that he won’t. Come to find out that the man her father wants her to marry and also his father is there. Before anything can happen her husband comes in with some of his men. They go after their weapons but stop when the weapons are pointed at them. Her father grabs her putting the gun to her head but her brother kills the father before he can shoot. The father of the one she was to marry gives his loyalty to him even though his son doesn’t like it. He takes her out of the room and tells his men what to do beforehand. He has her go talk to her mother and sister while he talks to her brother and then goes to tend to his family. He talks to the brother then leaves instructing his second on what to do. She watches him leave from an upstairs window before going and telling her mother and sister about the father’s death as well as her marriage.
Before he leaves he gets a call from his little brother he tells him to stay where he’s at and he will be right there. He tried to get ahold of his father and no answer and his second tries to get ahold of one of the guards and still no answer. He leaves his second going to the family home. Explosions go off as well as guns going off as well. They make it inside and they find the staff dead and his adopted father dying, the adopted father talks to him before dies. He looks everywhere going through every room, upstairs they find his brother shot but still alive he orders one of his men to get him to a hospital but before he goes he tells him who did this.
He drives back to the other estate of his wife’s family. They find out that his second got shot and that his wife was taken. The wife’s brother was in the basement where the second put him. He goes to where it all began, that’s where he finds his little brother with his wife in the stables and the stable is on fire. He winds up catching his brother off guard at one point throwing his knife at him and killing him. Before they get out of the burning stable she has him help her get the horses out.
A couple months later they’re in a vehicle at an establishment that he bought to have the meeting of the five families at. She stays in the car as he gets out accompanied by his brother as well as her brother. They go inside greeting everyone after that they set down having their talks. By the end everyone is in agreement with having him take control of everything, having new blood taking over and that his wife can be part of the meeting since she is the queen. He goes out to get her and after he has a surprise for her. He takes on his motorcycle and them blind folds her before getting her to where he wants her, he got her a horse it looks like the one she had all of those years ago but its not it's the horses son. After that he tells her that he has another surprise this time he has a guitar playing the song from all those years ago but it has words to it now. She winds up telling him that she has a surprise for him but before she tells him he spanks her. She informs him that he will soon be a father. He’s so happy he swings her around hugging and kissing her. They both love one another and they will be together forever.
Amazing character which is a page turner, a wonderful book with alot of steamy romance, action, suspense and thrills. A wonderful happily ever after ending.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simply wonderful read, great characters and a simply amazing scenario
This was a simply wonderful read and I have to say that like me you will find yourself in a simply riveting read, the characters and the scenario are just such a wonderful read and I am sure that others will be as captured by the action and excitement of this wonderful read.

D’Artagnan had nearly lost his life along with the rest of his family in a barn fire that he had been told had been caused by the daughter of his employer who had failed to ensure that their meeting had remained secret and this failure had been the cause of his family’s demise.

Taken in by the his current step father he has been bred and brought up to become an assassin and he is extremely proficient in his job, he had now been sent to murder the only girl he has ever cared about and it seems that when he finds Lucia Lazarro the information he has been told is a lie and in fact she has never stopped loving the boy whose tunes and voice she had so enjoyed, they had kept her going and she had never forgotten him.

She is totally blown away by the fact he is on her doorstep and that he has been looking out for her health and ensuring that there is nothing that is going to happen to her life, he aims to make the only woman that he has ever cared of his and will ensure that he discovers the truth of his family’s death.

I guarantee that you will be blown away by this simply amazing story and I guarantee that you will love every moment of this read and I am sure that you will not put this book down until you reach the end and discover the outcome.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Ollie243 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruelest Vow, by Piper Stone, was indeed very cruel for the first half of the book. But then, that had been the life of D’Artagnan DeLuca for the past 15 years. After watching his entire family burned alive, Dar Conti became D’Artagnan DeLuca and was trained by his adoptive father to become a deadly and unfeeling assassin. His body had been subjected to horrific torture in his father’s pursuit to create the perfect monster. And everyone, including Dar, had thought he had succeeded. Then, when tasked to find and kill Lucia Lazarro, daughter of a rival Don and Dar’s childhood sweetheart, what humanity remained in Dar started to emerge, and the second half of the book was wonderfully refreshing. Sure, the mafia way of life was still described, but the unfolding of Dar’s and Lucia’s relationship took away much of my emotional disturbance at reading the book. Lucia, raised as a mafia princess, was far from a typical one, and very much an equal to Dar, acknowledged by him and, eventually, by the Dons of all the mafia families in Italy. I can’t say it was a very pleasant book to read for the first half, but then, Piper Stone rarely soft-pedals her characters’ actions. For those unfazed by reading extremely dark mafia books, you will enjoy the entire of the book, and rightly so, for Ms. Stone is a very good writer and one of my favorites. It is therefore, with great regret, that I must rate this 4+ stars. This is strictly because of my personal animus with the first half of the book and nothing to do with Ms. Stone’s writing.

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

D'Artangan Conti was sent to kill Lucia Lozarro, the very girl who haunts his every nightmare. Who betrayed him and led to his family dying—or so he believes.

But once he gets close to her, all he can think about is claiming her as his own and protecting her from everyone who tries to harm her.

With every possessive touch, they're pulled deeper into this dark and twisted game, but can their passion withstand all the lies and betrayals? Do they get a second chance at loving each other?

»Was this nothing more than a fantasy or could we beat the odds, being together as fate had intended us to be? Or were we fooling ourselves that we were doing nothing but adding cracks to the same glass house we'd both been imprisoned in?«

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved their chemistry; both the sweet and innocent love they've shared in the past as well as their explosive passion all these years later.

It gave a perfect balance between emotional and sizzling hot moments. Mixed with a lot of action and many twists. 🔥

Dar knows what he wants and is not afraid to take it, showing Lucia more than once, the monster he believes he has become, yet he would give up everything for his Leonessa.

"I'd never hurt you, baby, my beautiful leonessa. I'd die for you. I'd kill for you. I have killed for you. No one will ever be able to hurt you again. You have my solemn oath."

I really enjoyed Cruelest Vow and can't wait to read the following books in the Tainted Regime series. 🖤

[Lyla Nadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mafia romance with lies, deceit, betrayal and some revenge. This story follows Lucia, the daughter of a powerful mafia family. She falls in love with D'Artangan Conti, a stable boy for her family, when they are young. But due to tragedy, he is lost with his family in a fire, his family being blamed as an enemy and Lucia believes him to be dead.

Many years later, as an adult, Lucia is successful and powerful but his angelic voice and whispers still haunt her to this day. She feels empty and like a shell of herself until she meet a handsome stranger who sparks the fires of life into her soul again. She is captivated by this man and falls for him deeper into a dark and devious euphoria.

Conti, is this handsome stranger and when she realizes it, it is when he out to destroy her and everything she has. But despite blaming her for the tragic loss of his family and despite wanting his revenge, the only thing he is able to bring himself to, is to have her as his own.

This book is explosive and fiery. Conti will do what it takes to posses Lucia while eliminating anyone who dares to touch her. Lucia feeling empty finds herself wrapped up in the euphoria of the man before her, desiring him more and more while the truth is revealed. This book really kept me on the edge of my seat till the end know knowing who to truly believe and their story was sweet and tragic. i rate it a 4 out of 5 stars. I received this as an arc for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

“Cruelest Vow” is a dark Mafia romance by Piper Stone and is the first book in the ‘Tainted Regime’ series. This is a story with some dramatic twists and turns that maintained my interest throughout.

Lucia and D’Artagnan (Dar) were the best of friends when both were still technically children. Neither was aware of everything taking place behind-the-scenes his family was tragically killed – and the blame placed on her. Painful years later, their lives have both changed in ways neither ever could have predicted. Dar has been adopted and trained to be a mafia assassin, and Lucia is put in his crosshairs. Physically, he’s changed so much over the years that she doesn’t even recognize him. However, the innocent attraction that used to exist between them now exists as a deeper attraction, something neither one can ignore. As the story unfolds, the lies and manipulations that have taken place around them are gradually revealed and the consequences are dramatic.

This is a seriously steamy story, but beneath all that is a wonderfully twisted tale full of intrigue. It’s surprisingly emotional. The main characters are multidimensional and interesting, and the bad guys are horrific. I thought the ending was nicely done. I’ll be looking for the next book in the series. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, please.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for something fast-paced, full of suspense, twists and turns, mystery, passion, possessiveness, truths, secrets, lies, loyalty and family, then this is the book for you!

Lucia Lazzaro is a mafia princess who wants nothing to do with that life. She has moved to America to take over her father’s legal company. She has never been the same since losing her best friend Dar in a fire that killed him and his family. D'Artagnan DeLuca is an assassin for the DeLuca family. He is also set to take over once the Don passes away from cancer. He is full of hate, revenge and anger. He was told the Lazzaro family had killed his original family (Conti family) and he was finally ready to extract his revenge 20 years later.

Following Lucia, old feelings start coming back, but Nicoli (his middle name) is intent on taking his revenge one way or the other. He will make sure she does not marry into the Romano family. Lucia is not looking for anything, but when she and Nicoli lock eyes in the bar, what could a one night stand hurt? The parks fly and the night is HOT, HOT, HOT! Will Nicoli be able to pull this off? Will Lucia ever figure out this is the boy she was crazy about and loved? But what happens when things from the past come into the future and spook Lucia?

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

[Arin Baur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome with some many different things to explore and get hooked on among other things too! Enemies to lovers best friends to lovers themes action packed all the way, page turner, steamy scenes. The characters are amazingly strong independent very self willed and are not afraid to get their hands dirty to get what they want I love every minute of this book! It will have you feeling like you’re trying solve a mystery puzzle with the unpredictable surprises that had me guessing non stop trying to very things out before I got to that part in the book. The chemistry, electricity between these two headstrong characters you can feel throughout the pages it’s fun to watch/read! The amount of betrayal in here is insane there are parts I think of tearjerker moments but overall the story is a keeper I love the hopefulness you see a little bit throughout the book. They are truly amazing characters thank goodness in my opinion bring out the best in each other I’m so relieved that there is a happy ending for now at least! Can’t wait to see here this mafia crazy action series will take me next!.

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

[Donna Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this is the standard we can expect from this series, then we are in for a treat. Ms. Piper has once again delivered a Mafia-themed romance filled with danger, violence, and revenge. It highlights the brutality children suffer at the hands of their fathers. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the plot. As all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, I couldn't have been more surprised. The chemistry between Lucia and D'Artagnan sizzled off the pages. The book is a good length, and it took all of my attention to capturing the storyline's essence.

This intriguing love story started in Italy when Lucia and D’Artagnan were children. Their backgrounds could not have been any different. D’ Artagnan's past had left him full of anger that consumed him. He was the predictor, and Lucia was the prey, but his need to protect her consumed him. Lucia had never forgotten the boy who worked on her father's estate, but on one fateful night, her world was shattered. I admired Lucia for refusing to follow her father's orders. She was no shrinking violet, but the risks were high.

This story was entertaining and well-written. The plot has been set for the next book in the series.

[Olivia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a dominant man that will have you obeying by just single look… well you must read this book because D’Artagnan Nicolo DeLuca (Conti) is the man that will take over your dreams & all your fantasies! When I tell you this whole storyline had me wrapped in such a possessive hold, the way Dar was willing to do anything for his queen had me feeling all the feels. I throughly enjoyed all the spice that overflowed out of this story! Dar was a stable boy when he was very young for the Lazarro estate with his family with a little girl named Lucia Lazarro thinking he made the world spin just by his music. Now after a tragic fire happened stories were manipulated between the families, but when the two of them come together & truths finally come out it’s so incredibly intense especially when Lucia is being forced to marry a pig of a man, but Dar comes through being the man she deserves even if he believes he is a monster. Dar gave me everything I didn’t think I needed in a character & the way he was so demanding had me drooling over him. Be sure to have a fan near you when reading this steamy story because it gets very hot!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| ARC Review ||

Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Spice: 5 out of 5 stars


Oh my gosh, ya'll. The spice and angst is off the charts right off the bat. Dar is sent to New York to kill Lucia Lozarro, but once he sets eyes on his now grown Leonessa he only wants to own her. Their first night together is so powerful I thought my kindle was going to catch fire. He knows who she is, but she only knows he's a dangerous man that causes her body to react like to other man has. There is a palpable electricity between them that made it sooo good, and together they plan to conquer those in their respective families that have betrayed them.

This story is about revenge, deceit, greed, power and the Italian Mafia. There's plenty of action, steam, killing and a twist I didn't see coming. It ends in a HEA, but I can't wait to read more as this was the first book of her new Tainted Regime series.

Contents include torture, unaliving, physical abuse and more. Check the authors list of triggers.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

D’Artangan Conti is the adopted son of the Cosa Nostra. When Franco gives you and order, you do it. He had to prove his worth to be king, kill the woman that betrayed you. Lucia Lazarro watched the love of her life die. He was everything to her. When a dark strange comes into her world, she is tempted. But she learns that her love didn’t die but is the dark angel sent to end her. I have to say, when you first learn about Franco and then another whisper (I won’t say what), you knew D’Artangan was set up. Lucia was also bait and a pawn. These two didn’t deserve how the families used them. But I do love D’Artangan’s cunning. He just had the feeling. And when they finally talked it all out, it was heartbreaking. I have to say Lucia is a tough cookie. She held her own. At times I was a bit upset how she was portrayed in certain areas of the story but she was still tough. And there is a surprising twist. I have to say, I did not see that coming. WOW!!!.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

OMG! Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book, the story was exhilarating I couldn't put the book down and the characters were really captivating. This story was about D'Artagnan De Luca and Lucia, Lucia had a crush on a boy she would visit, after the accident she was sent to boarding school, she didn't want to be at home any more and started a business in New York. D'Artagnan as soon as the fire was put out he went to see his family, they were gone then he was was adopted by a De Luca D'Artagnan changed his name so no-one from his past remembered him. Now twenty years later it was certainly time for the revenge he had planned. There was action, suspense, twist and turns, danger, violence, killings, murder, angry, enemies, trauma, betrayal, lies, secrets, intense heat, raunchy, dominance, submissive, rough, raw, but can he forgive her while he is fighting, people that want him dead.

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

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruelest Vow by Piper Stone is the 1st book in the Tainted Regime series. D'Artangan Conti and Lucia Lazarro are childhood friends. She saved her money and bought him a guitar which he would play for her. There was a fire and Dar's family was killed. Lucia was led to believe Dar was killed along with them. Dar is adopted into the DeLuca Mafia family where he is the underboss after he looses his family. He is treated badly and is taught to be a killer. He is led to believe that Lucia has betrayed him. Lucia Lazarro is the daughter of Roberto Lazarro Don of the Sicily Cosa Nostra. Dar is sent to kill Lucia, but changes his mind. He still has feelings for Lucia after all this time. This story is full of betrayal, lies, secrets, revenge, murder, and sexual desire. Another well written book by Piper Stone.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with D’Artagnan and Lucia’s tragic love story!
D’Artagnan may be a product of his adopted father’s harsh treatment, but his brutal past and the lies fed to him made him the man he is today. When tasked with bringing down the Lazarro Empire by killing his long lost Lioness, Lucia, he has other plans in store for Lucia, especially when he discovers she is being targeted by another mafia family. Lucia thought she escaped her father’s control in the USA by making their gem business very profitable, but it may all come tumbling down with her father demanding her return to Italy to be wed to a rival family’s son. D’Artagnan may have stalked Lucia, but there is something about the moment when they meet that kindles a good memory of a long lost friendship to D’Artagnan. Lucia’s need to escape her doomed life by a one night stand with Nicolo (aka D’Artagnan) fed by her friend’s suggestion gives the plot twist a surprise you don’t see coming! How will it all end? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so if you simply go by the name of the series name, Tainted Regime that in my opinion gives you a pretty decent take on the type of story readers are going to be lured into! That is "Hot' "delicious" "sexy as sin" and in true form of what I have come to learn from reading Piper Stone's books is true panty melting moments. To this day I even surprise myself at 'wanting' and 'needing' to read her books and possibly yes becoming a closet bookwh@re when it comes to her steamy mafia inspired naughtiness of storytelling.
She creates such wonderful characters and simply that whole idea of being dominated is such a turn on. On the other hand there will be readers that will not enjoy and rightfully that warnings are given to readers to make their own mind up. But I must admit it is a little like walking down that darken path and wondering just what you might run into, and a little raised blood pressure is just the thing that helps keep life interesting.

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

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My life meant nothing without Lucia.”

While I’ve never read a bad book by Piper, sometimes her books can begin to be repetitive. But every once in a while she writes something special, something different, something that makes it stand out from the others. Brutal Heir, Bed of Thorns, Vow of Seduction, Auction House. These are books that rose above the norm and are the reason I keep reading everything she writes. Now I can add another book to the list. Cruelest Vow.

This book is another dark one. The beginning is so hard and painful you might be tempted to quit. Don’t. Dar is so damaged and so broken but inside there’s true beauty waiting to be released from the prison where it’s been trapped. It’s absolutely impossible to say very much without giving away every single secret and I don’t do that. I can’t. It wouldn’t be right. You need to read this book cold without any information beyond the blurb. If you haven’t read that, skip it as well. Let everything be revealed as Piper wrote it and be prepared for an emotional experience. God all mighty this book was good!.

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚅𝚘𝚠¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸

𝚋𝚢 𝙿𝚒𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎

🖤🖤🖤🖤
4/5

❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

Piper does it for me again. I get so wrapped up in her writing from page one, and held it until the last page. Lucia and D’Artangan are born into complete different worlds. Lucia is the daughter of a very powerful mafia family, and D’Artangan is their stable boy. D’Artangan’s family is lost in a fire, and Lucia believes he died too.

Many years later when Lucia is an adult, she runs into a stranger that captures her attention, after feeling dead inside for so long. This stranger, is not that at all, he’s D’Artangan, and he’s gorgeous. All this time, D’Artangan has blamed Lucia for his family’s death, but once he sees her again, all he wants to do is make her his.

Includes
- Dark mafia romance
- Stalker
- Revenge
- Forbidden
- Enemies to lovers
- Alphahole
- Second chance
- Touch her and die
- HEA

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruelest Vow by Piper Stone is the First book in the Tainted Regime Series. This is the story of Lucia Lazzaro and D'Artangan Conti / Dar/ Nicoli. Lucia is a mafia princess who when she was a child became friends with Dar who was the poor family that worked for her family. There where so close but then one day Dar and his family where killed in a fire. This of course changed Lucia life. Now in the present day she doesn't want the mafia life but is working on her father's legal business. We find out Dar actually survived and was adopted by Franko and is trained to be an assassin who is taking over for the under boss for the DeLuca Cos Nostra Crime family on his death. Nicoli new assignment is to take out Lucia which he is happy to do because he blames her family for his birth family's death. But then he sees her for the first time since they where kids and she sparks something in him. But she doesn't know who he is. Exciting read.

[Elizabeth Satala (ElizaJayneReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶🌶.5

Lucia and Dar had a tragic, emotional, yet beautiful relationship. Lucia lived a shelteted life in the Mafia growing up, and she took comfort in Dar when she was a little girl. He was a mere stable boy, but she didn't care. Dar worked for Lucia's father and knew how much trouble he would get in talking to her, but he did it anyway.

When tragedy struck, Lucia saw just how ruthless the Mafia was. She never forgot Dar and how much she cared for him.

20 years later, she was surprised to have such a strong connection with a man at a bar, and she couldn't help the pull she had toward him. As it turned out, it was her soulmate all along. When she found out Dar was still alive, you could just feel the sadness radiating off of her for the loss of time. And the loss of her love she thought was dead. There was a reason their chemistry and pull was so strong.

Once Dar realized she had nothing to do with the loss of his family, he claimed her and didn't care who stood in his way. He felt a profound sense of ease when he realized she was innocent and knew he loved her.

I loved this book. Highly recommend!

[B.K. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper did it again! I bow to you my Goddess! I just lover her writing style and her ability to pull you in hard. She creates amazing worlds and characters and they’re so vivid, you feel like you’re right in the room and moment with the characters. This read was just that. I LOVED D’Artangan. He was hot, possessive, and hot! Yeah, that hot 🥵! So many lies and secrets and as these characters, Lucia and D’Artangan, who were childhood friends who crushed on each other, are thrown back together and one must die, old feelings arise, truths are learned, and twists, angst, passion, possession, obsession, motorcycles and hot sex arise. Everything about this book was spot-on, and I stillthink Piper’s hiding a secret (😉), but holy crow this is a fucking great read! Piper, you are one of my favorite authors and I’m here for all you got to give!

Highly, highly recommended!

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

D'Artagnan and Lucia knew each other as children, when his father worked for hers. She was thirteen, and he was the first boy she loved. She was devastated when she believed he died. Fifteen years later, the boy is a man, and he has come for her, little knowing he would fall for her once again. When the world they know blows up, he will do what it takes to keep his woman safe and by his side.

D'Artagnan is a bit darker than some of the author's other Heroes. No complaints here, he's delicious. Lucia is feisty and independent, living in New York and away from her family in Sicily. Together they have chemistry for days. Their happily ever after is that much sweeter knowing what they've been through. Beautifully written, this is another winner by Piper Stone, and is well worth the one click.

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

[Patricia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story that stood the tests of time.

So much tragedy in the young lives of two people who were friends but destined to be together forever. A tragic night that destroyed an entire family and left the seventeen year old an orphan. The young girl who was thirteen and doted on the young man who was her friend. Fifteen years later, D’Artagnan had become an assassin for his adopted father. Lucia had become a CEO of a multimillion diamond corporation. He was sent to kill her but he ended having to protect her. When they met, she didn’t know him but he knew her and they had an instant attraction and chemistry which led them to the beginning with a one night stand. This book was Fire with plenty of love, and betrayal within the familigia. I enjoyed reading the love story of D’Artagnan and Lucia.

[booksireadinthedark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Stone sucks you in from the start with this amazing dark mafia romance. This book is full of secrets, betrayal, lies and deadly revenge. D’Artangan is a dark twisted and possessive man who has been plotting a bloody revenge for most of his life for a family who destroyed his, only things change and he decides the now his plans include possessing the one thing he's always wanted... the Lazarro princess, Lucia.

Lucia Lazarro is a mafia princess who broke free from her family and decided to try and live a normal life as best she could away from the world, she never wanted to be in. Growing lonely and on a dare from a friend, she meets a dark and, mysterious man by chance, or so she thinks and learns everything she thought she knew was a lie.