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Desecrated Love Trilogy #1
Splintered Vows
I have been beaten.
I have been lied to.
And now I am being forced into a marriage I don't want.
My uncle has taken everything that mattered from me. But I am not going down
without a fight. I will show my future husband that I won't be easy to tame.
But this new life is not what I expected and neither is my new husband. Things
are never truly what they seem but now I need to protect my heart and keep the only person that still matters alive.
I may have lost all the battles in the past but I will win this war.
I have been lied to.
And now I am being forced into a marriage I don't want.
My uncle has taken everything that mattered from me. But I am not going down
without a fight. I will show my future husband that I won't be easy to tame.
But this new life is not what I expected and neither is my new husband. Things
are never truly what they seem but now I need to protect my heart and keep the only person that still matters alive.
I may have lost all the battles in the past but I will win this war.
- GenresDarkContemporary Romance
ebook
Published October 27, 2023
8 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Jade Marshall
81 books416 followersSouth African author of romance with a dark side
Mother, wife, animal lover, alcohol consumer...
English, Afrikaans, and sarcasm are the only languages I understand.
Evernight Publishing Author & Acquiring Editor.
It's official!
Check out the submission requirements here - https://www.evernightpublishing.com/g...
or for Evernight Teen - https://www.evernightteen.com/submiss...
Mother, wife, animal lover, alcohol consumer...
English, Afrikaans, and sarcasm are the only languages I understand.
Evernight Publishing Author & Acquiring Editor.
It's official!
Check out the submission requirements here - https://www.evernightpublishing.com/g...
or for Evernight Teen - https://www.evernightteen.com/submiss...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 16, 2024
At times, I wanted to rate this book 3 stars.
Other times, like the chapter when he teaches her how to 🔪 (torture) her enemy and helps her take revenge on said enemy (one of her uncle's man that treated her awful😭), I wanted to rate the book 4 stars, but I'm going to leave it at 3 because of multiple reasons.
* Again, the never-ending V h - some type of manhoho H situation; I'm so over this!! luckily, he was hooked on her from the first moment, and I'm pretty sure he was celibate while waiting to meet his new bride
* Arranged marriage, age gap, which is fine; what is not fine is the fact that at the beginning of the book it stated that she's 20/21 years old (based on my calculations) and then later in the book it's mentioned she's 18; I'm sorry what!!???
Page 21:
"Three years ago I was a happy, normalish high school graduate. That all changed one night when my uncle slaughtered not only my parents but every other member of our family that might stand in his way. He kept me and Roman alive because we will receive the majority of our father’s money once we both turn twenty-one."
So she must be 20/21 years old, since 3 years prior to when the events of the book started, she was a high school graduate!
But later in the book, she says she's 18. So which one is it!??
* He was such a weird character; he either liked her, he either hated her, he either didn't trust her, he either loved her and was possessive and said "mine mine mine" all over again or he somehow accepted that she might be interested in trying a 3some (uhm, what!?😂😂 - nothing happened, but he was lightly open at the idea she mentioned, meaning him with one of his friends!?).
Sir, please, learn to communicate !!! The scene where she thinks there's another woman in his life is so cringe!! (Fyi, it was his sister!!) He's the underboss, but he can not properly communicate with his new wife because, of course, he would spend all their time fuck1ng instead of getting to know each other. So they end up in such avoitable situations. At first, she doesn't open up to him or trusts him because she doesn't know him! Each one has their own assumptions, ghaaa. Hence, the lack of communication was quite annoying.
The good part is that by the end of the book, there was some character growth for both of them. Also, their relationship appears to be stronger, but they still have to work on it.
This being a mafia read, there are triggers! Check them beforehand!
HFN - their story continues in the next book; no cliffhanger, though.
I will continue the series because I just can't wait for Dom's book!!! 🥺🥺
.
.
.
.
"Because I admire her.
Because she is stunning.
Because of the three little words she wrote in a dying man’s blood on his back after he betrayed us: I love you.
“Fuck it,” I murmur, drawing back from bruising her lips. “I love you too, Willow.”
Seeing her face glow might be the best part of my day. Month. Year.""
Ok, this was pretty 🩶💥 *swoon*
.
.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Other times, like the chapter when he teaches her how to 🔪 (torture) her enemy and helps her take revenge on said enemy (one of her uncle's man that treated her awful😭), I wanted to rate the book 4 stars, but I'm going to leave it at 3 because of multiple reasons.
* Again, the never-ending V h - some type of manhoho H situation; I'm so over this!! luckily, he was hooked on her from the first moment, and I'm pretty sure he was celibate while waiting to meet his new bride
* Arranged marriage, age gap, which is fine; what is not fine is the fact that at the beginning of the book it stated that she's 20/21 years old (based on my calculations) and then later in the book it's mentioned she's 18; I'm sorry what!!???
Page 21:
"Three years ago I was a happy, normalish high school graduate. That all changed one night when my uncle slaughtered not only my parents but every other member of our family that might stand in his way. He kept me and Roman alive because we will receive the majority of our father’s money once we both turn twenty-one."
So she must be 20/21 years old, since 3 years prior to when the events of the book started, she was a high school graduate!
But later in the book, she says she's 18. So which one is it!??
* He was such a weird character; he either liked her, he either hated her, he either didn't trust her, he either loved her and was possessive and said "mine mine mine" all over again or he somehow accepted that she might be interested in trying a 3some (uhm, what!?😂😂 - nothing happened, but he was lightly open at the idea she mentioned, meaning him with one of his friends!?).
Sir, please, learn to communicate !!! The scene where she thinks there's another woman in his life is so cringe!! (Fyi, it was his sister!!) He's the underboss, but he can not properly communicate with his new wife because, of course, he would spend all their time fuck1ng instead of getting to know each other. So they end up in such avoitable situations. At first, she doesn't open up to him or trusts him because she doesn't know him! Each one has their own assumptions, ghaaa. Hence, the lack of communication was quite annoying.
The good part is that by the end of the book, there was some character growth for both of them. Also, their relationship appears to be stronger, but they still have to work on it.
This being a mafia read, there are triggers! Check them beforehand!
HFN - their story continues in the next book; no cliffhanger, though.
I will continue the series because I just can't wait for Dom's book!!! 🥺🥺
.
.
.
.
"Because I admire her.
Because she is stunning.
Because of the three little words she wrote in a dying man’s blood on his back after he betrayed us: I love you.
“Fuck it,” I murmur, drawing back from bruising her lips. “I love you too, Willow.”
Seeing her face glow might be the best part of my day. Month. Year.""
Ok, this was pretty 🩶💥 *swoon*
.
.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2023
Splintered Vows is book one in a trilogy series by Jade Marshall and Sofia Aves.
I was hooked from the very first page. The story was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts and there was plenty of spice. A brilliant novel that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read the next part in the series.
❤️ Thank you to the author, Sofia Aves for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very first page. The story was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts and there was plenty of spice. A brilliant novel that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read the next part in the series.
❤️ Thank you to the author, Sofia Aves for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 20, 2023✨ARC READER✨
I don't even know where to start with this book. First and foremost Trigger Warnings are not listed in the book. They do list the authors emails for you to reach out if you have any triggers so you can see if they are in the book. Now for my review.. I could NOT put this book down. I finished it in less than a day (it is a shirt book with only 187 page). But it was sexy, captivating, and had a few twists to the book. This book did not disappoint with the spicy scenes. Who doesn't love some dark romance and a possessive mafia man!
I don't even know where to start with this book. First and foremost Trigger Warnings are not listed in the book. They do list the authors emails for you to reach out if you have any triggers so you can see if they are in the book. Now for my review.. I could NOT put this book down. I finished it in less than a day (it is a shirt book with only 187 page). But it was sexy, captivating, and had a few twists to the book. This book did not disappoint with the spicy scenes. Who doesn't love some dark romance and a possessive mafia man!
October 30, 2023
Wow!! When is the next one coming out!?!?!
Read in one sitting, just couldn’t put it down! The spice, thrills, suspense and action... That’s how it keeps you hooked from the beginning! It keeps you guessing and just simply captivated. The pull between Willow and Rafe throughout the entire book it everything. Her sheer strength, her submissiveness to him even while doubting everything, including his true intentions… then his hunger for her, the power he exudes, the mistrust for everything/one… All this while dealing with enemies coming around every corner.
Absolutely loved it! Need more of them, and their entourage, pronto please!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read in one sitting, just couldn’t put it down! The spice, thrills, suspense and action... That’s how it keeps you hooked from the beginning! It keeps you guessing and just simply captivated. The pull between Willow and Rafe throughout the entire book it everything. Her sheer strength, her submissiveness to him even while doubting everything, including his true intentions… then his hunger for her, the power he exudes, the mistrust for everything/one… All this while dealing with enemies coming around every corner.
Absolutely loved it! Need more of them, and their entourage, pronto please!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
This was a fast paced, mafia romance with plenty of spice. Willow is forced into marriage with Rafe Gallo. They previously met and had a one night stand, not knowing they would soon be married! She's young and has been through a lot, but she can definitely hold her own. Rafe soon learns this! They're a perfect team and do what it takes to secure the power from those that never deserved it.
This is book one of a series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
This is book one of a series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
May 8, 2025
A dark mafia romance with Willow and Rafe leading the charge. Willow is not who she seems and Rafe is very questionable. There is more to come so read on. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2023
Right from the start I knew, yep I am totally ready for this wild ride. Whoooo, it sure was!! This is the first read from Jade and Sofia, I loved it. They are both so wonderful, sweet and kind! Watching this journey was the best part of the ride! Everything from the dark romance to the Strong FMC, This dark romance should be on the top of your list!
November 15, 2023
I love the concept of this story. The mafia, forced marriage trope is hot. I like the MMC and FMC. I think the contrast between the Greek mafia family and the Hispanic mafia family was interesting. Willow and Rafe have a ton of potential as leads.
I felt though that the story was very rushed and glossed over many important things. Willow's background was barely touched upon apart from abuse at her uncles hand. Rafe has lots of animosity with his father and wants to keep Willow away from him but never really delves into why.
I'm hoping the next book in the series is longer and more developed than this one.
The spice level is a 2.5.
I felt though that the story was very rushed and glossed over many important things. Willow's background was barely touched upon apart from abuse at her uncles hand. Rafe has lots of animosity with his father and wants to keep Willow away from him but never really delves into why.
I'm hoping the next book in the series is longer and more developed than this one.
The spice level is a 2.5.
July 20, 2024
Splintered Vows is book one of Desecrated Love Trilogy/Gallo Mafia Empire series. This novel is the story of Rafe and Willow. Splintered Vows is written by an author duo of Sofia Aves and Jade Marshall is one hot and intense journey into the damage lives of two broken souls who need each other desperately. Rafe and Willow are amazing characters who are easy to relate to and the author duo brings them to light with every word on the page. There is a long history of Willow needing to protect herself from physical abuse at the hands of her "loving" uncle, who has turned his attention to her younger brother, something she desperately tries to stop. Rafe has his own dark memories in which he lives with. Despite all the trauma, Willow is no pushover and can give as good as she gets, and Rage, is really a softy in his heart when it comes to Willow. I thought the author duo did an outstandingly well with giving life to Rafe and Willow's story with their style of writing. I became captivated with this novel from the first page to the last one, I ended up pulling an all nighter to finish this book. I'm looking forward to reading the second book of this series and I can't wait to see what will happen in that novel. I would HIGHLY recommend giving this book a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
After reading the prequel ( Dom and Thalias meeting) I didn’t expect this book to go where it did. This is Rafe of the Gallo mafia empire ( introduced briefly in the prequel) and Willows story. Their attraction was instant even before they knew who each other were. They have a ons but it’s not the last time they will meet. Willow was so resilient and strong, my heart broke for her for all she has endured and suffered at the hands of a relative, he is cruel, barbaric and power mad but Rafe rescues her. Their lives are not smooth sailing, enemies in every corner wanting a piece of them but together they are a formidable team. Rafe is domineering and a hard man but with her he is smitten and at times gentle. A sad and fair ending, not sure if it’s hea or hfn? but await the next chapter and more from Dom too hopefully.
September 1, 2024
This book let me tell you it’s not what you would expect it to be. It is so descriptive and thrilling. It will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the page word after word. There’s so much love, hopes, faith, and trust between Rafael and Willow in just a short time since they met. Willow and Roman are inflicted with so much from their uncle to me he deserved more than what he got. This book is a must read. I cannot wait to read the next part of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
Great book! Packed with action and steamy romance and chemistry. Rafe and Willow are set up as an arranged marriage but there is a twist - the marriage does not turn out as expected. So many twists and turns - looking forward to the next books in this series
May 15, 2024
Splintered Vows is book one in Desecrated Love Trilogy. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends with a HFN. An exquisitely written story with two broken and damage individuals and a complex and twisty storyline that captures your attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, dark, and thrilling read. A putdownable and utterly addictive read. The story was told from a dual point of view. The characters are amazing and emotions so real and raw. I can't say enough goods about this story! A very moving love story about two broken who suffered past trauma and overcoming hardships and coming together in a very passionate and sweet way. A gut-wrenching and heartbreaking story story.
A romantic suspense story, forced marriage story, billionaire romance, arranged marriage romance, erotic romance, dark mafia romance, psychological thriller story, heroine in peril story, organize crime story, age gap trope romance, polar opposite attracts romance, hate-to-love vibes romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, dark romance, forced proximity romance, taboo romance, sassy heroine story, virgin heroine romance, contemporary romance with violence, danger, drama, pain, threats, attack, tension, revenge, emotions, angst, hurt, anger, revelations, lies, deception, secrets, physical abuse, domestic abuse, family issues, enemies, power and control, manipulation, action packed, greed, acceptance, resilience, suspense, passion, bought/own, action/sold, torture, friendship, misunderstandings, darkness, hatred, love, madness, jealousy, fear, loyalties, mistrust, possessiveness, obsession, loss, attempted assassination, grief, love, forgiveness, kidnapped, murder, bloodshed.
Eighteen year old Willow Hernandez uncle Sebastian was jealous of his brother, the Don and tired of being in his shadow and wanted to be the Don and takeover his empire, so he brutally murdered him and wife took it over leaving Willow and her brother Roman orphans and subsequently him as their guardian. Her uncle is monstrous, evil, cruel and vile. He torture and control her daily through beatings, starvation, manipulations, coercions and threats of arming her younger brother Roman to get whatever he wants. Willow loves her brother and is very protective of him and will even endure harsh treatment for him. Willow hid her brother from her evil uncle, and decided to go have a little fun now that her brother was safely tucked away from her uncle. She ended up in Cyprus, she was having fun all dressed up in beautiful dress at a club. And this is where she caught the eyes of the heir of the Gallo empire, Rapfael Gallo a.k.a. Rafe. Rafe wanted to get his dick suck and have a little fun before going back to the U.S. because his dad had arranged a marriage for him and he doesn't know the woman. The woman giving him oral didn't know what she was doing and he got bored of her sloppiness and stop her.
As he sits and look around his father's club he noticed this beautiful woman on the dance floor dancing by herself. He tells his second in command to go and get the woman for him, because he was going to have one last fling before he marries this unknown woman that his father had arranged for him to marry. The two had a passion filled night that both of them never forgets where she gives him her virginity. Before Willow could even get back to the U.S. she received a call from her uncle Sebastian that he had sold her and that she was getting married. He further threatened her that if she didn't come back home that he would kill her brother Roman then showed her a helpless Roman. Willow didn't want him to hurt her brother so she didn't have a choice but to come back home and marry this unknown stranger. Rafe could not get the beautiful woman off his mind even though he was about to get married. As he stands at the altar ready to through with the wedding of the woman who his father had bought for him, he can't help but wonder how she looks. He was shocked when he saw the woman who he had the one night stand with in Cyprus, because he thought that he would never see her again after their encounter.
You would think that he was happy that it was her since they had a connection. But Rafe was pissed because he thought that she had set him up in Cyprus and he felt betrayed. But things is not what it appears. Willow uncle is greedy and he sold her because he's power hungry and wants the Gallo territories. He couldn't stop at what he had obtained through his greed he has to have it all. Rafe is bipolar because sometimes he's wonderful towards her and the next he's just a ruthless and callous bastard and total asshole that you don't want to be around. These two chemistry is off the charts and electrifying. They don't know what to show their feelings but they constantly fight then make up. They're right for each other despite how they got started. A sweet and swoon-worthy story.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A romantic suspense story, forced marriage story, billionaire romance, arranged marriage romance, erotic romance, dark mafia romance, psychological thriller story, heroine in peril story, organize crime story, age gap trope romance, polar opposite attracts romance, hate-to-love vibes romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, dark romance, forced proximity romance, taboo romance, sassy heroine story, virgin heroine romance, contemporary romance with violence, danger, drama, pain, threats, attack, tension, revenge, emotions, angst, hurt, anger, revelations, lies, deception, secrets, physical abuse, domestic abuse, family issues, enemies, power and control, manipulation, action packed, greed, acceptance, resilience, suspense, passion, bought/own, action/sold, torture, friendship, misunderstandings, darkness, hatred, love, madness, jealousy, fear, loyalties, mistrust, possessiveness, obsession, loss, attempted assassination, grief, love, forgiveness, kidnapped, murder, bloodshed.
Eighteen year old Willow Hernandez uncle Sebastian was jealous of his brother, the Don and tired of being in his shadow and wanted to be the Don and takeover his empire, so he brutally murdered him and wife took it over leaving Willow and her brother Roman orphans and subsequently him as their guardian. Her uncle is monstrous, evil, cruel and vile. He torture and control her daily through beatings, starvation, manipulations, coercions and threats of arming her younger brother Roman to get whatever he wants. Willow loves her brother and is very protective of him and will even endure harsh treatment for him. Willow hid her brother from her evil uncle, and decided to go have a little fun now that her brother was safely tucked away from her uncle. She ended up in Cyprus, she was having fun all dressed up in beautiful dress at a club. And this is where she caught the eyes of the heir of the Gallo empire, Rapfael Gallo a.k.a. Rafe. Rafe wanted to get his dick suck and have a little fun before going back to the U.S. because his dad had arranged a marriage for him and he doesn't know the woman. The woman giving him oral didn't know what she was doing and he got bored of her sloppiness and stop her.
As he sits and look around his father's club he noticed this beautiful woman on the dance floor dancing by herself. He tells his second in command to go and get the woman for him, because he was going to have one last fling before he marries this unknown woman that his father had arranged for him to marry. The two had a passion filled night that both of them never forgets where she gives him her virginity. Before Willow could even get back to the U.S. she received a call from her uncle Sebastian that he had sold her and that she was getting married. He further threatened her that if she didn't come back home that he would kill her brother Roman then showed her a helpless Roman. Willow didn't want him to hurt her brother so she didn't have a choice but to come back home and marry this unknown stranger. Rafe could not get the beautiful woman off his mind even though he was about to get married. As he stands at the altar ready to through with the wedding of the woman who his father had bought for him, he can't help but wonder how she looks. He was shocked when he saw the woman who he had the one night stand with in Cyprus, because he thought that he would never see her again after their encounter.
You would think that he was happy that it was her since they had a connection. But Rafe was pissed because he thought that she had set him up in Cyprus and he felt betrayed. But things is not what it appears. Willow uncle is greedy and he sold her because he's power hungry and wants the Gallo territories. He couldn't stop at what he had obtained through his greed he has to have it all. Rafe is bipolar because sometimes he's wonderful towards her and the next he's just a ruthless and callous bastard and total asshole that you don't want to be around. These two chemistry is off the charts and electrifying. They don't know what to show their feelings but they constantly fight then make up. They're right for each other despite how they got started. A sweet and swoon-worthy story.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
SPLINTERED VOWS is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult DESECRATED LOVE dark, Mafia romance trilogy set in the Gallo Mafia Empire, co-authored by Jade Marshall and Sofia Aves. This is eighteen year old Willow Hernandez, and Raphael ‘Rafe’ Gallo’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Rafe and Willow) SPLINTERED VOWS follows in the wake of a one-night stand in Greece between our leading couple. Upon her return to America, Willow will discover she has been sold by her uncle to the Gallo family, and is to become the wife to the heir, to the crown but Willow’s little adventure in Greece will cost her dearly, and the fall-out begins a spiral of no return. Enter Raphael Gallo, Willow’s one-night stand, and the man to whom she will marry but all is not well between our leading couple as Raphael struggles to trust the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as miscommunication, secrets and lies threaten the lives of everyone involved.
The world building focuses on the impending war in the world of underground crime. Willow has been sold to the highest bidder but her uncle is no longer satisfied, and her husband is struggling with the woman in his life.
The relationship between Willow and Rafe begins as a one-night stand in which neither one knows the other’s history but that doesn’t stop Rafe from attempting to destroy his wife, a young woman who is a pawn in a much large game. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.
We are introduced to Rafe’s sister Regina, his right hand man Dominic Barese; Dom’s father Armand Gallo; chef Luca, and family healer Thalia, as well as Willow’s uncle Sebastian, Sebastian’s right-hand man Mario, and Willow’s brother Roman. The requisite evil has many faces, not everyone will survive.
SPLINTERED VOWS is a story of secret and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, acceptance and love. The character driven, fast paced premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is provocative and impassioned with some scenes of questionable intent; the characters are desperate, determined, dynamic and animated.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Rafe and Willow) SPLINTERED VOWS follows in the wake of a one-night stand in Greece between our leading couple. Upon her return to America, Willow will discover she has been sold by her uncle to the Gallo family, and is to become the wife to the heir, to the crown but Willow’s little adventure in Greece will cost her dearly, and the fall-out begins a spiral of no return. Enter Raphael Gallo, Willow’s one-night stand, and the man to whom she will marry but all is not well between our leading couple as Raphael struggles to trust the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as miscommunication, secrets and lies threaten the lives of everyone involved.
The world building focuses on the impending war in the world of underground crime. Willow has been sold to the highest bidder but her uncle is no longer satisfied, and her husband is struggling with the woman in his life.
The relationship between Willow and Rafe begins as a one-night stand in which neither one knows the other’s history but that doesn’t stop Rafe from attempting to destroy his wife, a young woman who is a pawn in a much large game. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.
We are introduced to Rafe’s sister Regina, his right hand man Dominic Barese; Dom’s father Armand Gallo; chef Luca, and family healer Thalia, as well as Willow’s uncle Sebastian, Sebastian’s right-hand man Mario, and Willow’s brother Roman. The requisite evil has many faces, not everyone will survive.
SPLINTERED VOWS is a story of secret and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, acceptance and love. The character driven, fast paced premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is provocative and impassioned with some scenes of questionable intent; the characters are desperate, determined, dynamic and animated.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 13, 2023
So many twists and turns
I’ve got to say I could not put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Willow has been on the run from her uncle with the sole purpose of losing her virginity as he is going to force her to marry a man of his choice. So she finds herself in Cyprus at a club, and this is where she meets Rafe. Rafe is not happy. He has been summoned home by his father with whom he has a difficult relationship. You see he is The Don! is the boss and Rafe must do as he is told. So on his last night in Cyprus He sees a girl on the dancefloor and tells his head of security and best friend Dom to bring her to him, but he gets a surprise when he finds out, she had been a virgin, but she tells him not to stop. He knows there’s no future there, but he is captivated by her beauty and her green eyes. The next day he is returning home to where he finds he is to be married.
Willow receives a message. Her uncle has got a private jet for her to return home , if not, he will start sending her body parts of her younger brother. Willow will do anything for her brother so she returns home and gets a discipline that she will not forget. She is told she will be married and to get a wedding dress, but she never imagined for one moment when she entered the chapel it would be Rafe who was seen to be her husband, but what is to become of them. And that’s all I’m saying.
This book had me gripped. I could not pit it down and had to read it in one sitting. It just kept me on the edge of the seat. There was so many twists and turns and lies and secrets. And it’s no secret these two share a passion for one another, but will that be enough or is there something else at play?? I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I just pray we haven’t got long to wait. An excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve got to say I could not put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Willow has been on the run from her uncle with the sole purpose of losing her virginity as he is going to force her to marry a man of his choice. So she finds herself in Cyprus at a club, and this is where she meets Rafe. Rafe is not happy. He has been summoned home by his father with whom he has a difficult relationship. You see he is The Don! is the boss and Rafe must do as he is told. So on his last night in Cyprus He sees a girl on the dancefloor and tells his head of security and best friend Dom to bring her to him, but he gets a surprise when he finds out, she had been a virgin, but she tells him not to stop. He knows there’s no future there, but he is captivated by her beauty and her green eyes. The next day he is returning home to where he finds he is to be married.
Willow receives a message. Her uncle has got a private jet for her to return home , if not, he will start sending her body parts of her younger brother. Willow will do anything for her brother so she returns home and gets a discipline that she will not forget. She is told she will be married and to get a wedding dress, but she never imagined for one moment when she entered the chapel it would be Rafe who was seen to be her husband, but what is to become of them. And that’s all I’m saying.
This book had me gripped. I could not pit it down and had to read it in one sitting. It just kept me on the edge of the seat. There was so many twists and turns and lies and secrets. And it’s no secret these two share a passion for one another, but will that be enough or is there something else at play?? I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I just pray we haven’t got long to wait. An excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2023
🖤 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 🖤
Splintered Vows by Jade Marshall and Sofia Aves
(Desecrated Love Book 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
✅ Mafia
✅ Virgin FMC
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ “Who did this to you?”
✅ Deceit
✅ Possessive MMC, Badass FMC
TW: Torture, SA, Unaliving and Dismemberment
Willow Hernandez had her whole family taken by her power hungry uncle. Everyone except her younger brother who she successfully hid somewhere in Italy. With him safe, she fled to Cyprus. Everything seems calm until she receives a call and pictures from her uncle informing her he’d found her brother and to come home and participate in an arranged marriage or he’d end her brother. With her flight in the morning, a newly 18 Willow decides since her uncle likely promised her groom-to-be a virgin, she would lose it to whomever she could.
Raphael (Rafe) Gallo is in Cyprus for just a little while before heading back to the US. Spending the night in his father’s club getting head from a random woman seems like the right idea. That is, until said woman becomes too sloppy and he sends her off. Watching the dance floor, a gorgeous woman catches his eye and he has his right hand man retrieve her for him. She’s perfect and pure. She deserves better than to be taken against an office door. 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩? With Willow on his mind and an impending wedding to attend he heads home only to walk right back into Willow’s life.
I loved this book! The plot was so well done and the characters were great! Willow is so strong and Rafe has such a gentle side! Their relationship is so sweet! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you, Sofia Aves, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given.
Splintered Vows by Jade Marshall and Sofia Aves
(Desecrated Love Book 1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
✅ Mafia
✅ Virgin FMC
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ “Who did this to you?”
✅ Deceit
✅ Possessive MMC, Badass FMC
TW: Torture, SA, Unaliving and Dismemberment
Willow Hernandez had her whole family taken by her power hungry uncle. Everyone except her younger brother who she successfully hid somewhere in Italy. With him safe, she fled to Cyprus. Everything seems calm until she receives a call and pictures from her uncle informing her he’d found her brother and to come home and participate in an arranged marriage or he’d end her brother. With her flight in the morning, a newly 18 Willow decides since her uncle likely promised her groom-to-be a virgin, she would lose it to whomever she could.
Raphael (Rafe) Gallo is in Cyprus for just a little while before heading back to the US. Spending the night in his father’s club getting head from a random woman seems like the right idea. That is, until said woman becomes too sloppy and he sends her off. Watching the dance floor, a gorgeous woman catches his eye and he has his right hand man retrieve her for him. She’s perfect and pure. She deserves better than to be taken against an office door. 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩? With Willow on his mind and an impending wedding to attend he heads home only to walk right back into Willow’s life.
I loved this book! The plot was so well done and the characters were great! Willow is so strong and Rafe has such a gentle side! Their relationship is so sweet! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you, Sofia Aves, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given.
November 14, 2023
Splintered Vows : Part of the Gallo Mafia Empire by Jade Marshall. Book 1 of Desecrated Love Trilogy. This is Rafe Gallo and Willow Hernandez's story. Rafe and Willow happened to met in a club in Cyprus. Rafe saw Willow dancing out on the dance floor and sent Dominic Barese his right-hand man to get her. Willow is five and a half feet tall wearing a scarlet floor-length gown, with raven dark hair flowing to almost her waist and deep green eyes. She is a sassy one which Rafe likes. Willow knows Rafe wants her and she agrees. They only know each others first names and then she leaves. Rafe can't forget her.
Willow's Uncle Sebastian and his right-hand Mario are both cruel to Willow and she can prove it. They only care about power. The next time Rafe and Willow see each other is at their wedding. Neither knew who they were marrying. It was an arranged marriage. SUPRISE ! This is a fast-paced and page-turner read with so many characters, Willow, Rafe, Thalia the family healer, Rafe's sister Regina, his right-hand man Dominic Barese, Armand Gallo, Sebastian Hernandez and his right-hand man Mario, Willow's brother Roman. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next. Jade is a very talented writer.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Willow's Uncle Sebastian and his right-hand Mario are both cruel to Willow and she can prove it. They only care about power. The next time Rafe and Willow see each other is at their wedding. Neither knew who they were marrying. It was an arranged marriage. SUPRISE ! This is a fast-paced and page-turner read with so many characters, Willow, Rafe, Thalia the family healer, Rafe's sister Regina, his right-hand man Dominic Barese, Armand Gallo, Sebastian Hernandez and his right-hand man Mario, Willow's brother Roman. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next. Jade is a very talented writer.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
This book is part one of a series, it is a dark mafia romance with lots of triggers and very explicit scenes.
Rafe Gallow couldn't believe his eyes and was finding it hard to control his anger, the bride waiting for him in the black wedding dress and veil, the girl who his father had arranged for him to marry was the same girl with whom he had enjoyed a torrid one night stand in Cyprus, the same girl that he couldn't stop thinking about, she had deceived him.
Willow Hernandez's life was miserable, her family had been wiped out by her brutal uncle, the same uncle who used the safety of her younger brother as a blackmail tool, the same uncle who took a delight in whipping her until her back was criss crossed with open wounds, the same uncle who was forcing her to marry a man that she had never met...........except that she had.
Sebastian Hernandez was power hungry as well as brutal, an arranged marriage between his niece into the powerful Gallow family was just the start, he would wipe them out and then the whole territory would be his............Sebastian didn't anticipate the anger of Rafe Gallow when he saw the scars on his bride, he was ashamed that he had treated her badly and now he would do everything in his power to atone for that and keep her safe.
This is a very powerful story of brutality, murder and above all a combustible passion between Rafe and Willow, revenge would come and it would be sweet.
I must admit, this story was probably a bit too explicit for me but I am sure that there are lots of people who will thoroughly enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Rafe Gallow couldn't believe his eyes and was finding it hard to control his anger, the bride waiting for him in the black wedding dress and veil, the girl who his father had arranged for him to marry was the same girl with whom he had enjoyed a torrid one night stand in Cyprus, the same girl that he couldn't stop thinking about, she had deceived him.
Willow Hernandez's life was miserable, her family had been wiped out by her brutal uncle, the same uncle who used the safety of her younger brother as a blackmail tool, the same uncle who took a delight in whipping her until her back was criss crossed with open wounds, the same uncle who was forcing her to marry a man that she had never met...........except that she had.
Sebastian Hernandez was power hungry as well as brutal, an arranged marriage between his niece into the powerful Gallow family was just the start, he would wipe them out and then the whole territory would be his............Sebastian didn't anticipate the anger of Rafe Gallow when he saw the scars on his bride, he was ashamed that he had treated her badly and now he would do everything in his power to atone for that and keep her safe.
This is a very powerful story of brutality, murder and above all a combustible passion between Rafe and Willow, revenge would come and it would be sweet.
I must admit, this story was probably a bit too explicit for me but I am sure that there are lots of people who will thoroughly enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
March 7, 2025
My only complaint about the book is that at times, it's confusing. It has a great base for a storyline and that's what makes the most of it work. But there are little things that set it out of place, even if it's hardly anything to make a big deal out of.
What makes it confusing is that sometimes the timeline seems off. They'll make it feel like they've spent longer together when it's only been a day, or something like that.
Also! It doesn't even mention the notion that Thalia and Dom are even remotely close until the very end of it, which makes it odd to have had that prequel make such a big deal out of how much he wants her. If that's the case, and he really loves her and wants to have a future with her, why make it seem almost like they're strangers instead of having had time together to build something between the two of them? That one definitely threw me off because I read the prequel first (because I certainly wanted that backstory in order to possibly fill any gaps that I might miss) and instead it left holes in this one.
As a whole for Rafe and Willow, however, I find the story adorable for the most part. Sure, there are times when Rafe's anger gets the better of him, particularly when he's attempting to deal with the jealousy of how easily she manages to make everyone in the household adore her. But it's clear that she truly only has eyes for him. If only he'd realize it.
All in all, it was a good story.
What makes it confusing is that sometimes the timeline seems off. They'll make it feel like they've spent longer together when it's only been a day, or something like that.
Also! It doesn't even mention the notion that Thalia and Dom are even remotely close until the very end of it, which makes it odd to have had that prequel make such a big deal out of how much he wants her. If that's the case, and he really loves her and wants to have a future with her, why make it seem almost like they're strangers instead of having had time together to build something between the two of them? That one definitely threw me off because I read the prequel first (because I certainly wanted that backstory in order to possibly fill any gaps that I might miss) and instead it left holes in this one.
As a whole for Rafe and Willow, however, I find the story adorable for the most part. Sure, there are times when Rafe's anger gets the better of him, particularly when he's attempting to deal with the jealousy of how easily she manages to make everyone in the household adore her. But it's clear that she truly only has eyes for him. If only he'd realize it.
All in all, it was a good story.
October 29, 2023
4/5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5/5
Strong Language: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Splintered Vows is book one of the Gallo Mafia Empire series. This is book one in the Desecrated Vows trilogy and ends on a slight cliffhanger.
Rafe is the son of the Gallo Mafia Don. He’s privileged, pampered, and bored. On a trip, he sees a beautiful woman and must have her before he leaves town. Fate, or his second and bodyguard, intervene and the two have a steamy encounter before she walks away. He leaves on a high that is crushed when his father announces he is to be wed - to a stranger.
Willow was hiding from a Mafia Don herself that evening - her sadistic uncle. When he brought her home, she was brutally punished. This is just one of many abuses she suffered at his and his men’s hands. Then she was told she was to marry a man she knew nothing about.
Rafe and Willow are reunited at the altar but neither can let on without revealing a web of secrets and lies. This is only the beginning of the deceptions and betrayals the new couple will face from those both within and without their families.
Splintered Vows is a steamy, mafia read. It centers on the push and pull relationship between the two main characters. It is heavy with praise and punishment, vulnerability and vengeance, & trust and temptation.
Steam: 4.5/5
Strong Language: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Splintered Vows is book one of the Gallo Mafia Empire series. This is book one in the Desecrated Vows trilogy and ends on a slight cliffhanger.
Rafe is the son of the Gallo Mafia Don. He’s privileged, pampered, and bored. On a trip, he sees a beautiful woman and must have her before he leaves town. Fate, or his second and bodyguard, intervene and the two have a steamy encounter before she walks away. He leaves on a high that is crushed when his father announces he is to be wed - to a stranger.
Willow was hiding from a Mafia Don herself that evening - her sadistic uncle. When he brought her home, she was brutally punished. This is just one of many abuses she suffered at his and his men’s hands. Then she was told she was to marry a man she knew nothing about.
Rafe and Willow are reunited at the altar but neither can let on without revealing a web of secrets and lies. This is only the beginning of the deceptions and betrayals the new couple will face from those both within and without their families.
Splintered Vows is a steamy, mafia read. It centers on the push and pull relationship between the two main characters. It is heavy with praise and punishment, vulnerability and vengeance, & trust and temptation.
October 29, 2023
Not for the faint of heart.
When you try to take some control back of the decisions in your life but get thrust right into the arms of who you least expect but want most, this is where our wickedly sinful story begins. This book is nothing like I expected. It is a thousand times better! Refe is deliciously psychotic and does not change, but ends up opening himself up to the intensity and fullness of his emotions. From rage, obsession, lust and finally love he feels it ALL. The star of this story however is THE QUEEN, Willow. She is not who you expect. She is not a cowering subservient little mafia princess. She is sassy, sexy, clever, determined, and powerful. With balls bigger than any Mafia man. I pledge my unyielding loyalty to her. The authors have done something truly unique in the writing of this story. They take the pain and pleasure aspect and apply it to storytelling. Each pain inflicted along the way gets soothed away with the balm of the next revelation. It leaves you aching and desperate for more. You never know which way is up. This is a fantastic read and stands right alongside the high caliber mafia books out there.
When you try to take some control back of the decisions in your life but get thrust right into the arms of who you least expect but want most, this is where our wickedly sinful story begins. This book is nothing like I expected. It is a thousand times better! Refe is deliciously psychotic and does not change, but ends up opening himself up to the intensity and fullness of his emotions. From rage, obsession, lust and finally love he feels it ALL. The star of this story however is THE QUEEN, Willow. She is not who you expect. She is not a cowering subservient little mafia princess. She is sassy, sexy, clever, determined, and powerful. With balls bigger than any Mafia man. I pledge my unyielding loyalty to her. The authors have done something truly unique in the writing of this story. They take the pain and pleasure aspect and apply it to storytelling. Each pain inflicted along the way gets soothed away with the balm of the next revelation. It leaves you aching and desperate for more. You never know which way is up. This is a fantastic read and stands right alongside the high caliber mafia books out there.
March 26, 2024
This is a gripping dark mafia romance that had me hooked from the start! Willow is not your typical mafia princess; she's a young woman on a mission to protect her brother and herself from their sinister uncle. Raphael (Rafe) Gallo has a tough abrasive exterior that navigates his world with a wariness that's become second nature.
A chance encounter at his father's club brings Willow directly into his path. Despite his usual indifference, Rafe is unexpectedly taken by Willow and they share a passionate moment. Little do either of them know, their fleeting connection at the club is just the beginning. Imagine the surprise when they both realize they are arranged to be married (to each other!)
This novel is a dark journey showcasing the resilience and strength found in the heart of darkness. You will hate-to-love Rafe and be giddy when the tough mafia man goes soft for his girl. I just wish this novel had been longer!
Tropes: Dark romance, mafia romance, age gap, arranged marriage, virgin heroine.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A chance encounter at his father's club brings Willow directly into his path. Despite his usual indifference, Rafe is unexpectedly taken by Willow and they share a passionate moment. Little do either of them know, their fleeting connection at the club is just the beginning. Imagine the surprise when they both realize they are arranged to be married (to each other!)
This novel is a dark journey showcasing the resilience and strength found in the heart of darkness. You will hate-to-love Rafe and be giddy when the tough mafia man goes soft for his girl. I just wish this novel had been longer!
Tropes: Dark romance, mafia romance, age gap, arranged marriage, virgin heroine.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2024
Splintered Vows by Sofia Aves and Jade Marshall is one hot and intense journey into the damaged lives of two broken souls who need each other desperately. Willow and Rafe are amazing characters who are easy to relate to and this author duo bring them to light with every word on the page. There is a long history of Willow needing to protect herself from physical abuse at the hands of her loving uncle, who has turned his attention to her younger brother, something she desperately tries to stop. And Rafe has his own dark memories to live with. Despite all the trauma, Willow is no pushover and can give as good as she gets, and Rafe, is really a softy in his heart when it comes to Willow. There is so much heat, I guarantee you will put on the A/C and drink copious amounts of ice water to make your way through this novel, and along the way you will sincerely appreciate the master story-tellers Ms. Aves and Ms. Marshall have become. Buy Splintered Vows and prepare yourself for one he** of a ride!!.
October 25, 2023
Extremely well written, full of action, drama, steam, hot spicy scenes, suspense, intrigue, chemistry, darkness, danger, and lots of twists. Please be aware of some triggers that go with this book. Very fast paced read that leaves you wanting more. Willow has had a one night stand with Rafe while on vacation, only to find out on her return that her Uncle has sold her. On her wedding day , she finds Rafe to be her groom. He thinks he has been set up , so he makes everything hard for her. He also sees what her back looks like from her Uncle's treatment . What's to become of them both. So many feelings are happening to them both- anger, mistrust. Absolutely fantastic characters. Everything you could want in a book, can't wait for the second book. Would strongly recommend to some but remember there are some triggers.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2023
I am a sucker for a good mafia romance story! Give me an alphahole that goes soft for his love interest, and I'm a goner. I have no shame. I'll giggle and kick my feet the whole time. Jade and Sofia saw to it from the first page of Splintered Vows. Hang on tight. There are a few twisty turns in this one!
Rafe doesn't trust easily. Given his position, it's understandable that he is wary. His abrasive personality shows through this entire book. He makes you wanna jump through the pages and throttle him from time to time. The moments of tenderness he shows truly make his character.
Willow was given a rough hand with life. Her personality shifts from confidence to timid more so than I generally like to read in books. I admire that she stood by her desire to protect the ones who matter most to her. There were a few moments where Willow shined brightly, showing she could be more if she chose to be.
Rafe doesn't trust easily. Given his position, it's understandable that he is wary. His abrasive personality shows through this entire book. He makes you wanna jump through the pages and throttle him from time to time. The moments of tenderness he shows truly make his character.
Willow was given a rough hand with life. Her personality shifts from confidence to timid more so than I generally like to read in books. I admire that she stood by her desire to protect the ones who matter most to her. There were a few moments where Willow shined brightly, showing she could be more if she chose to be.
October 30, 2023
💕💕ONE EXCEPTIONAL DELIGHT💕💕
Crumbling cracks Cal! This exceptionally talented and impressive dynamic duo takes the lead, tips the scale and breaks the rules, dredging deep into the dark corners of the mind and exposing such cruel facts, brutal lessons and ruthless tactics. Catapulted head-first into unfamiliar terrain chocked-full of spellbinding drama, gripping intrigue and compelling suspense, rocking this baby to the core with life-altering results. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and electrifying chemistry collides with such intoxicating intensity and all-consuming passion, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, uniting our characters together beautifully. The scenarios are so vividly descriptive with graphic images so rich and lively it feels as though you could just reach out and touch them. Awesome job guys, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Crumbling cracks Cal! This exceptionally talented and impressive dynamic duo takes the lead, tips the scale and breaks the rules, dredging deep into the dark corners of the mind and exposing such cruel facts, brutal lessons and ruthless tactics. Catapulted head-first into unfamiliar terrain chocked-full of spellbinding drama, gripping intrigue and compelling suspense, rocking this baby to the core with life-altering results. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and electrifying chemistry collides with such intoxicating intensity and all-consuming passion, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, uniting our characters together beautifully. The scenarios are so vividly descriptive with graphic images so rich and lively it feels as though you could just reach out and touch them. Awesome job guys, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
November 10, 2023
I read this pretty quickly, and the story progressed pretty quickly. This one kind of baffled me a bit, there were good and bad parts. Rafe sees willow in a club and sends his friend to get her for him and then they immediately go at it. They can’t stop thinking about each other and imagine their surprise when their arranged marriage is to each other. Rafe is very on and off with his feelings for willow and she has some secrets that cause problems. There are a lot of assumptions made by both main characters throughout the book that could have been easily resolved if they took the time to talk. The spice was ok, nothing too crazy but it does get explicit, Rafe doles out plenty of punishments. I feel bad for willow, she is only 18 and has had a tough life but willow ultimately saves herself in the end. Rafe doesn’t have a good relationship with his father but I feel like Armand has a redemption arc at the end, even though we never know why they are on the outs.
November 12, 2023
Ahhh Willow and Rafe, love them.
"Somewhere between fighting with me, discovering the cheeky, stunning woman my wife is, and watching her shoot my then-mortal enemy, I fell in love with her"
My ONLY moan is that I think her character appears to be older than the 18 it mentions later on in the book, I presumed she was early 20s til then, alas...
So Splintered Vows is a mafia-esque book.
Willow runs away and throws away her innocence in a steamy tumble with a mystery man in Europe but then gets tracked down by her family and called back to US soil. Upon return she finds out she's been entered into an arranged marriage to an opposing Mafia big wig family.
Fortunately or unfortunately for Willow, upon the grooms arrival for the service she realises she's already met this mysterious hunk before 👀🔥
The book has a solid plot, lots of drama and action and plenty of steamy scenes and isn't too long so you find yourself gripped throughout!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶
"Somewhere between fighting with me, discovering the cheeky, stunning woman my wife is, and watching her shoot my then-mortal enemy, I fell in love with her"
My ONLY moan is that I think her character appears to be older than the 18 it mentions later on in the book, I presumed she was early 20s til then, alas...
So Splintered Vows is a mafia-esque book.
Willow runs away and throws away her innocence in a steamy tumble with a mystery man in Europe but then gets tracked down by her family and called back to US soil. Upon return she finds out she's been entered into an arranged marriage to an opposing Mafia big wig family.
Fortunately or unfortunately for Willow, upon the grooms arrival for the service she realises she's already met this mysterious hunk before 👀🔥
The book has a solid plot, lots of drama and action and plenty of steamy scenes and isn't too long so you find yourself gripped throughout!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶
November 14, 2023
Splintered vows
Starting from page one I was taken into this fantastic mafia romance and did not put this book down until it was devoured. The story was fast, paced and driven by our complicated charismatic characters. Rafe and Willow’s relationship had quite the interesting introduction and turbulent progression. The spicy banter and fantastic evolution of trust, vulnerability and undeniable chemistry was perfect. I adore a morally grey, possessive, unhinged mafia man. There are so many complex layers and so much suspense to this story it is completely consuming. The supporting characters are wonderful as well and the duel POV adds so much emotion and intrigue to the story. The book is filled with betrayal, secrets, murder, deception, revenge and spicy romance. Splintered Vows is part of the Gallo Mafia Empire, and is book one of the Desecrated Love Trilogy. I am very excited to see how this story continues.
Starting from page one I was taken into this fantastic mafia romance and did not put this book down until it was devoured. The story was fast, paced and driven by our complicated charismatic characters. Rafe and Willow’s relationship had quite the interesting introduction and turbulent progression. The spicy banter and fantastic evolution of trust, vulnerability and undeniable chemistry was perfect. I adore a morally grey, possessive, unhinged mafia man. There are so many complex layers and so much suspense to this story it is completely consuming. The supporting characters are wonderful as well and the duel POV adds so much emotion and intrigue to the story. The book is filled with betrayal, secrets, murder, deception, revenge and spicy romance. Splintered Vows is part of the Gallo Mafia Empire, and is book one of the Desecrated Love Trilogy. I am very excited to see how this story continues.
September 10, 2024
His to Claim, His to Own, His to Protect
The Don’s son, Raphael Gallo has just met the woman who will ruin him, Willow.
Willow was not the ONS he thought he was gonna get, he just punched her v-card.
Willow Hernandez-uncle Sebastian Hernandez killed her whole family to take over. He is keeping her and her brother alive until they are of age so he can take their family money.
She hide her brother Roman(16) from her uncle but he found him and now he is threatening Willow. Willow is now being forced to return home after she ran from her family home. Her uncle was arranging her marriage, so she ran to hide in Cyprus.
This is a mafia romance, arranged marriage. Book contains scenes of kidnapping, torture, abuse, whippings, bondage. It has family betrayal and mafia wars. This book has a little of everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Don’s son, Raphael Gallo has just met the woman who will ruin him, Willow.
Willow was not the ONS he thought he was gonna get, he just punched her v-card.
Willow Hernandez-uncle Sebastian Hernandez killed her whole family to take over. He is keeping her and her brother alive until they are of age so he can take their family money.
She hide her brother Roman(16) from her uncle but he found him and now he is threatening Willow. Willow is now being forced to return home after she ran from her family home. Her uncle was arranging her marriage, so she ran to hide in Cyprus.
This is a mafia romance, arranged marriage. Book contains scenes of kidnapping, torture, abuse, whippings, bondage. It has family betrayal and mafia wars. This book has a little of everything.
I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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