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Iron Outlaws MC #5

The Vows We Keep

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🖤 Enemies to lovers
😮 Mistaken Identity
❌ She kidnaps him
🔥 Assassin and biker
🌶 Fight s*x

Catalina
As the daughter of a Los Reyes motorcycle club vice president and an assassin, I understand the risks of this life. Yet the club won't tell me why my father went on a ride to New Jersey and never came home. So the Iron Outlaw I just kidnapped and tied to a chair is going to tell me instead. Except nothing I do to this man scares him. His strength and courage match my own. But this is a battle only one of us can win.

Niro
Catalina wants answers I can't give her, but I'm intrigued by this woman. Because I buried every Los Reyes club member that day, and her father wasn't one of them. I need to stay alive long enough for my club to find me. But the more time I spend with Catalina, the more I want to help this leather-clad assassin who challenges my view that I'm better off alone. Even if helping her keep her vows of revenge could kill us both.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2023

626 people are currently reading
795 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Cole

45 books2,219 followers
Four-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.

She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.

When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettcole/
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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com



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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,264 reviews1,532 followers
December 3, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦."

Completely blown away. All the stars!! Scarlett Cole seems to consistently write some of my favorite books and she did not let me down with The Vows We Keep. This time Catalina, an assassin and daughter to the VP of a Los Reyes MC, is paired with Niro, the treasurer of the MC. Cat is on a mission to find out who is responsible for her father's death. To that end she decides to kidnap the Prez of Iron Outlaws, to find out what, if anything, they know. Unfortunately, she has only a basic description. And it's dark. And she kidnaps the wrong guy 🙈. Growing up in the MC world, she understands the ramifications of what she's done, but Catalina will stop at nothing to serve up vengeance for her dad.

What really sets Scarlett Cole's stories apart is her character development and her strong, smart heroines paired with these rough MMCs. Absolutely fucking loved everything about Catalina and totally appreciated having a morally gray heroine who could kick some ass. I liked how she expressed her need for vengeance and made it relatable. Cat always has to be perfectly rigid to be taken seriously, but Niro makes her want to bend. To be softer and for that to be OK. Nero was fantastic. He has ADHD and ASPD and struggles with connections. We got some great glimpses of what makes him the way he is. His ADHD frequently had me alternating between cracking up and making me want to cry for him as he struggled to reign it all in. Loved that he fell first and how safe he made Cat feel. How he appreciated her strength and how he fought for her.

The storyline was awesome! I loved the fact that the script was flipped and we had the heroine doing the kidnapping in this story, lol, it definitely made it more interesting. It was well written and clearly well researched. Nothing I love more than when I actually learn something while reading. There was tons of pulse pounding action and suspense that had me reading the pages as fast as I could - especially toward the end. The smexy times between them were super 🔥🔥🔥 and explosive and there was no third act break up. What more could you want?!?

If you're a fan of strong heroines and aren't reading this series, you need to be. Seriously. And there's a short discussion of reverse grumpy/sunshine tropes in this book that you're not going to want to miss. The Vows We Keep is the 5th book in the Iron Outlaws series and can definitely be read as a standalone, but best in enjoyed when read in series order.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
599 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2023
Absolutely blown away!! Captor/Captive, but where the captor is female? Yes, you read that right. This book had top notch action from beginning to end and I enjoyed every bit of it. Niro and Catalina took me by surprise and have become my new favorite fictional couple. These two together were pure fire and gave off Bonnie and Clyde vibes.

Catalina was one hell of a heroine. She was no holds barred and her taste for violence definitely set her apart. Dealing with the misogyny that comes from growing up in the MC where her father was VP has not been easy for her and I admired the way she tried to pave her way to earn her place within the MC. She was simply trying to belong.

Niro!... Oh, this man stole my heart! The disconnect he felt amongst his fellow MC brothers made me hurt for him.  Through the author’s details regarding his ADHD and ASPD, I was able to step into his shoes and see everything he went through daily. But despite his diagnoses, Niro was funny and rode that edge of cinnamon roll and possessive that I’ve come to love.

The banter between Niro and Catalina was perfection. These two were equal in every way. I enjoyed both their character arcs as they helped each other grow into their budding relationship. Catalina accepted Niro as he was while Niro supported Catalina’s efforts to immerse herself into the MC and stood up for her, and let her shine.

The spice was chef’s kiss! That kitchen scene was both funny and oh so hot. IYKYK There was never a dull moment in this story. I enjoyed the suspense, the spice, the banter, and the heartfelt moments. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for AJ.
3,253 reviews1,072 followers
December 8, 2023
5 stars!

This is the fifth book in the Iron Outlaws MC series, a heartfelt and emotional romance with wonderful characters, fantastic character development and a fabulous redemption arc. It’s a sort-of-enemies-to-lovers story for an unlikely couple and it had me hooked from start to finish. I loved it!

While you could read this as a standalone, you would be missing some context, and would be a bit lost around the character dynamics. This book also contains spoilers for earlier books of the series, so I would recommend diving into this series with book #1 and reading each amazing story in the order they were intended.

Niro is a member of the Iron Outlaws, and he’s been an interesting character in the series so far. A badass that stands out in a club full of badasses, he’s rough and ruthless, and God, what a journey he goes on in this book! The redemption arc I didn’t know I needed, my love for Niro knows no bounds!

Catalina is the daughter of Los Reyes VP. She’s loyal to the club, acting as a covert assassin when she’s needed, and though she wants nothing more than to belong, as a woman she’s mostly disregarded. Strong, smart and badass in her own right, she has taken off on her own mission to find out what happened to her father after he didn’t return from a run with the club. Suspecting foul play, she kidnaps Niro (thinking he’s actually the Iron Outlaws President) to get answers.

Niro knows his club didn’t kill Cat’s father, and he’s intrigued by the fiery woman and offers to help her. Their chemistry is intense and their passion for each other is wild, and it doesn’t take long before he lays his claim.

“I’m taking responsibility for her,” I say.
“She’s not a lollipop you licked, Niro,” Vex says.
My eyes meet Catalina’s. “
Yet. I haven’t licked her yet.”

These two are so perfect for each other. They banter and tease, the sexy time is off the charts hot, and they are both falling hard for someone for the very first time. But there’s so much more to their relationship. They accept each other for who they are, and give each other the space to be who they need and want to be. They provide stability and comfort, they support and encourage, and become the person the other can lean on. There’s no game playing with these two. They say it like it is and hold nothing back from each other, and they are magic together!

“You’re everything.”
“You can’t mean that.”
He grips my chin for a moment. “I’ve never met anything more.”

The acceptance they find from each other drives some incredible character development for these two. Niro lives with both ADHD and antisocial personality disorder. It’s why he is who he is, and explains why he does the things that he does. His diagnoses are handled so well by both the author, and the other characters in the book, and watching him trying to get a handle on it all and understand who he is in order to be a better man absolutely stole my heart. He is morally grey, but he has this goodness about him which makes him completely irresistible, and watching him fall in love for the first time and work hard to make himself and Catalina happy, was just beautiful.

“I want the part of you that’s trying to push your ribs apart right now so she can burst free…I want the part of you that swill scape and claw and fight to shape a life you want more than anything…Give her to me, Cat, because I’m really fucking hungry for her.”

Cat is so awesome. She’s bold, sassy, she knows who she is and what she wants, and she completely owns it. She’s fiercely independent, yet open to all that is happening between her and Niro, and I loved her own journey as she finds somebody that she can truly be herself with. She supports Niro while allowing him to support her, and I was so happy watching her finally find her place.

“I’m falling in love with the man you are, Niro.”

The rest of the Iron Outlaws family are there with them through it all, and I loved seeing so much of past characters. The camaraderie and sense of found family is so well written, and while reading, I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing everything alongside them. This series is becoming an all-time fave, and I cannot wait for Bates’ story up next.

So much about this book to love, and I adored all of it.

5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Nadine.
1,065 reviews125 followers
October 3, 2025
Even though Niro is the male lead, I've never felt so seen and understood than being in his mind.
As soon as I learned Niro has ADHD, I wanted to read his story.
Sometimes it was exhausting being in his mind but then I thought: YES! That's how I always feel being in mine too.

I love the way Niro and his neurodivergent spectrum is portrait and the way he deals with it.

Cat is an amazing heroine. I love some good crafted bad-a$$ woman falling for a man that worships her like there's no tomorrow.

Also this story has a great suspense plot combined with fantastic chemistry in and outside of the bedroom, that made me sweat.

Now I'm hooked to the IOMC world and will soon go back to this world!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,001 reviews30 followers
December 13, 2024
4 stars. Another good read in this series. Loved Niro's character. On to the next one...
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,310 reviews88 followers
December 14, 2023
These characters are so stereotype defying, they are so intriguing and wild in the best ways!
I love the hard core woman that is Catalina who can be soft for her man. Niro who is rough, gruff and anti social to say the least but has moments of such honesty that I couldn’t help but love him. There is a raw vulnerability about him.
I love the insane way they meet. I love the mental health rep of a disorder that is hard to understand. I loved the gritty, unconventional aspects of every.single.thing.about this unique and powerful couple.
It’s so entertaining, hot and has some really funny, yet emotional moments. The s€xual connection is scorching and as unconventional as this couple is. It’s super hot.
This book and series is so fantastic. It’s not cookie cutter or cliched.
It’s gritty, it’s so entertaining and emotional. There’s plenty of story beyond the romance; the romance is so unique and really compelling. This is such a wonderful story. This series is so special, each book surprises me with the originality and depth of the characters. I love it!
Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,803 reviews345 followers
February 21, 2024
The Vows We Keep dealt with a different type of MC hero and heroine for sure. They both appeared slightly unhinged in the beginning of the novel, but my goodness how they grew together.

They both had an agenda, and I understood that agenda fully. When they realized how much they were alike on the things that mattered, they totally got scared a little bit, but not too much.
Profile Image for pamela hamlin.
6 reviews
December 19, 2023
Niro's ADHD

I am so glad to read Nitro story my daughter has adult ADHD and I really had no empathy for her until I read this book from Niro point of view I can honestly see what she goes through when I read her excerpts from the book and asked is this what she goes through she said yes thank you for allowing me to see this in my reality
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
784 reviews55 followers
December 8, 2023
The Vows We Keep is Colton 'Niro' Brewer's story and the fifth book in Scarlett Cole's spicy Iron Outlaws MC romance series. He was one of the brothers King trusted most for a sleath retribution mission in book four, but ultimately finds out that turnabout is fair play and payback is a real bishhhhh when the same thing happens to him not too long after.

Niro is taken off guard by Catalina Flores and friend Neva- a couple of bloodthirsty 'fixers' from a rival club in California. She's come a long way, desperate for clues about her missing father, VP of the Los Reyes MC. She'll do whatever it takes to find out why he never came home, even grabbing the wrong man for questioning.

Crossing paths with Cat seems to be a turning point for Niro. An independent woman with a mind as twisted as his own? She might be his perfect match- tough as nails and his equal in so many ways. She wants a ride or die life with an MC who will appreciate her clever mind, mad skills and fearlessness, but in this male dominated world, is this even possible? Is Catalina the woman Niro needs by his side, or will she end up being his downfall?

“I just want to do things that make me feel alive, Niro. Is that too hard for any man to understand?”

Niro has some personal issues that keep him always looking in from the outer fringes of his club. It's hard for him to focus, he's impulsive, short fused at times and lacks empathy. He's a different and intense guy who sees others having the kind of life he wishes for, but doesn't think is possible for someone with problems like his.

"And like a slap to the face, I realize that no one else will ever be as perfect for me as Catalina Flores. And that I will never be the perfect man for her."

Cat feels safe and protected with Niro and he is calmed and soothed by her presence. Neither have had this kind of connection before- can two people with so many shades of morally gray between them find their home in each other?

If you like your MC anti-heros sexy and hot, with a romantic edge that's hard to resist, come meet the brothers of the Iron Outlaws MC. Some fell fast and hard, with others taking the long way around to get to their soulmates. I love the feisty, strong women who've captured their hearts, willingly or not. Scarlett Cole is writing unique characters and twisty plotlines that continue to thread all the pieces together throughout this series. I'm enjoying them all and look forward to the next ride, but wonder where that bumpy road may take me.

I was given an early version of this book to read and honestly review.
Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,975 reviews
March 31, 2024
Going to be honest going into this review, I was not super excited to read Niro's story. I wasn't a big fan of his and well, Catalina isn't my normal type of heroine either. I read this one because I wanted to read the next one and because I like this series.

So glad that I did because I really liked this one and well, Niro in The Loves We Lost, oh my goodness, he was just so wonderful with Avery, it made me love him even more!!! Cataline was a total badass and could give as good as she got.

I did like how Niro griped about King and the others doing everything for their women, sacrificing so much, and then Catalina brings him to his knees.

As I said, I liked th/sis one, absolutely enjoyed this one in fact. Niro and Catalina were so perfect for each other. They complimented each other in the best ways.

The cute and sweet things they did for each other. The sweet times, the sexy times, and boy were times sexy! The way Catalina had her back tattooed, showing she was Niro's property and the way he had her name

The book was quite funny in parts too. The brothers have a great camaraderie. King telling Niro that he and Catalina didn't need to be Bobbsey Twins. LOL

And the way he was so protective of her but still knew she could protect herself. Because, of course, Catalina was quite the badass.

OK, the old lady upgrade package piece was pretty hilarious and the sweetness of Niro constantly checking on her, making sure she had everything she needed. It was so un-Niro like!

As I said in the beginning, Catalina isn't my typical heroine but I really liked her. She was a tough ass woman and she was super sweet and super protective of all the other old ladies.

All in all another good addition to this series. Tons of dirty talk and many uses of the "c" word which I hate but some hot dirty talk. ;)
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,532 reviews101 followers
January 29, 2025
I’ll be honest. I didn’t think I’d really like this book. Niro, the hero in this one hasn’t been hero material in any sense of the word and I didn’t care for him. But having read enough Scarlett (S.) Cole books, pretty much every one she’s written, except this series and I’m quickly making my way through them, I shouldn’t have doubted her writing abilities.

We learn early in the book that Niro has been diagnosed with ADHD which I’m sure most people have heard of and many familiar with, as well as ASPD or anti-social personality disorder (which you should learn more about if you’re interested. One of the characteristics is impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour. Another characteristic is lack of remorse). This all pretty much describes Niro and is a big reason why he wasn’t my favourite brother in previous books. But then he meets Catalina when she knocks him out and kidnaps him and this seems to be a catalyst for some self reflection. Cat is involved with Los Reyes, a rival gang and is looking to find out if the Iron Outlaws are responsible for the disappearance of her father.

For Niro this is a case of ‘like recognizes like.’ She is an assassin for the gang and has no remorse in killing when ordered. When Niro is with her, he feels calmer and in control than he does most of the time. Niro manages to convince her that his club had nothing to do with her father but readily admits to having killed other member of Los Reyes. This doesn’t seem to bother her at all and Niro convinces her he’s willing to help her find the truth, which he is.

Of course the other club members aren’t joyful when he brings in a rival club associate seeing as there have been some bad shit between the two clubs. Los Reyes for example murdered the president’s father for example. But despite his numerous issues Niro is a club member and for them that men’s a brother and family. Plus they notice she has some good effects on him.

This is a fascinating character study book. By the end Niro isn’t cured but he is a different person, a character you can call a hero. For all that I found this book very intriguing, it really has earned five stars and I recommend it. Note though. The previous books need to be read first and in order to enjoy the continuity. This book was so addictive, I read it in one day.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,631 reviews138 followers
December 11, 2023
Another Fantastic Book by this Author

This is another installment of the Iron Outlaws MC series and this book is another five-star book. Niro and Catalina burn up the pages in this book with their intensity and badassery. One thing with this author is she always delivers great characters and storylines that draw you in and take you on one h*ll of a ride. Ms. Cole did it again with Catalina and Niro developing them into to characters that I won’t soon forget. The mistaken identities and secrets made this a book that I couldn’t put down.

I can’t recommend this author’s work highly enough because she always delivers on her books and leaving me waiting on pins and needles for her next book to be released.
Profile Image for Marie Bonk.
420 reviews
July 3, 2025
I didn't think I could like these books any more but I was wrong

I am obsessed with the way that Nero and cat met. And how both cat and Neva are storing women who take no shit. I also loved getting to see the mental health aspect of Nero and how cat is able to kind of figure things out as they go along and how to support him. Just like Nero figures out how he can support her in her dreams of being a part of the club
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,617 reviews25 followers
December 7, 2023
This series, impossible as it sounds, gets better and better with each book release. I’m sitting here, having finished reading this latest novel in the Iron Outlaws MC series, in awe! S. Cole has once again penned a story which is incredible. I have been hooked from start to finish. The author’s attention to detail is on every single page throughout this narrative. I learned so much about Niro, and I now have a greater understanding of the challenges he faces every single day, plus a huge amount of respect for this fabulous man.

Catalina and Niro are perfect for each other. Cat is a woman who is determined, courageous and possesses great strength both physically and mentally. I adored witnessing her fight to be treated as an equal in the MC world which as we know is dominated by men. Cat has connections to a rival MC, which creates obstacles that she, Niro and the rest of the Outlaws have to overcome. I truly loved witnessing all the Outlaws’ reaction to her.

Niro and Cat’s journeys throughout this story are not to be missed. I may feel that they are perfect together; however, any developing relationship between them needs to be built on a foundation of trust, understanding and compromise. There are many scenes which I found to be very emotional indeed. I wanted a happy ending for this couple. I honestly didn’t want this story to end.

The Vows We Keep is a story that I highly recommend to you to read. I have tried to keep spoilers out of my review so that you can experience this story as I have done, without any prior knowledge of its content. I love spending my time with the Iron Outlaw MC. The handing over of my heart to the fabulous men created by Scarlett Cole seems to be a recurring theme whenever I read one of her books. That, and a strong admiration for her leading ladies too!

5 stars.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2023
The Vows We Keep S Cole is book 5 in the Iron Outlaws MC Series. This is the story of Catalina 'Cat' and Niro. This is a interconnecting series so it does add to your enjoyment if you have read the previous books I felt. But with that said I did think this could be a standalone book. Cat is after answers about her father. Thinking that she could kidnap King a member from a rival group would lead her to those. But she ends up taking Niro by mistake. Niro as we read in the previous books isn't very friendly and this book opens us up to his story. Enjoyed.

Profile Image for Mina.
774 reviews32 followers
August 2, 2025
This is my favorite book in the series so far, and it might be my favorite book of the year. Niro and Catalina kicked ass, literally. I loved their dynamics and how supportive they were with each other, knowing what the other needed before they did. Truly amazing plot, characters, writing. It was amazing
Profile Image for Jezabel Nightingale.
Author 8 books44 followers
December 7, 2023
Iron Outlaws really is the thinking woman's motorcycle club series and this book is no exception.

Amazing characters, so well represented. You want to hate Niro and the traits that make up who he is, but he recognises them and tries to learn to understand himself more. So, so, so well don e.

Cat was also phenomenal and showed that compromise isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Five stars is hardly enough!

Thanks to the author for the early copy.
Profile Image for Sarah Vande Zande.
73 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2024
Page Count: 340
Troupe: Motorcycle Club Romance
POV Type: Dual, Alternative with FMC and MMC
Spice Level: 4

FMC: Catalina
Daughter of Late Los Reyes MC VP
MMC: Niro
Member of the Iron Outlaw MC

When Catalinas father leaves on a ride-out but doesn't return, she goes looking for answers. She believes she can find those answers by kidnapping the president of rival club, the Iron Outlaws. But she mistakes the president for Niro. After his club rescues him, he convinces them to help Catalina find answers to what happened to her dad.

I LOVE that the stereotypical roles are flipped! I don't think I have ever read something similar, and that definitely was a huge plus for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,525 reviews132 followers
December 7, 2023
Another winner in this series! I really wasn't a fan of Niro's before. He's been kind of jerky. This totally cleared up the reasoning for his behavior and made me love him. And Catalina was perfect for him (not to mention bad a** on her own). I love spending time with the Iron Outlaws. The relationships between the guys are wonderful to see. They are all alpha guys, but when it comes to their women, and each other, they are all squishy.

That second epilogue has me anxiously waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
932 reviews25 followers
January 3, 2024
Iron Outlaw's treasurer Colton 'Niro' Brewer was known as a remorseless hothead with little to no discretion. If there was questionable and dirty work to be done you could count on Niro. Catalina Flores grew up in the biker culture as the daughter of the Los Reyes VP. Not content to be an old lady she took on roles that were denied her officially but were traditionally held by brothers.

When Catalina's father disappears with no answers she makes it her mission to find out what happened to him even when it includes kidnapping a rival MC member. This action set off a series of events that changed not only her fate but Niro's. From the moment they met Niro and Catalina set off each other's buttons in a highly combustible case of insta attraction. There were lots of revelations with this couple from Niro going from previously predictability angry, violent and impulsive in past works to thoughtful, caring and repentant. This guy did a huge turnaround and love seemed to be what he needed to find his way in his life and make changes for the better. Catalina was a surprise as well given the lifestyle and narrow-minded upbringing she grew up in, she was open minded and forward thinking in many ways. Niro for the most part was accepting of Catalina as having an equal status as a biker not just as his chosen partner, which was an interesting twist. The conversations, feelings and forward thinking expressed by this couple were intuitive and articulate and unexpected given their roles and histories.

This was very much a romance focused MC romance versus a MC culture romance with a love story included. This author excels in her characters' introspection and by doing so offers portrayals her audience might write off at first glance but given their depth her readers can make informed decisions about the gray world they live in.

Scarlett Cole has a knack for seeing beyond her characters' hardened exteriors and seeing who they truly are. Emotional and trauma fraught portrayal’s is where she shines. An advocate for the underdog and voices that are often suppressed by society, this author goes the extra mile. Her bonds are strong and her devotion to her characters and the stories she tells is always clear. The Vows we Keep adds not one but two Scarlett Cole bikers to fall in love with!


*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series is suggested.*
Profile Image for Janice Dudley.
490 reviews63 followers
December 10, 2024
Another great read. I’m going to have to download Scarlett Cole’s entire book collection
1,091 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2024
Was on a roll reading the rest of the series so went back and read this one. Like the rest of Cole's books in this series, we always get a little bit more than just a contemporary romance. In this one we learn about ASPD and ADHD. But we also get the hotness, strong characters and darkness that I've come to expect from her ICMC series. Having read the majority of the ones past this one, it was good to go back and catch up on Niro and Cat. A solid read - 4 stars.
630 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2024
I had 3 books of this series to catch up on and I've read them in 3 days. I was so engrossed I really couldn't put them down. Not sure what I'm going to do now as I'm up to date.

I really loved the story on Niro and Catalina.

Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,759 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
Another kidnapping. I’m shocked, shocked I say! This time the victim is one of the Iron Outlaws and the kidnappers are two women from a non-sanctioned Los Reyes club out of Barstow, California.* Catalina, whom it appears will be our fmc, is trying to find out what happened to her father on an earlier run that he never returned from. She mistakes Niro for King. Her accomplice, Neva, is an amateur pharmacist and shoots Niro full of truth serum. It doesn’t mix well with his inebriated state so their questions remain unanswered.

It turns out the Los Reyes president had Cat’s father killed because he wanted one of his sons to take over as VP. He also didn’t want her father to report to the actual Los Reyes because then they’d have to pay dues and share part of the proceeds from their ill-gotten gains.

Niro helps her solve this mystery and discovers a previously hidden capability to care for someone besides himself. They’re uber compatible in bed and HEA is more or less guaranteed.

I’m going to stop reading this series as the blurb for the next book involves another kidnapping plus a child thrown in for good measure. The stories have been entertaining but need some new plot points.

*The Iron Outlaws are in New Jersey. Could the Righteous Brotherhood really not find a club with assassins for hire closer than California? Not only that but for the Los Reyes members to ride clear across the country a second time because of wounded pride doesn’t seem probable. What are nomads for?
Profile Image for cloudy.
607 reviews87 followers
May 21, 2024
“you scare the shit out of me. you’re so fucking perfect, i don’t even know where to start. i wasn’t expecting to find a woman i could ride with and fight with and fuck like that. didn’t think i’d ever find a woman who gets why my club is my life.”

this was one of the best motorcycle club romances i've ever read. how did my least favorite brother in the series become my favorite character? there were so many layers to him. if i was in awe of how the author approached psychology and mental health in the previous book, this one cemented my respect for her. psychopathic male leads have become a cliché in dark romance, but more often than not (not to say always) writers don't get it right; they confuse morally corrupt with psychopathy and call any villain mentally ill for the sake of the archetype. this was the first time that aspd was approached respectfully and done justly. not only the character's inner monologue and pov but how others perceived and responded to his callousness and impulsivity was everything i've ever wanted.
and his woman? she was the one to kidnap him, not the other way around. not only that, but she mistook his identity. both tropes i love, and having the roles reverse elevated the story and spoke to the level of badassary of this fmc, which is truly unmatched. the first female member of the mc.
Profile Image for Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) .
1,106 reviews35 followers
December 8, 2023
The Vows We Keep by S.Cole is book five in her excellent Iron Outlaws MC series. This is an enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, MC romance between Colton ‘Niro” Brewer and Catalina Maria Flores. This instalment is fantastic and so much more than just a love story because they both have issues and it goes to show there is the right person out there for everyone.

“ She could be the greatest thing that ever happened to you, or she could be your end.”

This is a masterclass in writing a redemption for a character. Scarlett makes you love him so quickly that you will wonder why you disliked him in the first place. She also explains his attitude and actions in the previous books and why he is so loyal to King.

Catalina is on a mission to find out what happened to her father. He was the VP of the Los Reyes MC and didn’t return home after a run. She wants to know why he was killed and if necessary get her revenge. Information leads her to the Iron Outlaws so with the help of her friend Neva, they kidnap their president, hoping to get the answers she desperately needs.

Niro gets drunk at Rae’s birthday party and on his walk home he is kidnapped. He is so funny with his reactions to Cat’s methods and starts flirting with her. He knows her father wasn’t killed by his MC and realises she thinks he is King. He provides her with information about the day that changes what she has been told. He is really taken with her so offers to help.

There is a fantastic fight scene when the MC rescue Niro. Catalina holds her own against not only Niro but the whole of the MC. She is as deadly and capable as any man but always underestimated. It was interesting seeing the guys reactions to her and what is happening between her and Niro. I giggled at all the ‘in-jokes and jibes between the guys, and when Niro informs everyone he is keeping Catalina!

We learn about Niro’s ASPD and ADHD and how he copes with so much going on in his head. The author make you understand him and has written about his issues so clearly. His vulnerability just pours off the pages and I couldn’t have wished for a better old lady for him. My heart went out to him when he admits most of the MC don’t like him. There is a scene when she just places her hand on his back and it just got to me.

"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦.”

They are perfect for each other. Both are fearless and have little empathy for their enemies. She is strong enough to stand up to him but does show a softer side. He’s never met anyone like her and she gives him a peace he’s never known. She loves the MC way of life but hasn’t been allowed to be a part of it so she can’t believe how he treats her like his equal and fights for her. If she goes ahead with her need for revenge what will it mean for them and could he go against his brothers.

I loved this story, especially the care and attention to detail the author gave these characters. His friendship with Bates was great and leads into the next book really well. Nice catching up with everyone and I found it so funny how Halo and Vex are getting worried over how the guys are all falling in love. Can’t recommend this series enough.





Profile Image for Jody.
2,089 reviews61 followers
December 10, 2023
This story burst out of the gate from the very first page, pulling me into its intense and gripping world from the get-go, courtesy of two unforgettably larger than life main characters. Catalina and Niro practically jumped off the pages, both intense and dangerous, but vulnerable at times too which had me rooting for them to give into their instantaneous connection and the pure perfection their togetherness represented.

Readers looking for a strong heroine will get all that and more with Catalina! She's tough as nails, determined, and has forged her own path in the typically misogynistic MC world she's been a part of her whole life through her father being the VP of Los Reyes. While the club has always used her for her femininity, Catalina has never shied away from the manly deeds of dealing death and getting info one drop of blood at a time. When a mission to bring her father's dead body home leads to more questions than answers she's put on a path that leads straight to Niro and a HEA that she never saw coming. She and Niro are utterly combustible, both in their banter and in their private encounters. She's a take no prisoners kind of heroine, one who's always been hesitant to show a more feminine side, but who finds safety and support while with Niro. With him, she could be all she wanted to be, and by the end of the story I can easily say she's my most favorite heroine of them all!

Niro's held my interest since the dangerous and disgruntled man with a facial scar sauntered onto the scene. He was like a teapot getting ready to blow steam, constantly on edge with an attitude that didn't encourage others to get too close. He's often twitchy and a bit antisocial, a man dealing with ADHD and ASPD, that set him apart from the usual hero and he held my heart and mind captive. Ms. Cole crafted an unforgettable couple, a perfectly imperfect one, showing them in a realistic light both warts and all as they dealt with their personal idiosyncrasies. Niro was part of this MC world, but still a bit separate because of his disorders that he dealt with in creative and funny ways that endeared him to me. As the story progresses, and to get closer to his HEA, Niro starts dealing with his issues head-on and starts bonding with his brothers by introducing them to the realities of how he lives. I loved seeing these usually tough guys be so open and understanding of their brother's issues and it strengthened the familial vibe that always permeates these clubs.

A case of mistaken identity is what brought these two together at first, but by the end they knew each other intimately, knew and accepted one another wholeheartedly in a tale of unwavering love and acceptance. This book had my heart pumping from the very beginning, caught me up quickly in Catalina's mission of love, while witnessing the further actions of a rival club. Along with this flawlessly crafted main couple there was an equally compelling cast of secondary characters, ones readers have seen before as well as a few new ones who I look forward to seeing more of in the future...courtesy of another exhilarating epilogue from the author.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,275 reviews207 followers
December 9, 2023
THE VOWS WE KEEP is the fifth instalment in S. Cole’s (Scarlett Cole) contemporary adult IRON OUTLAWS MC erotic, MC romance series. This is twenty-seven year old, club treasurer Colton ‘Niro’ Brewer and twenty-five year old, contract specialist Catalina Flores’s story line. THE VOWS WE KEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Niro and Catalina) THE VOWS WE KEEP follows in the wake of the suspected murder of Catalina’s father. Catalina’s father was the vice-president of the Los Reyes MC, and Catalina suspects the Iron Outlaws MC were responsible for her father’s demise. Believing she had kidnapped King aka the Iron Outlaws President, Catalina holds Niro prisoner, struggling to get the information about her missing father. Upon the rescue by his brothers, Niro brings Catalina back to the Iron Outlaws MC, where a relationship will ensue, and a negotiation to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Cat and Niro’s relationship begins to grow, the members of the Iron Outlaws MC struggle to trust the woman who is the daughter of, and assassin for the Los Reyes MC. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cat and Niro, and the potential fall-out as Cat’s time with the Outlaws is perceived as a betrayal threatening her sense of peace going forward.

The world building focuses on the Iron Outlaws MC relationships, and their struggle with Niro, and the woman he loves. Niro has longed battled issues of mental and emotional challenges, and with it, Niro often alienates the people he loves the most. As Cat and Niro begin their dance around one another, Cat is desperate to avenge her father, a desperation that must remain in check as the MC faces a war with someone else.

The relationship between Cat and Niro begins as an abduction in which Cat is desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to her father. Niro knows Cat’s father was not one of their targeted threats but someone else would lay claim to destroying Cat’s heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the previous instalments including Gwen and Clutch, Iris and Spark, Saint and Briar, King and Rae, Bates, Switch and Wrinkle, as well as the introduction of Cat’s friend Nava. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE VOWS WE KEEP is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and mayhem, mistrust and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is gritty, dramatic and intense; the romance is passionate; the characters are desperation and determined.


www.thereadingcafe.com

copy supplied for review
81 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2023
One of the biggest problems I had with this book was not connecting and understanding the FMC. She contradicted herself quite a bit. This is a lifestyle she did not choose but that she was born into. She was forced to become this covert assassin by her father who started training her when she was young. By the time she came of age, he was encouraging her to kill and whore herself out to the club. She watched her mom spend her life turning a blind eye to her father sleeping with club whores. She was pissed that she couldn’t be a “brother” and have a seat at the table with the men despite her skill set.

Yet, she had no respect for the club or the men or the women. She didn’t even like them and what they stood for.

She wasn’t even sure that her Dad loved her. He cared for her and trained her to only be able to use her when she got older, but not loved her. She’s 25 years old with a total of 28 kills for a club that has zero respect for her because of her anatomy and yet she’s desperate to be a part of the brotherhood. She’s supposedly destined to become the old lady to the son of the president yet she can’t stand him and he’s not good in bed but she sleeps with him to get info out of him.

And I’m sorry, but I don’t see the necessity in wanting to become a part of a brotherhood. I can appreciate progressiveness and equality, but I don’t see why she wants her fight in life to be about women being allowed into a brotherhood. That’s like women wanting to be able to join fraternities. It’s stupid.

In my opinion, I think that feminist plights don’t belong in MC books. If you’re a true MC fan, then you know the men are pig headed when single and possessive alphas when they are in relationships. If that’s not your style then simply don’t read them. I read these books because that’s what I like. I’m not looking for women to come into an MC brotherhood and call them misogynistic and alpha assholes. Im definitely not looking for one where a woman wants to become a part of the brotherhood and then judges what has been years of tradition just because she wants to be a part of it. Don’t get me wrong, some MC books take the misogyny too far and I get uncomfortable with how horribly women are discussed amongst the men but I just stop reading and move on to something else. I get trying to appeal to the masses but honestly let those people just find a different book.

I enjoyed how we got a look into how the MMC mind works. I hated him in all the other books. I still think because of his ASPD that he should seek some in patient help especially since he’s a killer but whatever.

I enjoyed the psychology aspects of the book but I still don’t like him and the jury is still out on her.

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